Monday Volume 584 7 July 2014 No. 19

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Monday 7 July 2014

£5·00 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2014 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Open Parliament licence, which is published at www.parliament.uk/site-information/copyright/. 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 CHIEF SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY—The Rt Hon. Danny Alexander, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT—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 LORD CHANCELLOR AND SECRETARY OF STATE FOR JUSTICE—The Rt Hon. Chris Grayling, 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 HEALTH—The Rt Hon. Jeremy Hunt, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR ENVIRONMENT,FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS—The Rt Hon. Owen Paterson, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT—The Rt Hon. Justine Greening, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR SCOTLAND—The Rt Hon. Alistair Carmichael, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE—The Rt Hon. Edward Davey, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR TRANSPORT—The Rt Hon. Patrick McLoughlin, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR CULTURE,MEDIA AND SPORT AND MINISTER FOR EQUALITIES—The Rt Hon. Sajid Javid, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR NORTHERN IRELAND—The Rt Hon. Theresa Villiers, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WALES—The Rt Hon. David Jones, MP LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF LORDS AND CHANCELLOR OF THE DUCHY OF LANCASTER—The Rt Hon. Lord Hill of Oareford, CBE

DEPARTMENTS OF STATE AND MINISTERS Business, Innovation and Skills— SECRETARY OF STATE AND PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE—The Rt Hon. Vince Cable, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. David Willetts, MP (Minister for Universities and Science) The Rt Hon. Michael Fallon, MP § Matthew Hancock, MP § (Minister for Skills and Enterprise) Lord Livingston of Parkhead (Minister for Trade and Investment) § PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Jenny Willott, MP § Viscount Younger of Leckie Cabinet Office— MINISTER FOR THE CABINET OFFICE AND PAYMASTER GENERAL—The Rt Hon. Francis Maude, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. Oliver Letwin, MP (Minister for Government Policy) The Rt Hon. David Laws, MP § The Rt Hon. Greg Clark, MP PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIES— Nick Hurd, MP (Minister for Civil Society) Joseph Johnson, MP § Communities and Local Government— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Eric Pickles, MP SENIOR MINISTER OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Baroness Warsi § PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Nick Boles, MP Brandon Lewis, MP Stephen Williams, MP Kris Hopkins, MP Baroness Stowell, MBE ii HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT—cont.

Culture, Media and Sport— SECRETARY OF STATE FOR CULTURE,MEDIA AND SPORT AND MINISTER FOR EQUALITIES—The Rt Hon. Sajid Javid, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE— Edward Vaizey, MP Helen Grant, MP § MINISTER FOR WOMEN—The Rt Hon. Nicky Morgan, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE FOR WOMEN AND EQUALITIES Jenny Willott, MP § Helen Grant, MP § Defence— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Philip Hammond, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. Mark Francois, MP (Minister for the Armed Forces) PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Dr Andrew Murrison, MP Philip Dunne, MP Anna Soubry, 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 Hill of Oareford, CBE Education— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Michael Gove, MP MINISTER OF STATE— The Rt Hon. David Laws, MP § (Minister for Schools) Matthew Hancock, MP § (Minister for Skills and Enterprise) PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Edward Timpson, MP Elizabeth Truss, MP Lord Nash Energy and Climate Change— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Edward Davey, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. Gregory Barker, MP The Rt Hon. Michael Fallon, MP § PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE—Baroness Verma Environment, Food and Rural Affairs— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Owen Paterson, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— George Eustice, MP Dan Rogerson, MP Lord de Mauley, TD Foreign and Commonwealth Office— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. William Hague, MP SENIOR MINISTER OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Baroness Warsi § MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. David Lidington, MP (Minister for Europe) The Rt Hon. Hugo Swire, MP The Rt Hon. Hugh Robertson, MP Lord Livingston of Parkhead § PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Mark Simmonds, MP Health— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Jeremy Hunt, MP MINISTER OF STATE— Norman Lamb, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Jane Ellison, MP Daniel Poulter, MP The Rt Hon. Earl Howe HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT—cont. iii

Home Office— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Theresa May, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. Damian Green, MP (Minister for Policing, Criminal Justice and Victims) § Norman Baker, MP (Minister for Crime Prevention) James Brokenshire (Minister for Security and Immigration) PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Karen Bradley, MP Lord Taylor of Holbeach, CBE International Development— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Justine Greening, MP MINISTER OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Alan Duncan, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE—Lynne Featherstone, MP Justice— LORD CHANCELLOR AND SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Chris Grayling, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. Simon Hughes The Rt Hon. Damian Green, MP (Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice) § Lord Faulks PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Shailesh Vara, MP Jeremy Wright, MP Law Officers— ATTORNEY-GENERAL—The Rt Hon. Dominic Grieve, QC, MP SOLICITOR-GENERAL—Oliver Heald, 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. Andrew Lansley, MP PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY—The Rt Hon. Tom Brake, MP Northern Ireland— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Theresa Villiers, MP MINISTER OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Andrew Robathan, 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. Alistair Carmichael, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. David Mundell, MP Transport— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Patrick McLoughlin, MP MINISTER OF STATE—Baroness Kramer PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Robert Goodwill, MP Stephen Hammond, MP Treasury— PRIME MINISTER,FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY AND MINISTER FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE—The Rt Hon. David Cameron, MP CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER—The Rt Hon. George Osborne, MP CHIEF SECRETARY—The Rt Hon. Danny Alexander, MP FINANCIAL SECRETARY—The Rt Hon. Nicky Morgan, MP EXCHEQUER SECRETARY—David Gauke, MP ECONOMIC SECRETARY—Andrea Leadsom, MP COMMERCIAL SECRETARY—Lord Deighton, KBE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY—The Rt Hon. Sir George Young, MP LORDS COMMISSIONERS— Anne Milton, MP David Evennett, MP Stephen Crabb, MP § Mark Lancaster, MP Sam Gyimah, MP John Penrose, MP iv HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT—cont.

ASSISTANT WHIPS— Joseph Johnson, MP Mark Hunter, MP Jenny Willott, MP Amber Rudd, MP Claire Perry, MP Gavin Barwell, MP Harriet Baldwin, MP Wales Office— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. David Jones, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Stephen Crabb, MP § Baroness Randerson Work and Pensions— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Iain Duncan Smith, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. Esther McVey, MP Steve Webb, MP The Rt Hon. Mike Penning, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Lord Freud Ministers without Portfolio— The Rt Hon. Kenneth Clarke, QC, MP The Rt Hon. Grant Shapps, MP The Rt Hon. John Hayes, MP Her Majesty’s Household— LORD CHAMBERLAIN—The Rt Hon. Earl Peel, GCVO, DL LORD STEWARD—The Earl of Dalhousie MASTER OF THE HORSE—Lord Vestey, KCVO TREASURER—The Rt Hon. Greg Hands, MP COMPTROLLER—The Rt Hon. Don Foster, MP VICE-CHAMBERLAIN—The Rt Hon. Desmond Swayne, 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 Newby, OBE BARONESSES IN WAITING—Baroness Northover, Baroness Jolly, Baroness Williams of Trafford LORDS IN WAITING—Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, TD, Lord Gardiner of Kimble, The Rt Hon. Lord Wallace of Saltaire, Lord Popat, Lord Bates § Members of the Government listed under more than one Department

SECOND CHURCH ESTATES COMMISSIONER, REPRESENTING CHURCH COMMISSIONERS—The Rt Hon. Sir Tony Baldry, MP HOUSE OF COMMONS THE SPEAKER—The Rt Hon. John Bercow, MP CHAIRMAN OF WAYS AND MEANS—The Rt Hon. Lindsay Hoyle, MP FIRST DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF WAYS AND MEANS—Mrs Eleanor Laing, 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 Dai Havard, MP, Mr Philip Hollobone, MP, Mr Jim Hood, MP, The Rt Hon. George Howarth, MP, Sir Edward Leigh, MP, Dr William McCrea, MP, Miss Anne McIntosh, MP, Mrs Anne Main, MP, Sir Alan Meale, MP, Sandra Osborne, MP, Albert Owen, MP, Mark Pritchard, MP, Mrs Linda Riordan, MP, John Robertson, MP, Andrew Rosindell, MP, Mr Adrian Sanders, MP, Jim Sheridan, MP, Mr Gary Streeter, MP, Mr Andrew Turner, MP, Mr Charles Walker, MP, Mr Mike Weir, MP, Hywel Williams, MP SECRETARY—Matthew Hamlyn HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION The Rt Hon. The Speaker (Chairman), Sir Paul Beresford, MP, Mr Frank Doran, MP, Ms Angela Eagle, MP, The Rt Hon. Andrew Lansley, MP, John Thurso, MP SECRETARY OF THE COMMISSION—Robert Twigger ASSISTANT SECRETARY—Elizabeth Otto ADMINISTRATION ESTIMATE AUDIT COMMITTEE Dame Janet Gaymer, DBE (Chair), Ms Angela Eagle, MP, The Rt Hon. Sir Alan Haselhurst, MP, John Thurso, MP, Stephen Brooker, Barbara Scott SECRETARY OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE—Ben Williams LIAISON COMMITTEE The Rt Hon. Sir Alan Beith, MP (Chair), Mr Graham Allen, MP, Mr Adrian Bailey, MP, The Rt Hon. Kevin Barron, MP, Dame Anne Begg, MP, Mr Clive Betts, MP, The Rt Hon. Sir Malcolm Bruce, MP, Mr William Cash, MP, Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, MP, Mr Ian Davidson, MP, DavidTCDavies, MP, MP, James Duddridge, MP, Mrs Louise Ellman, MP, Natascha Engel, MP, Dr Hywel Francis, MP, The Rt Hon. Sir Alan Haselhurst, MP, The Rt Hon. Margaret Hodge, MP, Mr Bernard Jenkin, MP, Miss Anne McIntosh, MP, Andrew Miller, MP, Mr George Mudie, MP, Sir Richard Ottaway, MP, Mr Laurence Robertson, MP, Rory Stewart, MP, Mr Graham Stuart, MP, John Thurso, MP, Mr Andrew Tyrie, MP, The Rt Hon. Keith Vaz, MP, Mr Charles Walker, MP, Joan Walley, MP, Mr John Whittingdale, MP, Mr Tim Yeo, MP CLERKS—Andrew Kennon, Philippa Helme MANAGEMENT BOARD Sir Robert Rogers, KCB (Clerk of the House and Chief Executive), David Natzler (Clerk Assistant and Director General, Chamber and Committee Services), John Pullinger, CB (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), Dame Janet Gaymer, DBE (External Member), Barbara Scott (External Member) SECRETARY OF THE MANAGEMENT BOARD—Tom Goldsmith

SPEAKER’S SECRETARY—Peter Barratt SPEAKER’S COUNSEL—Michael Carpenter, CB SPEAKER’S CHAPLAIN—Rev. Rose Hudson-Wilkin

PARLIAMENTARY COMMISSIONER FOR STANDARDS—Kathryn Hudson PARLIAMENTARY SECURITY DIRECTOR—Paul Martin, CBE

7 July 2014

1 7 JULY 2014 2 THE PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES OFFICIAL REPORT

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

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

SIXTH SERIES VOLUME 584 THIRD VOLUME OF SESSION 2014-2015

Andrew Stephenson: I thank my right hon. Friend for House of Commons her answer. Last month, the Minister for Policing, Criminal Justice and Victims visited Brierfield in my constituency Monday 7 July 2014 to meet the local police and learn about their success in tackling organised crime in Pendle. Will my right hon. Friend offer assurances of her Department’s continued The House met at half-past Two o’clock support for protecting communities such as Brierfield from serious and organised crime? PRAYERS Mrs May: I thank my hon. Friend for his question. Protecting communities lies at the heart of how we want to deal with serious and organised crime. We work with [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] a range of partners to ensure that we tailor our response to the needs of individual communities such as Brierfield. We are also ensuring that every possible avenue is taken to deal with serious and organised crime. Lancashire Oral Answers to Questions police’s Operation Genga is bringing together about 20 local organisations to address the issue, and it is a very good example of the benefits that can be achieved through such a partnership approach. HOME DEPARTMENT Chris Heaton-Harris: What actions is my right hon. Friend taking to seize more of the proceeds of organised The Secretary of State was asked— crime? Serious and Organised Crime Mrs May: My hon. Friend touches on an important issue. Criminals pursue criminal activities for profit, 1. Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con): What and by seizing their assets we can have a significant assessment she has made of the effect of serious and impact on them. We have set out in the serious and organised crime on communities. [904643] organised crime strategy our approach for attacking criminal finances. We want to make it harder for criminals 12. Chris Heaton-Harris (Daventry) (Con): What to move, hide or access the proceeds of crime. The assessment she has made of the effect of serious and criminal finances board, overseen by the Under-Secretary organised crime on communities. [904654] of State for the Home Department, my hon. Friend the Member for Staffordshire Moorlands (Karen Bradley), The Secretary of State for the Home Department oversees cross-departmental work to improve performance (Mrs Theresa May): Serious and organised crime has a on accessing and recovering assets. We are also taking damaging and corrosive impact on communities across extra powers in the Serious Crime Bill, which has already the United Kingdom. This includes violence, drugs started its passage in another place, to make it easier for trafficking, fraud, modern slavery and child sexual us to get hold of criminals’ assets. exploitation. Reducing the effects of these crimes and 18. [904660] Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) bringing the perpetrators to justice is why I launched a (Lab): Will the Home Secretary say why the number of comprehensive new strategy and a powerful new crime- arrests based on Child Exploitation and Online Protection fighting organisation, the National Crime Agency, in Centre intelligence on serious, organised child abuse October 2013. has gone down in the past year? 3 Oral Answers7 JULY 2014 Oral Answers 4

Mrs May: CEOP is an important part of our panoply renewed passport for his two children. When can my of organisations that are dealing with various aspects of constituents and others hope to have anything like a serious and organised crime. Bringing CEOP into the normal service again? National Crime Agency was right because it now has access to the agency’s capabilities, but it is important James Brokenshire: The Passport Office has introduced that CEOP continues to have access to a range of a number of measures and is increasing the number of capabilities. Sadly, one of the issues that has been raised passports being dealt with each week. I recognise that is the extent to which it can continue to have access to right hon. and hon. Members are raising individual things such as communications data. As that degrades, cases, which is why we have strengthened the MPs’ of course, it becomes harder for CEOP to investigate service and put in place the seven-day upgrade arrangements certain crimes. so that passports can be delivered to people who need to Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): The travel. Home Secretary will also know that much serious and organised crime is related to fraud. Is she not worried Ian Murray: Over 40 constituents have come to me that many people, both outside and inside this House, about late passport applications. It is not just about are saying that the Serious Fraud Office is not fit for their passports; it is about their family holidays and purpose, is not resourced enough and depends on advice individual holidays this summer. Surely the Minister given by the big accountancy firms? Everyone is saying should have foreseen these problems, given the massive that we need a powerful Serious Fraud Office. Does she increase in foreign applications. What percentage is due agree that it needs reforming? to the massive increase in foreign applications and what will he do to ensure that this does not happen again? Mrs May: I agree with the hon. Gentleman that we need to ensure that we have strong capability for dealing with fraud. That is precisely why I wanted the National James Brokenshire: The pressure has been the result Crime Agency to have an economic crime command, of a significant increase in domestic applications. The which it does. That economic crime command will be forecasting that HMPO has undertaken, and its expectation, looking at a variety of economic and financial crimes. is that it is domestic applications that have really added Fraud will, of course, be key within that. It will also to the pressure and led to the highest level of applications look at other issues such as money laundering. That is in 12 years. Clearly we are focused on those individual also why we have changed our approach to the reporting cases, which is why additional resources have been put of fraud such that we are now better able to capture into examination, but there is also the specific measure, incidents of fraud through Action Fraud. We have as my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary mentioned, ensured that the capabilities of City of London police, to ensure that there is a focus on those who need their given its expertise in that area, are fully available. Of passports to travel and to go on their holidays. course we need a strong Serious Fraud Office, but we also want that strength in the economic crime command Heidi Alexander: My constituent Ms Papafio-Gordon within the National Crime Agency. is today celebrating her 21st birthday, but she faces the Passport Office prospect of not being able to go on holiday tomorrow because of delays in renewing her passport. She has 2. Pat Glass (North West Durham) (Lab): What already had to cancel two holidays. She booked tomorrow’s recent assessment she has made of the performance of flights only after being told that her passport would be the Passport Office. [904644] couriered to her home yesterday, but it never arrived. Will the Minister look into the case to ensure that my 6. Ian Murray (Edinburgh South) (Lab): When she constituent, on her third attempt, can go on holiday next plans to meet the chief executive of the Passport tomorrow? Office. [904648] 8. Heidi Alexander (Lewisham East) (Lab): What James Brokenshire: The hon. Lady raises an individual recent estimate she has made of the time taken to case. I know how hard Passport Office personnel are process passport applications. [904650] working to ensure that passports are delivered on time to enable people to travel. If she gives me the details of The Minister for Security and Immigration (James her constituent’s case, obviously I will look into it. Brokenshire): Since January, Her Majesty’s Passport Office has been dealing with a higher demand for passports Richard Fuller (Bedford) (Con): May I commend the than for the same period over the last 12 years. The staff of the Passport Office for dealing with constituents overwhelming majority of straightforward applications from Bedford and Kempston who have had passport continue to be dealt with within three or four weeks, but difficulties, and the Minister for his calm handling of we recognise that some people are waiting too long. A the issue? When looking forward on the handling of package of additional measures has been introduced to passports, will he consider advising people a year early help HMPO deliver passports on time while still maintaining that their passports are due to expire so that they can security. Ministerial colleagues and I are meeting the renew them without having to wait until the last minute? chief executive of HMPO on a regular basis. Pat Glass: Back in the real world, the situation is James Brokenshire: I am grateful to my hon. Friend unfortunately getting far worse, not better. My office for recognising the incredible work being undertaken in dealt with 17 urgent inquiries last week and has already passport offices up and down the country to meet this received three this morning, including that of my constituent exceptional demand. Clearly we will reflect carefully on Andy Sheen, who has been waiting since May for a a range of issues once we get through this exceptionally 5 Oral Answers7 JULY 2014 Oral Answers 6 busy period to see where further improvements can be cases, has managed to resolve 100% of my constituents’ made and to ensure that service is improved further in problems so that they can travel on time? Will my hon. the years ahead. Friend join me in thanking my constituents for their patience and my constituency office for its resilience in Caroline Dinenage (Gosport) (Con): I, too, would making sure that so far everybody has got away on like to draw attention to the service that my office has time? received from HMPO, whose staff have been incredibly courteous and helpful in difficult circumstances. It is James Brokenshire: I am pleased to give that recognition important that long-term lessons are learnt. Will the to my hon. Friend’s constituents, and, of course, constituents Minister assure the House that the review of operating across the country who are working with HMPO to see procedures will focus on improving efficiency and ensuring that issues are resolved. We have put additional measures that customer service is at the heart of all HMPO in place to assist colleagues from across the House with activities in future? their individual inquiries, recognising the need to ensure that passports can be delivered to enable people to James Brokenshire: My hon. Friend makes an important travel on their holidays. point about focusing on customers and further improving operating procedures. A real focus will be put on that Counter-terrorism Strategy once we have managed this period of excessive demand. Indeed, with regard to forecasting, we are bringing in 3. Mr Adrian Bailey (West Bromwich West) (Lab/Co-op): the Home Office’s scientific lead to examine those What assessment she has made of the effectiveness of projections as well as ensuring that any changes that the UK’s counter-terrorism strategy; and if she will can be made to improve performance will be made. make a statement. [904645]

Mr Alan Reid (Argyll and Bute) (LD): It is important The Minister for Security and Immigration (James that we learn the lessons and improve the operation of Brokenshire): Today marks the ninth anniversary of the the Passport Office, but I want to take this opportunity 7/7 London bombings. I am sure the whole House will to put on the record my thanks to the Minister and to wish to convey our thoughts and prayers to those who the staff of the Passport Office for going the extra mile lost friends and loved ones on that day and remember to ensure that all the constituents who came to me how we must remain vigilant against those who threaten received their passports in time to travel, including our country and our way of life. Contest, the UK’s arranging for them to be couriered to those who live in counter-terrorism strategy, has been effective in reducing remote locations. the risk to the UK and its interests overseas from terrorism. The number of successful prosecutions and James Brokenshire: It is worth recognising that many foiled plots over the past year demonstrates the skill, people working in the Passport Office are going the dedication and professionalism of the police, the Crown extra mile to see that people are receiving their passports Prosecution Service and security and intelligence agencies in time for travel. I am grateful to my hon. Friend for in meeting that challenge. enabling me to highlight the exceptional work that is being undertaken in passport offices. Mr Bailey: May I associate myself with the Minister’s condolences for those who lost their lives during that Mr David Hanson (Delyn) (Lab): On 8 June, the atrocity, and others as well? number of passports classed as “work in progress” Community engagement and peer pressure are essential stood at 493,289. Figures I have obtained show that two if we are to curb the recruitment of jihadists to the weeks after the emergency measures were brought in by Syrian conflict. Why have the Government cut funding the Government, on 22 June, the figure stood at 537,663. to the Prevent project, which is designed to do this, and Will the Minister update the House on whether the to the groups carrying it out? “work in progress” figure is less than when he introduced the initial emergency measures? James Brokenshire: I entirely understand the hon. Gentleman’s rightful focus on the need for strong James Brokenshire: This is an exceptional period of community engagement. The Prevent programme is demand. To put this into context, the Passport Office about seeking to prevent people from becoming involved would usually handle about 5.5 million applications per in terrorism, with measures that are able to channel year, and this year it has received about 4 million individuals towards programmes that might take them applications already. That gives some context to the off that course. However, he misunderstands the fact work that is involved. “Work in progress” figures will that the Government undertook a clear separation between run into hundreds of thousands because of the output broader integration work and Prevent, with its specific that the Passport Office is delivering—about 170,000 a focus on counter-terrorism. It was right to have that week. That gives a sense of the scale of the work that is focus and to ensure that actions and programmes were involved. Yes, there are pressures there, but the Passport not misinterpreted as being about involvement in or Office is responding to the challenge. prevention of terrorism rather than community integration.

Richard Graham (Gloucester) (Con): What matters Mark Reckless (Rochester and Strood) (Con): It was when Departments miss their targets is how everybody reported this weekend that MI5 could have stopped reacts, and the Home Secretary and Ministers have Michael Adebolajo committing murder if it had more reacted with energy and determination to resolve this powers. Is the Minister aware that when the Home problem. May I thank the Passport Office, which so far, Affairs Committee was in Kenya, senior ambassadors even though it has been a close-run thing in several at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told us that in all 7 Oral Answers7 JULY 2014 Oral Answers 8 likelihood he would have been in prison in Kenya had it James Brokenshire: A number of steps have been not been for the UK authorities requesting that he be taken. There has been real leadership in a number of returned to this country? quarters in British Muslim society, which is very welcome. The right hon. Gentleman highlights the issue of the James Brokenshire: As my hon. Friend will know, the internet. I draw to the House’s attention the fact that Intelligence and Security Committee is currently completing the counter-terrorism internet referral unit has now its review of the investigations related to that case, and I taken down 40,000 items from the web that are illegal or do not think it would be appropriate for me to comment promote terrorism. It is important that we retain that further in that regard. The Home Affairs Committee focus. has conducted a broad review of counter-terrorism powers—indeed, I gave evidence to it. Clearly, we keep Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): powers under review, and we have sought to extend On this day, it is absolutely right that we remember extraterritorial jurisdiction for a number of terrorism those killed or injured on 7/7. On counter-terrorism offences in relation to the Serious Crime Bill, which is work today, allegations are being reported that AY currently before Parliament. —previously on a control order and then a terrorism prevention and investigation measure order that lapsed—is 20. [904662] Stephen Doughty (Cardiff South and Penarth) now freely recruiting and radicalising young men to go (Lab/Co-op): I also associate myself with the Minister’s to Iraq and Syria to fight for ISIS. Given the potential initial comments. He and the Home Secretary will be security threat of those men returning to the United aware that a number of organisations that operate in Kingdom, does the Minister still believe that the TPIM Cardiff have recently been proscribed. Will the orders that he introduced are fit for purpose? Minister clarify the names of those organisations and outline how he intends to ensure that individuals James Brokenshire: Yes, I do. We have some of the involved in them do not simply rebrand themselves and most robust and effective legislation in the world to deal go under other organisational names in the future? with terrorist suspects, and we will not hesitate in using They are not welcome in Cardiff by either the Muslim every power at our disposal to protect the security of community or the wider community. this country. Clearly, if there is evidence that people are engaged in terrorist-related activity, the police will investigate James Brokenshire: I entirely endorse the hon. and take action. Gentleman’s comments, and I know of the work he is undertaking locally in Cardiff in combating extremism Reducing Crime Levels and ensuring that community groups are brought together to confront it. We have made further changes to proscription in terms of aliases related to al-Muhajiroun, and have 4. Lorraine Fullbrook (South Ribble) (Con): What added the names of other terrorist organisations. We steps she is taking to further assist the police in will keep that focus and keep the issue under review. reducing the level of crime. [904646] Obviously, the police are also looking at whether there are prosecution opportunities. The Minister for Policing, Criminal Justice and Victims (Damian Green): We have freed the police from central Crispin Blunt (Reigate) (Con): Although I would be targets, and police and crime commissioners are addressing the first to commend the leadership and oversight exercised the issues that matter to local people. We are cutting on this policy by my hon. Friend and the Home Secretary, bureaucracy so that officers can be at the front line none of it would have been possible without the exceptional where they are needed, and the College of Policing is contribution of a very talented team of officials across driving up professional standards. We are working with all Departments, including the Ministry of Justice, where forces to tackle national priorities such as organised I used to work with Michael Spurr and his team on crime, gangs, modern slavery and violence against women security. The United Kingdom is lucky enough to have and girls. The evidence is clear—police reform is working world-leading, quality officials and insight in this area. and crime is down. I would be grateful if my hon. Friend would confirm that and put it on the record. Lorraine Fullbrook: The Minister will be aware that crime in Lancashire has been cut by 10%, but there is James Brokenshire: I am delighted to confirm that. some variation in overall levels of crime across the Obviously, there are many people who work hard, day country. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the in, day out, to keep our country safe, and it is right that police need to be more innovative and to share best they are commended. practice right across the country in cutting crime and keeping our streets safer? Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): It was reported yesterday that 16-year-old twins from Manchester Damian Green: I agree with my hon. Friend, whose may have flown to Syria in order to join ISIS. So far, point about innovation is correct. That is precisely why 500 British citizens have gone to Syria to fight. On we have introduced an innovation fund, which all forces Wednesday, the Muslim Council of Britain will hold a have bid for. She will be aware from last year’s precursor meeting with all Islamic scholars throughout the United fund that Lancashire successfully bid for the collaboration Kingdom to look at the issue of engagement with we want—a joint initiative with Lancashire county council communities. What further steps do the Government to create an early action response service for missing propose to take to deal with those who seek to lure our people, vulnerable people and those with mental health young British citizens to fight abroad, especially with issues. That is precisely the innovative collaboration regard to the internet? that will enable crime to continue to fall. 9 Oral Answers7 JULY 2014 Oral Answers 10

Lucy Powell (Manchester Central) (Lab/Co-op): Did Mr Speaker: It is always helpful if answers are the Minister see the comments made recently by the comprehensive, but they do not have to include the Police Federation in Manchester about the city centre kitchen sink. of Manchester being a dangerous place? Will he take this opportunity to agree with me that Greater Manchester Neighbourhood Policing police and the city council work very effectively to keep the streets of Manchester safe, and will he assure the 5. Mr Andy Slaughter (Hammersmith) (Lab): What House that GMP will have all the resources it needs to assessment she has made of the effect of recent changes do just that job? in the level of neighbourhood policing. [904647]

Damian Green: I agree that Greater Manchester police The Minister for Policing, Criminal Justice and Victims is doing a very good job, as, indeed, the figures show: (Damian Green): The Government strongly support crime in Greater Manchester is down 24% since 2010. It neighbourhood policing. It provides a visible presence is the use of the resources available to Sir Peter Fahy in communities, cutting crime and disorder. By slashing and his force that will continue to make Manchester red tape and sweeping away central targets, we have safer than it has been before. empowered chief constables and police and crime commissioners to respond to the individual and specific Nigel Adams (Selby and Ainsty) (Con): The police in needs of their communities. Police reform is working. North Yorkshire, and in Selby in particular, are innovative, Crime is down by more than 10% since June 2010, and especially about rural crime. I am pleased that crime is victim satisfaction is up. falling there, but the planned closure of Selby’s police custody suite could have an adverse impact on policing Mr Slaughter: However the Minister dresses it up, in in the district. Having to take those arrested all the way wards where there used to be six neighbourhood officers, to York could take two bobbies off the beat in Selby, there are now two. Consequently, my constituents feel leaving the town exposed. Although the decision could less safe. Antisocial behaviour and crime are actually save tens of thousands of pounds, does the Minister going up in areas such as Shepherd’s Bush and White agree that it is a short-sighted move, and will he urge the City. May we have safer neighbourhood teams back? chief constable to rethink? We need preventive, rather than reactive, local policing.

Damian Green: The decision to close the custody Damian Green: I feel that the hon. Gentleman would suite at Selby was first taken in 2000, under the previous benefit from hearing some of the facts about what is Government, and it has been a source of some controversy happening. Across the Metropolitan police, there are ever since. The custody suite was reopened, but, as my 2,600 more police officers in neighbourhood teams to hon. Friend says, the chief constable has now decided to boost local policing. Specifically in Hammersmith and close it again. I would be very happy to look at the case, Fulham, the number of officers in the borough will have and to discuss it with the police and crime commissioner. increased between October 2011 and 2015. Very specifically, there will be an increase of 92 officers in the safer Jack Dromey (Birmingham, Erdington) (Lab): neighbourhood teams he values so much. That is why The Home Secretary introduced police and crime crime in London generally and Hammersmith specifically commissioners. Tragically, Bob Jones, the PCC for the has been falling. west midlands, died last week. He was an outstanding champion of all that is best in British policing, and a Jake Berry (Rossendale and Darwen) (Con): I know man of great personal integrity. He has yet to be buried, that my right hon. Friend will be aware, not least but the Home Secretary’s legislation obliges a by-election because it was mentioned at Prime Minister’s questions to be held on 21 August. How much will a by-election last week, of the death of Cherylee Shennan in my for an electorate of 2 million cost, and does the Minister constituency. I want to put on the record my thoughts anticipate a turnout higher or lower than the 13% who about Detective Sergeant Damien McAlister and Detective elected Bob Jones? Constable Karen Kenworthy, both of whom were severely injured in an attempt to save Cherylee’s life, and give him the opportunity to echo them. They serve as a Damian Green: I absolutely echo the hon. Gentleman’s constant reminder to everyone in this House of the tribute to Bob Jones, who gave his life to public service danger that police officers put themselves in every day over many decades. He held his beliefs very strongly, to keep us and our streets safe. and he expressed them very strongly. My condolences and those of the home affairs team go to his wife, and Damian Green: I am sure that the whole House will his friends and family. echo my hon. Friend’s sentiment about those officers. The hon. Gentleman will be aware that a by-election Damien McAlister and Karen Kenworthy showed the is triggered by two people calling it. He will also be bravery that we get from officers all over the country in aware that, frankly, it was not done at the behest of the most difficult of situations. Such bravery is essential, either his party or mine. I take the point that the particularly in tragic situations such as the one he by-election will take place in the middle of August. It is mentions, and it should never go without being noticed. therefore the responsibility of all politicians—particularly, I should say, of Members of Parliament in the west Organised Sexual Abuse of Children midlands—to ensure that people get out and vote. As people now realise, the police and crime commissioner 7. Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): What steps is an important post, and it is important that the people she has taken to co-ordinate lessons learnt across of the west midlands have a say in who the next police Government from investigations into organised sexual and crime commissioner is. abuse of children. [904649] 11 Oral Answers7 JULY 2014 Oral Answers 12

The Minister for Crime Prevention (Norman Baker): Norman Baker: The Minister with responsibility for The national group on sexual violence against children policing and victims will respond to the letter as soon as and vulnerable people, which I chair, is already delivering he can, if he has not done so already. The fact that these a number of significant improvements to our response matters are receiving extra coverage these days, and the to child sex abuse, including addressing lessons learned fact that the Government has made it very clear that we from the investigations and inquiries into historical and take these matters seriously, is encouraging people to organised child sexual abuse. The Home Secretary will come forward, including those with historical allegations, make a statement on child abuse immediately after this and that is exactly right. We expect the police and the session. Crown Prosecution Service to investigate them properly.

Duncan Hames: I appreciate the Minister’s efforts in Terrorism this regard. When the Prime Minister said in answer to my question last month that he was happy to look at the case for an independent inquiry, I was optimistic. We 10. Mark Pritchard (The Wrekin) (Con): If she will may not have long to wait now. The Government set bring forward legislative proposals to criminalise the great store by the police investigations. Does the Minister non-reporting by family members of their reasonable share my dismay at reports that the Metropolitan police suspicions of other family members travelling abroad has assigned only seven officers to Operation Fernbridge? for purposes of terrorism. [904652]

Norman Baker: That is an operational matter for the The Minister for Security and Immigration (James police, rather than a matter for Ministers. However, we Brokenshire): We want to support communities to respond take these matters extremely seriously and all Ministers to the challenge of preventing terrorism, and to encourage have made it plain that we expect the police, the Crown them to refer individuals who may be at risk of radicalisation Prosecution Service and others to take all the necessary and exploitation. Prevent practitioners, working with steps to bring those who are responsible for heinous local authorities, the police and other agencies, are crimes to justice. providing outreach and targeted projects. We believe this offers the most effective approach. Simon Danczuk (Rochdale) (Lab): Brave survivors of child sex abuse have done a fantastic job of lobbying on Mark Pritchard: Of course, not all family members this issue over the past week. Are the Secretary of State will know whether members of their family have gone and the Minister satisfied that the victims of child sex abroad to prepare for acts of terrorism, but some will. abuse are receiving all the support that they should be For the sake of social cohesion, community cohesion receiving from policing and health bodies? and national security, will the Minister seriously consider bringing forward new legislation to keep this country Norman Baker: We published a new victims code in safe? December 2013, which sets out the entitlements of victims of the most serious crimes. Other steps are James Brokenshire: We keep legislation under review, being taken, such as the videoed pre-trial cross-examination as I have already indicated this afternoon. It is already pilot, to ensure that we make it as easy as possible for an offence, under the Terrorism Act 2000, to fail to children to give evidence and to ensure that they are not disclose information about acts of terrorism. Many re-traumatised by the process. families have come forward to identify those who might be travelling to Syria. It is important that we support Tim Loughton (East Worthing and Shoreham) (Con): them and encourage others to report loved ones as well. This question would more normally be heard at Education questions because tackling child abuse is about not just Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab): My Muslim detecting crime but prevention, education and safeguarding constituents report that public discourse about terrorism children. Will the Minister say what arrangements exist and security threats is beginning to create a climate of for the Department for Education to co-ordinate that suspicion and hostility towards them in the community. action? What can the Minister do to ensure that, alongside protecting public security, attention is paid to community Norman Baker: As the former Minister for children cohesion and harmony? knows, there are existing and strong links between various Departments, including the Department for James Brokenshire: I entirely understand the hon. Education and the Department of Health, to ensure Lady’s point. Indeed, that is why we work on social that such matters are dealt with on a cross-departmental cohesion with the Department for Communities and basis. We intend to continue and strengthen those links Local Government. Some fantastic British Muslims are between Departments. demonstrating leadership, showing that they oppose so much extremism that is done in their name but does not Meg Munn (Sheffield, Heeley) (Lab/Co-op): The National reflect their communities or their religion. We continue Association for People Abused in Childhood is finding to work with them to promote those very clear messages. an increased demand for its support and help. It has written to the Minister for Policing, Criminal Justice Modern Slavery and Victims to ask for greater support and services to help those who are coming forward with cases from many years ago, with all the problems that they have 11. Andrew Jones (Harrogate and Knaresborough) experienced as a result. Will the Government do more (Con): What steps she is taking to end modern slavery. to ensure that those services are in place? [904653] 13 Oral Answers7 JULY 2014 Oral Answers 14

The Secretary of State for the Home Department someone who has served a sentence for such an offence (Mrs Theresa May): The Government have made much to come straight back out, become a gangmaster and progress in tackling this horrendous crime. Our ground- carry on with what they were doing in the first place. breaking Modern Slavery Bill will have its Second Reading The prevention orders will enable us to prevent that tomorrow in this House. Later this year, we will publish from happening. a modern slavery strategy, which will co-ordinate a comprehensive programme of national and international Migration (EU Accessions) activity. It will include: the national referral mechanism review, which will report its interim findings shortly; child trafficking advocate trials, which will launch in the 14. Stephen Phillips (Sleaford and North Hykeham) summer; and establishing specialist teams at the border. (Con): What representations she has received on the potential effect on UK migration figures of further EU accessions. [904656] Andrew Jones: I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply and congratulate her on introducing the Bill, the The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the first of its kind in the world to tackle this disgusting Home Department (Karen Bradley): Representations about crime. Does she agree that it is important to work with EU migration often focus on the large inflows from businesses to tackle this part of the problem by eliminating existing member states since 2004, and we have been forced labour from supply chains? clear that, unlike the previous Government, we will always impose the toughest possible transitional controls Mrs May: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his on free movement from new member states. comments. It is absolutely vital that we work with business on the issue of forced labour and slavery in Stephen Phillips: I am grateful for that answer. The supply chains, which is why I hosted a round table simple fact of the matter, as my hon. Friend knows, is recently with representatives of business organisations that the last Government totally underestimated both and individual businesses, together with other Ministers, the number of migrants from newly entered countries including the Under-Secretary with responsibility for who have made their way to the United Kingdom and modern slavery and organised crime. We are doing a the impact of that on the tolerance of ordinary, hard- great deal with businesses to help to raise awareness so working British people when it comes to immigration. we can prevent people from being abused and exploited. Does the Minister agree with me—if so, she can tell Of course, companies have a social responsibility to us—that if further countries join the EU we must put in take appropriate action. If they do not, their reputations place measures that slow access to labour markets unless will suffer. and until we can be sure that the vast migrations of the past simply cannot happen again? Julie Hilling (Bolton West) (Lab): Two thirds of the children identified and found as trafficking victims by Karen Bradley: My hon. and learned Friend puts it the authorities go missing again. Will the Home Secretary more succinctly than anybody could, and my right hon. legislate for a guardian for each of these children, to Friends the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary keep them safe and to act in their best interests? have been absolutely clear that there will be new arrangements for future accessions to slow access to Mrs May: We are trialling the child advocate concept labour markets until we can be sure that they will not in a number of ways in the coming months. We have lead to mass migration. made it absolutely clear that, through the Modern Slavery Bill, we will provide for the opportunity to put it on a statutory basis. I hope everybody in this House Cybercrime would want us to use the work of those trials to identify the best approach to take in relation to individuals, 15. Michael Fabricant (Lichfield) (Con): What steps whatever their title, who work with trafficked children, she is taking to combat cybercrime; and if she will to take them through and to help to give them the make a statement. [904657] support they need. We need to ensure that we find and take forward the best approach. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Karen Bradley): Cybercrime is a tier Nicola Blackwood (Oxford West and Abingdon) (Con): 1 threat to national security. We have strengthened law Does the Home Secretary agree that the trafficking enforcement capabilities with the establishment of the prevention orders included in the Modern Slavery Bill national cybercrime unit in the National Crime Agency, will be a valuable tool for police seeking to disrupt and by establishing cyber-teams within each of the trafficking gangs? What discussions has her Department regional organised crime units, as well as by developing had with police on the practical implementation of the the capability of local police forces. We are also funding orders? the Cyber Streetwise campaign, and Action Fraud’s reporting system for fraud or financially motivated Mrs May: I am happy to tell my hon. Friend that the cybercrime. police welcomed the concept of prevention orders that we are putting in place through the Bill. She is absolutely Michael Fabricant: I am grateful for that answer. A right: crucially, the prevention orders will enable us to friend of mine tells me that a well-known retailer was ensure that action can be taken against someone who recently attacked from abroad four times in as many has been convicted of an offence of modern slavery so weeks by a cyber organisation. that we can reduce the possibility of that offence being recommitted. Up until now, it has been possible for Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): John Lewis. 15 Oral Answers7 JULY 2014 Oral Answers 16

Michael Fabricant: I think the hon. Gentleman might national cyber-security strategy, and have so far committed have guessed it right. What steps is the Minister taking £70 million to the national cyber-security policy to to stop such foreign cyber-attacks on legitimate companies build law enforcement capabilities. It is vital for training in the United Kingdom? to be provided, and the Government are committed to ensuring that it is. The report to which the hon. Gentleman Karen Bradley: I thank my hon. Friend for his question. referred represents a view of, as it were, a “snapshot” He perfectly sums up the threats we in the UK face from taken some time ago. We have been working very closely cyber-attacks on businesses and public services. Working with, in particular, the National Crime Agency to ensure with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, that the issue is addressed and training is given. the Home Office is involved in the cybercrime reduction partnership, and we have set up CERT-UK, the computer Illegal Immigration emergency response team, which includes CISP—the Cyber-Security Information Sharing Partnership—through 16. Andrew Selous (South West Bedfordshire) (Con): which businesses can share their experiences of cyber- What steps she is taking to reduce illegal immigration. attacks. [904658]

Seema Malhotra (Feltham and Heston) (Lab/Co-op): The Minister for Security and Immigration (James According to Which?, the average amount lost by people Brokenshire): In every year of this Government, more because of scams, including online scams, is £1,500, and illegal migrants have left the UK than in any year under online shopping scams are by far the most likely to fool the last Government. The Immigration Act 2014 is the people. The Home Affairs Select Committee has expressed latest step in this Government’s reforms, ensuring that concern that there appears to be a black hole where there is a tough response to those who abuse the system low-level e-crime is committed with impunity. What or flout the law. impact does the Minister believe the initiatives she has announced are having, and what more can the Home Andrew Selous: When immigrants are told that they Office do to raise awareness of e-crime for our citizens? have no legal basis on which to stay in the United Kingdom and should make arrangements to leave, how Karen Bradley: The hon. Lady makes an important long is it before the Home Office takes steps to ensure point—that we need to raise awareness and to make that they do, and what do those measures involve? sure that people know where they can report cybercrime. Action Fraud, which I visited last week when it was James Brokenshire: As my hon. Friend will know, we hosted by the City of London police, is the portal have established immigration enforcement and special through which people can report cyber-attacks. That is command in the Home Office to focus rigorously on where information will be disseminated and intelligence ensuring that such people are removed. However, as the shared, ensuring that local police forces have the information Immigration Act makes clear, it is also necessary to and intelligence they need to be able to act against this create a system that makes it that much tougher for crime. those people to gain access to benefits, and ensures that they are supported so that they are able to leave. That is Stephen Mosley (City of Chester) (Con): Chief Constable a focus that the Government will continue to maintain. Alex Marshall, head of the College of Policing, recently said on BBC Radio 4’s “Law in Action” programme Topical Questions that “at least half” of calls to front-line police officers originated from complaints about social media. What is T1. [904668] Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): If my hon. Friend and the Government doing to make she will make a statement on her departmental sure that police officers at all levels have the skills responsibilities. necessary to tackle online crime? The Secretary of State for the Home Department Karen Bradley: It is vital to ensure that police officers (Mrs Theresa May): I echo the earlier comments of the and local forces understand how to tackle cybercrime hon. Member for Birmingham, Erdington (Jack Dromey). and where to report it, and I am very pleased that the I too was deeply saddened to hear of the death of West College of Policing is providing training for all officers Midlands police and crime commissioner Bob Jones, so that they know what to do. As I have said, Action and my thoughts and prayers are with Bob’s family and Fraud and other online databases are available, and I friends and his colleagues. He had given years of public know that the police are making sure that they gather service as a councillor, a member of the West Midlands the information and share the intelligence. police authority for more than 25 years, and then as the area’s first police and crime commissioner, and his Mr Steve Reed (Croydon North) (Lab): Is the Minister contribution to keeping the people of the west midlands aware that Her Majesty’s inspector of constabulary has safe was very impressive. I know that he will be greatly reported that only three police forces in England and missed. Wales have an effective cyber-attack strategy, and that Last week I visited Israel and the Occupied Palestinian although reported cybercrime is up by about a quarter, territories to meet senior politicians from both Israel the number of prosecutions is down? Why has she and the Palestinian Authority. During my visit, the allowed that to happen? bodies of the three abducted teenagers were discovered near Hebron. Since then, we have also heard about the Karen Bradley: The Government take cybercrime terrible killing of a Palestinian teenager. No reason, extremely seriously. That is why it is a tier 1 national belief or cause can justify the abduction and killing of security risk. We have invested £860 million in the innocent civilians. 17 Oral Answers7 JULY 2014 Oral Answers 18

In spite of that harrowing news, I was able to hold The Home Secretary will shortly outline her response encouraging discussions on how best to combat modern to calls for action against historical child abuse, but let slavery as part of our efforts to garner greater international me ask her about the child protection system today. co-operation on that important issue. Those discussions Since she changed the law, there has been a 75% drop in will feed into the substantial work that the Government the number of people barred from working with children are doing to stamp out the horrendous crime of modern even though the number of offences against children slavery. As I said earlier, the Second Reading of the has gone up. Why has it fallen so much, and is she Modern Slavery Bill will be debated tomorrow, and the worried about that? Bill’s progress will take place alongside the work that the Government are doing to develop a comprehensive Mrs May: There has, indeed, been a fall in the number strategy to deal with this horrendous crime. of people who are automatically barred from working with children. That fall has taken place since 2010 Kerry McCarthy: It is almost a year since my constituent because we did change the system: I think we restored Bijan Ebrahimi was horribly murdered, and we are still some common sense to the barring regime, because the waiting for the results of the inquiry by the Independent scheme is now focused on groups of people who work Police Complaints Commission into the involvement of closely with children or other vulnerable groups. Unless the police in the days leading up to his death. As the they have committed the most serious offences, we no Home Secretary will know, a separate IPCC inquiry is longer bar people who do not work with those groups, proceeding, and the chief constable is currently suspended. such as lorry drivers or bar staff. They were barred Can she assure me that the IPCC has been given all the under the old scheme, and I do not think those bars did resources that it needs to bring both inquiries to a anything to help keep children safe, but anyone working speedy conclusion? closely with children is still barred and that is the important point. Mrs May: I am sure the hon. Lady will recognise that as the cases that she has mentioned are live, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the details. However, Yvette Cooper: I have listened to the Home Secretary’s we are committed to ensuring that the IPCC has the response and I have to say I find it very troubling. What resources that it needs to be able to investigate all is to stop a lorry driver who is convicted of a very serious and sensitive complaints against the police, and serious offence applying to work with children or becoming to carry out the rigorous scrutiny that the public expect. a volunteer in the future? The figures show the numbers We have given the commission an extra £18 million and who have been barred have dropped from 11,000 to £10 million capital this year, so that it can deal with all 2,600. That means there are people who have been serious and sensitive cases involving the police. convicted of sexually assaulting a child, possessing or distributing abusive images of children, grooming or T2. [904669] Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con): Will my trafficking who are not being barred from working with right hon. Friend the Home Secretary say what steps children in future, and there has also been a serious she and her Department are taking to ensure the police drop in the number of those who are barred on the basis use technology to a greater extent to improve their of intelligence about grooming even where convictions effectiveness? have not been secured. I really would urge her to look again at this because I am concerned that this system is The Minister for Policing, Criminal Justice and Victims exposing children to risk. (Damian Green): We are taking a number of steps, because my hon. Friend is right that digital technology Mrs May: We all want to ensure that the system we makes the police more effective, not just by giving them have makes sure that those who will be a risk to children access to information out on the street so they can make are not able to work with children, but I repeat the point better decisions, but by enabling them to stay out on the I made in response to the right hon. Lady’s first question: streets and not have to return to the station. I mentioned under the previous scheme a large number of people the innovation fund earlier. Over £11 million of its first found themselves automatically barred who were not £20 million was allocated to IT projects that give police directly working with children and were not working precisely the sort of technology they need to keep crime closely with children. The new scheme that we have has, coming down. in fact, barred some people who would not have been barred under the old scheme. The Disclosure and Barring Yvette Cooper (Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford) Service can now pick up and consider serious offences (Lab): First, may I welcome the Home Secretary’s words by those who apply for criminal records checks to work about her visit and about the terrible loss of young lives with children and those in the new update service, so I in the middle east, and also her tribute to Bob Jones, say to her that the scheme we have introduced does who, as she knows, was a very kind and thoughtful man actually mean some who would not have been barred as well as a great public servant, and is a friend who will under the previous scheme are today barred from working be missed by very many of us? with children. May I also join the counter-terrorism Minister, the hon. Member for Old Bexley and Sidcup (James T3. [904670] Andrew Jones (Harrogate and Knaresborough) Brokenshire), in remembering the 52 people who were (Con): The news of UK citizens becoming radicalised killed on 7 July 2005 and pay tribute to their families and then travelling abroad to participate in terrorism and also the 770 people injured that day? That is why and conflicts is very worrying. Will my right hon. the whole House and the whole country recognises the Friend outline how the Prevent strategy is being used to continued need for vigilance against terrorism and those tackle the problem at source by stopping people being who want to kill, maim or divide us. radicalised in the first place? 19 Oral Answers7 JULY 2014 Oral Answers 20

The Minister for Security and Immigration (James issues. The Government are awaiting the judgment on Brokenshire): My hon. Friend rightly identifies the concerns that case and, obviously, we will reflect further in the in many communities at how Prevent is acting to safeguard light of it. them by working with families, communities and, indeed, with those front-line agencies that may be best able to T8. [904676] Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con): pick up when someone is being radicalised and exploited. At the weekend, millions of people turned up to watch That focus remains, as well as, obviously, seeking to the Tour de France across Yorkshire, and millions work with the internet industry to take down images are on today’s route. Will the Home Secretary join me that are seeking to promote terrorism or radicalisation. in paying tribute to Yorkshire police forces and the Metropolitan police? Does she agree that the presence T7. [904675] Bridget Phillipson (Houghton and Sunderland of the French gendarmerie, with their experience of South) (Lab): Over the past year I have been holding manning cycle routes, is another emblematic symbol of joint events with neighbourhood policing teams on the importance of European police co-operation? dealing with antisocial behaviour, allowing constituents to share their concerns on a serious issue. Victims often Damian Green: I am very happy to agree with my report that they are left frustrated and concerned hon. Friend, not least because I was in Yorkshire before because despite the number of agencies involved, the Tour started last week to see the police preparations action is not always co-ordinated and progress can be for the operation, which were extremely thorough, as slow. What will the Minister be doing about this? we would expect. The fact that everyone in Yorkshire—I hope it is the same for everyone in Essex and London The Minister for Crime Prevention (Norman Baker): I today—was able to enjoy a peaceful event, with the refer the hon. Lady to the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime world watching us, is a tribute to the calm and well-ordered and Policing Act 2014, which does a great deal to way the British police go about their business. improve matters and which I must say some of her colleagues opposed when it came before the House. It Ann Coffey (Stockport) (Lab): I understand that the introduces a range of sensible, well-judged new powers National Crime Agency has suggested to chief constables that will enable some of the problems that have occurred that they should think carefully about requesting a locally to be diminished. The measures include cross- registered intermediary. The number of requests has working between different bodies involved in crime increased, and with that, of course, have come consequent prevention. costs to police budgets. Does the Home Secretary not think that the way forward might be a central budget T4. [904672] Mr Mark Harper (Forest of Dean) (Con): for intermediaries requested by the police, so that the The Minister for Policing, Criminal Justice and Victims best evidence can always be obtained from vulnerable will know that the Independent police and crime witnesses? commissioner in Gloucestershire has taken the opportunity in both of the past two years to put up council tax by 2% rather than have a proper look for Damian Green: The hon. Lady makes a reasonable savings. Will the Minister, in a spirit of public service point, because clearly registered intermediaries do a broadcasting, set out some areas where other police good job. I will look at the details of what she says the forces have taken the opportunity to keep council tax NCA is saying, because the system does not appear to down? be working badly. I will certainly look at any details she may care to provide me with. Damian Green: Many police and crime commissioners across the country have taken different decisions about Sir Andrew Stunell (Hazel Grove) (LD): Does the taxation, and across the country we have seen crime Home Secretary agree that essential to restoring the coming down. Of course the great virtue of the system public’s confidence in the immigration system is not just we have introduced is that if people in Gloucestershire counting people into the UK, but counting them out of or anywhere else are unhappy with the decisions taken the UK? What progress is being made on that? by their PCC, they can, unlike under the old system, vote in 2016 to get rid of them. That is why introducing Mrs May: I can tell my right hon. Friend that this democracy into police governance is a good thing. Government are committed to introducing exit checks by the time of the next general election. We have a T9. [904677] Paul Blomfield (Sheffield Central) (Lab): programme that is working well; we already receive My constituent Peter Hobson works hard, but earning a significant amount of information on people exiting the minimum wage for a 40-hour week will never the country from the advance passenger information, enable him to pass the income threshold for his wife provided through the airline industry.I have had discussions to obtain a visa to live with him in the UK under with representatives of the rail industry and our ports the rules introduced by the Government two years ago. on how we can ensure that we are also getting exit In a parliamentary answer to my hon. Friend the checks for those who travel out of this country by rail Member for Stretford and Urmston (Kate Green) on and by sea. 6 December 2012, the then Minister for Immigration committed the Government to keeping the impact of Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Selly Oak) (Lab): I have these rules on family life “under review”. Will the been asked to raise this question by my constituents, Home Secretary publish the outcome of that review? Mr and Mrs Egan, who are foster parents. Their foster child had a passport which, the agency acknowledges, James Brokenshire: I hear the point the hon. Gentleman was handed in and destroyed. Apparently he cannot get has made, but he may also know that an outstanding another one until his natural father completes a lost or case at the Court of Appeal is precisely examining these stolen form. The father is in Kurdistan and cannot be 21 Oral Answers7 JULY 2014 Oral Answers 22 traced. As things stand, the child will have to wait three five tiers of terrorism threat level, ranging from “low” years until the destroyed passport expires before they to “critical”. Is the Minister of State confident that the can have another one. I am sure that this is not what public understand how they should respond when the anyone intends to happen, but the consequence is that threat level goes up and down? the child will end up in emergency care instead of being on holiday with his foster parents. Will the Minister James Brokenshire: We do have different threat levels, take a look into that case? which are, I think, recognised and understood. Clearly, it is a question of communicating where there is a James Brokenshire: This is obviously a complex case, change in the threat level, and we do keep these issues but I recognise the issues that the hon. Gentleman has under careful review. raised. If he shares some further details with me, I will investigate further. Mrs Linda Riordan (Halifax) (Lab/Co-op): As many as one in four road accidents are caused by drivers Greg Mulholland (Leeds North West) (LD): Human either speaking or texting on their mobiles. What work trafficking is an abhorrent crime, and I warmly welcome is being done to step up prosecutions for this very the Modern Slavery Bill. Will the Home Secretary listen dangerous and life-threatening activity? carefully to the suggestions from UNICEF that it is important to make child trafficking a particularly serious Norman Baker: That is a matter I take very seriously, offence with particularly severe penalties? not least because of my previous role in the Department for Transport. We are engaged with mobile phone The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the companies on a whole range of issues to ensure that Home Department (Karen Bradley): The Modern Slavery their products are responsibly used, but the hon. Lady Bill introduces the stiffest penalty of life imprisonment makes a valid point, which I will happily take forward. for anyone convicted of the offences listed in the Bill, If she has any particular suggestions, I would be happy and that includes anyone committing those offences to to hear them a child. I am determined that we do not get into a situation where the defence has further arguments it can Tim Loughton (East Worthing and Shoreham) (Con): put forward by arguing over the age or possible age of a Will the Home Secretary undertake to review the workings child which might mean the perpetrator of this heinous of police information notices, or PINs? Thousands have crime not being found guilty and not being convicted been issued by constabularies, including to myself, but and receiving life imprisonment. I am convinced that in too many cases they do not even follow the Association the offences as listed cover the child exploitation cases of Chief Police Officers guidance, to the extent that that have been raised. I am also determined to bring this people are not even aware that they are under investigation Bill forward in this Session so that we can convict and therefore cannot defend themselves. people. Damian Green: I am always happy to continue to Mr Iain McKenzie (Inverclyde) (Lab): Can the Minister look at the PINs system and how it is operating. I am confirm whether the Glasgow passport office offers a very aware that my hon. Friend has had his own issues full passport service? If the answer is yes, will he explain with the Sussex police in this regard and I am happy to why my constituents have been directed to offices as far keep it under close review. afield as Belfast, Durham and Peterborough to pick up their passports? If the answer is no, will he tell me why Mr Speaker: Last but not least, I call Kelvin Hopkins. does it not offer such a service? Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North) (Lab): Alcohol continues James Brokenshire: Many passport offices are handling to be implicated in a high proportion of crime, especially the applications that are coming through. Applications crimes of violence. When will the Government take are being routed to different offices. Our focus is on effective steps to reduce levels of alcohol abuse and the ensuring that the current excessive workload is being associated crime? dealt with effectively. Indeed, the Passport Office is rising to that challenge, with the output rising week on Norman Baker: We are taking a large number of steps week, and our focus remains on continuing that to deal with alcohol abuse, including the introduction performance. of late-night levies, including the local action areas and the early morning restriction orders. We are also dealing Mark Pritchard (The Wrekin) (Con): Public with the industry and securing voluntary action from it. understanding and co-operation in the fight against In fact, I am meeting the industry in about 45 minutes terrorism is absolutely vital, yet at the moment we have to see what progress has been made. 23 7 JULY 2014 Child Abuse 24

Child Abuse As Mark Sedwill has said, the investigator recorded that he had unrestricted access to Home Office records and he received full co-operation from Home Office 3.35 pm officials. The investigator was satisfied that the Home The Secretary of State for the Home Department Office passed all credible information about child abuse (Mrs Theresa May): With permission, Mr Speaker, I in the time period, from Mr Dickens and elsewhere, to would like to make a statement about the sexual abuse the police so it could be investigated properly. of children, allegations that evidence of the sexual I believe that the permanent secretary, in listening to abuse of children was suppressed by people in positions the allegations made by the hon. Member for West of power, and the Government’s intended response. Bromwich East and ordering an independent investigation, I want to address two important public concerns: did all the right things. I am confident that the work he first, that in the 1980s the Home Office failed to act on commissioned was carried out in good faith, but with allegations of child sex abuse; and, secondly, that public such serious allegations the public need to have complete bodies and other important institutions have failed to confidence in the integrity of the investigation’s findings. take seriously their duty of care towards children. I also I have, therefore, today appointed Peter Wanless, the want to set out three important principles. First, we will chief executive of the National Society for the Prevention do everything we can to allow the full investigation of of Cruelty to Children, to lead a review not just of the child abuse and the prosecution of its perpetrators, and investigation commissioned by Mark Sedwill, but of we will do nothing to jeopardise those aims. Secondly, how the police and prosecutors handled any related where possible the Government will adopt a presumption information that was handed to them. Peter Wanless of maximum transparency. Thirdly, we will make sure will be supported in this work by an appropriate senior that wherever individuals and institutions have failed to legal figure, who will be appointed by the permanent protect children from harm, we will expose those failures secretary. Where the findings of the review relate to the and learn the lessons. Director of Public Prosecutions, it will report to the Attorney-General, as well as to me. Concern that the Home Office failed to act on allegations of child abuse in the 1980s relates mainly to information I will ask the review team to advise my officials on provided to the Department by the late Geoffrey Dickens, what redactions to the full investigation report might be who was a Member of this House between 1979 and needed in order that, in the interests of transparency, it 1995. As the House will be aware, in February 2013, in can be published without jeopardising any future criminal response to a parliamentary question from the hon. investigations or trials. I expect the review to conclude Member for West Bromwich East (Mr Watson), the within eight to 10 weeks, and I will place a copy of its permanent secretary at the Home Office, Mark Sedwill, terms of reference in the House Library today. commissioned an investigation by an independent expert In addition to the allegations made by Geoffrey into information that the Home Office received in relation Dickens, there have also been allegations relating to an to child abuse allegations, including information provided organisation called the Paedophile Information Exchange, by Mr Dickens. In order to be confident that all relevant a paedophile campaign group that was disbanded in information was included, the investigation reviewed all 1984. In response to another query from the hon. relevant papers available relating to child abuse between Member for West Bromwich East, the permanent secretary 1979 and 1999. commissioned another independent investigation in January The investigation reported last year, and its executive this year into whether the Home Office had ever directly summary was published on 1 August 2013. It concluded or indirectly funded PIE. That investigation concluded that there was no single “Dickens dossier”, but that that the Home Office had not done so, and I will place a there had been letters from Mr Dickens to several copy of the investigation’s findings in the House Library Home Secretaries over several years that contained today. To ensure complete public confidence in the allegations of sexual offences against children. Copies work, however, I have also asked Peter Wanless to look of the letters had not been kept, but the investigator at that investigation as part of his review. found evidence that the information Mr Dickens had I now turn to public concern that a variety of public provided had been considered and matters requiring bodies and other important institutions have failed to investigation had been referred to the police. In total, take seriously their duty of care towards children. In the investigator found 13 items of information about recent years, we have seen appalling cases of organised alleged child abuse. The police already knew about nine and persistent child sex abuse, including abuse by celebrities of those items, and the remaining four were passed by such as Jimmy Savile and Rolf Harris, as well as the the Home Office to the police immediately.The investigation systematic abuse of vulnerable girls in Derby, Rochdale, found that 114 potentially relevant files were not available. Oxford and other towns and cities. Some of those cases Those are presumed by the Home Office and the investigator have exposed a failure by public bodies to take their to be destroyed, missing or not found, although the duty of care seriously, and some have shown that the investigator made clear that he found no evidence to organisations responsible for protecting children from suggest that the files had been removed or destroyed abuse—including the police, social services and schools— inappropriately. have failed to work together properly. The investigation found no record of specific allegations That is why, in April 2013, the Government established by Mr Dickens of child sex abuse by prominent public the national group to tackle sexual violence against figures. On completion of the investigation, the Home children and vulnerable people, which is led by my hon. Office passed the full text of its interim report and final Friend the Minister for Crime Prevention. That cross- report, along with accompanying information and material, Government group was established to learn the lessons to the police for them to consider as part of their from some of the cases I have mentioned and the ongoing criminal investigations. resulting reviews and inquiries. As a result of its work, 25 Child Abuse7 JULY 2014 Child Abuse 26 we now have better guidance for the police and prosecutors, from abuse, we will expose it and learn from it. I believe new powers for the police to get information from that the measures announced today reflect those important hotels that are used for child sexual exploitation, and principles, and I commend this statement to the House. better identification of children at risk of exploitation through the use of local multi-agency safeguarding hubs. In the normal course of its work the group will 3.46 pm publish further proposals to protect children from abuse. Yvette Cooper (Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford) (Lab): I thank the Home Secretary for sight of her I know that in recent months many Members of the statement. Child abuse is a terrible, devastating crime House from all parties have campaigned for an independent, that traumatises children when they are at their most overarching inquiry into historical allegations of child vulnerable and ruins lives. Perpetrators need to be stopped abuse. In my correspondence with the seven Members and brought to justice. Too often, the system has failed of Parliament who wrote to me about the campaign—the young victims, not hearing or believing them when they hon. Members for Birmingham, Yardley (John Hemming) cried out for help, and failing to protect them from and for Brighton, Pavilion (Caroline Lucas), my hon. those who sought to harm them. There have been Friends the Members for East Worthing and Shoreham particularly troubling cases of abuse involving powerful (Tim Loughton) and for Richmond Park (Zac Goldsmith), people and celebrities, and the failure of institutions to and the hon. Members for Rochdale (Simon Danczuk), act. As Members in all parts of the House and from all for Wells (Tessa Munt), and for West Bromwich East—I parties have made clear, when allegations go to the made it clear that the Government did not rule out such heart of Whitehall or Westminster, it is even more an inquiry. important to demonstrate that strong action will be I can now tell the House that the Government will taken to find out the truth and get justice for the establish an independent inquiry panel of experts in the victims. law and child protection to consider whether public The Home Secretary is right to announce today that bodies and other non-state institutions have taken seriously she has changed her position on and response to child their duty of care to protect children from sexual abuse. abuse, but I want to press her on the detail. We need The inquiry panel will be chaired by an appropriately three things: justice and support for victims; the truth senior and experienced figure. It will begin its work as about what happened and how the Home Office and soon as possible after the appointment of the chairman others responded; and stronger child protection and and other members of the panel. Given the scope of its reforms for the future. First, any allegation that a child work, it is not likely to report before the general election, was abused, even decades ago, must be thoroughly but I will make sure that it provides an update on its investigated by the police. Will she tell us whether all the progress to Parliament before May next year. I will allegations uncovered or put forward in any of these report back to the House when the inquiry panel chairman investigations will be covered by Operation Fernbridge? has been appointed and the full terms of reference have Will the files that she said had been passed to the police been agreed. go to Operation Fernbridge? We understand that it has The inquiry will, like the inquiries into Hillsborough only seven full-time officers working on it. Does she and the murder of Daniel Morgan, be a non-statutory think that they have the resources and investigators they panel inquiry. That means that it can begin its work need? She referred to the importance of prosecutions sooner and, because the basis of its early work will be a when there have been child sexual offences. She will review of documentary evidence rather than interviews know that prosecutions have dropped in recent years. with witnesses who might themselves still be subject to Does she believe that that is cause for concern, when criminal investigations, it will be less likely to prejudice recorded offences have increased? those investigations. I want to be clear, however, that the Secondly, we need to know what happened when the inquiry panel will have access to all the Government allegations were first made decades ago. The Home papers, reviews and reports that it needs. Subject to the Secretary will know that former Cabinet Ministers have constraints imposed by any criminal investigations, it said that there may have been a cover-up. The previous will be free to call witnesses from organisations in the response from the Home Office was not adequate; the public and private sectors, and in wider civil society. I 2013 review to which she referred was not announced to want to make it clear that if the inquiry panel chairman Parliament, did not reveal that more than 100 files had deems it necessary, the Government are prepared to gone missing, and has never been published. Will she convert it into a full public inquiry, in line with the tell the House whether she or other Ministers saw that Inquiries Act 2005. review, and whether they were told about the missing files? I began my statement by saying that I wanted to address dual concerns: the concern that, in the past, the I welcome the involvement of Peter Wanless, who is Home Office failed to act on information it received, well respected, but will the Home Secretary clarify and more broadly the concern that public bodies and whether this is simply a review of a review, or whether it other institutions have failed to protect children from will look again at the original material? Will this review sexual abuse. I believe that the measures that I have have the power to call for further information, range announced today address those concerns. I also said more widely, and interview witnesses if necessary? She that I wanted the work that we are doing to reflect three talked about publication of the review; does she mean principles. First, our priority must be the prosecution of the original 2013 review, the new review, or both? It the people behind these disgusting crimes. Secondly, would be very helpful to have transparency. wherever possible and consistent with the need to prosecute, Thirdly, as the Home Secretary will know, I raised the we will adopt a presumption of maximum transparency. issue of the need for an overarching inquiry directly Thirdly, where there has been a failure to protect children with her in Parliament 18 months ago, when she made a 27 Child Abuse7 JULY 2014 Child Abuse 28

[Yvette Cooper] single force; they go to whichever force is the most appropriate to deal with the particular cases and to statement about abuse in care homes in north Wales. ensure that people can be brought to justice. She and the Prime Minister rejected the need for such The right hon. Lady asked about the number of an inquiry at the time, but I welcome her agreement to it prosecutions and offences, which is a matter that is now. There is currently a range of reviews and investigations most properly for my right hon. and learned Friend, the in care homes, the BBC, the NHS and now in the Home Attorney-General, but she will have noticed that he is Office. Also, more recently, there is an inquiry into on the Treasury Bench and has noted her comments. events in Rochdale and Rotherham. At their heart, they all have a similar problem: child victims were not listened My right hon. Friend the Minister for Policing, Criminal to, heard or protected, and too many institutions let Justice and Victims answered a parliamentary question children down. Reform of those individual institutions in 2013—in October 2013, I think—in which reference must not be delayed, but isolated reforms are not enough. was made to the missing 114 files. An inquiry needs to draw together the full picture to The right hon. Member for Normanton, Pontefract look at the institutional failures of the past and to and Castleford (Yvette Cooper) asked what I had seen examine the child protection systems that we have in as Home Secretary. I saw the executive summary of place that may continue to fail children today. An both the interim report and the final report commissioned inquiry must also be able to take evidence from the by Mark Sedwill. I did not see the full report for very public, in public, as the Hillsborough review was able to good reason: the matters that lay behind the report were do. I welcome her comments on that and her decision to allegations that senior Members of Parliament—and, keep under review whether an inquiry has the powers it in particular, senior Conservative Members of Parliament needs and whether a public inquiry is needed. —may have been involved in those activities. I therefore thought that it was absolutely right and proper that the An inquiry must also cover the child protection system commissioning of the investigation and the work that in operation today. The Home Secretary’s answer in was done should be led by the permanent secretary at Question Time to my question on the 75% drop in the the Home Office, not by a Conservative politician. number of criminals barred from working with children suggests that the Home Office is still too complacent in The right hon. Lady asked a number of questions that area. I urge her to include the vetting and barring about lessons learnt. Some of those lessons are already system and the current child protection system in the being acted on. As I mentioned, the national group that overarching review. It is important that we do not have my hon. Friend the Minister for Crime Prevention is systems in place that store up future child protection leading has already brought forward proposals on how problems. the police and prosecutors could better handle these matters, and it will continue with its work. That will of The cases that have emerged involving child abuse course feed into the work of the wider inquiry panel and sexual assaults by high-profile, powerful people that I am setting up. I want it to look widely at the and celebrities have been deeply disturbing, as has the question of the protection of children. I want it to failure of the system to stop them and to protect ensure that we can be confident that in future people children and young people today. Previously, the Home will not look back to today and say, “If only they had Office had not done enough to respond, but I welcome introduced this measure or that measure.” We must the further steps that the Home Secretary has announced ensure that the lessons that come out of the various today. She will understand that that is why we seek reviews that are taking place are not only properly assurances that the investigations will now be strong learned, but acted on. enough. She and I will agree that we need justice for victims, the truth about what happened and a stronger system of child protection for the future. People need to Mr Mark Harper (Forest of Dean) (Con): I welcome have confidence that the process will deliver justice for the Home Secretary’s statement and her setting up of past victims and protect children in the future. the independent inquiry panel. She set out three clear principles. The most important of those principles is that the panel should do nothing that prevents these Mrs May: The right hon. Lady shares my concern to heinous crimes from being properly investigated and ensure that we have proper safeguards and protection those who are guilty of them from being prosecuted to for children in the future and that not only are lessons the full extent of the law. learned but that action is taken as a result of those lessons being learned following the various reviews into Mrs May: Although it is right that we look at the both historical and more recent cases of child sexual lessons that need to be learned, I am sure that the view exploitation. shared across the whole House is that it is absolutely The right hon. Lady asked whether all the matters essential that we do nothing that could get in the way of that are felt to be for the police to investigate will be prosecuting the perpetrators of these appalling crimes. matters for Operation Fernbridge. Actually, a number That is why it is right to set this review up as an inquiry of investigations are taking place across the country panel so that it can begin its work without jeopardising into historical cases of child abuse; it is not appropriate the criminal investigations taking place. that all those investigations will be in relation to Operation Fernbridge. The National Crime Agency, for example, Mr Tom Watson (West Bromwich East) (Lab): Frightened is leading on Operation Pallial, which is the investigation survivors of child abuse deserve the truth. I hope and into potential sexual abuse in children’s care homes in think that they will welcome today’s statement, particularly north Wales, and other investigations are taking place the announcement that they will have access to all elsewhere. All allegations do not necessarily go to a documentation. Will the inquiry team be able to see the 29 Child Abuse7 JULY 2014 Child Abuse 30 files of the special branch, the intelligence services and keeping within the Home Office and, indeed, within any submissions made to previous Prime Ministers on other Government Departments. In the 1980s, the system people such as Sir Peter Hayman and others? was changed to the so-called Grigg system. Subsequently, the National Archives has issued guidance to Government Mrs May: May I first commend the hon. Gentleman Departments on the approach that they should take to for the work he has done over a number of years on the keeping of records. Of course, that is exactly the these issues? He and a number of other hon. Members sort of issue that I expect could be part of the inquiry’s and hon. Friends have been relentless in their pursuit of work. these issues and their determination to bring truth and justice for the victims. As I said in my statement, my Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): I warmly welcome intention is that the fullest possible access should be the Home Secretary’s statement. Whatever disagreements made to Government papers in relation to these matters. we may have, she has always been outspoken in confronting As I am sure he and others will recognise, where there complacency and corruption wherever she finds it. When are issues relating to who can have access to some files, former public servants give evidence to the inquiry we will need to have an appropriate means of ensuring panel, will they be released from any obligations they that the information is available to the inquiry panel. may have under gagging clauses in severance agreements However, as I have said, I am looking to appoint a very or, where necessary, the Official Secrets Act? senior figure to chair the panel, so I expect it to be possible to ensure that all Government papers are available. Mrs May: My hon. Friend raises a very important point. It is my intention that people should have the Mrs Cheryl Gillan (Chesham and Amersham) (Con): ability to speak openly in giving evidence to the inquiry I thank the Home Secretary for her swift and decisive panel if they are called as witnesses, or in giving written action in this case. Having seen my constituent Mr Tom evidence if they so wish. I will have to look at the legal Perry suffer for years to bring his abusers at Caldicott issues around the Official Secrets Act, but it is intended school to justice, resulting in an eight-year custodial that everybody should have the ability to speak openly. sentence at the beginning of this year for its former Only if people can speak openly will we get to the headmaster, Peter Wright, may I urge her to ensure that bottom of these matters. these investigations are expedited? As there is still no duty to report suspected abuse, will she ask the inquiries Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): I, too, welcome the to look again at mandatory reporting of suspected Home Secretary’s decision to set up the various inquiries. abuse in regulated activities? I have already discussed Will she pass on my thanks to Mark Sedwill for the very that with the Secretary of State for Education and hope full letter that he sent to me and the Home Affairs that the Home Secretary will take it up as well. Committee? It is the first time that a Home Office letter has arrived before the deadline. As she knows, we will Mrs May: I commend my right hon. Friend for her be examining Mr Sedwill tomorrow. In his letter, he said comments. Obviously she has seen a very specific case that the head of the inquiry would be an independent and knows how long it has taken her constituent to find legal figure. The Home Secretary has just announced justice for the treatment that he received. I will indeed that it will be Mr Wanless, assisted by a legal figure. Is raise the specific issue with my right hon. Friend the that correct? Has there been a change, then, since Secretary of State for Education, but it is exactly those Saturday night? What steps did the Home Secretary sorts of issues that I expect the inquiry panel to look at: take when she discovered that the 114 files were missing? namely, are there any gaps in what we currently do that mean we are not properly protecting children and, if Mrs May: On the way in which the review is being set there are, what appropriate mechanisms could be put in up, yes, we have decided on a slightly different approach. place to ensure that those gaps are filled? The permanent secretary will be appointing a senior legal figure, as he has said. I felt that it was appropriate Mr Jack Straw (Blackburn) (Lab): While welcoming to ask for somebody to lead the inquiry who was today’s announcements by the Home Secretary and the involved in child protection matters and who was observations by her shadow, may I press her on the independent in a different way, working with the senior issue of record keeping? When I became Home Secretary, legal figure. Peter Wanless will be leading it, but a senior it became very clear to me—I was asking for information legal figure will be appointed, and the permanent secretary in a quite unrelated area—that there had been a will make the announcement in due course. downgrading of the archiving and record-keeping functions On the 114 files that have not been found, that figure of the Home Office. I say that in a non-partisan way, was first given in a parliamentary answer last October, because this issue has continued and is made more and it was repeated in the very full letter that Mark complicated in the so-called digital age. Will the Home Sedwill gave to the right hon. Gentleman. The investigator Secretary ensure that both panels look very carefully— was unable to say what had happened to those files—that taking advice, if necessary, from the head of the National is precisely one of the problems. There is no evidence as Archives—at the adequacy or, I am sure, inadequacy of to whether the files were destroyed or have been mislaid. existing mechanisms and resources for ensuring that Obviously, the new review will be able to go back over proper records are kept, particularly in areas such as the work that the investigator did to see whether any this? further evidence can be adduced.

Mrs May: The right hon. Gentleman is absolutely Sir Edward Garnier (Harborough) (Con): Having right. Of course the keeping of proper records is very sadly had to deal with a number of historic child sex important. Over the years that we are dealing with, abuse cases in my time as a Law Officer, may I assure there have been a number of approaches to record the Home Secretary that the victims of these hideous 31 Child Abuse7 JULY 2014 Child Abuse 32

[Sir Edward Garnier] to which I think the right hon. Member for Blackburn (Mr Straw) referred—is actually being complied with crimes suffer from them well into their adulthood and and, indeed, that it is adequate for the purpose? often into middle and old age, so the need to bring to justice those who have committed these terrible crimes Mrs May: As I indicated in response to the right hon. is surely uncontroversial. Will the Home Secretary make Member for Blackburn, the panel may well look at the sure that those who have evidence to give or allegations question of record keeping. It is right that there are to make can do so in the most convenient form possible— certain processes in place, as I also indicated in my that is, to one central police force which masterminds earlier response. One of the issues we are dealing with is the national investigation—rather than having a whole that, over the years and the time period we are looking host of police forces collecting the information and at, a number of different approaches to record keeping giving it to the Crown Prosecution Service? At the were taken by Government Departments. It is, I think, moment, there seems to be a drip-feed of insinuation, best practice to identify what has happened to particular which is causing a lot of distress to innocent people. records when they are identified, but the practice of What we need to see is the guilty prosecuted and brought what is done has varied over time. That is one of the to justice, rather than the innocent having their reputations aspects that we will obviously need to consider. trashed. Mr Elfyn Llwyd (Dwyfor Meirionnydd) (PC): I very Mrs May: I take very seriously the point made by my much welcome the announcement of the panels of hon. and learned Friend. In a sense, we are dealing with inquiry, but may I ask the right hon. Lady a specific two types of allegations. The first are allegations that question about a north Wales matter? Some 18 months may be made in cases relating to the information given ago, Mrs Justice Macur was appointed to look at the to the Home Office in the 1980s. There are also allegations Waterhouse inquiry, specifically to see whether its remit about activities at children’s homes in different parts of was too narrow and whether there was evidence of the country. I will reflect on my hon. and learned wider sexual abuse. She completed her work in July last Friend’s comment about the appropriate way in which year; since then, there has been silence. Will the right those allegations can be made and properly investigated. hon. Lady look into that matter, and advise the House I also echo his other point, because I think we have all when the findings will be published? seen, in interviews given by people who are well into their middle age or older and who were abused as Mrs May: I am very happy to do that, and to write to children, that this is not a matter that goes away. It is the right hon. Gentleman about the outcome of my not something that can be forgotten. It lasts with people inquiry. In relation to certain matters in north Wales, I for the rest of their lives and we owe it to them to give am obviously aware that Operation Pallial, a criminal them truth and justice. investigation, is also taking place. That may be affecting the issue, but I will certainly look into it. Simon Danczuk (Rochdale) (Lab): I welcome the Home Secretary’s statement. Survivors of child sex abuse are very brave in dealing with the horrific attacks Nicola Blackwood (Oxford West and Abingdon) (Con): that they have had to endure. How will the proposed I strongly welcome the Home Secretary’s announcement inquiry engage with and thoroughly involve the victims of the inquiry. For too long, survivors of appalling of child sex abuse? abuse have been denied the transparency and justice they deserve, and in Oxford we know too well the Mrs May: I think it would be most appropriate for long-term toll that that can take. For that reason, we the chairman and panel themselves to decide what to do must not raise false hopes today. Does the Secretary of on that matter, rather than Government trying to tell State agree that, in addition to access to Government them what to do. Once the name of the chairman is and police papers, transparency from local authorities announced, I am sure that Members of this House who will be essential to achieving a just and effective inquiry? have experience of dealing with these matters will wish How does she intend to achieve such transparency? to make their views known, but I think it is best to leave it to the chairman and panel to identify how they wish Mrs May: My hon. Friend is also well placed to to work and take evidence and comments from people. comment on these matters. She has done a considerable May I commend the hon. Gentleman, who is another amount of work, particularly following the recent cases Member of this House who has done a great deal of of child sexual exploitation and grooming in her work on this matter in trying to uncover the truth about constituency and elsewhere in Oxford, under the Thames those who have been victims? Valley police. She is right: I intend the terms of reference for the panel of inquiry to be drawn quite widely, and Mr Bernard Jenkin (Harwich and North Essex) (Con): they will therefore relate not just to central Government I welcome my right hon. Friend’s announcement of the papers. I will publish the terms of reference in due overarching inquiry, which is important because if we course, when it has been possible to discuss them with wish to empower children to resist and report child sex the appointed chairman. She is also right that local abuse, we need to demonstrate that as adults we are authorities, with both their direct responsibilities for prepared to talk openly about these things. Will she give child protection and their responsibilities for placing her view on whether it is correct that no Government children in care of various sorts, will be an important record should be destroyed without a record of its being source of information. destroyed being kept? If that is what has happened in these 114 cases, is she confident that it is not still Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) (Lab): Whatever happening, and is she satisfied that the Lord Chancellor’s investigations and inquiries take place in the coming code of practice on the management of records— months and possibly years, will the Home Secretary 33 Child Abuse7 JULY 2014 Child Abuse 34 ensure that there is support for victims, including, crucially, looked-after children, that if they have worries that they counselling, which for many years has been far too cannot communicate to the people who are looking difficult for both children and adults to access? Given after them, there is an outside place to which they can the way in which child abuse is sometimes discussed go with confidence to talk about their worries? publicly, will she work closely with ministerial colleagues On archives, may I refer my right hon. Friend to the to make sure that the child protection system and those letter that she has received from Dr Richard Stone—I working in child protection are not in any way undermined do not expect her to respond to it this afternoon—about by inquiries into historical abuse? the hidden stories of the Stephen Lawrence inquiry? As a member of the inquiry, he did not have access to the Mrs May: The hon. Gentleman’s question about papers while trying to implement the recommendations. counselling support for victims is more appropriate for It seems to me to be important that we learn the lessons other Departments to consider, but I will certainly raise from that. it with my colleagues. In relation to the way in which we discuss this issue, he is right that many people are working assiduously to protect and safeguard children, Mrs May: I will obviously look carefully at the letter and I in no way wish to undermine the work that they to which my hon. Friend refers and at examples from are doing. It is important for us to look at a number of other inquiries that have taken place. allegations and cases where people have been prosecuted It is important that young people who are victims of for historical abuse, but we have of course seen more sexual abuse feel able to go somewhere to report it. As recent cases of abuse—I mentioned a number of areas has been said by more than one Member today, I hope in my statement—and it is important for us to learn the fact that we are talking about this matter and our from those cases to ensure that we have the best systems acknowledgement of what has happened to young people in place to provide the protection for children that we in the past and the importance of dealing with it will all want. give victims greater confidence that if they come forward, they will be listened to and heard. Sir Paul Beresford (Mole Valley) (Con): I thank my We have seen recent cases that have been taken forward right hon. Friend for her statement. Does she not agree by police forces. Sadly, I see the list of the operations that the situation has dramatically improved since, say, that the police are taking forward to deal with child 2003? The public attitude has improved, and legal changes sexual exploitation and grooming up and down the have led to improvements; in fact, the authorities are country. Frankly, the number of cases is shocking. now in a position to be proactive when they get the Again, as young people see those cases being dealt with, chance and when information is brought forward. Does hopefully it will give them the confidence to come she agree that agencies such as the police and social forward if they have been victims of abuse. services should have a legal obligation to provide information to the inquiry on request, and to act in a positive manner towards it? Mr Dennis Skinner (Bolsover) (Lab): As well as setting off these reviews by the great and the good, the so-called Mrs May: I certainly agree with my hon. Friend that independent experts and the people that are known to all agencies should act constructively and positively in the Government, would it not be more convincing if the relation to the inquiry—I encourage them to do so—because Home Secretary had said, “I’m going to do something that is how we can get to the truth. We have seen that in else. I’m going to make sure that all those cuts in the similar inquiry panels that have taken place. On his first public sector and in local authorities are reversed, and point, I commend my hon. Friend for the work that he that people who deal with child abuse every single day has done over many years in looking at the legislative get a decent pay rise”? That is what the Government structure, dealing with the issues and working with the ought to do if they really mean it. police to ensure that the best possible support is given in relation to the activities of paedophiles. Most recently, Mrs May: This Government have a record of being we have of course seen the new offence of possessing willing to deal with and address issues of child sexual paedophile manuals in the Serious Crime Bill. exploitation. I particularly commend the work that was done by my hon. Friend the Member for East Worthing Mr Ronnie Campbell (Blyth Valley) (Lab): Will the and Shoreham (Tim Loughton) as Minister for children Home Secretary look at Operation Rose in on the strategy to deal with child exploitation, which is Northumberland, which took place a few years ago? It having an impact. Of course the Government must is becoming more apparent that it was a whitewash as constantly look at whether we can do more. That is why more victims come forward each day and each month. it is important to have the panel to look at the lessons learned. Mrs May: I am happy to take away the point that the hon. Gentleman raises. It is precisely because I want to Mr Rob Wilson (Reading East) (Con): May I add my ensure that we cover all the cases that have come up that welcome for the measures that the Home Secretary has I think it is important that the terms of the inquiry announced? They will offer great reassurance to the panel are drawn quite widely. I will look into the matter public. It is important that all public institutions, including that he raises. Parliament and the NHS, are held to account. In that respect, will she confirm that the inquiry will have full Sir Peter Bottomley (Worthing West) (Con): The access to information from quasi-public bodies, such as country will welcome the principles behind my right the BBC, as well as from institutions where we know hon. Friend’s reviews and panel. Will she, along with significant child abuse has taken place, such as the other Departments, make it clear to all children, especially Church? 35 Child Abuse7 JULY 2014 Child Abuse 36

Mrs May: As I have said, the terms of reference will intelligence services had surveillance on this man? If be published in due course. It is my intention that it they did put in reports, why was no action taken on should be a wide inquiry. It should therefore be possible them? for it to look not just at state institutions but at other bodies to see whether they have been protecting children Mrs May: In response to an earlier question, I addressed appropriately or not, as the case may be. the issue of my expectation of the panel being able to have as much access to Government papers as possible. Lisa Nandy (Wigan) (Lab): In the mid-1990s, a senior On the wider issue the hon. Gentleman raises, this is ex-Whip who had served in the 1970s told the BBC that precisely why we need to look back at these cases and the Whips Office routinely helped MPs with scandals, ask why somebody who was serially abusing a large including those, in his own words, “involving small number of people—children and adults—over a period boys”, and that they did so to exert control over those of time was able to do so while continuing to be feted by individuals and prevent problems for the Government. society at large. That is just one powerful example of how personal and political interests can conspire to prevent justice from Mr Graham Stuart (Beverley and Holderness) (Con): happening. May we have a full commitment that the The Home Secretary was right to be cautious about an inquiry will consider not just the police and social overarching inquiry. Is she now convinced that an inquiry services but what happens at the heart of power, and that covers multiple decades and multiple institutions, that if those systems are found to exist today, they will in the public sector and outside, will be sufficiently be overturned, whether or not it makes life uncomfortable focused and effective? The last thing we want is for the for political parties, Parliament or the Government? inquiry to fail to draw a line for those who have suffered such horrors in their early years. Mrs May: It is not my intention that political parties be outside the scope of the inquiry.It has to be wide-ranging Mrs May: My hon. Friend makes a very important and it has to look at every area where it is possible that point. There is often a tension between ensuring that a people have been guilty of abuse. We need to learn report or an inquiry can look as widely as is necessary lessons to ensure that the systems we have in place are to get to the truth, while at the same time ensuring that able to identify that and deal with it appropriately. it does not continue for so long that it ceases to have relevance when it reports. I will be discussing this matter Mr Nigel Evans (Ribble Valley) (Con): I welcome the with the chairman of the inquiry to ensure that it can be reviews announced by the Home Secretary today. We conducted in such a manner that lessons can be learned want those reviews to be thorough, but we do not want sufficiently swiftly for action to be taken to ensure we another Chilcot—we do not want them to drag on are protecting children today. interminably. May we be assured that there will be some form of time scale by which they will be expected to Pete Wishart (Perth and North Perthshire) (SNP): report? As far as the 114 missing files are concerned, On behalf of nationalist Members, I welcome the inquiry they are either destroyed, missing or not found. It seems and the other investigations that the Home Secretary to me that somebody believes they may still be there. has mentioned, but will she assure me that, where Will the Home Secretary assure the House that somebody possible, she will keep the devolved Administrations is still looking for the files and that no stone will be left informed of the progress of the inquests and work with unturned until we know exactly where they are? them to ensure that we really get to the heart of the matter? Mrs May: On the timetable, as I indicated, I would expect the inquiry panel work to go beyond the general Mrs May: I am happy to give the hon. Gentleman the election. It is necessary that it has sufficient time to do assurance that we will talk to the devolved Administrations its job properly and comprehensively, but I undertake and work with them on the work of this inquiry. Some to have a progress update report presented to Parliament matters will cover England and Wales, and other matters before May 2015. The deadline or final timetable is are of a devolved nature, which makes it particularly something that needs to be discussed with the chairman important to work with the devolved Administrations. of the panel, because it will be partly determined by the way they intend to operate the work of the panel. It will Michael Ellis (Northampton North) (Con): I read the also be determined by the progress of the criminal executive summary of the 2013 review, according to investigations, because we do not want to jeopardise which 114 files were said to have been lost or destroyed. them. The investigator says, however, that he looked only at The investigator certainly did not find any evidence what he called the central Home Office database. What that the files were, in any shape or form, in existence, about files that might be held by the Security Service or but I think what I am saying is that there is no categorical other agencies? Will the Home Secretary confirm that evidence that they had been destroyed, because that had files held by such bodies and those held on other not been recorded—hence the issues that have been databases will be incorporated in the review? raised about the recording of matters relating to records. Mrs May: I certainly think it important for other Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): Sir Jimmy Savile databases to be interrogated and looked into. As I was the honoured invited guest at 11 new year’s eve indicated in response to an earlier question from the parties hosted by a Prime Minister. He was given the hon. Member for West Bromwich East (Mr Watson), keys to two hospitals by Health Ministers. He was a there are issues around access to certain matters that trusted friend of royalty. Can we know whether the relate to secret and intelligence material. I am sure, 37 Child Abuse7 JULY 2014 Child Abuse 38 however, that there are ways of ensuring that all appropriate revelations and the need for transparency and urgency material—whether it be appropriate for the review or in the investigation of them, and gently regretting the for the inquiry panel—will be looked into. rather partisan approach taken by the shadow Home Secretary, which contrasts with the all-party spirit of Ann Coffey (Stockport) (Lab): In the 1970s and ’80s, the 141 Members who called for the inquiry. there was a confusion between sexual liberation and Will the panel have the power to summon evidence sexual exploitation, and that gave cover for the abuse of and subpoena witnesses, will it be able to go where it some children to escape challenge. Much progress has needs to go, and, crucially, will it be able to trigger been made, but victims of child abuse are still being criminal investigations of anyone who is found to be blamed for their own exploitation. Does the Home responsible for covering up such acts, rather than just Secretary agree that if we are to make significant progress the perpetrators? in protecting our children, the independent inquiry panel needs to look at current attitudes as well as Mrs May: I thank my hon. Friend for his comments. I understand historical attitudes? also commend him for the work that he has done for many years, and not just as Minister for Children: I Mrs May: The hon. Lady makes an important point remember how assiduous he was during our time in about the atmosphere and attitudes against which these opposition in trying to ensure that children were properly abuses took place. We need to be very clear about what protected, and that issues such as the abuse and exploitation amounts to abuse today. That is why, in a related of children. and their lack of safety, were taken into context, the Home Office has run a “This is Abuse” account and dealt with properly. campaign for teenagers to help them identify when abuse is taking place. Sadly, some might have seen If the panel found allegations that it believed would abusive relationships that were portrayed to them as be dealt with more appropriately by the police through normal. We need to ensure that everybody understands a criminal investigation, I would expect the allegations what abuse is, and understands their ability to say no. to be passed to the police for that purpose. The panel will be able to call witnesses. Its initial structure will not enable it to require witnesses to come before it, and it Mark Reckless (Rochester and Strood) (Con): The will have to consider whether calling a witness would in Home Secretary mentioned political parties. On alleged any way jeopardise or prejudice a criminal investigation child abuse by past or present Members of Parliament, that was taking place if that individual was involved in will she confirm whether the inquiry will consider any the investigation. However, as I have said, if the chairman allegations or evidence held by the Whips? decides to recommend that the inquiry panel be turned into a full statutory inquiry under the Inquiries Act Mrs May: The intention of the inquiry panel is to be 2005—which would, of course, have the right to require able to look as widely as possible at these issues. I witnesses to come forward—we will make it absolutely should perhaps clarify a point: the inquiry panel will clear that we will go down that route. not be conducting investigations into specific allegations, which would properly be matters for criminal investigations. It is looking across the board at how these matters have Ann Clwyd (Cynon Valley) (Lab): In the early 1990s, I been approached in the past and asking the question—I interviewed seven young men in my constituency, all of intend this to be drawn quite widely—whether the whom had been victims of child abuse at Bryn Estyn in proper protections for children were in place, and if not, north Wales. None of them asked for compensation, whether those gaps still exist today, and if so, what we but all of them said “We want someone to say sorry.” need to do to fill those gaps. I expect as much information That was uppermost in their minds: they wanted as possible to be given to the panel to enable it to someone to admit that what he or she had done was achieve that. wrong. I had to bring parliamentary business to a halt two Helen Goodman (Bishop Auckland) (Lab): In the nights running on the Floor of the House in order to course of doing constituency casework, every Member get the main allegations contained in the then secret will come across vulnerable adults and children. Does Jillings report into the public eye. Shortly afterwards a the Home Secretary agree that Members of Parliament public inquiry was set up, and all talk of that was shut and caseworkers should undergo Criminal Records Bureau down for three years. I have given evidence to Operation checks? We have legislated for everybody else in similar Pallial, one of the inquiries that have been taking place. positions of responsibility to have those checks, so is it Can the Home Secretary give any time frame for when it not time that we did so here, too? might report? In my view, this has dragged on for far too long. Mrs May: There is, in a sense, a paradox here, in that a Member of Parliament can go into a school without a Mrs May: The right hon. Lady has raised an important CRB check, but the inquiry panel will be considering point. I cannot give her a time frame for Operation how we can protect children, whether there are gaps Pallial, in relation to its termination. Obviously it is anywhere, and whether we need to fill those gaps. I ongoing, and is dealing with individuals and matters as expect its report to identify areas in which the panel it comes across them and is able to deal with them. considers it necessary, potentially, to legislate further in However, I will write to her about what it has been order to protect children. doing and how long it thinks the process might take.

Tim Loughton (East Worthing and Shoreham) (Con): Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): The police I commend my right hon. Friend for—uniquely, it would are becoming increasingly successful at breaking seem—understanding the gravity of these never-ending up human trafficking rings. Adult victims of human 39 Child Abuse7 JULY 2014 Child Abuse 40

[Mr Peter Bone] Mrs May: My hon. Friend makes an important point and, if I may, I will look into the specific issue he has trafficking are looked after in safe homes which are raised about the films or videos from the 1970s which run safely and are the responsibility of the Ministry of have been digitised. I am satisfied generally that CEOP Justice. Unfortunately, however, children are given to does have the powers it needs, but he has raised a very local authorities to be looked after, and there is specific issue and I will look into it and get back to him. evidence that they are often re-trafficked and abused again. Will the Home Secretary consider installing for Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab): The three principles children a system similar to the one that we have for of justice for victims, transparency of process and learning adults? the lessons are absolutely right and necessary, but does the Home Secretary not consider that they may not be Mrs May: The purpose of the child advocate trials sufficient unless there is a care package of support that we are introducing is precisely to find out how we attached to the inquiry, because otherwise victims may can best ensure that child victims of human trafficking still feel reluctant in coming forward? She referred are given the support and help that they need. As my earlier to it being for other Departments to look at that; hon. Friend has said—and he recognises this through I believe it is for hers. the work that he has done, particularly when he was chairman of the all-party parliamentary group on human Mrs May: It is, of course, right that the Home Office trafficking and modern day slavery—some youngsters is establishing the inquiry panel, and we will be discussing sadly find themselves being trafficked again when in with the inquiry panel what it considers will be necessary local authority care. for it to be able to ensure it can undertake its investigations This is appalling. I am afraid that over the years this and review in the best possible way. country can take no comfort at all from its record on children in local authority care, and we have seen many Mr Robert Buckland (South Swindon) (Con): As appalling cases as a result of that. I hope that the child someone who called for an overarching review, may I advocate trials will show us where best practice is and warmly welcome my right hon. Friend’s statement? how we can best support these children. Does she agree that one of the possible causes of the seeming culture of impunity that existed in the ’70s and ’80s was the fact that the courts made no adjustment Mr Gordon Marsden (Blackpool South) (Lab): I welcome whatsoever for the evidence of children and young the Home Secretary’s report, and may I suggest that one people and there was a statutory requirement that juries of the things the inquiry panel might look at is the in England and Wales had to be warned about the adequacy, or otherwise, of multiagency activity in pursuing absence of corroborative evidence in sexual complaints? the point she has just made? She has talked twice now about the investigator having determined that files had Mrs May: My hon. Friend’s experience of matters not been removed deliberately or inappropriately, but relating to the courts is, of course, greater than mine, she has also said the record of housekeeping on this but I think he is absolutely right that one of the things matter has been varied. Can she tell the House how the that has developed over the years has been a willingness investigator determined that these files were not removed of the criminal justice system as a whole to recognise deliberately or inappropriately, and if she cannot tell the need to put in place more specific support for those the House that, will the inquiry look specifically into vulnerable witnesses, to ensure they are able to bring that issue? their evidence forward. Of course justice requires that the evidence that people give is appropriately challenged, Mrs May: The review that will be taking place under but it is important that over the years—not just in issues the direction of Peter Wanless, the chief executive of relating to child abuse, but in some other matters as the NSPCC, with the support I indicated earlier, will well—the courts have recognised the need to make sure precisely be looking at the investigator’s review to see that witnesses are not put off coming forward by what is whether it was conducted properly and whether the going to be their experience at trial. information was properly dealt with, and will look at what the Home Office did in relation to the files and so Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): I am still a little forth. So it is a matter that will be looked at by the unclear as to the scope of the Wanless review into the review of the review. 114 missing files. The Home Secretary described it as a “review of the review”. Will it have the power to go Dr Phillip Lee (Bracknell) (Con): I thank the Home further and take evidence from other people who may Secretary for her important and measured statement. know something about the missing files that was not the With the apparent loss of in excess of about 100 Home subject of the original investigation in 2013? Office documents that are relevant to this statement, current testimonies from past victims take on a greater Mrs May: I have put a copy of the terms of reference importance. In view of that, is the Home Secretary of the review in the Library, so it will be possible for the satisfied that the police, and in particular the Child hon. Lady and others to see those. She described it as a Exploitation and Online Protection Centre, have the review of the 114 files, but it is not a review of the necessary powers to protect victims from ongoing 114 files; it is a review of all the work that was done by blackmail? In particular, I gather that there are general the investigator to see how the Home Office handled the concerns around the potential use of photographs and letters from Geoffrey Dickens and other information films from the 1970s and ’80s which have now been that became known to it to ensure that it was handled digitised in order to discourage victims from coming appropriately. As I indicated, the review will be looking forward. at other matters that relate to the police and prosecuting 41 Child Abuse7 JULY 2014 Child Abuse 42 authorities. It will also look at whether further information inquiry panel to determine a particular allegation; if is available in relation to the 114 files and whether the there is an allegation where a criminal investigation is original review’s assessment of their significance was more appropriate, it should be referred to the police for reasonable. criminal investigation. It will, however, be looking across the board at these historical allegations and at why so Mark Pritchard (The Wrekin) (Con): Whether in many children in so many different environments—in private homes or public institutions, child sex abuse is, the care of the state and in other areas—found themselves sadly, all too prevalent in British society. Therefore, will the victims of this abuse and apparently nothing was the Home Secretary look again, for current cases, at the done to protect them properly. tariff for serious sexual crimes, given that the current tariffs and sentences are clearly not working as a deterrent? Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): Further to the points made by my hon. Friend the Member for West Mrs May: My hon. Friend makes an interesting Bromwich East (Mr Watson), we know that special point. This is a matter more properly for the Justice branch suppressed files alleging criminality in the Cyril Secretary to look at, and I will ensure that it is raised Smith case. Allegations have been made that the intelligence with him. services have been involved in the hushing up of police inquiries. Will the Home Secretary accept in terms, and John Mann (Bassetlaw) (Lab): Operation Fernbridge tell the House today that she accepts completely, that has been given details of the blocked 1988 investigation without access to those records, including those of the into child prostitution, sex rings, prominent people and intelligence services, this new inquiry will not be able to children’s homes in Lambeth. Can we be certain that it establish the truth? has sufficient resources to see whether those files still exist—and if not, where they have gone—and to prosecute Mrs May: I had hoped that I had made it clear to the if possible? In addition, this year in Bassetlaw six people House that it is my intention and expectation that all have come forward and made allegations of historical material, or Government papers, will be made available child abuse, but there have been no prosecutions, to the inquiry panel. The caveat that I put on that—I Nottinghamshire police have lost files and Nottinghamshire am sure that the hon. Gentleman and other right hon. social services have destroyed files. Will that be in the and hon. Members will recognise this—is that if, when remit of one of these investigations now taking place? we are dealing with this material, intelligence matters are involved, certain care will have to be taken in the Mrs May: On the resources available to Operation way in which that material is dealt with. I intend that, as Fernbridge, it is an operational matter for the commissioner far as possible, Government papers will be made available to determine what resources are appropriate for the to the inquiry so that that inquiry can come to a proper level of investigation that is necessary. I am sure that we determination. all want the same thing: to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice. The whole point of the inquiry panel Stephen Mosley (City of Chester) (Con): I welcome is to look at lessons learned as a result of these various the inquiry that the Home Secretary has announced. reviews of historical allegations that have taken place. Much of the discussion that we have had today has Obviously, I would expect it to be wide ranging in been around historical cases. Is she confident that if ensuring that it is indeed identifying all the lessons that such a bundle of documents were to be handed to her need to be learned and the actions that need to be today, it would be treated in a much better manner? taken. Mrs May: I would hope that, if a similar bundle were Jason McCartney (Colne Valley) (Con) rose— handed in to the Home Office today, officials would ensure that those documents went to the police and Mr Speaker: Order. I am happy to call the hon. were properly investigated. In the case of the material Gentleman if he can confirm on the record that he was that came in to previous Home Secretaries, the evidence here at the start. of the review was that material that should have been handed to the police was handed to the police, but we Jason McCartney: Absolutely, Mr Speaker. will be looking to ensure that that is what actually took place. Obviously, if such material were handed to the Mr Speaker: Good. I call Jason McCartney. Home Office today, I would expect the Home Office to keep appropriate records and ensure that the police Jason McCartney: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Much of were taking those matters on board as appropriate. Geoffrey Dickens’s former Huddersfield West seat was incorporated into my constituency, so there is much Pat Glass (North West Durham) (Lab): May I press local interest in this in my part of the world. I very the Home Secretary on the issue of intelligence files? Is much welcome the announcement of today’s independent she confirming to the House that all special branch files inquiry. Will the Home Secretary assure me that it will that are not connected to national security will be made look into all the evidence and all the allegations, no available? matter how old? Mrs May: I have indicated to the House that I would Mrs May: The point is that the inquiry panel should expect Government papers to be made available to the be able to look at historical allegations and identify inquiry. I remind Members of the House that, where what lessons need to be learned. As I indicated in information is currently being used in a criminal response to an earlier question, I think it is appropriate investigation, we do not want the inquiry’s work in any for me to make it clear again that it will not be for the way to jeopardise or prejudice criminal investigations 43 Child Abuse7 JULY 2014 Child Abuse 44

[Mrs May] clear in my statement, if the chairman of the panel recommends that it would be preferable to move to a that are taking place. I used a phrase in my statement full statutory inquiry, that will be done. about Government “making all papers available” to the inquiry. Obviously, it is for the chairman and the panel Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Selly Oak) (Lab): I to determine how they wish to conduct the inquiry, but welcome the Home Secretary’s statement. When the the Government will be open to the inquiry. Sedwill review specifically established that the Dickens letters had not been kept, did it also try to establish who had authorised their disposal, and if not, why not? Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab): I welcome the Home Secretary’s statement today. Does she agree that although Mr Sedwill found no evidence that the 114 files Mrs May: The review looked at the way in which the that were not available had been removed or destroyed information that had come in from Geoffrey Dickens—and, inappropriately, it does not in any way mean that it is indeed, any other information—had been handled, to not deeply concerning that those files have gone missing, ensure that it was being handled appropriately. The nor does it in any way provide positive evidence that evidence that it found was that matters that should have they were not inappropriately removed? It just means been handed over to the police for investigation were that no evidence was provided one way or the other. indeed handed to the police for investigation. As I have said, four pieces of information have subsequently been passed to the police because it was felt that it was now Mrs May: The important point, as I understand it, appropriate to do so. The review will look at the whole is—I cannot find the exact phrase in my papers—whether question of what the investigator did and what evidence those files were of significance. The reviewer looked at they found. It will ensure that that investigation was the issues in terms of the files being identified. Obviously, done properly and that the handling of those matters he was not able to look into the files themselves precisely was entirely appropriate, in order to give greater confidence because there does not appear to be a record of whether precisely because questions have been raised. they had been destroyed, mislaid or simply not found. The purpose of having the review of the review is Mrs Madeleine Moon (Bridgend) (Lab): In the early precisely so that it is possible to go back on those issues 1980s, I was working in child protection in south Wales, and to look at them again and see whether further and rumours such as those that have been circulating information is available about those files—that is in the this weekend were also circulating then. Many of the terms of reference of the review of the review—and people who were working in child protection in the whether the issue was dealt with properly by the investigator. 1980s have now retired. Will there be a confidential access line to enable such people to come forward and reveal what they saw happening at the time? Such Mr Michael McCann (East Kilbride, Strathaven and material might not be suitable for a police inquiry, but it Lesmahagow) (Lab): On 23 May 2012 at Prime Minister’s might well help to build a picture of what was prevalent questions, I raised the issue of the abuse that took place then and of what engagement took place between the at Medomsley detention centre. My constituent, John police and other authorities and those who had concerns McCabe, was raped every day for nine months by about children being picked up at the end of the lane in guards and others inside and outside Medomsley. John large cars but found that they could get nowhere with has waived his anonymity and, because of his courage, those concerns. 700 victims from the detention centre have come forward, and 70-plus detectives from County Durham police Mrs May: It is precisely in order to learn the lessons force are going through the evidence. What has always that we need to know what was going on, and the puzzled me is that much of the evidence that was inquiry is obviously going to have to look quite widely available was already in the hands of the Home Office. in order to find that out. It will have to look at the Why did the Home Office not instigate the investigation? documentary evidence from the reviews that have taken Does the Home Secretary not accept that the only way place. I do not want to dictate to the inquiry what it to get to the truth about the depths to which paedophile should do or how it should undertake its work, but I am circles have infiltrated state systems is to cut to the sure that the chairman and the panel will be alive to the chase and announce a public inquiry today? fact that, in order to get to the truth, they will need to hear from those who have felt unable to speak out in the Mrs May: We are absolutely clear that the way forward past. is to ensure that work can start soon and that we do not delay this work because of the impact it could have on Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth) the criminal investigations. The hon. Gentleman mentioned (Lab): I also welcome the Home Secretary’s statement. the fact that a significant number of police officers in May I press her on the point about the missing 114 files the County Durham force were looking into the allegations and ask how the investigator could have concluded, of the abuse that took place at Medomsley detention without having had sight of them, that they had not centre, and I am sure that he would want to ensure that been “removed or destroyed inappropriately”? Did the those criminal investigations could continue and that, Home Secretary ask that question herself? where evidence that was suitable for charge and prosecution was found, those charges should be laid and those Mrs May: I made it absolutely clear earlier that that prosecutions should be taken forward. I want to ensure review was initiated by the permanent secretary, and that the work that is now going to be done does not that it reported to the permanent secretary. The review jeopardise the prosecution of perpetrators. That is why itself has been passed to the police, together with any I have set this up today as an inquiry panel. As I made appropriate evidence that it was felt right to pass to the 45 Child Abuse 7 JULY 2014 46 police. Obviously, the review looked at a large number Local Growth Deals of files and put together evidence as to how these matters were dealt with. The whole question of how it 4.55 pm looked at the judgments that were made by the investigator when he undertook the review is one of the issues that The Minister of State, Cabinet Office (Greg Clark): will be looked at by the review of the review. With permission, Mr Speaker, I would like to make a statement about growth deals. Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) (Lab): I welcome During the past four years, the Government’s long-term the Home Secretary’s statement. One consequence of economic plan has turned the British economy around. her establishing an inquiry such as the one that she has The deficit has been cut by a third, employment is at a announced today might be that victims hitherto unknown record high with 2 million more private sector jobs to the authorities will come forward with new or additional created, inflation is low and the UK is one of the fastest evidence on existing cases. Will she ensure that, as part growing economies in the G7. of the terms of reference for the inquiry, a sensitive and One of the striking features of the recovery is the confidential procedure will be put in place to allow resurgence of our regional economies. Since June 2010, victims, including new victims, to come forward and almost three quarters of net new jobs created have been present their evidence in a confidential and sensitive outside London. In the west midlands, where I was this manner and, when necessary, for that information to be morning, export growth is higher than anywhere else in shared not just with the inquiry but with criminal the country.In Yorkshire, more than 16,000 more businesses investigators? have sprung up since 2010, but our plan is for the long term and we want to go much further. Mrs May: As I said in response to the hon. Member for Bridgend (Mrs Moon), I would expect the inquiry to National growth is the sum of local growth. For our recognise the need to have appropriate measures in nation to prosper, every town, every city, and every place to enable evidence to come forward from those county needs to be able to fulfil its potential. It is who might otherwise find it difficult to give evidence or hopeless to try to run proud, distinct and unique cities, who have been put off from giving it in the past for fear towns and counties remotely from London. Instead, the of the consequences. people who live, work and do business in each area must be given the power to exercise local leadership and that is exactly what we have done through the city deals programme. The 39 growth deals we have agreed today build on the success of city deals and go much further. Responding to Lord Heseltine’s report, “No Stone Unturned”, the Chancellor committed at least £2 billion a year, for at least six years, of resources previously controlled by Departments in Whitehall. Control of this money will now be devolved to business and civic leaders across England. In response to this opportunity, local enterprise partnerships have developed action plans detailing how they would use those resources to drive local growth. The results have far exceeded expectations. The first year’s available funds were oversubscribed three and half times with proposals that were strong and credible. As a result, I am today announcing the transfer of £2 billion not just for the first year but for subsequent years too. The strength of the proposals means that I can today allocate a total of £6 billion. That includes major strategic investments that will continue over several years and commitments to projects that cannot start next year but for which planning and development can now get under way. That is still within the minimum of £12 billion that the Chancellor has made available, and I am now inviting all LEPs to begin immediately discussions on their next proposals, building on this substantial momentum. It is important to underline that we are not spending any more taxpayers’ money: this is a transfer of resources from central Government—one of the most centralised Governments in the world—to local communities, where they can get better value for money and make a bigger impact. Across all 39 deals as agreed so far, more than 500 projects will be funded by the local growth fund in partnership with local councils and private investors. They include more than 180 roads schemes, such as the dualling of the A421 in Milton Keynes and the building of a tunnel providing access to Wichelstowe in Swindon, 47 Local Growth Deals7 JULY 2014 Local Growth Deals 48

[Greg Clark] For today’s announcement to represent the kind of progress that we need, three tests must be met. First, allowing the creation of thousands of jobs and thousands does it represent a truly ambitious devolution of power of homes. They include the building or refurbishment and funding? Secondly, have local communities, their of 17 railway stations, including a major upgrade to businesses and councils determined the priorities? Thirdly, Wolverhampton station, the extension of the Metropolitan are today’s announcements new—is this new or additional line through to Watford junction, and making Curzon investment? Of course, we welcome any investment. Street in Birmingham ready for HS2, and linking the The Minister knows that I have supported the local HS2 station directly to Wolverhampton by tram. enterprise partnership bid in my area, and people across The projects include the devolution of skills investment, Northamptonshire will welcome the announcement about such as an oil and gas academy in Redcar—hon. Members Silverstone. However, today’s announcement is too little, may have been wondering when Teesside would come too late from a Government playing catch-up. up; the oil and gas academy will provide skills to people One of the first acts of this Government was the in the Tees valley—and an engineering training programme dogma-driven destruction of the regional development at the MIRA technology park. There will be investments agencies, without providing a proper replacement. It in science and technology, including in the Cheshire was economic vandalism, pure and simple. What of the science corridor at Alderley Park, a new metrology Government’s flagship regional growth fund, mired in centre for the world motorsports cluster at Silverstone, chaos and delay, creating more losers than winners, where most of the world’s Formula 1 teams have gathered, leaving successful bidders waiting for two years to receive and an expansion of the Bristol robotics hub. their money, and leaving hundreds of millions of pounds There will be a dedicated local small business advice to gather dust? Sadly, after four years of this Government, and support service run in partnership with the chambers it is little surprise that we have seen regional imbalances of commerce and other small business organisations in become starker and local areas held back. almost every part of England, and there will be further Lord Heseltine’s seminal report, “No Stone Unturned”, investments in house building, flood defences, tourist promised much and raised the hopes of many, but attractions, broadband infrastructure and further small today’s announcement shows that the Government are business advice. happy to leave plenty of stones unturned all over the The city of Glasgow is an indispensable member of country. Will the Minister say how much of the funding the family of great British cities. Having seen the success that Lord Heseltine’s report recommended should be of the city deals programme in England, I was greatly devolved has been devolved to local areas, and by how encouraged by the enthusiasm of Glasgow’s leaders to much today’s announcement falls short? The Minister is negotiate a city deal for their own city. Therefore, making the most of today’s announcement—he is one notwithstanding the fact that Scotland does not have of life’s optimists—but deep down, surely he knows that local enterprise partnerships, I have concluded a heads although it signals some progress, it falls well short of of terms agreement with Glasgow that mirrors the what is needed, not only in scale but in terms of how the English city deals and will result in £1.13 billion of Government have gone about this. investment in the Glasgow area, including a rail link to The second test is about who makes the decision. Glasgow airport, an innovative series of labour market Today’s announcement is not real devolution; it is a list schemes that will reduce unemployment, and an investment of centrally agreed projects. The criteria required shovel- package in life sciences and small business support. ready schemes; local enterprise partnerships were given Further details of the life science and business support the nod on the understanding that schemes needed to package will be announced in the coming weeks. be ready for next May, so that it looked like something The components of each growth deal will transform was happening before the next election. Is it not time to the prospects of local economies. However, the whole is move on from making these kinds of decisions in Whitehall, even bigger than the sum of the parts. This is a permanent where local areas have to take part in a beauty parade change in the way we run our country and our economy. so that Ministers can pick winners? Why not devolve No longer will Whitehall monopolise decision making the funds properly and let local areas decide the priorities? and shut out the role of local economic leadership. In Why not let them make the decisions that are right for this, the week of the 100th anniversary of the death of their economy, not just right for the Minister’s political Joseph Chamberlain, the great mayor of a great city, timetable? we are reviving the spirit of local leadership and The third test is whether this is new money. The entrepreneurship on which our nation’s prosperity depends. Minister claims to be announcing £2 billion today, but I commend this statement and these growth deals to it turns out that £1.1 billion has already been committed the House. to local transport projects. Some £267 million of this money still has not been allocated. Will the Minister 5.2 pm confirm when it will be allocated? As for the £6 billion figure, most of that, as the Minister well knows, is Andy Sawford (Corby) (Lab/Co-op): I thank the Minister money from local sources that we would try to bring for advance sight of the statement. As ever, the right forward anyway; certainly, Labour local authorities hon. Gentleman is courteous and constructive. That is are in the lead in doing that. [Interruption.] Well, the part of the reason why he is respected by MPs in all Minister has agreed that combined authorities in Labour parts of the House and by local authority leaders areas all around the country are trying to show real around the country, including in my own area. The leadership. Will he confirm how many unsuccessful bids problem is that the Minister is something of a lone there have been, and tell the House what estimate he has voice in the Government, trying to convince his colleagues made of the total cost, to both local authorities and to help all the regions of the UK to fulfil their promise. businesses, of putting together those failed bids? Is he 49 Local Growth Deals7 JULY 2014 Local Growth Deals 50 aware that small businesses in particular have been put it clear that only £1 billion of the £2 billion figure was off applying by the amount of bureaucracy, and by the competitively available, but we have gone further by requirement to pay the cost of due diligence up front? allocating £6 billion because the scheme was oversubscribed Many successful applicants have not proceeded for the by 3.5:1, which means that the quality of the proposals same reasons. What steps is he taking to address that? was so high that we thought it would be ridiculous to The Minister will be aware that the Leeds city region say, “Come back in a year’s time.” Why not give investors deal, which he personally signed, has been undermined confidence to get on with projects now so that they can by the Secretary of State’s announcement on referendums create jobs around the country? and precepts. Will the Minister reassure me that he will It is worth saying that this is not just Government sort this mess out—a mess of the Government’s making—so investment. For every £1 of Government investment that the Leeds transport fund can be properly established? there will be at least £2 of local investment as a result. In contrast to today’s much-hyped but severely limited The hon. Gentleman asked about Lord Heseltine’s view announcements from the Government, Labour has on the scheme. I was with Lord Heseltine this morning, committed to devolving £30 billion of funding from and he has travelled with me around almost every one Whitehall to city and council regions to spend on skills, of the 39 local enterprise partnerships to negotiate housing, transport, and business support, and to giving the deals. He expresses himself to be “thrilled” with the combined authorities the power to receive 100% of ambition that we have set through the programme, additional business rates revenue generated by growth which exceeds what he thought possible. He is delighted to support infrastructure and future economic development. with the programme. Whereas this Government are failing to deliver for I have thought about the hon. Gentleman’s suggestion businesses and communities across the country, a Labour that we should go further. Of course we should go Government will step up and genuinely pass down further, and the Chancellor has committed at least power and resources to local areas. £2 billion a year, but at no point during the 13 years of the previous Government was any of this suggested. It Greg Clark: What a ray of sunshine the hon. Gentleman is important that such things should be rigorously funded. is! I am grateful for his warm words, but if he thinks I read the Adonis report, and the small print states that that I am a lone voice, I do not know who he thinks the 100% of business rates should be devolved to the cities. people behind me and opposite him are. It is some “lone Under my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for voice” that delivers £6 billion of funding from central Communities and Local Government, half of business Government to our local economies. If that is a lone rates are now given to local authorities, which again did voice, it seems a pretty strong one. not happen during 13 years under Labour. Of course, Why is it that whenever Labour Front Benchers get £11 billion goes to the Treasury, so how will that £11 billion the opportunity, they talk the regions down—I say this be found? Is there a black hole? In fact, the small print to the hon. Gentleman’s colleague on the Front Bench, of the Adonis report states: the right hon. Member for Leeds Central (Hilary Benn), “This should be revenue neutral to the Exchequer through too—while their colleagues back in their constituencies offsetting reductions in government grants” are talking the regions up? Contrast the comments of to councils. In other words, it is a swizz: £11 billion of the hon. Member for Corby (Andy Sawford) with those grant cuts to councils to pay for the headline with which of Labour leaders right around the country. The Labour he came up. leader of Leeds city council said today that this was The difference between the Government and the tremendous news. He said: Opposition is that we act on our ambitions by taking “We are glad that the government has now listened to our money from central Government to invest in local exceptionally strong case to put the financial power in our hands”, government, rather than the other way around. and that the announcement “could be truly transformational”. Sir Nicholas Soames (Mid Sussex) (Con): I warmly Sir Albert Bore, the leader of Birmingham city council—I congratulate my right hon. Friend on this extraordinarily was with him in Birmingham this morning—said: ambitious announcement, which will command support “This is great news for Birmingham.” across the whole country. I understand that not every constituency in the land will benefit from that ambition, Joe Anderson, the mayor of Liverpool, said: so may I bring the leader of Mid Sussex district council “This is great news for Liverpool.” and his economic development team to tell the Minister Sir Richard Leese, the long-standing leader of Manchester about an absolute belter of an idea that we have for the city council, has said that there has been more progress next round? towards the devolution of powers to the core cities in the last three years of the coalition than during 13 years Greg Clark: I am always delighted to meet my right of Labour. The only “lone voice” is the increasingly hon. Friend and his council leaders, whom I have met lonely voice of Labour Front Benchers opposing the previously. The great advantage of my announcement increasingly unanimous view that we should be devolving today that we are immediately reopening negotiations power around the country in the way that we are. I hope for the next set of projects to build on the momentum is the hon. Gentleman will get with that, because we have that that meeting will be very timely indeed. confidence in our cities and it is no wonder that the cities are losing confidence in their representation from Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): May the Labour party. I press the Minister? As co-chair of the Yorkshire group The hon. Gentleman asked about the funding that we of MPs, I recently saw Lord Heseltine, and he did not have provided. I made it clear in my statement that we look that excited to me about the Government’s policy. have gone further than was originally proposed. We made Is it not the truth that we have had four pretty barren 51 Local Growth Deals7 JULY 2014 Local Growth Deals 52

[Mr Barry Sheerman] are those who live and work there. I commend to the right hon. Gentleman, who I know takes an interest in years? I do not deny that there is some good stuff in the these matters, the fact that one of our agreements is to programme, but the fact of the matter is that we still improve the standard of secondary education across the have central direction: some £80 billion will be spent on north-east—to do what has been done in London by High Speed 2, with no give or take on the local referendums transforming the prospects of every young person. As that some of us would like to see on that expenditure. someone who grew up in the north-east, I think that Could there not be more money for university partnerships will be of immense value not just for young people, but with local enterprise partnerships and local business? for employers.

Greg Clark: I am not surprised that my friend Lord Sir Alan Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed) (LD): I welcome Heseltine was a bit downcast if he was meeting Labour the fact that both coalition parties are determined to Members, but he has cheered up since he has been in raise standards in the north-east, but will that not also our company. The hon. Member for Huddersfield require a change of attitude by some Labour council (Mr Sheerman) should be cheered up that the chair of leaders, such as those in Northumberland who are his local enterprise partnership said today that this is “a withdrawing support for travel for those young people game-changing moment” for Leeds. We have worked seeking to improve their skills, even though they have to tirelessly with businesses to play a leading role in the travel a long way to get to a further education college? UK economy. His hon. Friend the Member for Corby referred to the Leeds city deal, and when he reads the documents that I sent to every Member he will see that Greg Clark: It is true that one of the hallmarks of a a £1 billion transport fund is now available for the successful local economy is people putting aside their Leeds city region to invest in its own priorities for differences and working together. One feature of the transport projects across the region. I was talking to growth deals that have been negotiated is the remarkable Keith Wakefield, the leader of Leeds city council, last ability of people who previously did not get on to put Thursday, and the deal exceeded even his expectations their differences aside and work together locally. I hope for what could be achieved. He is happy, and I hope the that will be the case in the north-east. hon. Gentleman will be happy, too. Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): Some exciting Several hon. Members rose— stuff is being bid for in Bristol, such as robotics and the use of composites in marine technology, as well as Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Dawn Primarolo): much-needed investment in public transport, but may I Order. I wonder whether we could make slightly faster ask the Minister about flexibility? When money has progress, because many Members wish to speak and previously been offered by local government, local people this statement will run to about a quarter to 6 in order have been told that there is no scope for negotiation and to make room for today’s business. Short questions and that all the money will simply be taken away if they short answers would be very helpful. object to the proposed schemes.

Mr Christopher Chope (Christchurch) (Con): What is Greg Clark: The hon. Lady is absolutely right; she in this announcement for Dorset, and will the Minister gives an accurate description of what happened under answer the question asked by the hon. Member for the previous Labour Government. One of the differences Huddersfield (Mr Sheerman) about how much money we are making is giving the flexibility to allow good and we could get if we abandoned HS2? If we did so, we capable local enterprise partnerships to set their own would have a lot more money for these schemes. priorities, so if an important economic opportunity arises, they should be able to change things around. Greg Clark: I will not be tempted to go in that That will be available to Bristol, as it will to other places direction, because I think that HS2 is very important across the country. for further boosting our regional economy. Dorset does very well from the scheme. As my hon. Friend will know, the package of improvements for unlocking transport Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): around Bournemouth airport is very important, and I enthusiastically welcome my right hon. Friend’s the port of Poole is receiving a lot of investment. There announcement, particularly the support for the has been particular investment in skills in Dorset to transformation of the Food and Environment Research ensure that its growing businesses can attract the people Agency in Sand Hutton. For that transformation to they need to meet the demands of their growing order succeed, smooth and safe access to the A64 will be books. imperative. What does he understand by the term “shovel- ready projects” that qualify before the highways authority Mr Nicholas Brown (Newcastle upon Tyne East) (Lab): will allocate any of that money to road improvements? The North East local enterprise partnership has said that it needs to create 60,000 new jobs by 2025 and that Greg Clark: The hon. Member for Corby asked me today’s announcement will create 4,000 by 2021. Where about that. It is prudent that money should be spent on will the other 56,000 new jobs come from? projects that are available to have that investment; otherwise we are tying up money that could be used elsewhere. A Greg Clark: The reason we are devolving powers in project needs to be deliverable in 2015-16 if that is what this way, and the reason the deal with the north-east has the funding is for. The great advantage of announcing a received such enthusiastic support, is that the best people pipeline of future schemes is that if they are not quite to make these decisions, and the people who know about ready yet, they will be able to have the green light shone an area’s skills requirements and transport investment, so that they can go forward in future. 53 Local Growth Deals7 JULY 2014 Local Growth Deals 54

Richard Burden (Birmingham, Northfield) (Lab): There manufacturing and status projects such as Sir Ben Ainslie’s are some excellent projects in the Birmingham and America’s cup challenge, is transforming Portsmouth Solihull area in today’s announcement, not least the into the maritime heart of the UK, and that the next long-awaited Longbridge connectivity package in my focus must be a new life and a new order book for area. Will the Minister join me in saying thank you to Portsmouth’s shipyard? Labour-run Birmingham city council and the Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP for working with the Greg Clark: I commend my hon. Friend, who has been Longbridge connectivity group to make this happen, in an absolutely indefatigable campaigner for Portsmouth. contrast with the rather disengaged attitude of the That resulted in the Portsmouth city deal, which, as she former Conservative city council administration? Does has rightly said, involved the release of Ministry of that indicate to him that where local partnerships work, Defence land that was not being used to make it available the Government should be more ambitious in devolving for the marine engineering businesses whose future is power? Is not that the real message of the Adonis very bright across the south coast, and particularly in report? Portsmouth. Greg Clark: The attitude behind the hon. Gentleman’s question is not the attitude that has caused the success Mr Kevan Jones (North Durham) (Lab): The devolution of the Birmingham and Solihull deal. People have not of finance must not only be seen to be accountable but been partisan or parochial; they have worked together actually be accountable. What discussions has the Minister’s and not sought to jockey for political advantage. That is Department had about the appointment of Paul Woolston, the right approach to take. the chair of the North East LEP, who has now been appointed to Middleton Enterprises, a company run by Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) (Con): I very much Jeremy Middleton, a well-known Conservative who is welcome my right hon. Friend’s announcement, in which also on the LEP investment board? We also learned last he confirms the Government’s commitment to the north week that the chief executive is now working for a of England. I particularly welcome the investment at Middleton company. Have the Minister or his Department the CATCH—Centre for the Assessment of Technical had any discussions about this? Competence—training facility at Stallingborough in my constituency. That is a partnership between the Greg Clark: Of course, I meet the local enterprise public and private sectors. Does he agree that those partnerships—all of them—regularly to discuss the kinds types of partnerships are the way forward if we are to of deals we are announcing. The hon. Gentleman will develop the skills that northern Lincolnshire and the know that the local authority leaders work very closely Humber area need in the modern economy? together—in fact, his own local authority leader, Simon Henig, is the chair of the combined authority—and Greg Clark: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. He is that they are democratically elected, and I know that a doughty campaigner for his constituency, and I have they make sure that taxpayers’ money is wisely spent. visited him and his colleagues on the Humber many times. He is one of the people who have been instrumental Robert Neill (Bromley and Chislehurst) (Con): May I in forging a consensus between the north bank and the congratulate my right hon. Friend, both politically and south bank of the Humber. Now that that consensus personally, on his commitment to delivering a further exists, the Humber is motoring; we can see the progress significant tranche of devolution? Does he agree that, in and momentum behind the economy there. He has order to see this through, it is very important not only played his part in that, and I congratulate him on it. that local authorities abandon the tribalism in evidence on the Opposition Benches, but that they make maximum Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) (Lab): The Minister entrepreneurial use of the other important devolutionary is a South Bank lad, so he should have some understanding power we gave them—the power of general competence of the challenges faced in the Tees valley. His statement in the Localism Act 2011, which will complement this tells of helping to create 1,000 jobs by 2021—in other tranche of measures? words, 1,000 jobs in seven years. That is less than 20% of the total number of unemployed people in Stockton, one of five boroughs in the Tees valley. Why has he not Greg Clark: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. He come up with something more substantial from the has personal responsibility for that power, since he, with Government in terms of investment for his former me, piloted the Localism Bill through Committee. The community? power is available to local authorities and I hope they will take it up. Greg Clark: The jobs figures that the hon. Gentleman cites are for the first year’s investment only. We have Lucy Powell (Manchester Central) (Lab/Co-op): May taken a conservative view. The Government do not I first respond to the Minister’s more partisan points create jobs directly; it is up to businesses to create jobs. before I move on to the less partisan point? People in The business community in the Tees valley, very ably led Manchester will judge his Government on all their by Sandy Anderson, have come forward with a set of policies, including local government cuts 10 times those proposals that they believe will propel the Tees valley of other, more prosperous areas and the welfare reform forward, and we have been able to say yes to them. agenda that is hitting my constituents the hardest. On the less partisan point, which is what I had hoped the Penny Mordaunt (Portsmouth North) (Con): Does statement would be about, given the reports by Michael the Minister agree that Government investment in Heseltine and Lord Adonis and today’s statement by infrastructure projects such as Tipner, and in marine Sir Richard Leese, we now really have cross-party consensus 55 Local Growth Deals7 JULY 2014 Local Growth Deals 56

[Lucy Powell] bid of £202 million was announced. Will my right hon. Friend assure me that future growth deals will continue for dramatic decentralisation, and I hope the Minister to benefit the county areas, as well as our great cities? will ensure that it goes further and faster over the coming months. Greg Clark: They certainly will. It is very important that our cities should prosper and succeed, but we have Greg Clark: I had also hoped that this statement huge strengths in our counties and districts, which is would be less partisan, but that was not entirely evident why I am particularly pleased that we could extend city from the earlier exchanges. Greater Manchester has deals to all parts of England through what we have been doing very well in recent years. If we look at the agreed in the programme today. cross-party leadership of Greater Manchester, including Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and Labour leaders, Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab): In Chesterfield, we will see that they get on well together in the interests we are grateful that the Minister has approved two of of Greater Manchester. The hon. Lady should take a the proposals brought forward by our local enterprise leaf out of their book. partnership. Does he not recognise, however, that real devolution is not about the Minister sitting in Whitehall Annette Brooke (Mid Dorset and North Poole) (LD): and saying which proposals he agrees with? It is about I congratulate the Government, because this is a really devolving the funds and letting the responsibility lie important step towards devolution and local decision with local authorities, precisely as Lord Adonis has making. I particularly welcome the contribution to proposed. Will the Minister acknowledge at the Dispatch Dorset, which will enable it to build on its already great Box that what he is proposing is a third of the size of strengths with its mixed economy.Should any partnerships the devolution proposed by Lord Adonis and does not anywhere in the country run into obstacles in making put responsibility and powers truly in the hands of local proposed investments in a timely fashion, will the authorities? Why does the Minister not follow Lord Adonis’s Department be able to support them? I want to see recommendations? action, not just words. Greg Clark: No, the hon. Gentleman is not right. He Greg Clark: My hon. Friend is absolutely right and I is right that Chesterfield will have substantial investment am grateful for her kind words. That is one of the in skills, which will be very important for his constituents, reasons we have established a pipeline so that, if there is but he is wrong to say that there will no flexibilities. It a delay in any particular project, another will be ready will be open to the local enterprise partnership to bring to take its place and be implemented. Dorset has a huge forward projects, as it has done—it made those proposals— contribution to make. I have mentioned some of the and to vary them if it thinks that that is in the local schemes. One of the very interesting and exciting ones interest. for the visitor economy in Dorset will be a new visitor attraction called Jurassica, which will feature the great Paul Uppal (Wolverhampton South West) (Con): May I strengths of the Jurassic coast. It has been suggested tell my right hon. Friend that the people of Wolverhampton that some exhibits might come from the Opposition are very heartened by this news, particularly as people Benches, but I am sure the fossils will be from Dorset. have tried to talk down the city in the past? In that vein, will he elaborate on the Wolverhampton interchange, Mr Andrew Love (Edmonton) (Lab/Co-op): Does the which will help private enterprise and connectivity in Minister agree that this modest but welcome proposal is the 21st century? certainly not a giant step towards rebalancing the British economy? Will he also confirm, as I think he was Greg Clark: My hon. Friend has been campaigning angling towards doing in an earlier response, that there for improvements to the Wolverhampton interchange is in fact no new money involved in today’s proposal? I for all the time he has been in the House, and it is a great think that the focus on affordable housing in London is day for him to succeed in that campaigning. The interchange correct, but could not the Government have done more is supported by businesses locally, and it will mean big about the borrowing powers of local authorities, to advantages not just for Wolverhampton but for the really get affordable housing going in London, where it whole of the region because of the connections that will is much needed? be made—for example, from Wolverhampton to the new HS2 station. Greg Clark: If the hon. Gentleman reads the small print, he will see that that is part of the announcement. Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Selly Oak) (Lab): It is I do not agree with his assessment. He should talk to fantastic and so unusual to have an opportunity to heap the leader of Leeds council, who has said: praise on the Minister, but with the general election “This deal spells the beginning of a fundamental shift in the 303 days away, how much of the £350 million will relationship between Whitehall and the regions. It marks the first steps of a new era which will allow the north”— Greater Birmingham see before the election, and when might we expect our first down payment on Selly Oak’s he is from Leeds— life sciences park? “to truly control its own destiny.” Such endorsements show that this is a pretty significant Greg Clark: I am very grateful to the hon. Gentleman set of changes. for his kind words—it might strike a different tone if he took his place on the Front Bench. There will be Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con): I was delighted to a cheque for £63 million of the funding for Greater welcome my hon. Friend the Exchequer Secretary to Birmingham and Solihull at the beginning of the next Gatwick this morning, where the Coast to Capital LEP financial year, but all the rest will be committed. I am 57 Local Growth Deals7 JULY 2014 Local Growth Deals 58 sure he would be delighted to come to the contract being made, we are giving a big vote of confidence to signing ceremony; it will be written down, just in case Cornwall and its ability to run its own affairs. I am people do not trust us. delighted to be doing that.

Mark Menzies (Fylde) (Con): This afternoon, I was Jason McCartney (Colne Valley) (Con): Roger Marsh, with the Secretary of State for Transport in Fylde, the chair of the local enterprise partnership that includes where we announced the Lytham St Annes to M55 link Kirklees, has said: road. Will the Minister assure the people of Fylde, who “This is a game-changing moment for the Leeds City Region.” are very excited about this announcement, that this shovel-ready project will indeed get under way in 2015-16, Does the Minister agree that, with the £1 billion of as planned? investment for the West Yorkshire Plus transport fund, the expansion of the skilled work force, business grants Greg Clark: It will, indeed. for growth and two days of the grandest of Grands Départs in Yorkshire, this really has been a momentous Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) (Lab): The weekend for Yorkshire? process of devolution to Greater Manchester was of course started in 2008 under a Labour Government, but Greg Clark: It has been a fantastic weekend for I certainly welcome today’s announcement, including Yorkshire. This is a Grand Départ of our own: we are the funds for Tameside college, which serves my setting off in a very different direction from that which constituency. If the Minister has any unallocated funds, we inherited. For 100 years, power has been sucked may I beg him to look again at the small town centre away from places such as Yorkshire; we are sending it initiative as part of the Greater Manchester package? back. That package includes a shovel-ready scheme for the Denton link road that would provide important access Ben Gummer (Ipswich) (Con): My right hon. Friend to the Oldham Batteries employment site, which has is a worthy heir of Joseph Chamberlain. In Norfolk and lain derelict for 10 years, but is an important piece of Suffolk, we are thrilled by the investment that is coming our regeneration jigsaw. back to the region as a result of his announcement. Will he confirm that items of expenditure that are not on the Greg Clark: I am sorry that the hon. Gentleman was current list but that are still on the wish lists of LEPs the last Labour Member standing, while there are still can be brought forward in a very short period? plenty of Government Members standing. The great advantage of the arrangements is that he can take his Greg Clark: I certainly can confirm that. I look case to Greater Manchester. It should no longer require forward to meeting the New Anglia local enterprise a Minister to agree to a local project; as a result of this partnership to take those matters forward. deal, the people who now have the budgets to implement such things are those in the Greater Manchester authority. Mr Robin Walker (Worcester) (Con): I thank the Nicola Blackwood (Oxford West and Abingdon) (Con): Minister for investing tens of millions of pounds Like our city deal, Oxfordshire’s growth deal is great in unlocking the economic potential of world-class news for local people: it will deliver more jobs and more Worcestershire, particularly through skills and transport housing; it will close the skills gap by delivering vital improvements such as the Worcestershire Parkway station skills opportunities; and it will take us a big step closer and the Southern link in Worcester. I give him particular to delivering flood protection. I do not want to seem thanks for the fact that the money is coming to Worcester ungrateful, but will the Minister also consider vital A34 rather than going to Wichita, as some Opposition Front improvements at every future opportunity, because they Benchers have suggested. are essential to our long-term local economic plan? Greg Clark: It is indeed. One of the great advantages Greg Clark: My hon. Friend is nothing if not tenacious. of travelling around the country negotiating these deals She has had a city deal, she has had a growth deal and is that one has the chance to meet people in the places now she wants another one. I have said that we will they represent. There is no substitute for having a bit of reopen negotiations, and it sounds as though Oxfordshire local knowledge. will be first in the queue. Fiona Bruce (Congleton) (Con): I welcome the Sarah Newton (Truro and Falmouth) (Con): I tremendous £45 million funding announcement for the congratulate my right hon. Friend because he has truly Congleton link road. Congleton is an aspirational town reached parts of England that the last Labour Government and Ministers listened to the business case that was put failed to reach. The commitment of hundreds of millions forward by business leaders, East Cheshire chamber of of pounds to Cornwall today is really welcome, but commerce, the local authority, the LEP and elected does he agree that the power shift from Whitehall to representatives. Does that not prove that when there is Cornwall is equally vital because it ensures that local effective joint working, we can really make a difference decisions can be made for the benefit of our local to the prosperity of the people we represent? economy? Greg Clark: We certainly can. Cheshire is a vital part Greg Clark: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. She is of the economy, particularly given its investment in a great champion of Cornwall. It is crazy to try to run a science and the possibilities that that brings. It was place as distinctive as Cornwall from Whitehall and good to be able to reinforce that through the deal that Westminster. Quite apart from the investment that is we negotiated. 59 Local Growth Deals7 JULY 2014 Local Growth Deals 60

Sir Peter Luff (Mid Worcestershire) (Con): One of Richard Graham (Gloucester) (Con): In what has the biggest constraints on the economic growth of become an intense competition to welcome the Minister’s Worcestershire is the inadequacy of its rail links. I announcement most warmly, may I make a bid on therefore thank the Minister warmly for his announcement behalf of Gloucestershire—I think I am the only Member of funding for the new Worcestershire Parkway station, from the county here—to welcome the Gloucestershire which enables me to declare victory in the 25-year growth deal, which includes a real opportunity to generate campaign to get that vital station built. more Gloucesterpreneurs and some great participation in nuclear and green projects too? My right hon. Friend Greg Clark: I am very grateful to my hon. Friend. I will know that I particularly welcome the commitment am just sorry that he will not be able to use it for his to finance the last remaining slug of the new bus commute to this place. However, it will be a good station, which is the transport hub of the county, as it monument to his campaigning over the years. will make a huge difference. Does he agree that the autumn statement and the Budget provide opportunities for further bids for such projects as the Blackfriars Greg Mulholland (Leeds North West) (LD): The regeneration? unforgettable amazing two days in which the Tour de France went through Yorkshire showed what can be Greg Clark: My hon. Friend is nothing if not tenacious. delivered by Welcome to Yorkshire, the local councils, I enjoyed my visit to Gloucester with him a little while the local businesses and the local people if they are ago. There will be other opportunities, because negotiations allowed to get on with it. This announcement is great will continue. I dare say that Gloucestershire will build news for the Leeds city region, but will the Minister on its success. confirm that it will allow us to make the decisions that he knows we need to make with regard to transport, including a link to Leeds Bradford international airport Mr Stewart Jackson (Peterborough) (Con): I warmly and getting something better than the trolleybus? welcome the Minister’s statement, in particular on transport improvements on the A47 in north-east Peterborough and on the food manufacturing centre of excellence at Greg Clark: My hon. Friend is right to say that with Peterborough regional college. The imperative for this £1 billion of investment available, it is up to Leeds, Government investment should be its impact on the through the combined authority and the local enterprise labour market, so will the Minister give an undertaking partnership, to make those choices in a way that it could to encourage LEPs to work collaboratively—for example, not before. with the Department for Work and Pensions to have an impact on unemployment among young people, particularly Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): As the those not in education, employment or training? shadow Minister will know, in north Northamptonshire unemployment has come down by more than a third in Greg Clark: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. I the past 12 months, and £50 million private investment would like to extend more broadly the next phase of has just been made in Rushden Lakes. Today the negotiations and discussions, so that where local authorities Government have made announcements about Stanton and businesses can make a real difference to some of Cross, the Tresham institute and the Isham bypass. our intractable social problems they will be given the Next time will the Minister ensure that his statement is chance to show that they can do that. known about more widely in advance so that more Labour MPs can turn up? I have counted four Labour Back Benchers, whereas the Government Benches are James Morris (Halesowen and Rowley Regis) (Con): packed. I welcome the black country local growth deal announced today, particularly the new advanced science and technology centre at Halesowen college, which will allow us to Greg Clark: It is very disappointing; I sometimes feel upskill local people in the black country to get the that Opposition Members do not want to hear good jobs that are available. Does the Minister agree that this news, whether it is about the national economy or local type of initiative is crucial to areas such as the black economies. We have Deputy Prime Minister’s questions country, where we need to increase skills and generate tomorrow so they have another chance to come, and growth? I press them to do so. Greg Clark: I certainly do agree with my hon. Friend. John Glen (Salisbury) (Con): I warmly welcome my “Made in the black country” is a brand that is proudly right hon. Friend’s announcement of the commitment marketed around the world, and people have confidence to fund Porton science park. This welcome measure will in the quality that that implies, but it is important that breathe life into the life sciences sector in Wiltshire. the next generation of people in the area are trained in Does he recognise that it will be extremely helpful in those skills so that that reputation for quality can securing additional funding from the European structural continue. The investment will help with that. investment fund so that Wiltshire can secure further development of this vital project? Mr Rob Wilson (Reading East) (Con): I congratulate my right hon. Friend on his tireless work to deliver this Greg Clark: My hon. Friend is right. One of the huge local and regional boost to economies. I commend other decisions we have taken is to align European the additional investment in Reading and urge him funds with local enterprise partnerships, so that this to pursue a third Thames bridge and semi-fast kind of joint investment, which makes administrative Crossrail, both strongly supported by business, for the and economic sense, can take place. next round. 61 Local Growth Deals7 JULY 2014 Local Growth Deals 62

Greg Clark: My hon. Friend is no slouch when it Lancashire to support it. I remind him that there was comes to local campaigning. He has been a hugely also a proposal to move junction 33 of the M6, which successful advocate for Reading, and I dare say that was also part and parcel of this growth bid. that will continue in the future. Greg Clark: The good news is that when the negotiations Stuart Andrew (Pudsey) (Con): Unemployment in my open, that proposal can be considered, and I am sure constituency has fallen consistently and now stands at that my hon. Friend will want to persuade his area’s 2%. That is good news and shows that businesses are local enterprise partnership to put it forward. investing, but we need good transport links to get people to work. Does my right hon. Friend agree that Damian Hinds (East Hampshire) (Con): I particularly the announcement of the West Yorkshire Plus transport welcome the £4 million for a construction skills centre fund is a step change in the ability of local providers to at Whitehill in Bordon—a great investment in the future get people moving around Yorkshire, particularly given of the people of this town. Will my right hon. Friend the wonderful advert we had this weekend, which we join me in encouraging more employers to look at the have already heard about? exciting opportunities in the area?

Greg Clark: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. Everyone Greg Clark: I will. One of the striking features of this in Yorkshire agrees that the £1 billion fund will make a growth deal is how many local employers are committing transformational difference to Yorkshire’s economic their own time and enthusiasm to working to ensure prospects. that people have the skills that they will want to employ in the years to come. That is good for everyone locally. Richard Harrington (Watford) (Con): I commend the Minister for his statement, particularly the news about Justin Tomlinson (North Swindon) (Con): Today’s the Croxley rail link, which will link Watford Junction announcement is a crucial boost to Swindon’s economic station with the Metropolitan line. Will he write to the regeneration. Does the Minister agree that the process chief executive of Network Rail to ask him to prioritise rewards forward-thinking areas that develop shovel-ready the redevelopment of Watford Junction station, so that plans for growth? the whole of Watford has a 21st-century interchange? Greg Clark: I do indeed. Swindon is the definition of Greg Clark: That is the great advantage of these forward thinking, and it is ably represented by both my investments: investment in transport can have other hon. Friend and our hon. Friend the Member for South consequences for regeneration. It is one of the big Swindon (Mr Buckland) with whom he works so closely. reasons why taking things out of Whitehall silos and making decisions in the round is so much more effective. Several hon. Members rose— I will certainly talk to my hon. Friend about that outside the Chamber. Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Dawn Primarolo): Order. I am sorry to disappoint the remaining Members Eric Ollerenshaw (Lancaster and Fleetwood) (Con): I who wanted to speak. I hope they will be more fortunate thank the Minister for the care he has taken over the in catching the Speaker’s eye next time. I am sure that detail of the bids, and particularly for backing the the Minister will be grateful to receive letters of winner in respect of Lancaster university’s innovations congratulation. We really must move on to other business park and the £17 million of real money coming to now. 63 7 JULY 2014 Bills Presented 64

Point of Order ARMED FORCES (PREVENTION OF DISCRIMINATION) BILL Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) 5.46 pm Mr Alan Campbell, on behalf of Thomas Docherty, Phil Wilson (Sedgefield) (Lab): On a point of order, presented a Bill to provide that certain offences committed Madam Deputy Speaker. I seek your guidance. The towards members of the armed forces shall be treated as Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local aggravated; to prohibit discrimination against individuals Government, the hon. Member for Great Yarmouth in terms of provision of goods and services on the (Brandon Lewis), visited the new Hitachi factory in my grounds that they are members of the armed forces; and constituency this morning to make a Government for connected purposes. announcement. He was joined by the hon. Member for Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Stockton South (James Wharton), but neither of them Friday 27 February 2015, and to be printed (Bill 35). informed me of their intention to visit my constituency, although the hon. Member for Stockton South informed JOBS GUARANTEE SCHEME (RESEARCH)BILL me of his visit after the event. What can you do or say to ensure that hon. Members, and especially Ministers, Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) show the common courtesy of informing the sitting Mr Alan Campbell, on behalf of Thomas Docherty, Member of their intent to visit his or her constituency presented a Bill to require the Secretary of State to before the visit happens? undertake a programme of research into a scheme designed to provide guaranteed employment for those Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Dawn Primarolo): I aged 18 to 24 and those aged 25 and over who have been am grateful for that point of order and for prior notice in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance for one year or for of it. I would like to remind Members that Mr Speaker two years; to require the Secretary of State to report the has made it clear on several occasions recently that if results of the research to the House of Commons any hon. Member intends to make an official visit to within six months of completion; and for connected another hon. Member’s constituency on political business, purposes. they are under a strong obligation to inform the constituency Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Member as far in advance as possible. Ministers in Friday 27 February 2015, and to be printed (Bill 36). particular, with their private office to help them organise their business, have no excuse for failing to fulfil this TERMS AND CONDITIONS (MIGRANT WORKERS)BILL obligation. I sincerely hope that this will not happen Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) again. Mr Speaker has been quite clear about this. Mr Alan Campbell, on behalf of Thomas Docherty, presented a Bill to provide that employers may not offer James Wharton (Stockton South) (Con): Further to to migrant workers terms and conditions less favourable that point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. I want to than those offered to UK nationals for the same make it clear that I do not wish to cause discomfort employment; and for connected purposes. to any hon. Member in this place. My role this morning was to drop off my hon. Friend the Minister, at which Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on point I tweeted that I had dropped him off. Realising Friday 27 February 2015, and to be printed (Bill 37). that I was in the constituency of a neighbouring Member, I asked my office to inform him by e-mail. Are hon. FIXED ODDS BETTING TERMINALS Members obliged to inform other hon. Members when (BETTING SHOPS)BILL they drive through or drop people off in their constituencies? Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Mr Alan Campbell, on behalf of Thomas Docherty, Madam Deputy Speaker: That is really not a point of presented a Bill to require the Secretary of State to order, Mr Wharton. I think we are all grown-up enough create a new planning use class for betting shops with to know what the conventions imply about visiting fixed odds betting terminals, which would require the another Member’s constituency. We do not need to go granting of planning permission; to provide that local into this level of detail in the form of a point of order at planning authorities assess demand for fixed odds betting this time. We shall move on. terminal betting shops when considering applications for premises in that planning use class and place a cap on the number of such shops for which planning permission BILLS PRESENTED may be granted in any area; and for connected purposes. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 27 February 2015, and to be printed (Bill 38). OFFICE FOR BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY (POLITICAL PARTY POLICY COSTINGS)BILL HIGH COST CREDIT SERVICES (RETAIL PREMISES)BILL Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Mr Alan Campbell, on behalf of Thomas Docherty, Mr Alan Campbell, on behalf of Thomas Docherty, presented a Bill to amend the Budget Responsibility presented a Bill to require the Secretary of State to and National Audit Act 2011 to allow the Office for create a new planning use class for retail premises used Budget Responsibility to scrutinise and certificate the policy to provide high cost credit services, which would require costings of political parties represented in the House of the granting of planning permission; to provide that Commons. local planning authorities assess demand for retail premises Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on used to provide high cost credit services when considering Friday 27 February 2015, and to be printed (Bill 34). applications for premises in that planning use class and 65 Bills Presented7 JULY 2014 Bills Presented 66 place a cap on the number of such shops for which EU MEMBERSHIP (AUDIT OF COSTS AND planning permission may be granted in any area; and BENEFITS)BILL for connected purposes. Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Mr Christopher Chope, supported by Mr Robert Friday 27 February 2015, and to be printed (Bill 39). Syms, Mr Stewart Jackson, Mr Peter Bone and Mr Andrew Turner, presented a Bill to require an independent audit TRANSPARENCY OF LOBBYING,NON-PARTY of the benefits and costs of UK membership of the CAMPAIGNING AND TRADE UNION ADMINISTRATION European Union. ACT 2014 (REPEAL)BILL Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Friday 17 October, and to be printed (Bill 46). Mr Alan Campbell, on behalf of Thomas Docherty, presented a Bill to repeal the Transparency of Lobbying, BENEFIT ENTITLEMENT (RESTRICTION)BILL Non-party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Act 2014. Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Mr Christopher Chope, supported by Mr Stewart Friday 27 February 2015, and to be printed (Bill 40). Jackson and Mr Peter Bone, presented a Bill to make provision to restrict the entitlement of non-UK citizens LETTING AGENTS (FEES)BILL from the European Union and the European Economic Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Area to taxpayer-funded benefits. Mr Alan Campbell, on behalf of Thomas Docherty, Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on presented a Bill to prohibit the charging to tenants by Friday 28 November, and to be printed (Bill 47). letting agents of annual tenancy renewal fees; and for connected purposes. HS2 FUNDING REFERENDUM BILL Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Friday 27 February 2015, and to be printed (Bill 41). Mr Christopher Chope, supported by Mrs Cheryl Gillan, Sir John Randall, Michael Fabricant, Mr James FIREARM AND SHOTGUN LICENSING (DOMESTIC Gray, Mr Peter Bone and Mr Andrew Turner, presented VIOLENCE)BILL a Bill to make provision for a national referendum on Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) whether the proposed construction of the HS2 railway Mr Alan Campbell, on behalf of Thomas Docherty, should be supported financially by the UK taxpayer. presented a Bill to prohibit the granting of licences for Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on firearms and shotguns to persons who have been convicted Friday 23 January 2015, and to be printed (Bill 48). of domestic violence crimes; and for connected purposes. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on OVERSEAS VOTERS BILL Friday 27 February 2015, and to be printed (Bill 42). Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Mr Christopher Chope, supported by Sir Peter Luff, ASYLUM (TIME LIMIT)BILL Mr Robert Syms, Mr Stewart Jackson and Mr Peter Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Bone, presented a Bill to make provision to facilitate an Mr Christopher Chope, supported by Mr Peter Bone, increase in the registration of voters resident overseas presented a Bill to require that asylum claims in the who are eligible to participate in United Kingdom United Kingdom be lodged within 3 months of the Parliamentary elections; to extend the criteria for eligibility claimant’s arrival in the United Kingdom; and that to register as an overseas voter and to enable those persons who have already entered the United Kingdom registered as overseas voters to cast their votes through and wish to make an asylum claim must do so within use of the internet; and for connected purposes. 3 months of the passing of this Act. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 23 January 2015, and to be printed (Bill 49). Friday 16 January 2015, and to be printed (Bill 43). CONVICTED PRISONERS VOTING BILL ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS (CRIMINAL SANCTIONS)BILL Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Mr Christopher Chope, supported by Mr Stewart Mr Christopher Chope, supported by Mr Stewart Jackson and Mr Peter Bone, presented a Bill to make Jackson and Mr Peter Bone, presented a Bill to make provision for criminal sanctions against those who have provision for rules relating to the exclusion of convicted entered the UK illegally or who have remained in the prisoners from participation in Parliamentary and Local UK without legal authority. Elections. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 24 October, and to be printed (Bill 44). Friday 5 December, and to be printed (Bill 50).

HOUSE OF LORDS (MAXIMUM MEMBERSHIP)BILL EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ELECTIONS BILL Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Mr Christopher Chope, supported by Mr Peter Bone, Mr Christopher Chope, supported by Mr Peter Bone presented a Bill to provide for a maximum limit on the and Mr Andrew Turner, presented a Bill to make provision number of Peers entitled to vote in the House of Lords; for an open list system for elections to the European and to provide for a moratorium on new appointments. Parliament. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 24 October, and to be printed (Bill 45). Friday 9 January 2015, and to be printed (Bill 51). 67 Bills Presented7 JULY 2014 Bills Presented 68

DEFENCE EXPENDITURE (NATO TARGET)BILL FREE MOVEMENT OF PERSONS INTO THE UNITED Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) KINGDOM (DEROGATION)BILL Mr Christopher Chope, supported by Sir Gerald Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Howarth, Sir Edward Leigh, Mr Bernard Jenkin, Mr James Mr Peter Bone, supported by Mr Christopher Chope, Gray, Sir Peter Luff and Mr Peter Bone, presented a Mr Philip Hollobone, Bob Blackman, Mr Graham Bill to make provision about the meeting by the United Brady, Mr Aidan Burley, Mr Stewart Jackson and Philip Kingdom of the target for defence expenditure to constitute Davies, presented a Bill to repeal Articles 21 and 45 of a minimum of 2% of Gross Domestic Product; to make the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, provision that the definition of defence expenditure is EC Directive 2004/38/EC and EC Regulation 492/2011. subject to independent verification; and for connected Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on purposes. Friday 6 March 2015, and to be printed (Bill 58). Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 5 September, and to be printed (Bill 52). BRITISH BILL OF RIGHTS AND WITHDRAWAL FROM THE UK BORDERS CONTROL BILL EUROPEAN CONVENTION ON HUMAN RIGHTS BILL Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Mr Christopher Chope, supported by Mr Stewart Mr Peter Bone, supported by Mr Christopher Chope, Jackson, presented a Bill to make provision to ensure Mr Philip Hollobone, Bob Blackman, David T. C. that the United Kingdom has absolute control over Davies, Mr Graham Brady, Mr Aidan Burley, Mr Stewart the right to prevent non-UK citizens from entering the Jackson and Philip Davies, presented a Bill to make United Kingdom; to determine the circumstances in provision for an application to the Council of Europe which non-UK citizens may be required to leave the to withdraw from the European Convention on Human United Kingdom; and for connected purposes. Rights and the introduction of a British Bill of Rights. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 9 January 2015, and to be printed (Bill 53). Friday 6 March 2015, and to be printed (Bill 59).

SCHOOL ADMISSIONS BILL Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) WIND FARM SUBSIDIES (ABOLITION)BILL Mr Christopher Chope, supported by Mr Stewart Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Jackson, presented a Bill to make provision to ensure Mr Peter Bone, supported by Mr Christopher Chope, that pupils with a parent with a terminal or seriously Bob Blackman, Mr David Davis, Mr Aidan Burley, disabling illness receive priority in the admissions process Mr Stewart Jackson and Phillip Davies, presented a Bill to maintained schools in England. to make provision for the cessation of subsidies for the Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on development of wind farms. Friday 7 November, and to be printed (Bill 54). Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 6 March 2015, and to be printed (Bill 60). BAT HABITATS REGULATION BILL Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Mr Christopher Chope presented a Bill to make DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE provision to enhance the protection available for bat (ABOLITION)BILL habitats in the nonbuilt environment and to limit the Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) protection for bat habitats in the built environment Mr Peter Bone, supported by Mr Christopher Chope, where the presence of bats has a significant adverse Mr Philip Hollobone, David T. C. Davies, Mr Graham impact upon the users of buildings. Brady, Mr Aidan Burley, Mr Stewart Jackson and Philip Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Davies, presented a Bill to make provision for the abolition Friday 16 January 2015, and to be printed (Bill 55). of the Department of Energy and Climate Change and for its functions to be absorbed into the Department for WORKING TIME DIRECTIVE (LIMITATION)BILL Business, Innovation and Skills. Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Mr Christopher Chope, supported by Mr Stewart Friday 6 March 2015, and to be printed (Bill 61). Jackson, presented a Bill to limit the application of the EU Working Time Directive; and for connected purposes. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on FOREIGN NATIONAL OFFENDERS (EXCLUSION FROM Friday 23 January 2015, and to be printed (Bill 56). THE UNITED KINGDOM)BILL Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS BILL Mr Peter Bone, supported by Mr Christopher Chope, Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Mr Philip Hollobone, Bob Blackman, Mr David Davis, Mr Christopher Chope presented a Bill to make David T. C. Davies, Mr Aidan Burley, Mr Stewart provision for a statutory code of practice to clarify and Jackson and Philip Davies, presented a Bill to make simplify the law relating to protection against unfair provision to exclude from the United Kingdom foreign dismissal of miscreant employees; and for connected nationals found guilty of a criminal offence committed purposes. in the United Kingdom. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 16 January 2015, and to be printed (Bill 57). Friday 6 March 2015, and to be printed (Bill 62). 69 Bills Presented7 JULY 2014 Bills Presented 70

HOSPITAL CAR PARKING CHARGES (ABOLITION)BILL PUBLIC SERVICES (OWNERSHIP AND USER Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) INVOLVEMENT)BILL Mr Peter Bone, supported by Mr Philip Hollobone, Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Bob Blackman, Mr David Davis, Fiona Bruce, Mr Graham Caroline Lucas, supported by Jeremy Corbyn, Katy Brady, Mr Aidan Burley and Mr Stewart Jackson, Clark, Grahame M. Morris, Mr John Leech, John presented a Bill to prohibit charging for car parking at McDonnell, Mr Elfyn Llwyd and Ms Margaret Ritchie, NHS Hospitals for patients and visitors. presented a Bill to promote public ownership of public Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on services; to introduce a presumption in favour of service Friday 6 March 2015, and to be printed (Bill 63). provision by public sector and not-for-profit entities; and to put in place mechanisms to increase the accountability, transparency and public control of public BBC PRIVATISATION BILL services, including those operated by private companies. Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Mr Peter Bone, supported by Mr Christopher Chope, 24 October, and to be printed (Bill 68). Mr Philip Hollobone, Mr Aidan Burley and Philip Davies, presented a Bill to make provision for the privatisation PERSONAL,SOCIAL,HEALTH AND ECONOMIC of the British Broadcasting Corporation by providing EDUCATION (STATUTORY REQUIREMENT)BILL shares in the Corporation to all licence fee payers. Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Caroline Lucas, supported by Valerie Vaz, Yasmin Friday 6 March 2015, and to be printed (Bill 64). Qureshi, Tim Farron, Glenda Jackson and Barbara Keeley, presented a Bill to require the Secretary of State OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER to provide that Personal, Social, Health and Economic (ABOLITION)BILL education (PSHE) be a statutory requirement for all Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) state funded schools; for PSHE to include Sex and Mr Peter Bone, supported by Mr Christopher Chope, Relationships Education (SRE) and education on ending Mr Philip Hollobone, Mr Graham Brady, Mr Aidan violence against women and girls; to provide for initial Burley, Mr Stewart Jackson and Phillip Davies, presented and continuing teacher education and guidance on best a Bill to make provision for the abolition of the Office practice for delivering and inspecting PSHE and SRE of the Deputy Prime Minister, and its responsibilities to education; and for connected purposes. be allocated to other Departments of State. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 24 October, and to be printed (Bill 69). Friday 6 March 2015, and to be printed (Bill 65). FOOTBALL GOVERNANCE BILL

HOUSING (AFFORDABILITY,SUPPLY AND TENANT Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) PROTECTION)BILL Damian Collins, supported by Mr Clive Betts, Tracey Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Crouch, Mr Jim Cunningham, Philip Davies, Paul Farrelly, Caroline Lucas, supported by Jeremy Corby, John Penny Mordaunt, Steve Rotheram, Mr Adrian Saunders, Cryer, Mrs Mary Glindon, Jonathan Edwards, Mr Elfyn Mr Gerry Sutcliffe, Justin Tomlinson and Mr John Llwyd and John McDonnell, presented a Bill to require Whittingdale, presented a Bill to require professional the Secretary of State to commission a programme of and semi-professional football clubs in England to disclose research into reducing rent levels in the private rented the identity of their owners; to give the Football Association sector, improving terms and conditions for tenants, powers to block the ownership of a club by anyone increasing housing supply, and providing a large-scale whom they consider is not a fit and proper person; to programme of sustainable council housing in England; require all creditors of a football club to be compensated to require the Secretary of State to report to Parliament equally should the club go into administration; to facilitate within six months of completion of the research; and the raising by supporters’ organisations of the finance for connected purposes. required to acquire a controlling stake in a football club; and for connected purposes. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 24 October, and to be printed (Bill 66). Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 7 November, and to be printed (Bill 70).

RAILWAYS BILL ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION (TEMPORARY CLOSURE Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) FOR FILMING)BILL Caroline Lucas, supported by Hywel Williams, Ian Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Lavery, Jeremy Corbyn, Jonathan Edwards, Katy Clark, Iain Stewart, supported by Mrs Cheryl Gillan, Stuart John Cryer, John McDonnell, Mr Elfyn Llwyd, Kelvin Andrew, Eric Ollerenshaw, and Karen Lumley and Steve Hopkins, Grahame M. Morris and Martin Caton, presented Baker, presented a Bill to make provision for the restriction a Bill to require the Secretary of State to assume control or regulation of traffic on roads in connection with of passenger rail franchises when they come up for filming; and for connected purposes. renewal; and for connected purposes. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 7 November, and to be printed (Bill 71) with Friday 24 October, and to be printed (Bill 67). explanatory notes (Bill 71-EN). 71 7 JULY 2014 Universal Credit 72

timetable were made in July 2013, and then again in Estimates December last year. That slowed down the process dramatically. [1ST ALLOTTED DAY] UC claims were introduced on a very small scale from April last year in a few jobcentres in Greater ESTIMATES 2014-15 Manchester, which were initially called “pathfinders” but are now referred to by the Department for Work DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS and Pensions as “live service sites”. In the event, national roll-out from last October amounted to the expansion of new UC claims to only a further six jobcentres Universal Credit around Britain, and it has recently been expanded again [Relevant documents: Fifth Report from the Work and to a further nine sites in the north-west, bringing the Pensions Committee, Session 2013-14, Universal Credit total number of jobcentres where UC is available to 19, implementation: monitoring DWP’s performance in 2012-13, less than 3% of the jobcentre network—hardly a national HC 1209 and the Government response, HC 426.] roll-out. Motion made, and Question proposed, New claims to UC are now not expected to be extended That, for the year ending with 31 March 2015, for expenditure to the whole of Great Britain until 2016 and the bulk of by the Department for Work and Pensions: existing claimants will not be moved on to UC until (1) further resources, not exceeding £45,438,318,000 be authorised 2016-17. The process will not be completed until later for use for current purposes as set out in HC 1233 of Session 2013-14, than the original target date of 2017. (2) further resources, not exceeding £74,721,000 be authorised The Secretary of State brushes aside any criticism of for use for capital purposes as so set out, and the very small number of people who are on UC by (3) a further sum, not exceeding £44,850,071,000 be granted to arguing that the Government are Her Majesty to be issued by the Treasury out of the Consolidated “taking a careful and controlled approach to achieve a safe and Fund and applied for expenditure on the use of resources authorised secure delivery.”—[Official Report, 30 June 2014; Vol. 583, c. 645.] by Parliament.—(John Penrose.) I think we would all agree that it is right to ensure that the system works properly before extending it, but, as 5.56 pm the Work and Pensions Committee said, there is a Dame Anne Begg (Aberdeen South) (Lab): Universal difference between cautious progress and a snail’s pace. credit is a major welfare reform. It will eventually The facts are clear. Since UC started in April last replace tax credits and most existing working-age benefits, year fewer than 7,000 claims have been processed. including out-of-work benefits and housing benefit. It By comparison, more than 1 million people claim just is estimated that, by the time it is fully implemented, jobseeker’s allowance. In January this year alone, universal credit—or UC, as it has now become known—will there were almost 250,000 new jobseeker’s allowance be paid to 7.7 million households, and we hope that that claims. That is how much churn there is in the system. will be the case. Almost all the 7,000 UC claims are from people in the During last week’s debate on work and pensions, I simplest circumstances: young, single, and usually recently said that the problem with welfare reform was that it unemployed. Last week, 15 months after UC began, was devilishly complex, took a long time to implement, claims from couples started to be accepted—but only in and always had unintended consequences. I think that a handful of the live service sites. We have been told that all three of those things apply to universal credit. We claims from people with children will begin “later in the can agree that its design should bring some advantages. summer”. We all know what Parliament’s timetables are It should improve the position of claimants when they like and we wonder when “summer” actually is, so can move into work or take on more work, because their the Minister give us an idea of what “summer” means in benefit will be reduced gradually on the basis of how this context? much they earn, rather than suddenly being cut off if Achieving only that tiny number of claims to date their working hours exceed a certain limit. It should illustrates the scale of the challenge still facing the remove many of the “cliff edges” that exist in the Government in trying to replace existing working-age current system. Because it is both an in-work and an benefits and tax credits with UC by 2017, including out-of-work benefit, it will remove the constant applying migrating all the claimants of the relevant existing and reapplying for different benefits as someone moves benefits over to it. Given the excruciatingly slow pace of in and out of work. roll-out to date, it is hard to see how the target date can However, it is wrong to talk about UC’s “simplifying be met. the benefits system”, because that is not possible to To put this into context, the other new benefit which any significant extent. The benefits system is complex has had its implementation slowed down is the personal because people’s lives are complex, and are constantly independence payment, although even PIP has more changing. UC will be a more streamlined system, but it new claims in payment than UC. By March this year will not be a simple one. That is clear from the problems 83,900 PIP decisions had been made, which is far higher that have been encountered in efforts to implement it. than for UC, and that involves a smaller cohort and has The national roll-out of new UC claims was due to take been done in a shorter time scale. In our report, we place between October 2013 and April this year. Existing asked the DWP to set out its revised estimates of UC claimants of “legacy benefits”, including jobseeker’s caseloads and costs for each year to 2017-18, to reassure allowance, employment and support allowance and housing Parliament and the public that there is a clear and benefit, would then be migrated to UC between April detailed revised implementation plan. The Government’s 2014 and the end of 2017. However, problems with IT response to our report did not include any of that systems meant that major changes to the implementation information. 73 Universal Credit7 JULY 2014 Universal Credit 74

The problems with implementing UC arise largely system and focus solely on the end-state solution. The from failure to get the IT right. Problems with Government Government said in answer to a recent parliamentary IT systems have happened so frequently that they have question—although this was not set out in their response almost become a cliché, but the UC IT challenge seems to our report—that the enhanced digital service will be especially difficult to tackle and to be throwing up integrated with the existing UC service where particular challenges. Some £40 million in IT expenditure “it is both practical and operationally sensible”.—[Official Report, had to be written off in 2012-13, and a further £90 million 30 June 2014; Vol. 583, c. 434W.] is being “written down” in five years instead of 15 Again, I am not sure what that means, so perhaps the because the useful life of the software is much shorter Minister can translate those vague phrases into something than anticipated. That may seem like an accounting more meaningful and detailed when she responds. detail, but it shows that the use of public money has not been cost-effective to date, and a great deal more public David Mowat (Warrington South) (Con): The Chairman money is at stake in the UC programme. of the Select Committee talks about the enhanced digital The Government’s current approach to the IT problems solution, which I think has the characteristics of a is to continue to spend millions of pounds—between front-end which is then fed by a number of the legacy £37 million and £58 million—on the old IT system systems, which is why applications development work during 2014 to extend its functionality so that it can must be done on both of them. In terms of the technical cope with a wider range of claimants in the live service architecture, I do not think that is altogether surprising, sites. At the same time, extensive sums are being spent different or new. on developing IT for the long term. That has had various names and various incarnations: first it was Dame Anne Begg: I have to say that that is a better called “the digital solution”, then “the end-state solution”, explanation than anything I have heard from any of the and the latest terminology seems to be the “enhanced Ministers—although I am not sure I even understand digital service”. Unfortunately we on the Select Committee that explanation—but the question of what this digital still do not know what that means. The Secretary of solution actually entails is concerning: is it a complete State’s explanation last Monday did not help us clear rewriting of the IT or is it, as the hon. Gentleman says, that up. about bringing the legacy systems in and developing The National Audit Office has summed up very well them? That was not the original impression we were the lack of information available on how the IT for UC given, however. Is there to be an original design or the will be taken forward. It said last December that the use of the original IT—although, as we know, there is a uncertainties include the following: how it will work; failure to develop that or to adapt it to cover the when it will be ready; how much it will cost; and who different circumstances that people have? will do the work to develop and build it. We still do not The Committee was also concerned—we expressed have answers to any of these questions. It would be this quite forcefully in our report—about the DWP’s helpful if the Minister provided some answers to those lack of co-operation with our formal role in scrutinising key points in her response to the debate, because the UC. I am sure the House would agree that, as our Work and Pensions Committee has still not had an report says, effective Select Committee scrutiny depends explanation. on the provision of accurate, timely and detailed information We have asked Ministers for more information about by Government Departments. The DWP has not always the IT during three evidence sessions over the space of provided that to the Committee in the case of UC. nine months. We repeated this request in our report, As well as publishing a highly critical report on UC including asking the DWP to set out the costs of the IT last September, the National Audit Office was then development work, because the published information involved in a long-running dispute with the DWP about on IT costs does not take us beyond November 2014, how much it should write off for the wasted IT. Because but we received no answers in the Government response of the accounting concerns, the NAO refused to sign off to our report. All it said was that UC will be delivered the DWP accounts for 2012-13 for six months, which via delayed their publication from June to December. The “a multi-channel service that makes greater use of modern technology Secretary of State was, not unreasonably, unwilling to to ensure the system is as effective, simple and transparent as appear before the Committee to give oral evidence possible.” about UC until the accounts were published, so our I still do not know what that means, and I do not know own scrutiny process was delayed and hampered. if anybody does. The DWP has also been very reluctant to provide us The one thing we do know is that the new “enhanced with information about UC and the serious problems it digital service” will not be ready to test before the end has encountered with it. When the NAO reported on of this year, and even then it will only be tested on those problems in September last year, it came as news 100 claimants to start with. We still have no indication to us, because the Government had not told us about of when it will be possible to test it on a bigger and their own concerns about UC and the actions they had more representative group of claimants. The challenge taken to address them during 2012 and early 2013, even of getting from an IT system that is capable of processing though our Select Committee had held several oral 100 claims by the end of 2014 to one that can deal with evidence sessions during that time and published a frequently changing claims from more than 7 million substantial report. On two occasions the Government households by 2017 is clearly an extreme one. published details about major changes to the timetable Our report recommended that, given the small number for UC implementation only when forced to do so by of people currently claiming UC, the Government should the prospect of the Secretary of State having to appear consider whether it would be a better use of taxpayers’ before us to give oral evidence. Information was released money to abandon further development of the existing at the session itself on one occasion, and two working 75 Universal Credit7 JULY 2014 Universal Credit 76

[Dame Anne Begg] Working with the Local Government Association, the Government produced the first version of the local days before on another—even then, very little detail support services framework—LSSF—last year. That was available. That, of course, gave the Committee no sets out how they expect support for vulnerable people time to assess the implications of these announcements to be provided, in partnership with local authorities, properly before we put our questions. We believe that it housing providers and the voluntary sector. However, is unacceptable for the Government to provide information there is little detail on how the LSSF will operate in about major policy changes to Committees only when practice and how it will be funded, even though an forced to do so by the imminent prospect of being held “update” was published at the end of last year. The to account in a public evidence session. Government said last December that the final version The Committee does not, as the Secretary of State of the LSSF would be published in autumn 2014, but in has suggested, want to run his Department—far from their response to our report that date had changed to it—but we do expect to have access to the information autumn 2015. We understand that the delays to UC we need to scrutinise it effectively. However, the Secretary implementation mean that the timetable for providing of State told us in February: support to claimants will also need to change, but the organisations DWP expects to deliver this support—local “I do not have to tell the Committee everything that is happening authorities, housing providers and voluntary organisations in the Department until we have reached a conclusion about what —all need to know what they are expected to provide, is actually happening”. so that they can plan and budget for these new That view was reiterated in the formal Government responsibilities. response to our concerns, which said that the DWP In all the debate about IT systems, costs and case “does not regard it as necessary to provide a running commentary loads, it concerns me that the central point of UC is on the day to day management of the many large and complex being lost: it is meant to make the benefit system work programmes currently underway”. better for millions of claimants, help them to move into I will let hon. Members come to their own conclusions about jobs or work more hours, and make it less complicated what that implies in terms of respect for accountability, for them to move on to and off benefit as their lives transparency and the formal scrutiny role of departmental change. Until we have more clarity, transparency and Select Committees. detail from the Government about progress with the UC project, it is difficult for anyone, including my Our report also highlighted the problems the UC Committee, to make a proper assessment of whether delays are causing for other key organisations, particularly UC will genuinely deliver the improvements for claimants local authorities. Local authorities currently administer that this costly and complex welfare reform was intended housing benefit on the Government’s behalf but were to deliver. expecting the introduction of UC to mean that new claims for housing benefit would end by April this year. 6.15 pm The UC implementation delays mean that local authorities will now be administering housing benefit until at least Dame Angela Watkinson (Hornchurch and Upminster) 2016. It is very difficult for them to know how best to (Con): The DWP is delivering the biggest welfare reforms run and staff their housing benefit departments until for a generation, improving services for claimants and the Government clarify what funding they will make cutting costs concurrently. The objectives are: to control available for that. We asked the DWP to clarify the the costs of welfare; to get as many people as possible funding that will be available in 2014-15 and 2015-16 to into or back to work; to strengthen incentives to work cover the additional costs to local authorities, but no by making it pay; to support people who need welfare; details were provided in the Government’s response; and to be fair to the taxpayer. Benefits have been they simply said that they would ensure that they were capped so that no household can receive more on in a position to inform local authorities of their individual out-of-work benefits than £26,000, which is what the budget allocations average working family earns. That is still very generous, as many people in full-time employment do not earn as “in sufficient time before the start of the 2015/16 financial year”. much as £26,000; we are talking about an equivalent of Local authorities will also have an important role in £500 a week for couples and those with children and helping more vulnerable claimants cope with the transition £300 a week for single people. Housing benefit has also to UC. Our 2012 report on UC examined the implications been capped so that benefit claimants face the same for vulnerable people in detail. Since then, the fundamental lifestyle decisions as other working people have to make— problems with implementing UC have, understandably, living where they can afford and limiting the size of dominated public debate and the Committee’s attention. their family to what they can afford. Ensuring that vulnerable people are not excluded from, The most radical reform is the introduction of universal or disadvantaged by, UC should remain a priority for credit, a new single benefit integrating income support, the Government, and how vulnerable people will be income-based jobseeker’s allowance, employment and supported through the transition remains a key concern support allowance, housing benefit, child tax credit and for the Committee. The Government have acknowledged working tax credit. At the heart of this hugely ambitious that vulnerable people will need support to adjust to UC programme is the intention to make work always UC. Lord Freud, the Minister with responsibility for pay. The scale and complexity of administering UC welfare reform, told us that how support would be cannot be overestimated, and its introduction will necessarily provided for vulnerable people was almost as important be incremental. Under UC, 1.1 million households will as UC itself. But it is still far from clear how that will keep more of their earnings when starting work of work in practice, and a great deal still needs to be 10 hours per week; and 3.1 million households will have clarified about how that support will be provided and a higher entitlement, with 75% of those being the funded. poorest households. Replacing that complex range of 77 Universal Credit7 JULY 2014 Universal Credit 78 benefits with one new single benefit offering incentives credit”. Failure is pretty much par for the course for to work and protection for those who cannot work is a the Department for Work and Pensions, certainly in the significant challenge, and a policy of incremental expansion implementation of its policies, which aim to reduce is the right way in which to introduce it. costs to the benefit of claimants and taxpayers. My hon. Friend the Member for Aberdeen South (Dame Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): Will the hon. Anne Begg), the Chair of the Select Committee, has Lady consider the fact that UC is not going to be a detailed the fantastic amounts of public money that single benefit? Some recipients will be the equivalent of have already been lost in a failed IT system. She has also jobseeker’s allowance claimants now, and they will have touched on the unwillingness of Ministers in the DWP one set of conditions and so on, and another set of to answer questions from the Select Committee. I point claimants will be people who have been deemed to be out in passing that every Select Committee is appointed unfit to work. Inherently, UC will not be a fully singular by this House of Commons, and its sole purpose is to benefit. scrutinise the Department which bears the same name. We see constant failure in the implementation of the Dame Angela Watkinson: As my hon. Friend—I will work capability assessment. On four occasions, Professor call her that as we are co-members of the Work and Harrington has attempted to ameliorate the agonies Pensions Committee—will know, there are component which individuals who are subjected to the work capability parts to UC and different claimants will be entitled to assessment are put through, yet we are still receiving different components. As the Chair of the Committee letters from our constituents detailing the humiliating has said, people’s lives are immensely complex and they experiences. This is a really serious matter. An individual change, which all adds to the complexity of running any claimant can be sanctioned for failing to attend a work benefits system. Let us consider housing benefit, for capability assessment. We have all had examples from example. Family members move in and out of the home, constituents of the letter detailing the appointment which changes the entitlement, and people have fluctuating arriving two or even three days after the specified date. health conditions, which make their circumstances change. We have also heard about those who have turned up for It will always be a complicated system, but the intention the assessment only to be told by the assessors, “Sorry, is to simplify it and to minimise the cost of administration. we can’t take any more people today.” The National Audit Office has said that the United Kingdom will benefit by £38 billion as a result of Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth) universal credit. This Government have grasped the nettle (Lab): As usual, my hon. Friend is making a passionate that the previous Government avoided. After 13 years speech. I have mentioned this story before, but let me of Labour, welfare spending increased by 60%, costing repeat it. One of my constituents was sanctioned for every household an extra £3,000. Housing benefit increased having a heart attack during his work capability assessment. by 35%. Between 1997 and 2010, spending on tax The nurse undertaking the assessment told him he was credits increased by 340%. Long-term unemployment having a heart attack, but he was still sanctioned. almost doubled between 2008 and 2010, from 396,000 to 783,000. The number of households where no member Glenda Jackson: It is not usual for me to be gobsmacked, had ever worked doubled. The maximum housing benefit but I certainly am by that story, even though I have award reached an eye-watering £104,000 a year. Labour heard from constituents who, while not necessarily subsidised people to live in the private sector on rents experiencing heart attacks, have had absolutely disgraceful that other ordinary working people could not afford. treatment. We are also seeing a rise in the number of appeals concerning employment and support allowance, Sheila Gilmore: Will the hon. Lady tell us how many and the appeals that have been lodged are taking longer claimants received the sum of money that she just and longer to come to a conclusion. I will not go into mentioned? How many claims were in that region? the whole debacle of the personal independence payment, but it is simply scandalous that some of the most Dame Angela Watkinson: I am not for one moment vulnerable people in our society, whom the DWP is giving the impression that that was typical of the average supposed to be assisting, are being left in many instances claim; of course it was not. The fact that there was no with no financial support whatever. To add insult to cap meant that it was possible, in certain circumstances, injury, this Government have also reduced the funding to rise to those really out-of-control levels. of local authorities. Many local authorities were absolutely The reforms to the welfare system will ensure that as central to ensuring that people with disabilities could many people as possible who are fit for work are helped live human, productive lives. That money has now been into work, and only those people who are either unable taken away. to work for a whole complex range of reasons or who I hope to bring home to the Chamber the absolute are on very low incomes are eligible for benefits. The chaos out there at the moment, and to concentrate on scale of that task is gargantuan, but we have made good the questioning that an individual claimant has to go progress and we continue to progress towards improving through and the kind of questioning to which the the lives of the long-term unemployed and bringing Secretary of State responds. It is clear that he is burdened the welfare budget under control for the benefit of the with delusions of adequacy, but some of his responses working people who pay for it through their taxes. to my hon. Friend the Chair of the Select Committee at his most recent appearance in front of us were absolutely 6.22 pm disgraceful. Glenda Jackson (Hampstead and Kilburn) (Lab): If Let me detail the experience of an individual claimant. ever a debate title were a misnomer, it is this one, A 71-year-old pensioner, dubbed by Her Majesty’s Revenue because it should be “The failure to implement universal and Customs to be self-employed, applied for housing 79 Universal Credit7 JULY 2014 Universal Credit 80

[Glenda Jackson] concerns—namely, the well-being of the people who require benefits, not because they are lazy or workshy, benefit. It has now taken 17 weeks and still there is no or even because there are no jobs, but because they final cut-off point where she has been assured that she should be supported by the people of this country, as will receive housing benefit. The most recent inquiry they always have been. that came to her was to detail the cost of a bill of £3.40; After the last debate on this issue, I was touched to the second was to detail the cost of a bill of £7.47. Both receive a response from the people of this country. If of those claims took place in 2012. The mind boggles at there is a silver lining to the black cloud that is the that, when the Secretary of State, who has lost millions DWP, it is that the majority of people in this country and millions of pounds on a failed IT system, has still believe that the welfare state should do what it was categorically refused to give the Select Committee any meant to do, which is to support people who, through detail whatever about his newly trumpeted business no fault of their own, cannot maintain themselves plan. He has refused to discuss the costs of the plan or without the support of the rest of us. That support is whether there will be any direct savings either to the alive and well out there in the country. The one place taxpayer or to the overarching benefit system. It is an where it is certainly dead is within the Department for absolute disgrace that the Select Committee, which has Work and Pensions. been appointed to scrutinise the DWP, is being buffeted away. It seems that the Department is opting for some kind of bunker mentality, but it will not work. 6.31 pm Anne Marie Morris (Newton Abbot) (Con): We are Stephen Timms (East Ham) (Lab): My hon. Friend is having an interesting debate. I should like to pay tribute making a powerful case. Was she as surprised as I was to the Chair of the Select Committee, on which I to learn in the evidence given by Sir Bob Kerslake to the serve—the hon. Member for Aberdeen South (Dame Public Accounts Committee this afternoon that the Anne Begg) does a fantastic job, and she painted a good business case that she has just mentioned, which, according picture in her opening remarks, in which she set out all to the report, is due to be finalised by the end of April, the facts. We must recognise, however, that this is a has still not been agreed by Her Majesty’s Treasury? complex area. Governments and Oppositions of all Glenda Jackson: I am sure that my right hon. Friend, political flavours have, over decades, contributed to the and I would hope every Member of this House, would challenge. Many have been well-meaning and tried to be shocked to realise that the DWP is still not giving the resolve all the problems. Simplicity is a great objective, right answers—it is ludicrous to expect the right answer but it is probably one of the hardest things to deliver. to come from the Department for Work and Pension, as Listening to the debate so far, I have heard those who simple humility is not part and parcel of its make-up. see the glass half full and those who see the glass half The Committees and Government Departments that empty. A couple of the contributions from the Opposition scrutinise where public money goes are being pushed to have seen it has half empty, but let me remind the one side. I have already referred to the bunker mentality House of what we have in common. Both parties have of the DWP, and the example that my right hon. Friend said that universal credit is the right way to go. gives me is just par for the course; it happens constantly. We also need to be mindful of the fact that the Arguments are not even being put up. We are all being purpose of a Select Committee is not, frustratingly, to told, “Oh no, it’s none of your business; it’s our business.” look at what is right and what is working. We never look My hon. Friend the Chair of the Select Committee at that. Rightly, we look at the areas that are not has given details of the actual answers. There is a working and need improvement. It is absolutely right, pattern, which I find very disturbing. I have already as the hon. Member for Hampstead and Kilburn (Glenda touched on the issue of disregarding any serious Jackson) said, that we should ensure that those who are questioning on costs. Ever since this major benefit vulnerable get the help they need. Like her, I get constituents change came into being, the Department has employed coming into my surgery who have not had fair treatment what I would call a programme of black propaganda, at the hands of the Department for Work and Pensions, and every single one of the red tops has taken it up but that problem has been growing for years and years. with glee and run with it. That black propaganda told It is to the credit of this Government that they have the people of this country—I am paraphrasing; the tried, for the first time in 60 years, to consolidate the DWP would never be this cogent—that everyone who system and to simplify it and pull it together so that it was claiming benefits was doing so because they were works better in the future. too lazy to work. Nothing could be further from the Glenda Jackson: The flaw in the hon. Lady’s argument truth. I have already touched on the agonies that are is that the Select Committee has been consistent—there being endured by people with serious mental and has been complete cross-party unity on this—in presenting physical disabilities, and the pattern is ongoing. to the Department for Work and Pensions the areas A report from the Office for National Statistics last where we believe improvements could be made and, in week scrutinised the level of complaints made against many instances, putting forward ideas about what kind all the Government Departments about the misuse of of help is needed. There has also been a consistent statistics, and guess which one came top of the list! It response from the Department—namely, total rejection. was the Department for Work and Pensions. Throughout the time I have been a member of the Select Committee, Anne Marie Morris: The hon. Lady is right to say we have raised again and again the issue of the misuse that the Select Committee has put forward a number of of stats and the misuse of the English language to arguments, but that is what we are there to do. We are proselytise this black propaganda and to confuse and not there to tell the Department about the things it is distort what should be central to the Committee’s doing well—more’s the pity, as that would give our 81 Universal Credit7 JULY 2014 Universal Credit 82 work some balance—so she is right in that respect. I Anne Marie Morris: My hon. Friend makes a very think that she is describing issues of obfuscation and good point and he is absolutely right: that was indeed not getting the facts, but my hon. Friend the Member what we heard. It points to the suggestion that the for Warrington South (David Mowat) was instructive in Government’s movement is beginning to deliver results. that regard when, earlier in the debate, he said that The claimant commitment has now been rolled out in communication was the key. The devil is in the detail, every job centre. It is quite a challenge, because we are and it is very difficult—when talking about, say, technology saying to those who claim that benefits should absolutely —to communicate with people and tell them exactly be there for anybody who needs them—there are some what is being done. I would love to say that technology basic things that we all believe to be the absolute right was simple, but it is not. of any individual, because they are about respect for the Let us remind ourselves of the objectives of the individual—but that the taxpayer must also feel that his change, to which both sides of the House agreed. The or her interests have been properly represented. The objectives were simplification, reducing costs and smoothing claimant commitment is a move in the right direction, the transition from benefit to work. The Chair of the ensuring that there is no longer any opportunity for an Select Committee talked about dealing with the wretched individual to believe that a life on benefits is a lifestyle precipices that make people’s lives so difficult. The choice. No taxpayer would believe that that is right, and Committee has worked to hold the Government to I do not believe that any Opposition Member believes it account, and we should be trying to get a better result is—they would say that this is about helping those who rather than just point scoring for the sake of it. The really need it: the vulnerable, the disabled and those in Chairman has done a good job of trying to get that really difficult positions. I think we should all agree that balance right. this is an important step forward, and 600,000 claimant commitments have been signed. Let us look at where we are going. When we get this sorted out, 3 million households will be better off by By 2016-17, the vast majority will have moved to £177 a month. We will have a system that provides universal credit. Although that is perhaps not what we better child care support, with an extra £200 million for would ideally have wanted, it seems to me that it is not child care helping 100,000 extra families working fewer bad progress. However, I and my fellow members of the than 16 hours a week. We will also have an extra Select Committee have obviously been privy to a number £400 million to increase child care support to 85% of all of the issues that have already been alluded to as a big working families. Let us look to the longer-term future: challenge, and one of them is undoubtedly the IT in 10 years’ time, UK plc will benefit by £35 billion. systems. I share the concerns, frustration and lack of That will be a worthwhile and significant achievement. understanding about how the pilot worked, about what The path must continue to be trodden and the Committee the end-state solution will be, and about the fact that must continue to fight the fight to keep the Department £40 million has effectively been wiped off and £91 million for Work and Pensions honest in all that it says, and to amortised. strive to get the best possible results. This must be a I think the real issue is that as a Committee we partnership, however. needed context. Having worked in the private sector, I know that when very large IT systems are introduced, Progress to date has included the launching of there will always be a write-off. When we sit in the pathfinders, and we also have additional schemes such public sector looking at a new IT system without the as the long-term schemes in our jobcentres. After the context of what it takes to roll out such systems and initial launch in the north-west, we now have universal what the normal practice is for write-offs, we find it credit rolling out in 14 jobcentres. By the end of this hard to judge. It would have been fair to want and to year, it will be in place in 90 of them. That will mean effect more explanation from the DWP. Indeed, would that universal credit will have been rolled out to one in it not have been wonderful to have more input from my eight jobcentres. That is not an insignificant achievement hon. Friend the Member for Warrington South who, I in that period of time, given the complexity involved. think, might have been able to give us the necessary We already have 6,500 people on universal credit. I language and understanding? He has explained why the appreciate the Chairman’s view that that is a small two systems have to carry on in parallel whereas we, number, but it is a start and a move in the right perhaps because we do not know very much about IT, direction. naively thought that that was a waste of money and A point that has not been raised is that this is not that we could just move straight to end state. I hope that just about nuts and bolts, IT systems and budgets. It is the Minister will give us a little more clarity on that. about a fundamental culture change, and as we know, The Chair of the Committee also mentioned one of changing a culture is one of the most difficult things to the challenges with housing benefit. Although universal do in any organisation, never mind in the country as a credit has been rolled out and although it is right to whole. have done that in slow steps, checking them as we went, it still does not include housing benefit, ESA or tax Mike Freer (Finchley and Golders Green) (Con): My credits. I share the general concern about how exactly hon. Friend may recall that during my short time on the the Department will incorporate some of those more Select Committee, we visited the pathfinder in Oldham difficult pieces into the system. At the moment, as the and Bolton. I was struck by the enthusiasm of the user Chair of the Committee said, the cases we have been groups and the staff for the new culture of helping considering have been the easy ones, but we have now people into work, and by the fact that people in those moved on from single people to couples. It is a matter of user groups were able to work for longer hours without communication and understanding how things will be falling off the precipice. Given the good news on working done effectively. With housing benefit in particular, it and benefits, should the Government not continue to is important that advice and guidance are produced press forward with universal credit? for local authorities and that the local support services 83 Universal Credit7 JULY 2014 Universal Credit 84

[Anne Marie Morris] My challenge is: would it not be lovely if we could control the media? She is absolutely right, I am sure, framework is produced in its final form earlier rather that some inappropriate things have been said by the than later. Financial information, early information wrong people, but when it comes to who said what and and the final LSSF are undoubtedly needed sooner whether what is reported in the press is true, I find it a rather than later, and I share the concerns about the very hard leap of faith to make to accept her other current timeline. point. I do not believe that any member of the Government Although some are frustrated with the slow development would wantonly wish to put out any message in the way of the system, it seems to me that going slow and steady that she describes— to ensure that we treat vulnerable people with the care they need must be right. We must get this right for the Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. The vulnerable and nothing would be worse than rolling the hon. Lady has already had 14 minutes. Let somebody scheme out early and getting it wrong. That would be a else in—we need short interventions. serious mistake. Despite some of the challenges, there has been a Debbie Abrahams: Language such as that about significant achievement. When we get this done—and I “shirkers” and “scroungers” has been used in the House hope that there will be cross-party support for it—it will by Ministers, and I reiterate that I find this deeply be the biggest transformation in the system for 60 years. offensive. It will also make it clear that there is a proper balance If we consider welfare reforms in the round, we can between society and the taxpayer and those who need see that there have been huge errors in how they have proper support to enable them to participate fully in been delivered. If we consider them in the context of working life. The fact that the claimant commitment other reforms to the welfare state, we can see that we are has been so successful in beginning to change that experiencing a decimation of the welfare system that mindset must be a good thing. was set up after the second world war, with people who I would question the fact that although the Opposition are sick and disabled through no fault of their own support universal credit as a concept, they are now increasingly being denied access to a basic standard of suggesting that if they were in government after the living. In addition, the changes to access to health care next election they would freeze it, but not the pilot, I and to justice are also affecting benefit claimants and understand. It seems to me that we do more damage if because of the changes there has been a 20% reduction we start stopping and starting programmes. If the in the number of benefit claimants whose appeals are Opposition support universal credit, as I believe they successful. We need to look at the situation in the do, they should support what is being done. Of course round. I find it disappointing that a debate such as this we should hold the Department to account, but let us is not seen in the context of everything else that is also consider sensible steps forward. I cannot see that going on. freezing something is a sensible step, because all it does On the implementation of universal credit, I do not is stop the progress that we all agree would be a good understand how the Secretary of State can still be in a thing in the longer term. job. Mistakes and errors have cost hundreds of millions One can strive for the perfect, but one can never of pounds of taxpayers’money.That has been accompanied achieve the perfect. We have made good steps as a by cover-up and claims that the system has been reset. Government but there is more that can be done. Most important, the lesson I would like the Department to I endorse all the positive comments that have been take away is about better and timely communication, made about the Chair of the Select Committee, my hon. particularly on complex issues such as IT, a subject on Friend the Member for Aberdeen South (Dame Anne which I do not claim to be an expert and on which I Begg). She is a fantastic Chair, always allowing people suspect that not many members of the Select Committee to engage and giving them the opportunity to speak, would claim to be experts either. but she has been shown such disrespect. If anybody has not seen how the Secretary of State behaved in that 6.46 pm Select Committee meeting in February, I invite them to watch it. It was a disgrace. Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth) (Lab): Although I have huge regard for the hon. Member Dame Angela Watkinson: I thank the hon. Lady for for Newton Abbot (Anne Marie Morris), I must disagree allowing me to intervene. I hope she will also allow that with some parts of her speech, most notably because the Secretary of State was sorely provoked. If we are there has been a swathe of errors not just in universal going to look at the behaviour of one person, we need credit but, as we debated last week, in the other programmes to look at the behaviour of others who took part in that for welfare reform. My hon. Friend the Member for exchange. Hampstead and Kilburn (Glenda Jackson) remarked on the unfortunate way in which the welfare reforms have been framed and debated in the media, including Debbie Abrahams: I am sorry, I do not agree with irresponsible press releases that perpetuate the vilification that. The exchange is on record and people can watch it. of people on benefits and paint them as the new undeserving It was clear that when the Chair of the Select Committee poor. I have found that deeply offensive and such an asked in February why we had not had the information approach has been used in Ministers’ speeches. Many that was available, the democratic role that Select people have found that offensive. Committees play in our parliamentary system was ignored. The response to the Select Committee’s report is a Anne Marie Morris: The hon. Lady is a fine contributor further justification for my comments. I am not alone in to our Select Committee and adds a lot of intellectual my views. There has been criticism from the Major rigour and brings a lot from her previous background. Projects Authority and the National Audit Office. 85 Universal Credit7 JULY 2014 Universal Credit 86

Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South) (Lab): The cuts to the basic and work allowances will mean that previous Conservative Government had form in this universal credit is £685 a year less generous for a lone area, particularly in relation to benefits, although my parent with two children, saving the Government £1.7 billion hon. Friend probably was not in the House at the time. a year. There are also concerns that UC will weaken the We heard a lot of ballyhoo about the horizon project, incentive for second earners in couples to work. One in but at the end of the day it cost billions to put right. five children in poverty now lives with a single-earner Again, it was the people on benefits who suffered as a couple. Ensuring that more second earners, principally result. The Conservatives have form. They come up women, are able to take up employment will be critical with all sorts of excuses over the years, and claim to be to reducing child poverty rates. Finally, the decision to compassionate. They are not. We have only to look at leave council tax support out of universal credit means people with disabilities, who still have to go through that the aim of simplicity is being undermined, with medical tests. many claimants facing two rates of benefit withdrawal when they move into work or when their income increases. Debbie Abrahams: I am grateful to my hon. Friend. The introduction of universal credit has been a car No, I was not in the House at that time. We recognise crash—a demonstration of how not to implement policy that we did not get everything right either—I am sure and of how the policy intention of making work pay is there will be an intervention about that—but this failing. This Government and this Secretary of State Government and this Secretary of State are now in are failing to reform our welfare system. Of course, we power. It is their programme that we are scrutinising need to make sure that welfare spending is not profligate, and it is a categorical failure. It is a mess. I have spoken but in reforming our welfare system so that it is fit for about the waste of money. The Major Projects Authority the 21st century, we must remember why we developed said that there have been so many changes to universal our model of social welfare, retaining its principles of credit that it cannot be seen as the same project: it must inclusion, support and security for all, protecting any be seen as a new project. one of us should we fall on hard times or become sick As I said last week, and as was mentioned also by the or disabled. It is a hand-up, not a hand-out. Chair of the Select Committee, we started off with four pathfinders, including one in my constituency, Oldham. 6.57 pm Those were announced in 2011 and were meant to be Nigel Mills (Amber Valley) (Con): It is a pleasure to followed by a national roll-out in October 2013. On the follow the hon. Member for Oldham East and Saddleworth day that the Secretary of State was supposed to provide (Debbie Abrahams) in what seems to have become a evidence to the Select Committee, we learned that there very large meeting of the Select Committee. We will see was not to be a roll-out. Again, he was very indignant whether that changes by the end of the debate. It is a that we were questioning him about that. It was appalling pleasure to be in the Chamber talking about universal arrogance. credit again. I forget how many times in the past year we As we have heard, there are supposed to be 7.7 million have done so in the course of ministerial statements, people on universal credit when it is fully implemented. urgent questions or other debates on the same topic. We Currently about 6,000 people are on it. The Secretary of may have spent more hours debating it than people have State thought it was highly amusing when I asked him spent claiming it, but I hope that will not continue to be last week how long it would take at the present rate for the case. 1 million people to be on UC. It is a matter of simple When my hon. Friend the Member for Newton Abbot maths. Perhaps he, like the Chancellor, has problems (Anne Marie Morris) spoke, she confirmed that there is with that. The answer is 2091. The Secretary of State still general support for the principle of universal credit. did not like answering that. I took issue with the Chair of the Select Committee in a Last September the National Audit Office reported debate last week when she rightly set out how hard IT problems that the Government had known about for welfare reform is, but we have to bite the bullet. We 18 months but had failed to tell us about. That is cannot keep tweaking and expanding over-complex systems. deceptive and dishonourable. Some £40 million spent At some stage we need to start again with a new system on software has had to be written off and a further that meets modern needs. We must accept that the £91 million written down. Good money is being poured existing architecture will not last much longer without after bad as the Government continue to spend £37 million falling over in an awful heap. We need to find a new to £38 million on the old IT system, while at the same welfare system that works for the people who claim time spending extensive sums on an end-state solution from it, works for the taxpayer and achieves the outcomes or, as it is now called, enhanced digital—whatever. that we want. In addition to saying that it was now treating universal I hope the Government will press on with universal credit as a new project, the MPA, together with the credit. I hope they can find a smoother path than there NAO, reported its concerns on significant issues of has been so far, but the direction of travel is right. I governance, transparency, financial controls over supplier hope we can reach the end position more quickly than spending, and ineffective departmental oversight. It we fear. It is worth reiterating what we are trying to could not get worse. How is the Secretary of State still replace. The NAO report set out that we are trying to in his job? In any other profession, he would have gone. replace six different benefit systems that have about Why is he still there? 13 million annual claims and pay out about £67 billion We supported and still support the principles of a a year. Those are huge amounts of money and represent simplified benefits system and one that makes work pay, a huge complexity that we are trying to sort out. but whether that will happen is questionable. There is For the investment of £2.4 billion—perhaps the Minister real concern that the aim of making work pay will not could clarify whether we are expecting a higher cost for be achieved. Recent evidence has shown that by 2018 universal credit than the original estimate—we are expecting 87 Universal Credit7 JULY 2014 Universal Credit 88

[Nigel Mills] I agree with the concerns expressed about the engagement with the Select Committee; that was a bit of a £38 billion-worth of savings by 2023. The Government disappointment to us. Clearly, there had been a long response quoted a £35 billion benefit; I assume that that period in which it was known that there were issues with is the net of those two numbers, and not that the UC. A lot of money had been wasted, and there had estimated saving has drifted down a bit. Again, it would been lots of changes to the programme; the Committee be helpful to understand what savings we think there was just not aware of that. I accept that the National will be over the period. I think there is to be an annual Audit Office was involved, and that the Public Accounts saving of £7 billion, so there is a huge prize for making Committee had various runs around this, but it would the system work. It should be better for claimants, who have felt a lot better for us, when we were trying to will understand what they will get, and better for the scrutinise the Department’s performance and finances, people administering UC, who will understand what and the programme as a whole from a policy perspective, they should be giving out. I think that we have all been if we had had some kind of understanding that there in that awful situation of hearing someone ask, “Am I were pretty major issues that would make the project better off in work or on benefits?” That is not a simple look a lot different from how it was meant to look. That calculation. It is hugely complex to work out the answer, would have been a slightly more respectful way to treat but we need to be able to answer that clearly. the Committee. I do not expect daily updates on everything that is happening, but we are talking about something I agree with what my hon. Friend the Member for fundamental. That could have been handled a little Finchley and Golders Green (Mike Freer) said when we better. Perhaps we would then have had a slightly less went to see UC at work in the north-west. What sticks tense meeting with the Secretary of State earlier this in my memory is the genuine enthusiasm on the part of year. I personally do not recall finding him offensive or everyone who was working with UC for the system, the unhelpful; the meeting was a little bad-tempered, but I ideas and the changes. However, I also remember the suppose that when one is scrutinising someone, it can be horribly clunky and complex IT systems that we saw, a little difficult. I suspect that there was fault on all sides which did not seem able to talk to each other, and which in that very long meeting. required a lot of manual interventions to make the processes work. I am looking forward to going to I will come back to the Committee’s recommendation Hammersmith in October to see the latest iteration of on how many IT systems we should be working on. My how UC works, and to see whether we have managed to hon. Friend the Member for Warrington South (David get a much slicker and smoother system. I certainly Mowat) may have clarified something, but I am not sure hope that we have. that we can say that the new digital end-state solution is an enhancement of the current one. I think that we have There have been two benefits from this change. We always understood that a twin-track approach was being hear that the claimant commitment, which has been taken; we were working on two different systems at the rolled out in my constituency, is bringing about real same time, one of which would succeed the other. There changes in behaviour. The contract part of that helps to are reports that the Cabinet Office recommended moving make it clear to people what they are expected to do; to the end-state solution earlier this year, rather than that is working. The other area where we have seen real staying with the twin-track approach. advantages is in the use of real-time information. Many of us, perhaps wrongly and cynically, feared that that There is a fundamental question here: if we are would be the bit of the process that would fall over; we working on two different systems, one of which will feared that Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs would succeed the other, and there are only 7,000 or so people struggle to make it work, and that trying to add it to its claiming on the first one, is it better to focus all resources complex systems might be a bit too much. That has on the final end-state system, and divert people, money actually worked fine; the data seem to work, and there and time to that, rather than trying to work on both at are even more enhancements that we can make to the the same time, even if that means a slightly longer use of that in the meantime, before we get to see the implementation period, and a slight further delay? Perhaps whole UC in action. So there have been some positive testing just one system may get us to the right position; steps so far. I do not know. It may be that to make this work, we have to go through the first system before we can move Only about 7,000 people are claiming UC. We have on to the second. The answers that we have had on that to be honest: that is a long way short of where the are not clear. It looks to quite a lot of people as though Government, the Committee, and indeed everyone, were there may be a more cost-effective way of achieving hoping the UC would be. We have to accept that that is this, given the timetable that we are on. disappointing, but it is far better than rushing on with I reiterate my view that this is a great reform; everyone the system only to have it completely fall over, and should want to see it work. I ask the Government to creating a tax credits-type fiasco of the kind that we all press on and make it work. remember from a decade or so ago. I do not remember the person who headed the Department responsible for 7.5 pm tax credits, or the responsible Minister, having to resign. I do not remember the then Chancellor holding his Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): Some social hands up and saying, “I think I’ll resign in embarrassment security commentators have described a universal credit-type at this farce.” It is a bit rich to call for the Secretary of proposal as the holy grail of social security thinking. It State to resign when these implementation mistakes is certainly true that the idea is nothing new. It was not were not his fault; as I understand it, he spotted what invented by the current Government; it has been debated was going wrong and sorted it out. There is no call for and investigated by previous Governments. In an earlier him to resign at all; that was a cheap and unnecessary debate on the subject—I think it was an urgent question shot. —my right hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh 89 Universal Credit7 JULY 2014 Universal Credit 90

South West (Mr Darling) made it quite clear that when Committee prepared a report in November 2012, we he was Secretary of State for Social Security, he looked concentrated on vulnerable claimants. At that time we at the project and concluded that without very significant were told that all the implementation plans were on time and money being invested, it would be too difficult track for 2013, which was not the case. By February to deliver. 2013, the Major Projects Authority told the DWP to There has obviously been a learning curve to which, reset the entire project—that was an internal, private for whatever reason, the current Government seem to report of which Members had no knowledge at the have decided to pay no attention. If we sometimes seem time. That information did not come out clearly until quite cynical and sceptical about the whole process, it is July 2013, when the Secretary of State told the Select because of a lot of what we have heard over the past Committee that there were major changes to the roll-out. four years. There was total confidence that UC would The NAO reported in September 2013, and the Secretary be the answer to all sorts of questions, and would be of State’s response was, “Oh, I knew about all those relatively easy. I do not think that many people present, problems all along.” Perhaps he did know about the except my right hon. Friend the Member for East Ham problems all along, but he did not tell many people about (Stephen Timms), were on the Welfare Reform Bill them. There were further changes in December 2013. Committee in 2011. The then Minister of State for Some speakers, in trying to support universal credit, Employment, the right hon. Member for Epsom and suggested that at least we have some people on it. There Ewell (Chris Grayling), who responded to most of the are 6,000 people on universal credit, and it will be rolled debates in Committee, was prone to describing his out to more jobcentres, but those are the very simplest proposals as an empty bookcase. The Bill was the cases. In essence, for those claimants universal credit is architecture; a lot of other things would come along little different from jobseeker’s allowance. There is little later. I think he spoke more truly than he thought he to say that universal credit is a big breakthrough to a did, because clearly it was a rather empty bookcase; a different form of benefit, because until now claimants lot of the issues had not been fully bottomed-out and have been single people. Apparently, we are now able talked about in the way that they should have been. to roll out universal credit to some couples, but the One example of that—I will come on to others—is claimants so far have been single people. Some 70% free school meals. We discussed the issue in the Bill of claimants are relatively young. They are new benefit Committee in 2011. Various people made written claimants who do not have complications, basically. If submissions and proposals, and there were discussions, universal credit is to bring together various benefits about how that might or might not work as part of the successfully, the difficult cases will be the real test, not project. We learn now that the Department still does the straightforward ones. not know how it will deal with free school meals in the One bit of universal credit thinking that has been further roll-out of universal credit. Three years later, we rolled out is the claimant commitment, which has been have not made much progress on something quite important rolled out to JSA claimants, not merely those who are and basic. technically in receipt of JSA-style universal credit. The Government have rolled out the stick without rolling Dame Anne Begg: Does my hon. Friend agree that out the carrot. One of the problems with the claimant anyone building a bookcase has to know the size of the commitment is not necessarily getting people to agree books that will be displayed on it before they can get what they will do to find work but that minor breaches the architecture right? Perhaps that was a lesson that of that agreement can lead to loss of benefits. The the Minister forgot. carrot—the bit that is meant to help people not only to find work but to make work pay—has not yet been Sheila Gilmore: That is a very good analogy for how introduced because the vast majority of people are nowhere we have arrived in this position. The trouble is that it is near being on universal credit. not some sort of blunder: my hon. Friends have referred Since our original debates on the Welfare Reform Act to some of the other big changes going through the 2012, we have experienced obfuscation through the use DWP, and the same pattern has been seen with disability of computerese. MPs, like many lay people, are not IT living allowance and the personal independence payment. experts. Initially, concerns were raised about the size of First, a straw man was erected: there was a statement the IT project—various Governments have run into about certain things in the previous system, some of trouble with IT in the past—and people asked, “How which were not entirely accurate, being really bad and do we know this will be different?” Any concerns were having to be changed. There was then a brief initial simply brushed aside because the Government had a consultation period before the Department went ahead new “agile” way of doing things that meant everything with the change, which was not properly piloted. As a was going to be fine. About 18 months later we learned result, every new PIP applicant since June 2013 is part that that way of doing things had been abandoned, of the testing process. That is not a pilot, unless it is a so clearly everything was not fine, but that is what we pilot on a gigantic scale. Many people who are anxious were told. and worried while they wait for their PIP payments to Other things that were “fine” included security, come through, are being treated as guinea pigs, after a establishing people’s identity and the difficulties with failure to analyse the problem, implement the scheme online transactions. Those concerns were raised from or test the proposals. The pattern is not unique to the outset. I recall an informal briefing at which the universal credit. Minister, Lord Freud, was asked questions by people Had we been told from the outset that there would be who were expert, such as people who had served on a slow roll-out because of the need for testing, we might housing associations. They asked, “What about the not be standing here now debating whether the glass is verification of people’s housing claims? How is that half full, but we have been told so often that the glass actually going to be done?” At the moment, those is full and everything is going well. When the Select claims are done fairly intensively with people having to 91 Universal Credit7 JULY 2014 Universal Credit 92

[Sheila Gilmore] Those are all worthy aims, but they tell us nothing about what the end-state solution actually is, what it produce information, although housing associations does, how much progress has been made towards it, have been allowed to verify that information because how many people are working on it, what it will cost or they have seen the lease, and so on. Lord Freud simply what the interface will be between claimants and the ignored all that and said, “No, universal credit will have system. It is nothing more than an aspiration. far less fraud and error, and it will all be fine.” But of course it has not been fine, and it is now recognised Stephen Pound (Ealing North) (Lab): I am sorry to that the notion that everything could be done online has interrupt my hon. Friend, who is making some extremely not only been delayed but will never happen. One pertinent points, but many of my constituents who are reason why that will not happen is that security has in work receive varying pay packets. For example, one been recognised as a major issue. The same Ministers week they will work overtime but the next week they who told us that security was not a problem have now will not. Some of them, such as school meal supervisory told us that it is a problem. When a Department is assistants, are employed only in term time. Does she paying out substantial sums of money to millions of have any confidence at all from what we have heard so individuals, doing it fully online is not practical. After far that the system could be sufficiently sophisticated Ministers initially enthused about how everything and robust to take into account natural human activity, would be straightforward, and after having been told which does not consist of people earning exactly the different things at different times—even when the reality same wage for 52 weeks of the year and with exactly the was that something else was going on—we are somewhat same family circumstances? sceptical. As other speakers have said, we were told that a Sheila Gilmore: Again, there is the theory and then certain type of IT is being used for the very small there is what happens in practice. If in all cases the number of current claimants but that, at the same time, information from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs the Department was working on what in February 2014 works, it should be reasonably accurate, but when people was called the end-state, open-source, web-based solution. have very variable earnings there will be considerable [Laughter.] Exactly.I know the meaning of each individual problems, particularly with monthly payments, because word, but I have never been clear about what the phrase it will take a long time to adjust for somebody whose means. We were told that it was a digital solution—it earnings vary a great deal. That will leave some people therefore seems to be an important aspect of the whole in considerable hardship. programme—and that it would be ready to be tested on 100 claimants by November 2014. As the Select Committee David Mowat: To answer the intervention made by report found, the system is still a long way from being the hon. Member for Ealing North (Stephen Pound), viable. There is a huge difference between operating the whole purpose of having the real-time information something like that for a small group of 100 claimants interface out of the HMRC systems, which was a and operating it for far more people. prerequisite to universal credit, was to address precisely The Select Committee thought that what we were that point. being told about was a different and digital way of doing things, and we specifically asked for more detail. Sheila Gilmore: I thank the hon. Gentleman for that The Government’s response to the Select Committee intervention, but obviously there are other complications report evaded the question, and it is all there. First, the for people with very variable earnings, and I am not response talked about the claimant commitment, which confident that they will all be overcome. I have already mentioned and did not have anything to Finally, on the IT that we are expected to believe will do with the digital solution. Secondly, the response be in place at some point, last week the Secretary of talked about a State delivered absolutely no clarity when we debated “more challenging and supportive relationship between claimants this in the Chamber. When I intervened to ask him what and coaches.” the end-state solution was, he replied: “Coaches” is the new name for jobcentre advisers. Again, “It is universal credit completely delivering to everybody in the that does not really tell us anything about the digital UK. That is the end-state solution—live, online and fully solution. There are concerns about how scalable those protected.”—[Official Report, 30 June 2014; Vol. 583, c. 645.] intensive relationships will be. Thirdly, we were told that Again, that is describing the end aspiration in a very there will be more online services, but many JSA claims generalised way, but it tells us absolutely nothing about are already made online, so again it is unclear whether whether it will work. that has anything to do with the end-state or digital Any change of this sort requires a lot of thought and solution. practice. One of the issues about which there remains Therefore, having gone around the houses about the considerable concern—we have not heard a great deal claimant commitment, the things that are already happening about this from DWP—is the direct payment of housing online and the more supportive relationship, all that we benefit to the claimant and then to the landlord. To be have been told is that the digital solution is fair, DWP has been carrying out pilots for two years to see how that would work, and I think that they have “a multi-channel service that makes greater use of modern now come to an end. I understand that an independent technology”— evaluation is now with the Department, although it has I am glad that it makes use of modern technology, not yet been published—perhaps the Minister knows rather than ancient technology— more about that than I do. However, the data from the “to ensure the system is as effective, simple and transparent as organisations that have been piloting it are now in the possible.” public domain. They looked initially at some 6,700 people 93 Universal Credit7 JULY 2014 Universal Credit 94

—in different small groups across the country—that it published—to “save” the programme, and a rattling was tested on. At the end of the pilot, 4,700 were still on good yarn it is too. I will not repeat the remarks of my direct payments, but 1,993 of the original group had hon. Friend the Member for Newton Abbot (Anne been returned to having payments made directly to their Marie Morris), but the project is a national imperative. landlord. That is a considerable proportion of the total. We are trying to make work pay, to streamline benefits That rings some alarm bells on how well it will work. and to mimic the whole process of transition to work. The landlords involved in those pilots have said constantly Developing a set of IT applications to be used by that it worked only as a result of very intensive work 8 million users is quite difficult. Frankly, neither political that has been done precisely because they are pilots. party has shown a great deal of success in doing that There is considerable concern that that will not be over the past decade or so. If we accept that it is a hard scalable to the required extent. Although I certainly thing to do, then perhaps Members might try to do a commend the Department for running those pilots, we little more than they have today in getting behind the need to hear what lessons have been learnt, whether any 1,000 or 2,000 people who are working on the programme further changes to the plans are required and how these —working weekends and doing the stuff that needs to things will be made to work in the longer term. be done to get this to happen. There are many other aspects of universal credit that Are there problems with this project? I do not know; people have raised concerns about. In many ways we I am not an expert on it. I hate to say this, but I do not have almost forgotten about some of the downsides, even serve on the Select Committee. Perhaps I am here such as second earners being less incentivised to work as an imposter. I have had some experience of IT. I have under universal credit rules, as drawn up by the spent a large part of my life explaining to people why IT Government—they could be changed—than they are projects are late and why it is not my fault but somebody under the current system, and there is the fact that some else’s—I got quite good at that by the end. During a families with disabled children will receive less than quality assurance test on an IT project—in fact, we do they do at the moment. There was a lot of debate about not have IT projects any more; this is a business change those issues, and the fact that we are nowhere near project—one of the indicators of difficulties relates to including some of those people is probably why those the number of project managers. If the project manager concerns have gone off the boil, but we should not has changed a lot, there will be reasons for that: it is a forget about them. Even if universal credit is properly very clear flashing red light. This programme has been implemented, it is not a case of all winners and no unlucky—I use that word advisedly—in that it has had losers, because a significant number of people will still a number of different project managers who have had be worse off under universal credit. to move on for different reasons. Of course, that creates The detailed rules for universal credit can be changed, issues about how things are done, as in this case. and in some ways that is where the bookcase has its I listened carefully to what the hon. Member for merits. Some of the concerns about the rate of tapering Edinburgh East said about roll-out. It was not clear of income, which has been changed since the original that she thought that the Secretary of State was rolling proposals, and how we deal with school meals, child it out wrongly; rather, she seemed concerned that he care and families with disabled children could all be had not told her in advance, at the start, how he was going addressed. I think that it is a pity that at this stage we to do it. That is an entirely different matter, because are so far away from those people being included in the sometimes things are changed for tactical reasons. When new system that we do not even need to look for the the Olympics are being delivered, things are sometimes answers. Just over 6,000 people are on universal credit, done in a different order. That is not unreasonable and and that is predominantly JSA with a few changes, so not necessarily wrong. the simplest of cases and situations. That is not really a fantastic achievement. I am sorry if that is describing Sheila Gilmore: I hope that the hon. Gentleman the glass as being half empty, but that is certainly how it would not want to misinterpret what I said. There is appears to me. nothing wrong with changing one’s mind and trying to 7.27 pm adjust as one goes along, but what has been wrong has been the complete confidence, with each turnaround, in David Mowat (Warrington South) (Con): It is always everything being fine and in how we should not be a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Edinburgh worried any more. We have seen that on several occasions. East (Sheila Gilmore). This is the second time in a week that we have had the opportunity to debate universal David Mowat: As I said, I have not been serving on credit. I will focus my brief remarks on some of the the Select Committee and I have not heard about the comments made by Labour Members, which I think confidence she mentions. My point is that decisions are can be characterised thus: “We are doing our job. If made during the life cycle of a programme that effect only the Secretary of State would do his job, everything changes, and if, every time that happens— would be okay.” I had thought that it was agreed that universal credit Debbie Abrahams: There was a two-week difference is a much-needed project. It is a project of national between the Department saying that everything was significance. I think that it is analogous to the Olympics, fine in a memo that we received and the NAO’s publication but in fact harder to deliver. Opposition Front Benchers of its cataclysmic report condemning what the Department might give that some thought when considering how to is doing. Is that the sort of time scale that the hon. conduct themselves in this debate. The project might be Gentleman has in mind? harder to deliver than the Olympics, but it is as important to our country. I will comment on the progress and David Mowat: I do not know, because I was not some of the issues around that, and also talk at some aware of that. The hon. Lady’s intervention, like much length about Labour’s four-point plan—it has now been of her speech, is along the lines of, “We’re doing our 95 Universal Credit7 JULY 2014 Universal Credit 96

[David Mowat] The really interesting thing about the plan is points 3 and 4, which represent major, significant scope changes. job; if only the Secretary of State would do his job and If we make such changes to a programme right near the hurry up and get this delivered, everything would be all end, that is when everything goes wrong—when things right.” My substantive point is that delivering this have to be retested, budgets change, and all the rest of application is harder than delivering the Olympics, and it. The great thing about these major scope changes is it behoves all of us to get behind the 1,000 or 2,000 people that, according to the four-point plan, they will be done who are trying to do it. That is not to say that individual at “no additional cost”. The two points propose to mistakes have not been made. There have almost certainly remove some of the onus on self-employed people and been lots of mistakes; it would be odd if there had not to continue to pay the primary carer. been. On the train this morning, between Watford and As to progress, the issue is not that things have not Euston, I costed Labour’s four-point plan at £89,611,207.31. been done; it is what we do now and how we deal with That costing—I am very happy to take an intervention it. I am going to be kind to the Opposition and talk on it—includes 11 new applications, 47 new screens, about the Olympics rather than the national health 190 database changes, 201 reports, a 40% test rerun, and service project that wrote off about £10 billion. The 88 new interfaces. I may have spent only 11 minutes on Olympics was a joint success—a success for our country— the calculation to come up with that number, but that is and yet its budget increased by a factor of four. When 11 minutes more than Labour Members have spent on the right hon. Member for Dulwich and West Norwood putting it into their plan and saying they can achieve it (Dame Tessa Jowell) came to the House and announced with “no additional cost”. I would be delighted if one that the budget was going up by a factor of four, of them wants to intervene on me—but intervention Members on both sides of the House, broadly speaking, came there none. tried to understand why that had happened, accepted it, and knuckled down to get the project delivered. In Sheila Gilmore rose— the end, there was not a cigarette paper between the two parties in terms of the approach to that project of David Mowat: Ah! national significance—as this one is. The Secretary of State and his team are trying to do a very difficult thing Sheila Gilmore: The hon. Gentleman should be clearer in delivering this application, to be used by 10 million about why he thinks, for example, that making payment people, in parallel with existing systems which, every to the primary carer would have such huge costs, especially week, continue to be used by 10 million people. Of at a point when, it is fair to say, the systems are unlikely course mistakes have been made; as I say, it would be to have reached implementation for families with children. odd if they had not. The issue is whether, on the whole, it is being managed correctly and whether, structurally, David Mowat: The problem arises precisely because we are doing the right thing. the systems are nearing completion. Costs in the life I had thought that Labour supported the basic tenets cycle of an IT project escalate the nearer to the end we of universal credit, but some of the comments by the get. To repeat a couple of the estimating parameters I hon. Member for Oldham East and Saddleworth (Debbie used, Labour’s plan would require 11 new applications Abrahams) about scope implied that she has severe and 47 new screens. If the Labour party has its own reservations. She may be right; I am not an expert. It estimate and it took it more than 11 minutes to put it seems odd that Labour Members are raising issues such together, I would be very happy to accept that it is right, as scope at such a late stage of the programme. To some but all it has done is write a sentence. extent, they are the Opposition and perhaps it is reasonable that they oppose, but there is a difference between Dame Anne Begg: From the Select Committee’s point opposing and what I would call opportunistic carping—not of view—not that of Labour Back Benchers—the problem only that, but opportunistic carping that is destructive, is that we do not know any of those things. The hon. not constructive. Gentleman has made assumptions, but we do not know whether the IT has developed sufficiently to take account That brings me to Labour’s four-point plan, to which of families with children or whether it would cost Mr Baldrick would have been delighted to give his anything to make the payment to the primary carer name. Point 1 is to stop the programme and think about instead. We do not know—that is our objection. We it for three months—not to review it, not to stop rolling have not been told. We have not been kept in the loop. it out, but to stop it completely. It is not totally clear to me what they would be stopping—development, David Mowat: The hon. Lady makes a reasonable implementation, the front end, the legacy systems and intervention and I understand it, but if Labour Front interface work, or perhaps all of it. It is not totally clear Benchers, whose four-point plan this is, do not know to me what they would do with the 1,000 people—to the cost of their proposed scope increases—which is take a round number—who are currently doing all these reasonable, because I do not know how much they tasks. They are saying, “No, let’s just stop it, with an would cost, either—we would expect them to say, “We immediate write-off of all that.” don’t know the costs,” not, “These scope increases will Point 2 is to get the NAO to have a look at the be delivered within the same budget as the rest of the programme. That is fair enough; one cannot argue with programme.” The point I am making is that that is asking the NAO to look at something. Of course, it irresponsible. It is not indicative of Front Benchers who would have to use people with expertise in programmes take what has to happen to the programme seriously or of this type, of whom most of the good ones are in the who, 10 months from now, intend to be the Government civil service and working on this programme. Nevertheless, of this country. The reality is that 10 years—two let us do it anyway. Parliaments—is too soon. 97 Universal Credit7 JULY 2014 Universal Credit 98

7.41 pm That has been the central failure: the Department simply Stephen Timms (East Ham) (Lab): The Work and has not worked out what the system is supposed to do. Pensions Committee has done the House a service with More than three years after the implementation of its report, and the tributes to its Chair from both sides universal credit started, we still do not know, as we have of the House are well deserved. been reminded in this debate, which recipients of universal The hon. Member for Newton Abbot (Anne Marie credit will be entitled to free school meals for their Morris) is absolutely right to say that there is widespread children. That is not a minor detail; it is a very serious agreement that universal credit is, in principle, a good problem for the aim of making sure that people are idea, but I am afraid the universal credit project has had always better off if their income goes up. If the truth is all the hallmarks of disaster right from the start, as a that a household will suddenly lose their entitlement number of us pointed out at the time. Everybody hoped, to free school meals if they reach a specific income as we were assured, that the lessons of previous failures threshold—that appears to be where we are heading—of, had been learned, but unfortunately they had not. for example, £9,000 a year, their income will be a great It started to go wrong within just a few weeks of the deal less than it was before the small increase that general election. Ministers published a Green Paper triggered that change. The Citizens Advice briefing for entitled “21st Century Welfare”—I have my well-thumbed today’s debate has an example of a lone parent who, if copy with me—which introduced the idea of universal free school meals are decided on the basis of income credit. Paragraph 7 of chapter 5 stated: threshold, “The IT changes that would be necessary to deliver a more “will be worse off by taking on extra work however many hours integrated system would not constitute a major IT project”. she works”. There was an utter failure, right at the outset, to grasp Solving that genuine policy difficulty is at the heart of the scale of what the Government were about to embark what the Government are trying to do with universal on. How on earth the phrase “would not constitute a credit. As my hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh major IT project” came to be written in a Green Paper, I East (Sheila Gilmore) has reminded us, she and I served have absolutely no idea, but I am quite sure that no on the Welfare Reform Bill Committee. On 24 March 2011, official in the Department would have been responsible the Secretary of State said: for writing such a ludicrous claim. I am afraid that from “we have to resolve some of these issues like free school meals…You that moment on, things have got progressively worse. asked when. I believe that during the Committee stage we should Will the Minister comment specifically on my be in a much stronger position to make it much clearer how we intervention on my hon. Friend the Member for Hampstead will do that.”––[Official Report, Welfare Reform Public Bill Committee, and Kilburn (Glenda Jackson) about this afternoon’s 24 March 2011; c. 154-55, Q299.] announcement by the head of the civil service, Sir Bob The Committee stage ended on 24 May 2011, just over Kerslake, in evidence to the Public Accounts Committee, three years ago. When I asked the Schools Minister about that the Treasury has not yet approved the revised the subject last Thursday, he said that an announcement business case? A week ago today, the Minister said in would be made “shortly”. It appears that we are heading response to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for some sort of income threshold. If that happens, it for Leeds West (Rachel Reeves), the shadow Secretary will create a huge new work disincentive in universal credit of State for Work and Pensions: for a very large number of people that will be far worse “The Chief Secretary to the Treasury has approved the UC than anything in the current system, for all its flaws. Strategic Outline Business Case plans for the remainder of this The universal credit rescue committee—I am grateful Parliament (2014-15) as per the ministerial announcement (5 December to the hon. Member for Warrington South (David 2013, Official Report, column 65WS)”.—[Official Report, 30 June 2014; Mowat) for drawing attention to its work—submitted Vol. 583, c. 434W.] its report to the Labour party two weeks ago. It pointed The Minister said that the Treasury had agreed the out that the work incentives for second earners in a business case, but today the head of the civil service told couple are a good deal worse in universal credit than the Public Accounts Committee that the Treasury has they are in the current system. My hon. Friend the not agreed the business case. The Minister owes us an Member for Oldham East and Saddleworth underlined explanation of the discrepancy between her answer a week the importance of that point. ago and what the head of the civil service has said today. Leaving council tax support out of universal credit The project has suffered from three levels of failure: undermines simplicity, with many claimants facing two policy failure, delivery failure and governance failure. I separate rates of benefit withdrawal when they move will say a little about each of them. First, policy failure into work or their incomes increase. is perhaps the most serious one. As the hon. Member for Hornchurch and Upminster (Dame Angela Watkinson) The decision to pay universal credit to only one has rightly pointed out, the point of universal credit member of a couple, rather than reflecting the current was to make sure that people would be better off if their system in which payment with respect for children is income increased because they got a job or did extra paid to the main carer—an arrangement with which hours or for some other reason. However, the difficulty you, Madam Deputy Speaker, are particularly familiar— involved in achieving that apparently simple goal was raises significant risks for many women and their children. never understood by Ministers, and the hard graft of Universal credit also creates an extraordinary new delivering it has therefore never been done. red tape burden for self-employed people and partners Last September’s National Audit Office report, which in small partnerships who want to claim universal credit. my hon. Friend the Member for Oldham East and The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England Saddleworth (Debbie Abrahams) has rightly described and Wales says that about 60,000 partners in small as cataclysmic, noted: partnerships will want to claim universal credit and that “Throughout the programme the Department has lacked a it will be virtually impossible for them to meet the detailed view of how Universal Credit is meant to work.” proposed red tape challenge. 99 Universal Credit7 JULY 2014 Universal Credit 100

[Stephen Timms] and when the Information Tribunal found in favour of those members of the public, the Department simply It is the policy failures that are the most serious, but it appealed again. is the delivery failures that are the most spectacular. As Ministers are absolutely determined that nobody should the Minister for the Cabinet Office said in a television know what is really happening. With this project, there interview, implementation has been “lamentable”. I wrote is an obsession with hiding things; of pretending that all to the Secretary of State on 16 November 2010 to point is well when it obviously is not; and, as the National out that his timetable was unrealistic, and I wrote to Audit Office has pointed out, of only admitting to good him again on 18 April 2011. The Secretary of State news. That is not a culture that will deliver a successful wrote a perfectly friendly response on both occasions, project, and it certainly has not delivered success in this but simply denied that he had a problem. case. My hon. Friend the Member for Hampstead In November 2011, the Secretary of State announced and Kilburn referred to a “bunker mentality”, and that 1 million people would be claiming universal credit there absolutely is such a mentality. by April 2014; in fact, there were approximately 6,000. Obsessive secrecy has no doubt spared the blushes of In May 2012, he announced that new applications for the Secretary of State, at least for a time, but it has existing benefits and credits would be entirely phased hindered progress on the project. It has meant that it out by April 2014; Ministers now say that that will not has taken longer than it should have done to recognise happen until 2016. Even assuming that everything goes problems and to deal with them, and a large amount of well from here, which it will not, the project is at least money has been wasted. If, two years ago, the Secretary two years late. of State had put up his hands, and recognised that he Late last year, it was finally admitted that the transition and his advisers had got it wrong and that the project to universal credit will not be complete by 2017. Everybody would take longer than they first said, much of the has known that for months. The hon. Member for subsequent waste and delay could have been avoided. Amber Valley (Nigel Mills) was right to make some Instead, they just kept on denying that there were any very thoughtful comments about that. However, while problems, so the problems kept on getting worse—and everybody knew about the problems, Ministers flatly the project is not finished yet. denied them. The Secretary of State told the House on The project is at least two years late, and it will 5 September 2013: have wasted much more than the £130 million already “The plan is, and has always been, to deliver this programme acknowledged. It is essential, as the universal credit within the four-year schedule to 2017…that is exactly what the rescue committee has argued, that the project is now plan is today. We will deliver this in time”.—[Official Report, paused. Central policy decisions still have not been 5 September 2013; Vol. 567, c. 472.] made—Ministers cannot spend hundreds of millions of That was complete fantasy. He was still doing it on pounds on an IT system if they do not know what it is 18 November, when he said that supposed to do—and Ministers have not made such “universal credit will roll out and deliver exactly as we said it decisions. As has rightly been said by the rescue committee, would.”—[Official Report, 18 November 2013; Vol. 570, c. 947.] taking advice from the former chief information officer Everybody knew that that was untrue. Why do Ministers of Rolls-Royce, who served on it with distinction, we not simply tell us the truth about what is going on? need a plan that is published, is audited by the National Some £40 million has been written off so far, with more Audit Office and contains milestones with dates, so that undoubtedly to come. everybody knows how the project is going. Why pretend that it going well when it clearly is not? I was worried about achieving one universal credit IT system in anything like the proposed time scale, but we David Mowat: The point I made was that the review are now in the extraordinary situation of building two could be done in parallel with continuing the programme. different universal credit IT systems. How much more Let us say that 1,000 people are working on the programme will that cost? The Select Committee asked that question— at the moment. What will the right hon. Gentleman do surely that is what Select Committees are supposed to with those 1,000 people during that three-month review? ask about—but the Government response simply does not provide any answers. Surely we can at least be told Stephen Timms: As I have said, the idea for the pause how much extra it will cost us to have two IT systems is based on the recommendation of Jonathan Mitchell, instead of one. the retired chief information officer of Rolls-Royce, Lessons also need to be learned from another group who has managed extremely large IT projects in that of serious failures—the governance failures in the project. company—possibly even larger than those for which To answer the question quite rightly asked by the hon. the hon. Gentleman had responsibility. He has said that Member for Warrington South, five different officials when a project is as out of control as this one clearly is, have had responsibility for the project since it started. it is essential to stop, to make policy decisions and to However, the central problem is that the project has draw up a plan before simply shovelling in hundreds of been managed primarily with a view to minimising millions pounds more. embarrassment for the Secretary of State. That is essentially what decisions have been about. Problems, when obvious, David Mowat: Will the right hon. Gentleman give way? have simply been denied; information that would have shed light on what was going on has been buried; and Stephen Timms: I will not, because I should conclude. the people who have asked difficult questions have Outstanding policy issues need to be decided, the been fobbed off. Members of the public have made work incentive design flaws need to be fixed and a freedom of information requests to see the risk register, hard-headed view needs to be taken about whether this the milestone schedule and the project assessment project can be rescued within an acceptable time and review, but applications have of course been refused, cost. Opposition Members hope the answer to such a 101 Universal Credit7 JULY 2014 Universal Credit 102 question will be yes, but we cannot assume that it will do with universal credit, because the Department has be. The question needs to be asked frankly and answered rolled out the claimant commitment far beyond those honestly. It should not be left until the election; it should who are in receipt of universal credit? be done now. Esther McVey: Obviously more people are going 7.56 pm online because that is key to all our changes. When we were providing support during the roll-out, we were The Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions enabling people to get online and use IT. That was part (Esther McVey): I have listened to everything that has of the system. Obviously it is working and more people been said and I have a hefty set of answers to give, but are using IT and getting online. As for the claimant let me put everything in context by starting with what I commitment, that is an integral precursor of universal hope we can all agree on. In between the doom and credit. We had to ensure that all of our 26,300 members gloom that swept across the Chamber from Opposition of staff knew how that worked. Of course they are Members, they seemed to agree that the benefits system working with JSA claimants, but that is one of the changes needs to be changed, and this Government are bringing towards universal credit that we have put into place. about the fundamental reform that is needed. The biggest reform in 60 years will ensure that we reward work, Members have spoken about the IT system. My hon. support aspiration, encourage responsibility and help Friend the Member for Warrington South, who has those who need it most. As my hon. Friend the Member worked so ably on such systems, spoke with much for Warrington South (David Mowat) said, this piece of knowledge on this matter. I am afraid that there was no work is of national importance. We cannot run away knowledge from Opposition Members on this matter. from making the significant changes that are so necessary; We all agree that it is a complex IT system. I believe that it is because they are so imperative that we are making them. there is a logic that we can all follow in what is happening. Universal credit is at the heart of our reform. Its aim We are ensuring that it is slow, it is steady and it is is to make work pay by ensuring that claimants are working. The IT system is probably best described as a better off in work than on benefits. It will promote series of component parts. Some of it will stay—that is personal responsibility by ensuring that people actively known as the legacy system—some of it will be built on, seek work and increase earnings. At the same time, we some of it will be plugged in and other bits will be newly will continue to provide support for those who need it built and form part of the enhanced digital solution. As most. Universal credit will have a positive impact on we are rolling out the system, we will constantly be claimants. Up to 300,000 more people will be in work, learning and working on it to inform the enhanced and about 3 million more households will gain from digital solution. It is like a pincer effect: we are rolling universal credit, with an average gain of £177 per month. out what we have and learning as we go along to inform We are investing £600 million in child care support, the enhanced digital solution. with about 100,000 extra families becoming eligible for such support for the first time. From April 2016, 85% of Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): I am not au fait eligible costs will be covered by the child care rate. with IT systems, but I am au fait with very complicated Alongside that, thousands of disabled adults and children plans. This is a very complicated plan, so the expectation will receive more support, including a higher rate of must be that it will go wrong and require tinkering and support for all children who are registered blind. adjustment right to the end. That is what we should expect; not some blueprint that will be perfect all the Sheila Gilmore: Will the Minister give way? way through. We know where we want to go. We have to be prepared to make adjustments as we get there. Esther McVey: If I may carry on for a while, I will then answer the hon. Lady’s question. Esther McVey: I thank my hon. Friend. That is why I want to thank the Select Committee for continuing we are learning as we are rolling the system out and to support the policy objectives of universal credit— using that to inform what we are doing. improving incentives to work and, as has to be key, We have a multi-disciplinary team of 90 people, 30 of smoothing the transition from benefits into work. Public whom are digital specialists. They are developing the and parliamentary debate has focused on IT systems, digital system as we go along. It is not a twin-track and IT is an important enabler, but universal credit is approach. We are continually learning and informing. much more than that; it is a transformational change We have one system. That is what we are doing. I hope that is building a welfare system fit for the 21st century. that that goes some way towards answering the questions It is already making a difference to people and their that have been asked about IT. One thing that we can all lives: we have stronger work incentives, there is more agree on is that it is complex. We will learn as we go support from work coaches and universal credit claimants along and we have the right person doing the job. are spending twice as much time looking for work because they have the extra support. Stephen Timms: Is it the case, as the Minister said in We know that 90% of universal credit claimants her written answer on Monday last week, that the are claiming online. Many Members spoke about the Treasury has approved the universal credit business IT system. case—yes or no?

Sheila Gilmore: Is it not the case that very high levels Esther McVey: I have just had the answer that I gave of jobseeker’s allowance claimants are claiming online last week checked. It stated: anyway, so that is not really to do with universal credit? “The Chief Secretary to the Treasury has approved the Is it not also the case that the number of hours people UC Strategic Outline Business Case plans for the remainder of are spending looking for work has nothing uniquely to this Parliament (2014-15) as per the ministerial announcement 103 Universal Credit7 JULY 2014 Universal Credit 104

[Esther McVey] and sensitively. Nobody wants to point the finger at anybody. Nobody on the Government Benches has (5 December 2013, Official Report, column 65WS)”—[Official used any inflammatory language, because that is not Report, 30 June 2014; Vol. 583, c. 434W.] right. I have always been very careful about the words That was the response and I have just had it verified. that I use, because we all know people who have fallen on hard times and have needed the support of the state. Stephen Timms: Will the Minister tell us, then, why It is imperative that each and every one of us checks our the head of the civil service today told the Public language, because it means a lot, whether it is on the Accounts Committee that the Treasury has not approved internet, in newspapers or on the radio. I totally agree the universal credit business case? with her about that. However, I totally disagreed with the hon. Lady—I Esther McVey: I will look into that additional point am sure she will understand this—when she asked how and get back to the right hon. Gentleman. On his last the Secretary of State is still in his job. I had to smile at point, I have had the answer checked by my officials that rather absurd comment, given what he has delivered and it was correct. in four years. We have a record number of people in On the roll-out, the new service is now available in work. We are delivering on youth unemployment: it has 24 areas across England, Wales and Scotland, where it gone down consistently for nine consecutive months. It is providing people with stronger incentives and support is now 100,000 lower than when Labour was in office. to get into work, stay in work and increase their income. Under Labour, youth unemployment went up by 45%. On 23 June 2014, we began rolling out universal credit We have had the biggest fall in long-term unemployment, for single people to jobcentres across the north-west of which doubled under Labour, since 1998. There is not England, starting with Hyde, Stalybridge, Stretford, just a record number of women in work, but a record and Altrincham. Last week, it went live in Southport, rate of women in work too. All of those things are why Crosby, Bootle, Bolton and Farnworth. I am pleased to the Secretary of State is still in his job: he has changed say that today, Wirral, Birkenhead, Bromborough, Hoylake, things around fundamentally. Upton and Wallasey began accepting claims for the new The hon. Lady talks about a £40 million write-down. benefit. Once the north-west expansion is complete, Projects of this size usually have about 30% write-down 90 jobcentres—that is one in eight jobcentres in Britain— rate—this has a 10% rate. Labour’s track record of IT will be offering universal credit. failure is £26 billion written off with no scope whatever, From 30 June, we expanded the service to couples in so we can move on to why universal credit is so important. five of the existing live areas: Rugby, Bath, Inverness, Even the Joseph Rowntree Foundation is very clear Hammersmith and Harrogate. That meets our commitment about the benefits of universal credit, recently stating: to expanding the new service to more areas and to more “Universal Credit is a once in a generation opportunity to claimant types from this summer. We will continue to reform a failing and overly-complex system. It will revoke the roll out universal credit carefully in a safe and secure worst work incentives of the current system, smooth transitions manner—starting small, testing and learning from delivery. in and out of work and make it easier for people to access all the That remains the right approach. Later in the autumn, support they are entitled to.” it will be expanded to include families. Those are the reasons why we are correct in pursuing My hon. Friend the Member for Warrington South universal credit. answered the question about whether somebody will be able to feed in information about how many hours they Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (The Cotswolds) (Con): My work per week. Such real-time information is another right hon. Friend is absolutely right. She and the part of the programme that we had the foresight to put Department have simplified the system, making it easier in place. That is working well and the roll out of it is for recipients to understand what they can do to claim nearly 100% complete—it is more than 99% rolled out. benefit. Above all, if they are capable of working, they I have just received a quote from a claimant in should be in work. In contrast, the Labour party made Warrington who is working 20 hours a week: the system so byzantine that our constituents had to “I’m currently working 20 hours a week but am able to pick up appeal constantly to get the answers they wanted. extra hours when overtime is on offer because UC is flexible in that way and I don’t have to worry about my benefit just stopping if I work more than 16 hours. I know I will still get support until Esther McVey: My hon. Friend is spot on. Not only I earn enough to completely pay my own way”. was it complex, but people sometimes did not know That is what we always intended to happen. There is a whether to take a job. People were locked into a life of cushion of benefit to support people, but they are able benefits because they did not know if they would have to take extra hours and to progress in work without been better off working. We are changing that. being stopped from working by the old-fashioned I have listened to the points raised by hon. Members rules and regulations that Labour Members allowed to and I hope I have provided more clarity. I believe that continue for so long. That is what we are trying to we are making a transformational change. Yes, it needs change. We all agreed, including the Select Committee, to be slow and steady—[Interruption.] I am afraid that that those changes were needed. That is an example of a the hon. Member for Bishop Auckland (Helen Goodman) claimant saying what is happening to them right now is laughing. We are putting people into work. We are under this system. getting them off benefits. We are helping them to progress Sadly, I come to the questions that were asked by the and supporting them into work. That is what those on hon. Member for Oldham East and Saddleworth (Debbie the Government Benches are about: support and reforming Abrahams). One thing on which we agree is that the the benefit system to the benefit of all of the UK. media must talk about people and depict people carefully Question deferred (Standing Order No. 54). 105 7 JULY 2014 Common Agricultural Policy 106

DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD Committee supports the Government’s position that AND RURAL AFFAIRS England should adhere, as closely as possible, to the greening measures set out in the direct payments regulation, Common Agricultural Policy and not adopt a national certification scheme approach to greening. In our conclusions, we recommend that the [Relevant documents: Seventh Report from the Environment, Government maintain the 9% rate of transfer from Food and Rural Affairs Committee, Session 2013-14, pillar one to pillar two, and only move to 15% in 2017 if Implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy in they can demonstrate that additional funds are required England 2014-20, HC 745, and the Government response, and that there is a clear benefit from the projects HC 1088.] proposed. Clearly, a compromise of 12% is less than Motion made, and Question proposed, 15% and more than 9%. Perhaps the Minister will share That, for the year ending with 31 March 2015, for expenditure the Government’s thinking in that regard, but we are by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: pleased that the farming voice, and that of the Committee, (1) further resources, not exceeding £968,601,000 be authorised was heard. for use for current purposes as set out in HC 1233 of Session The Committee recommends that the Government 2013-14, take steps to ensure that those actively farming receive (2) further resources, not exceeding £371,350,000 be authorised the direct payments and that those farmers who have for use for capital purposes as so set out, and responded to the call to diversify are not captured (3) a further sum, not exceeding £1,308,388,000 be granted to Her Majesty to be issued by the Treasury out of the Consolidated inadvertently on the “negative list” of business types Fund and applied for expenditure on the use of resources authorised ineligible for CAP funding under pillar one. We recommend by Parliament.—(Gavin Barwell.) that the Government update the commons registers and allow commoners associations to claim on behalf of all 8.13 pm those who actively farm commons, so that the commons attract the share of pillar one money intended for them. Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): I I am aware of the position in North Yorkshire and welcome the opportunity to debate the implementation Cumbria, and that the register will be updated from of the common agricultural policy in England. I welcome October. I believe that in County Durham and other the Minister to his place and look forward to his parts the situation might be slightly different. My concern, comments. which I am sure the Committee shares, is that the Looking at the estimates for the forthcoming year, it update to the register cannot take place before 1 January appears that there will be a 2% increase in the overall 2015, so a number of eligible claims will be excluded. budget against last year’s final position in the 2012-13 What will happen to specific claims that are relevant supplementary estimate. It appears that the £43 million and should be awarded, but may not be in place by 1 increase in programme spend is largely due to the January 2015? It would be extremely helpful to put the £124 million increase due to the transfer of the CAP minds of those farmers at rest. disallowance funding from 2013-14 to 2014-15, in The Committee supports the continuation of dual line with a Treasury agreement to allow flexibility in use under pillar two, but we think that Natural England disallowance funding between years. There is also a must display a lot more rigour in arranging agri- £38.4 million increase to the Environment Agency’s environment contracts to ensure that payments under flood management budget, which is extremely welcome those schemes go to those who do the work and whose and includes the £20 million announced in the 2014 income is forgone. We make a specific recommendation Budget. It would be helpful if the Minister, in his that I hope will be echoed across the House this evening— response, reassured us that this is new money and that that Natural England must be in a position to give we are not being asked to make savings from, for advice. It should not be seen just as the policeman; it example, the EA’s Yorkshire and Humber budget to must be there to provide advice to farmers who seek it. transfer to other parts of the country. That leads to the One of the central recommendations—it is certainly question, since I understand that the National Audit close to my heart, given the area that I represent—is Office is not in the position to provide figures for the that where there is a dispute between landowners, tenants debate, of what the projected figures for disallowance, and graziers, they must have access to a dispute resolution and any quantifiable fines from the new CAP reform mechanism, set up along similar lines to that suggested coming into effect next year, will be. by the tenancy reform industry group. In this day and Against that backdrop, the Select Committee on age, it is worrying that those whose interests are sometimes Environment, Food and Rural Affairs was extremely ignored or trodden on should not have access to arbitration pleased to consider the Department’s proposals. When or a simple, swift dispute resolution mechanism along we reported last year, we found much to like. We support the lines we propose. the Government’s intention to raise the minimum level The Select Committee highlights the risks associated of claim threshold to five hectares, and to move money with the Government’s plans to develop a new single IT uphill. It is extremely important to state at the outset, system for CAP funding through which all agencies however, that that money must go to active farmers and would be able to administer the CAP. We do not wish to not simply to those who own the land. I would like to go rehearse the grief from previous Administrations, but into some detail in that regard, and the Minister cannot we are aware of recent history and we do not wish it to help but be aware of our particular concerns. be repeated. An undertaking and some assurance from I would like to record my particular thanks to the the Minister that that is not intended would be most previous Minister with responsibility for farming, my right welcome this evening. hon. Friend the Member for South East Cambridgeshire We support the Government’s ambition to encourage (Sir James Paice), who was mindful of our concerns and support as many people as possible to apply for about areas where common land is prevalent. The CAP funding online, but that approach will simply not 107 Common Agricultural Policy7 JULY 2014 Common Agricultural Policy 108

[Miss Anne McIntosh] implement will, according to the RPA, be between 15% and 40% higher than previous schemes and, possibly, be available to some farmers. We received an assurance than previously thought. I shall ask the Minister a from a DEFRA Minister in our recent deliberations couple of direct questions about that. that a paper-based application process would be retained The impact of flooding on farmland is another important and that guidance will be provided in paper format in issue that cannot be underestimated. Thousands of the run-up to the new scheme. It was thus of some acres in Yorkshire and the Humber area were under concern when the chief executive of the Rural Payments water in 2012-13 and 2013-14, and thousands of acres Agency, in giving evidence to the Committee in April were under water in Somerset and the south-western this year, told us that there is absolutely no way that a parts of Scotland at the time of flood incidents. The paper format application can be made. That will send impact on the productivity of farming has been severe. shockwaves through rural areas. Will the Minister confirm whether farmers will be In my own constituency, I had a briefing from NYnet, eligible for parts of the CAP, perhaps under pillar two, the county council’s regime that is working in tandem and the rural development fund, if not agri-monetary with BT to try to roll out broadband in the area. By schemes, for storing water on land? How long would it 2015-16, however, only 78% of my Thirsk, Malton and take? Will such storage constitute reservoirs? When will Filey constituency will be covered. That means that DEFRA be in a position to publish the reservoir safety 22% of Thirsk, Malton and Filey will have no access—I guidance, for which we have been waiting for some repeat, no access at all—to fast-speed broadband. That months, if not two years, because it will have a direct 22% is where all the farming communities live, and it bearing on this matter? means that they will be severely disadvantaged. We are all familiar with those trying to apply online who find Is it a source of disappointment to DEFRA that the either no access or receive internet access that is so CAP reforms have in many respects become more complex slow that all the information that has been entered and less simple in an already complex system? Is it can be lost just as people are trying to press the send indeed the case that the CAP schemes are likely to be button. between 15% and 40% higher than previous schemes, I say to the Minister that it is no comfort to farmers and how has the Department budgeted for that in the to be told that they should seek a satellite connection, estimates? Is the Department seeking to simplify and as they simply cannot afford the prohibitive cost. I minimise the administrative cost in the new schemes, repeat the Committee’s recommendation to the Government even against that backdrop? that the BT money that is being rolled out—particularly Will the Minister respond to a question that has been the element coming from the BBC licence fee and the asked by me and by the hon. Member for South Down next round of licensing—should go to those rural (Ms Ritchie)? In April, the RPA told our Committee: communities across England that have the slowest speed “It is not actually possible to submit by paper to the new and the weakest broadband coverage. We cannot expect scheme, because of the way that it is structured.” the farming community to go digital by default from That completely contradicts what Ministers told us in 1 January, yet have no access to broadband. their evidence. I repeat that farmers in areas with no broadband service face considerable problems. Will the Ms Margaret Ritchie (South Down) (SDLP): I, too, Minister assure us that making access to CAP funding am a member of the Select Committee on Environment, digital by default will not cause problems for farmers Food and Rural Affairs. Does the hon. Lady agree that in areas that lack broadband coverage or significant throughout the UK and particularly in isolated rural speeds? Will he also assure us that the new digital areas, farmers are being marginalised because of lack of support centres, which form an important part of the proper access to broadband, and that the Minister assisted digital service, will be accessible to all farmers, should use his good offices to make representations to including hill farmers in relatively remote locations BT about that problem? That issue was highlighted in such as mine? Will he confirm that there will be a our rural communities report. Does the hon. Lady certain degree of privacy, and that farmers will not be further agree with me—on a compelling point that she expected to sit in a public place, such as a library, made—that there is a need for proper guidance and sharing commercially sensitive information with members form filling to be available in paper form? of the public? The Committee believes that that would not be appropriate. Miss McIntosh: I thank the hon. Lady for her sterling What makes the Minister think that the United contribution and excellent work on the Select Committee. Kingdom’s allocation of pillar two funds, which was I agree that this goes to the heart of how applications much less than had been predicted, will not adversely will be made from 1 January. We need clarification, affect the competitiveness of English farmers, especially because we cannot have the Minister saying one thing in view of the fact that the Government now say that and the RPA saying another. If, as the RPA assured us, they will modulate 12% and that the proportion will paper forms will not be available to submit, intensive increase to 15% if they believe that to be necessary? tuition must be made available to those required to go What will be the criteria for the move to a 15% rate of digital from 1 January. transfer from pillar one—direct payments—to support I want to raise one or two more points before putting in the final two years of the pillar two rural development some questions to the Minister. Another issue that the programmes? As I have said, we are pleased that the RPA shared with the Committee during the evidence Government listened to the views of the farming community session in April is that the reality will be less than was and those of the Committee before reaching their decision, first hoped and more complex, even without the known but it would nevertheless be helpful to know what those unknowns such as the disallowance or fines. The cost to criteria will be. 109 Common Agricultural Policy7 JULY 2014 Common Agricultural Policy 110

In June, the Secretary of State unveiled the details of how the existing direct payment scheme—the single how the Department would implement the greening payment scheme—was implemented in relation to common rules in England, and referred to a specific problem land, and to ensure that those who till the land on our relating to hedges. He said that the need to validate all behalf are indeed the beneficiaries of the new proposals. claims and map digitally every hedge to EU standards With those comments and questions, we await with might significantly increase the risk of delayed payments great interest the Minister’s response. to those who adopted that option. What progress has DEFRA made in talking to banks to ensure that farmers who receive late payments as a consequence of the 8.35 pm inclusion of hedges in ecological focus areas will be Helen Goodman (Bishop Auckland) (Lab): I congratulate treated sympathetically? What guidance will it give farmers the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee in regard to how hedges should be measured? I am sure and its Chair, the hon. Member for Thirsk and Malton that the Minister will want to allay our concerns, and (Miss McIntosh), on producing a very pertinent report. those of farmers who have contacted us, about any change in the date on which farm payments will be On previous occasions I have found the Minister to made. What effect will the inclusion of hedges as an be a very reasonable, intelligent and empathetic person, option enabling farmers to comply with EFA requirements and I hope those qualities are going to be on display at have on disallowance risk? Will the Minister tell us how the Dispatch Box tonight. I was slightly disappointed the Department will forecast what that risk will be? when I initiated a debate about the hill farmers in Teesdale that he was not able to respond, but I am going During the evidence session, when asked about the to put the points again in the hope of getting a slightly level of disallowance that the agency expected to incur more sympathetic response than I received previously. under the new CAP, the chief executive of the RPA told the Committee In my constituency, there are a large number of hill farmers who are very much affected by these CAP “we would be doing incredibly well if we can hold disallowance to changes. It is an unusual area, because they are almost 2% of future scheme expenditure”, entirely tenant farmers farming on common land. They which is calculated to be in the order of £40 million. have been farming in the same way for about 500 years, From that, it would be reasonable to infer that the UK’s and they have produced a very special way of life and a disallowance risk will be increased. We are at a disadvantage very special and valuable ecology, so I applaud the this evening because we are debating the subject without remarks in the report and from the Select Committee the figures from the National Audit Office. Chair on common land. The proposal to move money uphill is obviously When I went to see the Upper Teesdale Agricultural welcome, but, as I said earlier, we must ensure that it is Support Services, it was particularly concerned because those who are actively farming, particularly on common it felt that the European Union had not understood the land, who will benefit. DEFRA announced in April way commons operate in this country and that the rules that farmers in England who operate within the moorland at European level were not very sensitive to the needs of line would receive approximately £26 more per hectare English hill farmers for that reason. There was also in direct payments under the new CAP, an increase of concern about the change in the payment times in the about 90% in the moorland rate. That is great news, and underlying reforms: payments had previously been made a victory for commons, given that 96% of upland commons on a six-monthly cycle but people were going to have to are above the moorland line. I repeat, however, that we wait much longer—sometimes 18 months and in one must ensure that the money goes to the commons and case as long as nine years. That is a significant problem. the graziers. I hope that the Minister will respond favourably to our request for a dispute resolution Miss McIntosh: I am most grateful to the hon. Lady mechanism. It would be great if he could also assure us for giving way, and it allows me to refer to the register, that commoners and graziers who wish to claim payments which is out of date. My brother and I have shared a under the new CAP schemes will not be disadvantaged farm in Teesdale, of which the hon. Lady is aware. Does by the poor state of the registers in North Yorkshire, she realise that Teesdale is often cited as the area whose Cumbria, County Durham or elsewhere. farmers earn the lowest income of any hill farmers in The new environmental management schemes which England and Wales? are open to all upland farmers are obviously welcome, but I hope the Minister will assure us that those farmers Helen Goodman: The hon. Lady is right. Newcastle will not be left worse off overall by the changes introduced university estimates that the average income of a farmer under the new scheme if, as a result of the comprehensive in my constituency is £11,000 a year. Many of them are area assessment, the new environmental land management on working tax credits—or were on them under the schemes are not open to farmers who are currently previous Government, but I am not sure how many of operating the uplands entry level stewardship schemes. them are still getting the working tax credits. I would like to end by highlighting how current The Select Committee report is excellent on the major payments have worked least well: in respect of rewarding problem such hill farmers face, which is to do with active farmers and graziers on the common land. It is delivery: the totally inadequate service that the farmers crucial that those who are actively involved in the receive from the Rural Payments Agency because of the commons—those active farmers and graziers, or at least requirement to apply for money online and because the those who perform an active part in managing the system is constantly collapsing. The Select Committee commons—receive payment timeously, whereas people report states at paragraph 34 that who do nothing with the commons should not receive a “farmers can be heavily penalised for a genuine mistake but not payment where that is not appropriate. Therefore, I urge appropriately compensated when it is the Rural Payments Agency the Minister to agree that lessons must be learned from who is in error.” 111 Common Agricultural Policy7 JULY 2014 Common Agricultural Policy 112

[Helen Goodman] recall, when the right hon. Member for Derby South (Margaret Beckett) was in charge of DEFRA there was What has happened repeatedly in recent months is that a paper-based system whereby farmers were not paid the farmers have gone to upload their data and information, for years, never mind weeks. At least under the current and the RPA computer system has been down, necessitating regime the majority of farmers are paid on 1 December, the farmers to go home and come back another day. allowing their cash flow and business to flourish. That is absolutely absurd. Sometimes they have a round trip of 20 miles to access the computer in the UTASS Helen Goodman: We will see whether the hon. centre in Middleton in Teesdale. When the system is Gentleman’s picture of the current system turns out to down, they have wasted several hours and have to go be right—I do not think it is accurate. I do not think back another day in the vain hope it will be up again. I that my right hon. Friend the Member for Derby South wrote to the Minister about this, and I really think he was particularly happy with the criticisms I made of the should not be penalising the farmers when the RPA is system in the previous Parliament—they were also at fault. significant—but the fact is that this Minister is in the The next extremely pertinent recommendation from DEFRA hot seat now and it is his responsibility to run the Select Committee is recommendation 36, which states: a system which is usable and farmer friendly. That “The IT system remains, however, one of the standout challenges patently is not happening at the moment. I am extremely of this round…Given the lessons of the past we question whether concerned to hear the Chair of the Select Committee this is the right time to be introducing a new IT system.” say that the head of the Rural Payments Agency is How very right the Committee is. It is not just about a considering not having a paper-based system when we new IT system, with all the risks, complexities and know that the rural broadband roll-out programme will problems that a new system always seems to entail in take another three or possibly four years. It is absolutely this country; one of my local farmers calculated that plain that we need a paper-based system for another because DEFRA’s systems are so complex, and because five years, and I hope that the Minister will be able to he has to apply to so many different things and for each stand at the Dispatch Box, allay all the fears of our farmers system he is meant to have a different authentication, he and tell us that that is what he will ensure happens. is supposed to remember 27 different personal identification numbers. This is absurd. This is grotesque. This is 8.45 pm Kafkaesque. I find it difficult to remember my bank Sir James Paice (South East Cambridgeshire) (Con): number and the number to get into the House of May I start by reminding the House of my interests, Commons, so how can these farmers, whose real job is which are in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests? farming up on the hill, be expected also to run the sort of complex IT system that would make a banker blench? It fell to me as the then Minister to start the negotiations The Select Committee’s next point, which is absolutely for what is now seen as the reform of the common right, was about the importance of encouraging and agricultural policy. I never know why we use the word supporting people to apply online but realising that “reform” because that is the last thing that we actually have. We have ended up with a complete mish-mash, “there will be some for whom such an approach is not appropriate. A paper-based application process must be retained”. which is really unacceptable in today’s world. The CAP is about to be implemented. The subject of tonight’s That is absolutely essential. Once upon a time, the debate bears all the relevance and the power of initiation farmers got the forms through the post, sat at their by the Commission and reflects the impossibility of kitchen table, had a cup of tea, filled the forms out, put 27 Ministers managing to agree on any suitable alternative. the stamp on the envelope, shoved it in the post box For the Commission to claim that it represents a stroke and, boom, the whole thing was done. Now that is not of common sense is clearly nonsense. We have ended up possible and the farmers have to drive to the library or with a very complicated system that will not help farming the UTASS centre to get help with the uploading. move forward and that does not face up to the changed The whole thing is completely inefficient because, realities of the world in which we live—a world in as recommendation 38 indicates, the rural broadband which, in the next 30 or 40 years, the supply of food programme has not succeeded so far. We know that may well not meet demand. European agriculture will 5 million people in this country do not have access to not reform as it should to meet those challenges. broadband. Until 100% of people have access to broadband, I welcome the fact that the Prime Minister negotiated how can it make sense to have a totally online approach an overall reduction in the CAP spend—the first for and not have a paper-based approach alongside it? In many years. I am sorry that it necessitated what can my constituency, 40% of the farmers have no access to only be described as “handsome bungs” to France and rural broadband, so DEFRA and the RPA are taking Italy to get their agreement to the cut, and that we an absurd approach. It is essential to maintain a paper-based therefore ended up with a reduction to pillar two funding, system. It is not reasonable for the Government to which is unfortunate. make public spending cuts through a digital-by-default process and pass all the burden back to the farmers for The Government are absolutely right in the way that delivering the Government’s own administration system. they have gone about implementing much of these The farmers experience that as oppressive and nerve reforms. I particularly welcome the measure to help wracking; it raises anxiety levels to a completely young farmers. I suspect that deep in the belly of unreasonable pitch, given the significance of what the Government, particularly in the Treasury, there is some Government have to do. resentment that that decision has been made compulsory. It is something that I have always believed should be Mr Mark Spencer (Sherwood) (Con): I hope that the part of British policy, and it is something that has been hon. Lady is not painting a picture of the old system commonplace elsewhere in Europe. I am delighted that through rose-tinted spectacles. As I am sure she will it is now part of the system. 113 Common Agricultural Policy7 JULY 2014 Common Agricultural Policy 114

The Government are also right to continue the same considerable extra amount that the Government can ill entitlements and regions, and I strongly support the afford. It is also an absolute waste of money given the moving of support uphill—the increased funding for bureaucracy that I have described. For the hon. Member moorlands—for all the reasons that we have heard. Of for Bishop Auckland to suggest that the present system course I entirely support the move towards simplicity should be continued and that now is not the time to and the way that the Government have tried to reduce change systems belies belief. The present system is, some of the burdens. Getting rid of the soil protection metaphorically, held together by string and sticky tape. review, for example, is one measure I strongly welcome. It is completely obsolete, even for the process it currently None the less, I have a few comments to make. tries to operate, and it is a tribute to the RPA that it My first comment relates to the three-crop rule that has managed to improve performance even using such has now been imposed. I understand why it arose. I an obsolete system. To suggest that it could somehow believe that it originated from the problems in Germany manage the new process is ludicrous. where there has been constant mono-cropping of maize I also wanted to mention appeals. I hope that under for anaerobic digestion, which has been damaging to the new system the Government will ensure a satisfactory the environment. But what we have will achieve nothing. appeals process. I must confess, even though I had to We have not achieved a rotation. There is nothing to judge those appeals for a time, that the current system is stop farmers growing the same crop in the same field not satisfactory.Individual responsibilities, the responsibility year after year as long as they grow the right percentages of the RPA and the whole background of penalties and overall on their farm. Whereas farmers who actually EU disallowances are not clear. Let me use one of the practise a rotation by block-cropping with another most ludicrous cases I saw as an example to demonstrate farmer—the whole farm goes into wheat in year one what has to change. Somebody had sent all the forms in and the next door farm goes into oilseed rape or beans to the RPA by registered post and yet the claim was and then they swap the following year—will not be rejected on the basis that it had never arrived. When the allowed to do so under the new rules. They will have to farmer submitted the registered post docket to the RPA grow a bit of each on each farm, which will add to show that the letter had gone, he got a letter back considerably to their costs. As it is not creating genuine saying that that proved that an envelope had been rotation, it is a pointless and bureaucratic exercise that received but did not say what was in it. I felt that that will achieve nothing for the environment. was ludicrous, but there was no absolute proof that the Secondly, there are the environmental focus areas. RPA had received the forms and it was impossible to Again, a broad-brush arbitrary figure of 5% has been allow the claim. The new appeals system must cover decided on at European level. There is ample evidence such situations. now from a number of research bodies, including work I strongly support the points that have been made the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs about digital by default. I hope that the Minister will has done, that what really matters is not the area of land reconsider it and ensure that farmers are entitled to we manage for conservation but the way that we manage continue to use paper at least until they can access it, ensuring that it is properly managed and not neglected broadband. I am trying to be constructive, so if he year after year. This plan makes no reference to that, concludes that that is not possible I suggest that he finds and that is a major error in the system. a way of ensuring that farmers who employ land agents—as I welcome the decision to include hedgerows in the many do, of course—solely because they cannot access ecological focus areas. It is right that they should be broadband themselves should be recompensed in some included, but I am concerned about what that will mean way, perhaps by a small discrete sum within pillar two. not just for mapping, which has been mentioned, but That leads me to pillar two and the rural development for entitlements. The Minister might want to reflect on programme. I take issue with the Government over how that. The areas of land that farmers farm—that is, the the funding has been split, because they seem to have area that they claim against—might not include their fallen for the line that if one spends more, one gets hedgerows, but when those areas are taken in, as they more. That does not always work. Even though we all need to be in order to be within the 5%, farmers might know that the pot is not as large as we would like it to not have enough entitlements for the overall amount of be, I regret the Government’s decision to increase the land that they will then be considered to farm. I hope share of the pot going to the environment, not because I that the Minister will look into that. do not care about the environment—I strongly care—but Contrary to what the hon. Member for Bishop Auckland because it has been abundantly clear over the past (Helen Goodman) said, I pay tribute to how the Rural 10 years or so that simply spending money on the Payments Agency has made dramatic strides since the environment does not necessarily produce results. What days when her party were in government. When we took really matter are outcomes and far more should be office, every farmer in the land was incensed by the directed at those. We could have ensured that a greater performance of the RPA and it is now, as my hon. share of the rural development pot was used for other Friend the Member for Sherwood (Mr Spencer) rightly purposes, in particular the economy and innovation in said, delivering the vast majority of payments on day farming, to enable farmers to face the inevitable decline one of the window, at the beginning of December. That in the basic payment, as it is to be called, and no doubt is a considerable achievement by the present management its eventual disappearance. Farmers need to be able to and I think they should be rewarded and recognised for invest and face up to that day. Just £140 million out of what they have managed to achieve. £3.5 billion to assist farmers is not a good deal. The challenges of implementing the new system are On the new environmental land management scheme, huge. It is far more complicated and, as the Chairman my hon. Friend the Minister will know what I am about of the Select Committee, my hon. Friend the Member to say. I recognise that there is a £2.2 billion overhang for Thirsk and Malton (Miss McIntosh) said, will cost a from the current system of entry-level schemes and 115 Common Agricultural Policy7 JULY 2014 Common Agricultural Policy 116

[Sir James Paice] are still lower than in urban areas. A reduction in the European Union budget naturally resulted in lower higher level stewardship, which must clearly be allowed pillar one and pillar two allocations. I am particularly for, but I am concerned about the way the new scheme concerned about upland areas, where incomes are very will operate and the potential for cherry-picking. The low. Hardly any farm businesses would show a profit implication is that funding will go only into schemes without the single farm payment, and those that did where it is likely to do most good. There are vast areas would generate no cash for investment, yet in his written of the country, including much of my constituency in evidence about food security to the Select Committee the north, in the fens and further up into northern on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Under- Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire, which nobody will Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural pretend are the most beautiful areas, or that they contain Affairs, the hon. Member for Camborne and Redruth a massive abundance of wildlife, but if such areas (George Eustice), said: receive no funding and are completely outside the new “Farm subsidies can allow inefficient farmers to continue to scheme, the situation will get worse. We might end up operate a farm rather than exit the industry.” with biodiversity deserts, because the funding has been Giving oral evidence to the Committee, he said: concentrated on the hotspots. I hope the Government “we can support farming better through Pillar 2”. will look at that carefully. I can tell him that that causes considerable apprehension Our land is precious. The report that came out two in farming communities, particularly in the uplands. weeks ago from Cambridge university about agricultural land use over the next few decades makes salutary The family farm remains the foundation of the rural reading. It demonstrates that in the worst-case scenario community and the rural economy. Money received by we could be 7 million hectares of land short in the next farmers gets recycled among many local businesses— 30 or 40 years. Clearly, that cannot be made up. It garages, shops and other tradespeople. The single farm demonstrates that all policies must address the use of payment enables farmers to invest, become more efficient, our land in the most effective way to combine looking and be more market-facing. It gives farming businesses after the environment with food production, its primary the resilience to come through periods of poor weather purpose. There is a great deal more to be done to when outputs are reduced and costs soar, as in spring achieve that. These reforms are not the right way forward, 2013. Any suggestion of moving away from direct payments but I commend the Government on the way they have would devastate many rural areas, break down the tried to implement an impossible task. cohesion of rural communities, and have a drastic effect on traditional production chains and, indeed, total Several hon. Members rose— food production. I turn to the thorny issue of voluntary modulation, Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. May which turned into an almighty row between farming I suggest that we aim for around 10 minutes each? That organisations and environmentally focused charities—and way we will get everybody in nicely, including the Front one can understand why. Those on both sides of the Benchers. argument were going to receive less money. Pillar one 8.58 pm was reduced by 2.7%, and pillar two by 5.5%. One might ask why there is not this row in other countries. Roger Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire) (LD): I, Only five other countries of the 27 in the European too, draw the attention of hon. Members to my entry in Union even engage in voluntary modulation at all, and the Register of Members’ Financial Interests regarding two do it in the reverse order, moving money from pillar agriculture. two to pillar one. The Flanders area of Belgium modulates The debate tonight is on the CAP in England, and my by 5.5%, Germany by 4.5%, France by 3.3%, Latvia by farm is in Wales so it is not covered, but the common 7.4%—we have to remember that it had a 50% increase agricultural policy and the way it is delivered in the in its pillar two allocation—and the Netherlands by United Kingdom have implications for all the devolved 2.5%. nations as well. The important word is “common”. Of course, as we have heard, in England the modulation While the UK farmers continue to compete within the is 12%, probably rising to 15% in 2018. In Wales, there European single market, we need a common policy. It is is 15% modulation. In Scotland I believe it is 9.5%, and important that we remain within the single market: 40% it is zero in Ireland. Why is the UK such an exception to of all lamb produced in the UK is exported. Although all this? The answer probably lies in the UK’s pillar two we welcome some of that lamb going to the middle east, allocation. The UK receives ¤2.3 billion for pillar two in and some, we hope, to China in the future and perhaps this financial period, whereas Poland receives ¤9.7 billion, even to the United States, the bulk of the lamb goes to Italy ¤9.2 billion, France ¤8.8 billion, Spain ¤7.3 billion, the continent. and Germany ¤3.3 billion. Why does the UK have such We have a single market there, a market that is open a poor allocation for pillar two? I will not go into the for every second of every minute of every hour of every suggested reasons, but there is common cause to be day throughout the whole year. I can remember when made. The farming unions could combine with the we did not know whether that market was open or not. environmental charities to review our pillar two allocation We could take lambs to market and one day they were fundamentally, which would be good for farmers, the worth £10 less because the market was closed; the next environment, rural communities and the UK as a whole. day they were worth £10 more because the market Our pillar two allocation is low, which I do not understand. suddenly opened. That was no way to do business. I cannot find any reason why we have such a poor The original purpose of the common agricultural allocation. Increasing the allocation would be good for policy was to lift incomes in rural areas, and that is as our farming community, but it would be good for our important now as it was then; incomes in rural areas environment, too. 117 Common Agricultural Policy7 JULY 2014 Common Agricultural Policy 118

9.5 pm 28 countries, from Finland to Greece, from Poland to Germany and right through to Great Britain and Ireland, Neil Parish (Tiverton and Honiton) (Con): It is a there are so many crops that can be grown, so many soil great pleasure to take part in this debate and to follow types, so many temperatures and so many amounts of my hon. Friend the Member for Brecon and Radnorshire rainfall, with some areas getting very little and others (Roger Williams), who made a good case for Welsh being flooded, that if we try to come forward with a farmers. I pay tribute to my right hon. Friend the common policy, we will end up with the biggest mess Member for South East Cambridgeshire (Sir James known to man and woman. There is no doubt about it. Paice). He referred to the Rural Payments Agency and We cannot have a common policy unless there is much how much it has improved, much of which was down to greater flexibility. his stewardship when he was a Minister. He worked very hard, and payments are getting out on time. We Are we to have a policy that demands three rotational inherited quite a mess, which leads me on neatly to my crops, because Germany grows solidly maize, maize and first point. maize? This country has very diverse farming and lands, with uplands and grasslands, but many countries have When the single farm payment was introduced in hardly any grassland. Somebody driving from Calais to 2003-04, there was no doubt that the Beckett formula Berlin will see hardly a single hedge the whole way was complicated. It took years to sort that out, and we there, because they have all been ripped up over the paid more than half a billion pounds in fines to the EU years as a result of a different policy on the way they for the mistakes that were made. We do not want to farm. We have great hedges, and it is good that they repeat those mistakes, and I appeal to the Minister to have become ecological focus areas. In my view, the ensure that we do not do so. I have been sold on the idea hedges are probably the most important part of a field, that the maps are best done digitally, especially because because they are home to wildlife and birds. That, of the hedgerows and everything else, but if farmers do above all, is what we need to concentrate on. not have access to broadband, they either have to have somewhere to go—not just a library but somewhere Mr Spencer: I wonder whether one of the unexpected where they can access broadband securely and privately—or outcomes of trying to apply that policy across the they have to be able to use agents. Farmers do not whole of Europe is that we will end up supporting the expect to be given a fortune, but they need money to do least efficient farmers and those that are economically that. We are working hard to deliver rural broadband, challenged, perhaps because they farm in arid areas or and I am certain that we will get there, but we are not small alpine villages, whereas we should actually be there now. If we make a mess of introducing the reform supporting the most efficient farmers, many of whom in the first year, it will carry on year in and year out. are in France or the UK. That is precisely what happened with the previous system, and it took years to sort it out. In fact, there are some Neil Parish: My hon. Friend is right to a degree, but is cases that have never been sorted out. it right that the most productive land across the whole I hope that people who were not able to register of Europe, including in East Anglia, should get the under the old system for various reasons—some people highest payments, given that farmers there can make pursued their registration for years—are able finally to the most from that land? We must have some balance in register their land under the new system. I also pay the process. We have talked about the uplands tonight, tribute to the idea that young farmers should be helped, and there is no doubt that upland livestock farmers because the population of this country and the world is struggle. In my view, it could be argued—my right hon. growing and we need to produce more food. Friend the Member for South East Cambridgeshire will probably jump out of his seat—that some of those Jesse Norman (Hereford and South Herefordshire) farmers in East Anglia, Cambridgeshire and elsewhere (Con): I share my hon. Friend’s views on the importance across the country who can grow very good arable of supporting young farmers. On the question of crops, perhaps 10 tonnes of wheat per hectare, could see broadband, does he share my view that there is scope just a little bit of those payments move uphill. That is for supporting wireless broadband to reach rural areas what we are trying to do, but I think that we probably that are hard to reach by wired means, as it were? need to do a little more. There is an argument there, but I think that we need to ensure that we support farming Neil Parish: I could not agree more with my hon. in those marginal areas, which is more difficult. Friend. Wireless broadband will reach parts of my We must also ensure that in the end we deliver a constituency in the Blackdown hills that fibre optics policy that encourages food production. It is great to will not, but wireless broadband will not necessarily get support the environment, but we must remember that in there in time to ensure that applications for the single the uplands and on a lot of the permanent pasture on farm payment can be made online. That is why we must the hills it is the cattle and sheep that will keep farming take care to get the payment right in the first year. as it is. It was not put there by God; it was put there by farmers. We must remember that it is the farmers who Ensuring that it is the working farmer who receives look after the countryside. We must remember that in the payment is a good idea, and I am interested in what order to support them, we must ensure that they have the Minister has to say about that, but we do not want an income. We have to spread that as far and wide as we to create the biggest bureaucratic nightmare to prove can. whether someone is or is not the farmer. If we are not careful, we will make the system increasingly complicated. Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): On this, my 65th I spent rather a long time—some might say too birthday— long—dealing with the CAP in another place, and I think that one of the overall problems is that across Hon. Members: Hear, hear. 119 Common Agricultural Policy7 JULY 2014 Common Agricultural Policy 120

Mr Spencer: Retire! food production and our being well fed as a nation is the fundamental point of this policy. Putting that at risk Bob Stewart: Certainly. Will my hon. Friend enlighten would be a great disaster. me as to whether we have any control over how we allocate the CAP in England, or is that decided in Jesse Norman: The National Farmers Union has said: Brussels? “A modulation rate of 9%” Neil Parish: First, I congratulate my hon. Friend on on pillar two reaching that great age. There are—dare I say it?—others “would have been able to fund all current DEFRA rural development in the House who have reached an even greater age. programmes, renew all agreements expiring within the funding He asks a difficult question. We are limited by how much period and have a further £1 billion to spend on new commitments.” of it we can decide ourselves, as a lot is decided by Does my hon. Friend agree that makes it harder for UK the European Commission and, finally, the Council. As farmers to compete, and has this not worked out as well my right hon. Friend the Member for South East as well as he would have liked? Cambridgeshire said, it is very difficult to change things at that stage. We can tweak some of the environmental Mr Spencer: As I was saying, a number of challenges schemes a bit—there are the odd things we can do—but are coming up. UK farmers are particularly skilled at in the end we have to go along with much of what is in competing. For at least two generations, they have the policy. competed on an uneven playing field and managed to Overall, the CAP overall should be moving towards a continue their business in doing so. I accept my hon. simpler system, but we are not getting that. We should Friend’s point. It is also worth bearing in mind that the be weaning farmers off more and more public support, taxpayer is putting an enormous amount of cash into but I want that to happen across the whole of Europe. the system and so has to get not only food security but a As the hon. Member for Brecon and Radnorshire said, benefit to the environment that they are not getting at there are many different types and levels of payment. the moment. Margaret Thatcher said, “Don’t buck the markets”, but It is very easy to stand up in this Chamber, be critical that is exactly what we do. We have all sorts of different of Ministers and say that they could have done this or levels of payments across the whole of Europe and then that. What we do not hear about, however, is the stuff expect farmers to compete in a single market, which is that the Secretary of State and the Minister block—the almost impossible. More and more of the subsidy should ideas from Europe that did not make it into the final be phased out, and farmers should increasingly stand agreement. If the Minister has time during his summing on their own two feet. We should make sure that we get up, it would be interesting if he could indicate some of a decent price for food and use biotechnology to produce the things he was able to stop happening that would even more food so that in the end we can feed the have had us jumping up and down in the Chamber if growing population. they had made it through and some of our near neighbours on the continent had got their way. 9.16 pm Many Members have referred to the need for broadband Mr Mark Spencer (Sherwood) (Con): I start by drawing in order to deliver the documentation required to make Members’ attention to my declaration of interest in the an application. There are farmers in Nottinghamshire register. who are based within 5 miles of the city centre of Nottingham whose current internet speed is 3 megabits. As my hon. Friend the Member for Tiverton and It is almost quicker to drive to Nottingham to collect a Honiton (Neil Parish) said, the countryside we see form than it is to try to dial-up on the internet to today is the result of many generations of farmers who download it. They are very close to a major urban have managed it and created the landscape that we hold population, but BT has no plans to take them out of so dear. For many generations, they did that without that not spot. Nottinghamshire county council has a any support from politicians or Governments because programme to roll out broadband across Nottinghamshire, they cared for the countryside and wanted to farm for but unfortunately those farmers are not part of that many generations to come. programme. We have to find a way to help them. The common agricultural policy is probably the single most successful policy ever dreamt up by a politician in Richard Drax (South Dorset) (Con): The other day, I that it was designed to keep Europe well fed. For three took an entrepreneur to see another Minister about generations, our nation has enjoyed supermarkets and setting up a private system of wireless connection. In shops full of food, and people have become used to north Dorset over a period of weeks, he has got hold of having food on the shelves when they demand it. During some very big names to establish a system of up to the war, my grandmother would go to the shops to buy between 30 and 50 megabits. The point he made was lamb chops and be told, “Youcan’t have lamb chops—you’ll that BT needs to be far more transparent with the have beef dripping”, and she would have accepted that. public and tell all of us what exactly it will be able to We have now had two or three generations of consumers achieve and, if it cannot do that by a certain time, who have no concept of what food insecurity is like. We entrepreneurs should be given far more encouragement should be very grateful not only to the common agricultural by our Government to get in there and sort out this policy but to our farmers for giving us this period of problem. being well fed. Many changes are coming in the common agricultural Mr Spencer: I recognise that new technologies may be policy shakedown, and not all of them should be welcomed. able to assist, but there will always be not spots—those There are large implications for how the UK’s food will little black holes—where people are left out of the be produced in future. We should bear in mind that system. We need to find a way to help those farmers. 121 Common Agricultural Policy7 JULY 2014 Common Agricultural Policy 122

I think that the three-crop rule is one of those well- break through plateauing crop yields and to stop declining intended European Union rules that will have unintended livestock numbers, and as we endeavour to become consequences. My right hon. Friend the Member for more self-sufficient and to increase food production to South East Cambridgeshire (Sir James Paice) has referred meet the ever-increasing global population. However, I to the fact that many areas are block-farmed. Large realise that a balance has to be struck on the environmental contracting companies that help their neighbours with impact of modern-day farming, which my hon. Friend farm contracts and that block-crop from farm to farm mentioned. It is worth pointing out that the vast majority will no longer be able to do that, which will lead to a of farmers see themselves as custodians of our countryside, number of extra road miles, inefficiency and environmental and want it to be preserved for future generations. damage as a result of the amount of fuel burned and road traffic. That is not a desirable consequence and it Richard Drax: I entirely support what my hon. Friend will not benefit the environment at all. is saying. The gold standard in farming is actually set in this country. If only Europe would follow it. Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (The Cotswolds) (Con): I draw attention to my declarations in the Register of Members’ Julian Sturdy: I entirely agree. UK farmers have set Financial Interests. Does my hon. Friend agree that a the gold standard for many years, and will continue to solution to this problem would be that every single piece do so, but the issue is now about giving them the tools of land eligible to claim should grow three crops in of support for them to take that next step forward. three years, which would eliminate the problems of the To go back to the environmental schemes, sadly, I mono-cropping of maize in Germany and, as I saw last fear that we are starting to tilt the balance of CAP week, between Paris and Strasbourg? reform too far from the primary aim of farmers, which Mr Spencer: If I could extend my hon. Friend’s is ultimately to produce food. For centuries, we have proposal to three crops in five years, that would allow taken our peacetime food supply for granted, mainly for a normal cropping rotation of two weeks for oil seed because of how easy it was in the past to import food or pulse, followed perhaps by a spring crop. We do not from abroad. Agricultural policy in both the UK and recognise some of the challenges that face UK agriculture throughout the rest of the EU has moved away from today as we take more and more agricultural chemicals maximising food production towards rewarding out of our toolbox. The rise of resistant black grass, environmentally friendly practices. certainly in the midlands and East Anglia, is a real As the National Farmers Union has pointed out, we challenge and we are going to have to allow spring have only 36 harvests in which to increase our global cropping to deal with it. food production to a level at which it can feed 9 billion On the 5% greening, I am glad that the Government people, and just 11 harvests before another billion people are allowing hedgerows to be used. We must, of course, need to be fed. It may surprise some hon. Members, but move as quickly as we can to incorporate stone walls I will be in my late 70s when we reach the 36th harvest. and other environmentally beneficial margins at the What that shows is that we only get one chance a year to same time. If the mapping has to be digital, I remind advance crop yields, and the number of years is counting Members of the challenges the previous Administration down rapidly. faced while trying to move to a mapping system. If I I want to turn to the greening elements of CAP may use a Sherwood expression, the Minister must reform. With the ecological focus areas and what farmers make sure his ducks are in a row and that, when we get will have to do to meet the 5% requirement—buffer to that system, farmers can get their payment as soon as strips, laying land fallow, catch crops, nitrogen-fixing possible. If there are delays, and if the system is complicated crops and hedges, the inclusion of which I join many and farmers have to wait for their single farm payment, hon. Members in welcoming—it is probably not as bad will the Minister engage with the banking sector to as the farming community first feared, but some more make sure that the banks support farmers through that detail is still to come out. By “detail”, I mean that the break in cash-flow and that there is other such support? most important thing is to get clarity as soon as possible. In summary, three things matter to this nation: that Overall, the Government have definitely made the we are well fed; that the environment is maintained and best of a bad job. We must have a practical approach to protected; and that, in order to deliver those things, we greening. Sadly, the three-crop rule is far from being an have profitable farmers. At the end of this monumental example of that practical approach. I am sure that it process of CAP reform, I hope that we can deliver all will prove to be a bureaucratic nightmare that serves no three of them. purpose and delivers no environmental benefit in the UK or across Europe. 9.25 pm The UK is currently 68% self-sufficient in terms of Julian Sturdy (York Outer) (Con): It is a privilege food that can be produced here. Sadly, there has been a to follow my hon. Friend the Member for Sherwood steady decline in that level over the past 20 years. Nearly (Mr Spencer). I will not detain the House for long, but a quarter of the food that is eaten in the UK is imported, as a farmer by trade—I make hon. Members aware of when it could be produced here. Yields have levelled off my declaration of interests—I could not let this opportunity and cereal, potato, orchard fruit and fresh vegetable pass without commenting on CAP reform and its production are well below their 1991 levels. CAP should implications in England, and without congratulating give more weight to sustainable intensification because the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee we have to produce more food on a finite amount of on its report. land in a sustainable way. For me, CAP reform should always be about The decline is not irreversible, as has been shown in simplification, encouraging a level playing field and the fresh fruit market, where the growth is driven largely inspiring competition and innovation as we strive to by demand. British shoppers want to buy British produce 123 Common Agricultural Policy7 JULY 2014 Common Agricultural Policy 124

[Julian Sturdy] out overnight. There are great concerns about that. The issue was picked up by other hon. Members, including and back British farmers, especially in the wake of the former Ministers, was digital by default. horsemeat scandal. According to a recent NFU survey, My hon. Friend the Member for Bishop Auckland 78% of shoppers believe that supermarkets should sell (Helen Goodman) also raised that issue and asked more British produce. how people would be able to access the new IT system Ultimately, the best way to boost yields, increase when it is the only game in town. She spoke with production and ensure our future food security is to passion about the financial and IT challenges facing her invest in cutting-edge technology. I am delighted by hill farmers, pointing out that 40% of them have no today’s announcement that the hard work of the York, access to rural broadband. She called for something North Yorkshire and East Riding local enterprise that I think we can all agree on: a useable and farmer- partnership has paid off. Sadly, I was not called in the friendly system of payments. statement earlier, so I thought that I would take this The right hon. Member for South East Cambridgeshire opportunity to comment on it. My constituency will (Sir James Paice), with his expertise in the Department, benefit from three new Government-backed projects to bemoaned, rightly, the lack of progress on real reform. facilitate the provision of cutting-edge agricultural He supported the idea of moving payments uphill—I technology. The £11-million investment in the food think that that has universal support across the Chamber, science campus at Sand Hutton will create 800 new jobs with many hon. Members speaking to that point—and in agri-food research and product testing. The £8-million described the three-crop rule, another matter raised by investment in the BioVale initiative at the university of many hon. Members, as pointless and bureaucratic. It York will provide a biotechnology cluster that will host has received universal condemnation not only from a range of high-tech industrial biotechnology companies, farmers but from environmentalists too. creating a further 500 highly skilled jobs. The £1-million investment in Askham Bryan college, where young farmers The hon. Member for Brecon and Radnorshire (Roger learn their craft, will enable a new state-of-the-art training Williams) spoke up for direct payments to support centre and engineering centre of excellence to be hard-pressed farmers. I think that at one point he was constructed. talking against modulation of pillar two, but he then We have to be upfront about the fact that it will flipped it around and said that there could, and perhaps remain a challenge to feed the growing global population. should, be common cause between environmental groups However, such investment demonstrates the Government’s and farming organisations to argue for greater pillar commitment to meeting that rising challenge. It will two payments to support very hard-pressed farmers. ensure that research is carried out in close collaboration That was an interesting twist at the end. with the farming community, so that it benefits the The hon. Member for Tiverton and Honiton (Neil businesses on the ground and delivers a far-sighted, Parish), in a very good contribution, said in response to coherent, joined-up approach to the future challenges an intervention that we are limited in how much we can of food security. The investment will deliver growth and decide. I will come on to that in a moment, but I think jobs across my region. Most importantly, it will help to that even with this mish-mash, as it was described by give the UK the competitive edge that it needs to unlock the right hon. Member for South East Cambridgeshire, the potential in the agriculture sector, to become a there is scope for some decisions within England and in world leader in combating the growing threat to food the other nations and regions. security, and to set the gold standard. The hon. Member for Sherwood (Mr Spencer) praised In conclusion, like many other Members, I welcome the CAP, praised farmers and praised Ministers—it was the young farmers’ scheme. Sadly, I do not fall into that a very praiseworthy speech. He spoke well for his category any more. I also welcome the moving of the constituents and farmers. funding up the hill. That move is long overdue, but I The hon. Member for York Outer (Julian Sturdy) welcome it. Like a number of Members, I still have opened his remarks by calling for a balance to be struck concerns over the bureaucratic nature of the new scheme. between the environment and farming and food security. My fear for the long term is that if we continue to pump That relates to the gist of what I want to talk about in a taxpayers’ money into agri-environmental schemes that moment. It is fair to say that although there has been take land out of production when food insecurity is an praise in various areas, there has also been a feeling of ever-growing problem, and food prices rise on the back weary resignation among many of the contributions of that, there will come a point when there is a public tonight. I think the phrase he used was “the best of a backlash and the Government of the day could ultimately bad job”. I say to Members on all sides that in the next pay the price. stage of reform we really have to do better, go further, take a lead and do a much better job. 9.34 pm This round of CAP reform has been criticised by all Huw Irranca-Davies (Ogmore) (Lab): I am delighted sides. Peter Kendall, the president of the National to take part in this very important debate. Farmers Union until February this year, complained last year that the Secretary of State had disadvantaged I thank the hon. Member for Thirsk and Malton farmers with his stance on CAP negotiations. He (Miss McIntosh) for providing a comprehensive analysis complained that the Secretary of State had come back of her Committee’s report in relation to CAP. She took with it a stage further with some detailed technical points to which I am sure the Minister will respond. She also “less than he started with” raised issues relating to broadband access to the new IT for British farmers. The NFU described the round last system, which will in many ways be universally rolled year as “disappointing” and as a “missed opportunity”. 125 Common Agricultural Policy7 JULY 2014 Common Agricultural Policy 126

The newly-elected NFU president, Meurig Raymond He also said specifically last year: said more recently that we now have “I believe that transferring the maximum 15% from Pillar 1 to “a CAP package which has huge practical hurdles for all concerned Pillar 2 would be the right thing to do where we can demonstrate in agriculture. It’s not the promised simplification; policy measures it would deliver worthwhile and valuable outcomes for farming distort farmers’ commercial decisions and do little to help us and society and contribute to rural economic growth and enhance gear-up to the long-term food production and environmental the environment”. challenges which we know are ahead.” He was quite specific on that. When the Secretary of The criticisms from farming unions come from one State said that repeatedly, wildlife and environmental perspective. Environmental organisations come from groups had every right to be optimistic at least on pillar another viewpoint, but they have also derided CAP two funding, even with their disappointment on the reform. In particular, they have derided the greening greening elements of direct payments. As the RSPB measures as so much “greenwash”. The greening proposals said in its response to the consultation earlier this year: linked to direct payments are described as “We…welcome the Secretary of State’s assertion that Pillar II “so vague as to be useless” ‘unquestionably represents the better use of taxpayers money’”, in a study by the authoritative journal Science, which and it went on to urge the Government to estimates that as many as nine out of 10 farms would be “follow through on their intention to maximise the benefits that exempt from key greening measures. Rural Development can deliver.” The Secretary of State, then, was unequivocal, unyielding Mr Spencer: As the hon. Gentleman commented, I and unbowed all the way through—until he crumbled, am an optimist and I was optimistic in my speech, but U-turned and settled on 12%. I have to ask why he was surely he must recognise the challenges of linking outflanked and outgunned by other forces; what happened agricultural systems such as those in Greece, where it is to his unequivocal stance? so arid it is only possible to grow olives, and the large The Government have signalled that they will review plains of East Anglia? the situation in 2017, but I have to say that this looks like a smokescreen to cover the Secretary of State’s Huw Irranca-Davies: Yes, indeed. That is why it is embarrassment at being forced to retreat from the repeatedly essential that the framework works in respect of what stated 15% modulation that he had repeatedly promised. CAP reform has always set out to do—to break the link That is not the only sign of weakness either, as the between pure production subsidy and the targeting of decisions on degression and capping of CAP are also the subsidy at public goods, increased innovation and spectacularly lacking in ambition and vision. productivity, and not just production. It cannot be a one-size-fits-all model. The framework has to be there Jesse Norman: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? at an EU level, but the implementation at the level of the nation state is critical. We should not be afraid to Huw Irranca-Davies: I cannot, I am afraid; I do not take the lead on that and to try to get our balance right have time. as between the environment, farming and food security. The Secretary of State’s minimalist position, choosing The conservation director of the Royal Society for to go no further than the bare minimum prescribed by the Protection of Birds, Martin Harper, observed that the European proposals, shows a worrying lack of the proposals leadership as well as a depressing lack of ambition for “failed to maximise the amount of money that it could have the best use of public money. Farming unions and invested in wildlife-friendly farming and now it has made the landowning associations must understand—I hope they greening measure meaningless.” do—and have to engage with the growing public discontent So we have “meaningless”and “useless”from the perspective of hard-pressed people and families who face a cost-of-living of environmental organisations; and “deeply disappointed” crisis at public money going to some of the wealthiest and “a missed opportunity” from the perspective of and most powerful landowners in the country on the farming unions. A change is needed in Europe and in basis of the size of land that they farm. the UK on how CAP is done. We need to show real Last year, more than 35 of the wealthiest and most leadership and real direction on both farm productivity powerful landowners in the UK claimed over ¤1 million and sustainability—it is not happening. each a year in farm subsidies. A couple of hundred The key question is whether the more than £15 billion others claimed in excess of ¤300,000 a year. That is annual subsidy payment to farming in the UK—and divorced from the reality of what we have heard about £11.5 billion in England specifically—provides the best today—the reality of small-scale upland farmers struggling value for taxpayers’ money. A study last year suggested to get by; the reality of medium-sized mixed, traditional that sensitively adjusting the focus of the subsidy in the family farms that are vital to the fabric of our rural UK to enhance environmental and public goods, including economy struggling to compete; or the reality of tenant things like flood alleviation, rather than purely units of farmers struggling to get their first foot on the rung of production, could produce annual additional benefits purchasing land against a backdrop of rising land prices of over £18 billion in the UK. The study did not take fuelled by lucrative subsidies. It is certainly a world into account the additional benefits of cleaner air and away from squeezed UK consumers facing rising food cleaner water, which would further improve the net bills, and the exponential growth in food banks in every gains. town and village in the country. The Secretary of State—one would think he would There might be some rationale if the biggest payments find favour with that sort of approach—said last year: were tied to additional investment in agricultural innovation, “I do believe there is a real role for taxpayer’s money in to productivity improvements, to encouraging new entrants compensating farmers for the work they do in enhancing the to farming, to pioneering environmental improvements environment and providing public goods for which there is no in large-scale arable agri-businesses, or indeed to any market mechanism.” marginal improvement. However, those payments are 127 Common Agricultural Policy7 JULY 2014 Common Agricultural Policy 128

[Huw Irranca-Davies] It is important to note the successes that my predecessors achieved in the negotiations. My hon. Friend the Member not for “additionality”; they are for scale and units of for Sherwood (Mr Spencer) asked what had been my production, pure and simple. They are a reward for achievements. I have to say that I was not involved in being big, and the bigger you are, the more European the negotiations, so the credit for what we achieved money—I am sorry; public money—you get. should go to my predecessors. However, when it came As long as there is still subsidy flowing through the to the three-crop rule, we did manage to increase the common agricultural policy to farmers across the EU, threshold to holdings with 30 hectares or more. We did we must ensure that the right share of that funding manage to get the Commission to accept that there comes to our farmers in the UK, but placing rigorous should be a distinction between spring barley and winter demands on the highest CAP payments is about demanding barley, or spring wheat and winter wheat. And we did more—in productivity, environmental innovation and manage to move the Commission away from its initial entry to farming—for the public money that is spent on proposal for action that would have been very intrusive— the very biggest of the biggest subsidy recipients. looking at farmers’ incomes to see exactly how much This is a value-for-money argument, and a fairness they were earning from agriculture—and, instead. to argument. I am talking about fairness for smaller and establish a negative list to remove, for instance, airports, tenant farmers who lose out as the big money goes to railways and golf courses. So there were successes in the the biggest landowners, fairness for the public who negotiations. want real and transparent value for the money that they On implementing the CAP, however, we have tried to pay out each year, and fairness for this and future stay true to that basic stance that we adopted during the generations who are concerned about the environment, negotiations: first, we should keep the implementation about the countryside that they love, and about sustainable of pillar one as simple as possible so farmers can agricultural production. implement this in the most flexible way that works for It is time to challenge the accepted wisdom, and to their own individual holding; and, secondly, we should shake off any sense of the cosy complacency adopted take the environment very seriously, and we want to by the Secretary of State. We must not assume that this deliver for the environment through pillar two—through is the way it must be. We can change things for the the agri-environment schemes for which this country better for farmers, for the public, and for the good of has built up an admirable track record. the nation. If we do not do so, the voices of discontent over CAP payments will grow and grow. We need to do Jesse Norman: Does my hon. Friend share my surprise better than this. that the shadow Minister should be so strong in his Let me end by again thanking the Select Committee condemnation of the position the Government have for the very good report that was introduced by the hon. ended up with through these negotiations, without in Member for Thirsk and Malton. I am sure that the any way spelling out what the Labour party would do Minister will respond to the detailed points that have on any of the issues? been made. George Eustice: Well, I think there was quite a degree 9.47 pm of consensus. I suppose we have to recognise that the The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for last Government gave up a chunk of our rebate supposedly Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (George Eustice): in order to get CAP reform, but that did not work It is a pleasure to be in the Chamber with so many either. I want to stay on the substance of the issue fellow farmers. I have heard many of them declare their before us this evening, however. interests this evening. I congratulate the hon. Member In terms of applying this basic approach of keeping for Thirsk and Malton (Miss McIntosh) on securing the the pillar one payments as simple as possible, when it debate, and thank members of the Select Committee for came to greening we were clear we wanted to have the their report. flexibility to allow farmers, for instance, to use hedges Let me begin by saying a little about the approach to count towards their environmental focus areas. that the Government took during the negotiations. My right hon. Friend the Member for South East Cambridgeshire Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: The inclusion of hedgerows (Sir James Paice) explained very clearly the difficulty as being eligible for pillar two payments is one of the that we experienced. We set out to secure a common Government’s successes. On that point, while many agricultural policy that was simpler and greener, but areas of the country have hedgerows as field boundaries, despite the best endeavours of my predecessors and a there are other areas, such as the Cotswolds, that have very talented negotiating team, we have ended up with a stone walls as field boundaries. May I ask him to press CAP that is more complex because it was not possible the Commission hard that those sorts of landscape to move the European Commission, or indeed sufficient features should also be included for payment? numbers of other member states, to our position. Our view all along had been that we should keep pillar George Eustice: There were serious administrative one—the single farm payments—as simple as possible, difficulties in terms of allowing hedgerows and all landscape and that pillar two was the right option to deliver for features to count towards the environmental focus area, the agri-environment. because each one has to be mapped, and we took the There are two key issues about which farmers are decision in the end that hedgerows were so important to expressing concern. One is the issue of the three-crop many parts of the country that in the first year we rule, which will affect at least 7% of farmers; the other is should include those hedgerows and endeavour to get the issue of the environmental focus areas and some of the mapping done, and where it could not be done in the administrative burdens connected with them. year one—we have three years to complete the mapping— 129 Common Agricultural Policy7 JULY 2014 Common Agricultural Policy 130 farmers would self-declare the hedgerows. We do not My hon. Friend also mentioned the issue of disallowance, rule out adding things like stone walls in years two or and I can confirm that we have set aside a figure of 2% three, once we have got hedgerows in place. The task of to plan for that. It is our aspiration to get to zero mapping every single individual feature on every farm is disallowance, but the way in which the disallowance an enormous one, however, and we therefore wanted to scheme works is incredibly complicated and convoluted. start first with hedges, before moving on to things such Frequently, the disallowance we get is through no as dry stone walls. fault of our own; it is often because the European Commission does not understand its own rules, and we Miss McIntosh: Will my hon. Friend give way? can get into very protracted arguments. For instance, the fruit and veg scheme has been notorious as a cause George Eustice: I am going to try to make progress, of disallowance. The system is very complicated and I I am afraid, and I will address many of the points my do not think we will ever be able to eliminate disallowance hon. Friend made if I have time to get to them. altogether. On the agri-environment schemes, we have been clear A number of hon. Members, including my hon. that 87% of the pillar two budget will go on the new Friend the Member for Thirsk and Malton, have highlighted environmental land management scheme. At the higher the issue of the modulation rate—the inter-pillar transfer. end, the scheme will be broadly similar to the existing We have made it clear that we will modulate at 12% initially higher level stewardship scheme, but we will also have and have a review in 2016. She asked what the criteria an additional rate that has more requirements and for that will be. There are two basic criteria, the first of obligations than the existing entry level stewardship which is whether there is sufficient demand for those scheme, and which is more proactive and is almost a agri-environment schemes to warrant an increase in middle rate. These will be more targeted, and my right that budget. That links to a question raised by my hon. hon. Friend the Member for South East Cambridgeshire Friend the Member for Hereford and South Herefordshire raised concerns that this would effectively lead to white (Jesse Norman). The second is an assessment of the areas or deserts where there would be no such support. impact on the competitiveness of British agriculture. Alongside this scheme we intend to deal with the problem of so-called white areas by ensuring that there will be Many hon. Members, including the hon. Member for directed options right around the country so that whole Bishop Auckland (Helen Goodman), have raised concerns areas of the country will not be excluded, and grants to about the new IT system. The existing RPA computer support the planting of woodland, for instance, will be system is simply not fit for purpose and we need a new universally available. system. The new common agricultural policy is far Many Members touched on matters relating to the more complicated, and there are coefficients attached to three-crop rule, which will cause difficulty for some some environmental focus areas. Somebody growing farmers—up to around 7%, possibly more. We gave peas or beans will find that that counts for only 0.7% serious consideration to advancing what is called a towards their EFA—0.7% of the area declared—whereas national certification scheme—a nationally designed for hedges there is a coefficient of up to 10 times the scheme that would achieve the same thing—because, as area of the hedge. The idea that we could do this by my right hon. Friend the Member for South East drawing things on maps with pencil, as we do under the Cambridgeshire said, the three-crop rule does not in existing system, and sending that in to the RPA is itself guarantee crop rotation. Indeed, there are all sorts simply not credible. We therefore believe that to cope of anomalies, not least that a cabbage and a cauliflower with the new system we have to have a digital by default are regarded as the same crop botanically as far as the approach and to have everyone adding their data by EU is concerned, and there will be lots of similar computer, because that will be simpler. complications to work through. When we looked at the I completely understand the point that many hon. alternatives, however, we found that they were all more Members have made about broadband access. We are complicated and even more difficult to administer than investing £500 million through BDUK—Broadband what was already on the table. Delivery UK—and a further £250 million in phase 2. A number of hon. Members have mentioned the We have a third fund of £10 million to pilot creative uplift to the single farm payment, which is important. It ideas for those really hard-to-reach areas. In addition, recognises the value we place on upland and moorland we will have an assisted digital package. We will send farmers, not just as custodians of the countryside, as paper guidance to every farmer in year 1, so although my hon. Friend the Member for York Outer (Julian they will not have a paper application form, they will Sturdy) mentioned, but as food producers. We are, have paper guidance. That guidance will include detailed therefore, equalising the basic payment for upland farmers information on our digital offer. The crucial thing for and lowland farmers, and we will almost double the rate those lacking the computer literacy to complete their for moorland farmers to about ¤70 per hectare. form online or those who have no broadband access is My hon. Friend the Member for Thirsk and Malton that we will be setting up a number of digital service raised a number of issues, the first of which related to centres right around the country, particularly targeted commons. We understand the concerns about the commons at those areas where there is a problem. Farmers will, register, which has always been the starting point for the thus, be able physically to take their information into an mapping of commons. There are disallowance risks in office, which will have privacy and be discreet, and work departing too far from the system we have had in place with an RPA agent to enter that information on the to date, but I can confirm that in addition to starting system. That is the right thing for everyone. It is right with that existing commons register, the RPA will utilise for those farmers, because it removes the risk of them other information available to it, such as aerial photography, getting penalties and disallowance. to help ensure that those who are entitled to claim on common land can. Helen Goodman rose— 131 Common Agricultural Policy 7 JULY 2014 132

George Eustice: I will finish now, because we are (3) a further sum, not exceeding £214,518,524,000 be granted nearly out of time. My right hon. Friend the Member to Her Majesty to be issued by the Treasury out of the Consolidated for South East Cambridgeshire highlighted the issues of Fund and applied for expenditure on the use of resources authorised appeals and a proportionate system. I can tell him that I by Parliament—(Mr Gauke.) am now the one who looks at those appeals, this issue is Ordered, That a Bill be brought in upon the foregoing close to my heart, and we are examining it and reviewing Resolutions relating to Estimates, 2014-15; it as I speak. The hon. Member for Brecon and Radnorshire That the Chairman of Ways and Means, Mr Chancellor (Roger Williams) talked about pillar two, and said that of the Exchequer, Danny Alexander, Nicky Morgan, we still needed those single farm payments of pillar one. Mr David Gauke and Andrea Leadsom bring in the Part of the 2016 review will examine the competitiveness Bill. of agriculture. In conclusion, we have introduced a CAP that is SUPPLY AND APPROPRIATION (MAIN ESTIMATES)BILL more complicated than we would have liked, but in the Presentation and First Reading way that we are implementing it, we are staying true to Mr David Gauke accordingly presented a Bill to the approach that we took in negotiations to make it as authorise the use of resources for the year ending with simple as possible 31 March 2015; to authorise both the issue of sums out Question deferred (Standing Order No. 54 (4)). of the Consolidated Fund and the application of income The Speaker put the deferred Questions (Standing for that year; and to appropriate the supply authorised Order No. 54) for that year by this Act and by the Supply and Appropriation (Anticipation and Adjustments) Act 2014. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time ESTIMATES 2014-15 tomorrow, and to be printed (Bill 33).

DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS Business without Debate Resolved, That, for the year ending with 31 March 2015, for expenditure by the Department for Work and Pensions— EUROPEAN UNION DOCUMENTS (1) further resources, not exceeding £45,438,318,000 be authorised Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing for use for current purposes as set out in HC 1233 of Session Order No. 119(11)), 2013-14, (2) further resources, not exceeding £74,721,000 be authorised UKRAINE AND RUSSIA:EU RESTRICTIVE MEASURES for use for capital That this House takes note of European Union Documents purposes as so set out, and Council Decision 2014/145/CFSP of 17 March 2014 concerning (3) a further sum, not exceeding £44,850,071,000 be granted to restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening Her Majesty to be issued by the Treasury out of the Consolidated the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine, Fund and applied for expenditure on the use of resources authorised and Council Regulation (EU) No. 269/2014 of 17 March 2014 by Parliament. concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine; and welcomes the Government’s support for the DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT,FOOD AND RURAL measures proposed by the European Commission to enable a AFFAIRS swift response, if needed, to continuing efforts by the Russian Resolved, Federation to threaten the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.—(Anne Milton.) That, for the year ending with 31 March 2015, for expenditure by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs— Question agreed to. (1) further resources, not exceeding £968,601,000 be authorised for use for current purposes as set out in HC 1233 of Session 2013-14, DELEGATED LEGISLATION (2) further resources, not exceeding £371,350,000 be authorised Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing for use for capital purposes as so set out, and Order No. 118(6)), (3) a further sum, not exceeding £1,308,388,000 be granted to Her Majesty to be issued by the Treasury out of the Consolidated NORTHERN IRELAND Fund and applied for expenditure on the use of resources authorised That the draft Northern Ireland Assembly (Elections) by Parliament. (Amendment) Order 2014, which was laid before this House on The Speaker then put the Question on the outstanding 4 June, be approved.—(Anne Milton.) Estimate (Standing Order No. 55) Question agreed to.

Mr Speaker: With the leave of the House, we will take ESTIMATES 2014-15 motions 5, 6 and 7 together. Resolved, Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing That, for the year ending with 31 March 2015: Order No. 118(6)), (1) further resources, not exceeding £256,135,013,000 be authorised That the draft Representation of the People (Northern Ireland) for use for current purposes as set out in HC 1233, HC 1231, (Amendment) Regulations 2014, which were laid before this HC 1208, HC 1186 and HC 1234 of Session 2013-14, and HC 124 House on 4 June, be approved. of this Session. That the draft European Parliamentary Elections (Anonymous (2) further resources, not exceeding £32,926,583,000 be authorised Registration) (Northern Ireland) regulations 2014, which were for use for capital purposes as so set out, and laid before this House on 4 June, be approved. 133 Business without Debate 7 JULY 2014 134

That the draft Anonymous Registration (Northern Ireland) Meningitis B Vaccinations (No. 2) Order 2014, which was laid before this House on 4 June, be approved.—(Anne Milton.) Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House do now adjourn.—(Anne Milton.) Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing Order No. 118(6)), 10.4 pm

REPRESENTATION OF THE PEOPLE Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (The Cotswolds) (Con): Thank That the draft Donations to Candidates (Anonymous Registration) you, Mr Speaker, for giving me the opportunity to raise Regulations 2014, which were laid before this House on 4 June, be the important matter of meningococcal B—or MenB— approved.—(Anne Milton.) vaccines in this short debate. I also thank the Under- Question agreed to. Secretary of State for Health, my hon. Friend the Member for Battersea (Jane Ellison), for kindly responding Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing on behalf of the Government. I appreciate that I have Order No. 118(6)), dragged her to these green Benches at a time when she might well be negotiating with the drugs companies and CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES it might be difficult for her to respond to every one of That the draft Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies my points. Nevertheless, she will understand that I must and Credit Unions Act 2010 (Consequential Amendments) make them on behalf of my constituents and other Regulations 2014, which were laid before this House on 14 May members of the public. 2014, in the last Session of Parliament, be approved.—(Anne Milton.) There will be a number of hon. Members in this House with constituents whose lives have been affected Question agreed to. by meningitis B. I have constituents who have had to Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing deal with the suffering and loss caused by meningitis B, Order No. 118(6)), which is why I am here today further to raise the need for a national roll-out of the vaccination. My constituents, TRIBUNALS AND INQUIRIES Dr and Mrs Turner, who are here today, tragically lost That the draft Transfer of Tribunal Functions (Mobile Homes their 19-year-old granddaughter on new year’s day this Act 2013 and Miscellaneous Amendments) Order 2014, which year. As you are aware, Mr Speaker, their granddaughter, was laid before this House on 14 May 2014, in the last Session of Emily, and her parents are constituents of yours. Emily’s Parliament, be approved. .—(Anne Milton.) uncle is a constituent of my hon. Friend the Member Question agreed to. for North Wiltshire (Mr Gray). Meningitis B is a comparatively rare disease, with Mr Speaker: With the leave of the House, we will take about 1,800 cases in the UK each year. According to the motions 11 to 14 together. charity Meningitis UK, however, many thousands of Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing people die as a result of contracting the illness. The Order No. 118(6)), infection progresses rapidly and can lead to permanent That the draft African Development Fund (Multilateral Debt disability or death within 24 hours of the symptoms Relief Initiative) (Amendment) Order 2014, which was laid before becoming evident. That is sadly what happened to this House on 12 June, be approved. Emily. One in 10 people who contract the infection will That the draft African Development Bank (Thirteenth tragically die despite the treatment that is available Replenishment of the African Development Fund) Order 2014, today. Of those who survive, one in five will have which was laid before this House on 12 June, be approved. devastating life-long disability such as brain damage, That the draft International Development Association (Seventeenth hearing loss or limb damage. Replenishment) Order 2014, which was laid before this House on Infants under the age of one year are disproportionately 12 June, be approved. affected by meningitis B, with the number of cases That the draft International Development Association (Multilateral peaking at the age of about five to six months. However, Debt Relief Initiative) (Amendment) Order 2014, which was laid there is unfortunately another peak during late adolescence before this House on 12 June, be approved.—(Anne Milton.) when students mix at university. Those are the two age groups that are most likely to contract meningitis B and BACKBENCH BUSINESS the fact that there is another peak later in life highlights the need for a vaccine during infancy to protect people Ordered, from lifelong suffering from this potentially devastating That Mr Nigel Evans be a member of the Backbench Business disease. Committee.—(Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, on behalf of the Committee Parents up and down the country were given a sense of Selection.) of hope when in January 2013 a vaccine was licensed in the UK as well as in Europe and the US. The Bexsero HEALTH vaccine was developed by the drug company Novartis Ordered, and protects against approximately 73% of the different That Robert Jenrick be a member of the Health Committee.— strains of meningitis B with apparently limited side (Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.) effects. That was obviously very welcome, but there have been extremely long and costly delays in implementing any vaccination programme. The vaccine was turned down by the NHS after being considered by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation. The passion felt by many members of the public that the vaccination should have been implemented straightaway has resulted in various petitions urging the Government 135 Meningitis B Vaccinations7 JULY 2014 Meningitis B Vaccinations 136

[Geoffrey Clifton-Brown] “subject to it being made available by the manufacturer at a cost-effective price”. to do so. The charity Meningitis Now, which I heartily That is the crunch point, as that will be a very large cost and sincerely congratulate on its constant campaigning, to the national health service, and the Minister needs to delivered a petition of 36,000 signatures to Downing negotiate a good low price so that immunisation does street. My constituents organised a petition of around not become prohibitively expensive. If anyone would 5,000 signatures and I had great pleasure in presenting like to see a copy of that letter, they should email me at that petition to Parliament earlier this evening. [email protected] and I will willingly send them a copy. I am told that I am not allowed to deposit Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): I thank the hon. it in the Library, otherwise I would do so. Gentleman for giving way and for bringing this matter There are three things that I would like to ask the forward for consideration. Meningitis B numbers have Minister to do. First, what does her Department consider halved in the past 25 years, but there is no room for to be a “cost-effective price” for something that will save complacency. Some of my constituents have experienced many lives in the future? Surely it is impossible to put a devastating effects from meningitis, so, as the MP for monetary value on young lives. I urge her not to base Strangford, my issue is whether the hon. Gentleman her decision solely on how much the vaccine will cost, feels that the vaccine, when it becomes available, should but to look at the hugely positive effects that implementing be available to the whole of the United Kingdom of a vaccine will have, especially when one considers the Great Britain and Northern Ireland. trauma that parents have to go through and the devastating Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: I am grateful to the hon. pain of losing a young child suddenly within 24 hours. Gentleman for his intervention. As I shall discuss later, Indeed, there are large costs associated with not vaccinating, this is obviously a big and costly undertaking for the as it is estimated that every case of MenB which leads to NHS. As I am sure the Minister will mention later, there a severe disability will cost the Government £2 million are delicate negotiations to be had, but if we start with to £3 million during the life of that child. babies—preferably babies under the age of 12 months—and Secondly, the announcement made in March confirmed then roll it out to students, the whole population will that the vaccine would be introduced only for infants at eventually have been vaccinated. Perhaps that will take two months old, with a limited catch-up period for too long, and once we have vaccinated those cohorts of babies up to four months. Given that, as I said earlier, the population, we might be able to find the money later cases peak at around five or six months and the illness to vaccinate other cohorts, but let us start, for goodness’ remains most common in babies under one year, I urge sake. In particular, vaccinating young babies would be the Minister to consider implementing the vaccine for an important start. all infants under one year old at the time of introduction, In my view, and in the view of many others, the to ensure that we protect as many babies as possible. In Bexsero vaccine should have been rolled out immediately. her response tonight could the Minister inform me of Doing so could have prevented around 600 cases of the difference in cost between providing the vaccine for meningitis B, and the associated 200 deaths between all two-month-old babies, with a catch-up for all four- January 2013 and now. Although there have been delays month-old babies at the time of introducing the vaccine, in rolling out this vaccine on a national scale in the UK, and the cost of providing it for all 12-month-old infants? it has been available privately since December 2013 for I appreciate that she might not have those figures this parents able to pay the high price, and it has been used evening. If she does not know the figures, I would be across several university campuses in the United States. grateful if she would undertake a cost-benefit analysis I am sure the House would agree that it is unsatisfactory of vaccinating all 12-month-old babies and let me have that where a vaccine has been licensed and is available the figures. That would be helpful. for use, only those who can afford to pay can get it. Thirdly, as I said earlier, there is another peak of individuals contracting meningitis B during late adolescence, Ms Margaret Ritchie (South Down) (SDLP): I as my constituent’s granddaughter sadly did. At university, congratulate the hon. Member for The Cotswolds (Geoffrey people’s lifestyle is totally different; they mix and get Clifton-Brown) on achieving this debate on an extremely different germs, and unfortunately that seems to mean important subject that impacts on many of our constituents. that they are more susceptible to this dreadful meningitis B. I have been tabling questions to the Minister about this. There is therefore a strong case for a roll-out of Bexsero Does the hon. Gentleman agree that the most important to university students to prevent the spread among that issue is the time scale for the roll-out of this vaccine? I age group. As I have said, some campuses in the US agree that the important age cohort is infants, and that have already administered the vaccine to stop outbreaks vaccination should be rolled out to other age groups of meningitis across the student body. When evaluating later. the costings, will the Minister please embark on a cost-benefit analysis of providing the vaccine to all Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: I thank the hon. Lady for 18-year-olds in full-time education? her intervention. The key thing that we want to hear from the Minister tonight is an honest assessment of The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation when the roll-out of the vaccine is likely to happen. has recommended a study to inform its decision on That information will be particularly important to parents whether to recommend a vaccine for adolescents as the of young babies. second most at-risk group of people. In her letter to me Within the announcement that there would be vaccine of 25 April, the Minister told me that the Department is as part of childhood immunisation, the Department for “considering how best to proceed with this”. Health stated that the Bexsero vaccine would be made I urge her to instigate the study as soon as possible to available—I quote from a letter dated 25 April 2014 to prevent any further delays. Once it has been decided me from the Minister— how to develop the study, people must be recruited to it 137 Meningitis B Vaccinations7 JULY 2014 Meningitis B Vaccinations 138 as soon as possible, and once the results are available, independent departmental expert committee that provides they should be presented to the JCVI without delay, so scientific advice to inform policy making. It is a statutory that a recommendation can be made quickly. Only with standing advisory committee for England and Wales speedy action and decisions can we prevent any more under the National Health Service Act 1977. It has unnecessary deaths and suffering as a result of meningitis no statutory basis for providing advice to Ministers B in this group. in Scotland or Northern Ireland, although Health I would like to end where I started. Thousands of Departments in those countries may choose to accept families suffer from the devastating effects of meningitis B, the committee’s advice or recommendations, and they but we now have a preventive vaccine, which is fantastic generally do. news. The vaccine has been licensed for 18 months In anticipation of a MenB vaccine being developed without being rolled out by the NHS. That delay has and licensed, the JCVI began work to consider a possible had a devastating effect on families of individuals who MenB immunisation strategy in 2010. The MenB vaccine have contracted the infection and died or become seriously Bexsero, manufactured by Novartis, was licensed by the disabled. Now that the JCVI has given a positive European Medicines Agency in January 2013. The JCVI’s recommendation for roll-out of the vaccine, that should work before that date enabled it to provide advice at the happen swiftly. I urge the Minister to conclude rapid earliest opportunity, so it is not quite right to say that negotiations with Novartis. I ask the drug company to there has been a great delay. The work had begun in enter those negotiations with the Government in a spirit anticipation to try to get us ahead of the situation. The of good will, so that we can get this vaccine rolled out as JCVI looked to base its recommendations on the best quickly as possible. I also urge the Minister to consider available evidence for efficacy and cost-effectiveness. expanding the current proposal of vaccination to include Following the licensing of the vaccine, my right hon. children up to one year old and adolescents, so that we Friend, the Secretary of State for Health requested a cover all high-risk groups. recommendation from the JCVI on the use of a MenB It is now possible to prevent further tragedies similar vaccine under the provisions of the Health Protection to that of Emily and thousands of others. We have (Vaccination) Regulations 2009, which provide the basis experienced too many delays already. Let us end those for the public’s right of access to national immunisation delays, make quick progress, and find ourselves in a programmes in the NHS constitution. The Secretary of situation in which parents are confident that their child State has a statutory duty to implement a recommendation will be safe from the devastating effects of this dreadful from the JCVI on a new immunisation programme, so infection. Every day’s delay is a potential life lost. far as reasonably practicable, where cost-effectiveness Please will the Minister act as quickly as she can? has been demonstrated. The Secretary of State and my predecessor, my hon. 10.17 pm Friend the Member for Broxtowe (Anna Soubry), The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health subsequently met to discuss the MenB vaccine with the (Jane Ellison): I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member national meningitis charities Meningitis Now and the for The Cotswolds (Geoffrey Clifton-Brown) on securing Meningitis Research Foundation. Like my hon. Friend this debate on the meningococcal B—or MenB, as I the Member for The Cotswolds and other Members in think we will call it—vaccination. It is a hugely important previous debates, I pay tribute to those charities for topic to which he has done great justice. Obviously, this their excellent work. is a very topical public health issue. He is not alone in The JCVI published an interim position statement on this House in having had constituents who have felt the the MenB vaccine for consultation in July 2013 to assist devastating effects of MenB, and he put his case it in making a complete assessment of the available passionately; I certainly respect that. Of course, we evidence. That interim statement did not recommend a recognise the devastating impact that MenB disease can national immunisation programme because of uncertainties have, and Members have described it. It is often known about the vaccine’s effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. among clinicians and parents as a parent’s greatest fear. In response to its consultation, the JCVI received new Children aged less than five years are most affected and recently published evidence on the MenB vaccine. by MenB. As my hon. Friend mentioned, the peak of The JCVI also considered comments and queries received the disease is in infants aged 6 to 12 months. MenB is in response to its interim position statement. Many of fatal for about one in 10 of those who develop meningitis those comments and queries followed similar lines to and/or septicaemia. With early diagnosis and treatment, those raised by my hon. Friend and made the same most people can make a full recovery, but around a points on the severity of the impact on children who tenth of survivors have major physical or neurological survive MenB. All the evidence and submissions led to disabilities, including amputation, deafness, epilepsy further detailed analysis of the cost-effectiveness of a and learning difficulties, so it is truly devastating. It is, MenB immunisation programme. thankfully, relatively uncommon, with an average of Having considered the outcome of the further analysis about 1,000 cases per year in England and Wales over at its meeting in February 2014, the JCVI recommended the last decade. Incidence has been decreasing in recent on 21 March that there should be a carefully planned years, as was alluded to in an intervention, but it is national MenB immunisation programme for infants, unpredictable and it could rise again quickly. That is starting at the age of two months. The JCVI made it why the advent of a vaccine that could provide protection clear that that recommendation was subject to the vaccine against MenB is so welcome. being available at a cost-effective price lower than the If the House will indulge me, I will go over the history list price of £75 a dose. of the investigation into the vaccine and the work of the There was some rather inaccurate media reporting Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation. It when the JCVI’s recommendation was published that is worth noting for the record that the JCVI is an suggested that external influences might have led the 139 Meningitis B Vaccinations7 JULY 2014 Meningitis B Vaccinations 140

[Jane Ellison] soon as possible so that children can benefit from the vaccine, but we need to ensure NHS funds are used JCVI to change from the position in its interim statement. effectively, as I have explained. We must also follow due The JCVI is an independent committee that greatly process on spending approvals within the Government values its independence, so I remind Members that, in before launching any procurement. That is quite a complex response to its consultation, the JCVI received new and process involving a detailed business case. recently published evidence and relevant comments that We see the onus as being on the manufacturer to led to further analysis and the recommendation that the respond positively to the JCVI’s recommendation so programme should be cost-effective subject to vaccine that we can purchase the vaccine at a price that represents price. That is why the JCVI’s position shifted; there was good value for money for the NHS. If we can obtain the no question of external interference. vaccine at a cost-effective price, the introduction of the new vaccination programme would need to be carefully Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: I am grateful for the way in planned with the manufacturer and the NHS so that which my hon. Friend is presenting her reply. From parents can be confident of a sufficient and sustainable what she has said so far, the only issue seems to be the supply of vaccine, with arrangements in place in the cost-effectiveness of the vaccine. Will she give any indication NHS for it to be provided and for clear information to of when the cost-effectiveness issue is likely to be resolved be given to parents to enable them to make an informed so that a roll-out can begin for two-month-old babies, choice. with a catch up for four-month-old babies? I hope that it will give my hon. Friend some reassurance to know that last year the NHS introduced three new Jane Ellison: Rather frustratingly, for me and for my vaccination programmes and another one was rescheduled, hon. Friend—he alluded to this in his speech—I am not which demonstrates that that is something we can do. in a position to answer that, because to do so would be That large expansion in the national immunisation to pre-empt the stage we have reached with the issue. programme was unprecedented. We must ensure that What I can say is that this country has world-leading the NHS is fully equipped to be able to deliver another vaccination programmes and a great deal of experience programme safely before introducing it. We hope to be in planning them and rolling them out very effectively. I able to start the procurement process soon and to can assure him that all our experience would be brought purchase the vaccine at a cost-effective price. to bear in a positive way at that stage. I cannot pre-empt My hon. Friend asked about adolescents. The JCVI’s either the timing or the price, but he can be assured of advice was that research was needed on the effectiveness the expertise that sits behind the UK’s vaccination in adolescents of preventing transmission of infection. I programme. am aware of the cases on US campuses to which he The Government welcomed and accepted the JCVI’s alluded. The Department is considering how best to recommendation and hope that the UK will be the first commission the necessary work. If I have any update on country in the world to launch a national immunisation that situation, I will write to interested Members after programme for MenB. As I have just said, that would the debate. In addition, I will give an update on where continue our successful track record in providing a we are in the process as soon as I am in a position to world-leading national immunisation programme. do so. If the procurement is successful, we will be in I acknowledge that some people might say—I would a position to make firm plans for the introduction of not blame them—that cost-effectiveness should not be the new MenB immunisation programme. At that point an issue when talking about a vaccine to protect very I will be able to say a lot more. I accept that it is young children from a potentially fatal disease. However, frustrating that I cannot say as much as he would like. it is important to consider cost-effectiveness so that I thank my hon. Friend for raising this incredibly money spent on new immunisation programmes does important subject. All of us, as constituency MPs, and not use finite NHS funds that would otherwise provide certainly those of us who are Health Ministers, are more overall benefit to the wider population if spent on extremely aware of the importance that many parents other treatments or services. We all recognise that those place on this subject and the fear that MenB raises for decisions are not easy, which is why so much expert some many people. He was right to ask me to come to thought and careful consideration go into them. the House and address the subject, even if I cannot do My hon. Friend asked when immunisation would so in quite as much detail as he would like. I look start, and I have explained that we are not in a position forward to updating the House in due course and will to comment on that, but we are in a position to draw on do my very best to ensure that I keep all interested great expertise when we face that issue. As I have said, Members fully up to date as we progress with this the JCVI recommended that a MenB vaccine be introduced important process. but only at a cost-effective price, below the list price Question put and agreed to. published by Novartis. Therefore, the first essential step is to agree a cost-effective price for the vaccine with the 10.30 pm manufacturer. We want to agree that with Novartis as House adjourned. 1WS Written Statements7 JULY 2014 Written Statements 2WS

Step 3—If neither of the previous two steps have managed Written Statements to resolve the complaint a tenant can contact the housing ombudsman directly. Monday 7 July 2014 The housing ombudsman’s website gives a clear and easy to understand explanation of the process and the Homes and Communities Agency’s online guidance explains its role and gives advice on where and how to COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT make a complaint. The gov.uk website also sets out how to make a complaint. Social Tenants: Complaints Process

ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (Kris Hopkins): The Communities and Local Government Select Committee Agriculture and Fisheries Council report into the regulation of social housing in England included a recommendation for the Government, working with the social housing sector, to make sure that tenants The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for of social housing are aware of the correct process to Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (George Eustice): I make a complaint about their landlord. The Committee represented the UK at the EU Agriculture and Fisheries pointed out in its report that numerous complaints are Council on 16 and 17 June. Alun Davies AM and misdirected to the Homes and Communities Agency Richard Lochhead MSP were also present for parts of and this can be frustrating for tenants as well as a waste the meeting. of resources for the agency. MONDAY 16 JUNE To respond to this recommendation, I am, today, Dairy sector writing to David Orr, the chief executive of the National The Commission presented its report on the development Housing Federation, Grainia Long, the chief executive of the market for dairy. This was followed by an exchange of the Chartered Institute of Housing, and the chairman of views on the draft Council conclusions on the future of the Local Government Association to ask for their of the dairy sector. The main point for discussion was thoughts and ideas on how we can ensure that tenants the proposal, led by Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, are aware of the correct process when making a complaint Ireland and Denmark, to relax quotas for 2014-15. and what work they have done, or are planning to do, After a lengthy debate and failing to achieve a qualified with their members on this important subject. majority in favour of changing the current quotas, the My ministerial colleague, the Under-Secretary of State presidency concluded that the Council conclusions could for Communities and Local Government, my hon. Friend not be adopted at this Council. the Member for Bristol West (Stephen Williams), has School Schemes been working with the national tenant organisations and others to promote the role that social tenants can The Council noted the presidency’s progress report play in helping to shape their housing services. He will on the Commission’s legislative proposals for reform of be writing to landlords shortly to publicise our forthcoming the school milk and fruit schemes without discussion. guide “Tenants Leading Change”, which will explain The implementation of the provisions concerning producer the role that tenant panels can play. He will be asking organisations, operational funds and operational programmes landlords to promote and disseminate this to their in the fruit and vegetables sector since the 2007 reform tenants and reminding landlords of the need to make it The Council adopted conclusions on the Commission’s clear how their tenants can raise a complaint. report on the operation of the fruit and vegetable In 2011, the Government made a change in the way producer organisation scheme, including a clear message social housing tenants could make a complaint against on the need to cut red tape, simplify the rules and their landlords. For the first time MPs, councillors and provide much needed legal certainty. The Commission designated tenant panels were given a formal, statutory made an accompanying statement committing to review role in the complaints process—local problems are best the legislative framework for the fruit and vegetable resolved locally by the people who live and work in sector by 31 December 2018. those neighbourhoods. Whereas the vast majority of CAP reform implementation tenants have a good relationship with their landlords Ministers highlighted the common agriculture policy and never need to make a formal complaint about the (CAP) implementation decisions they had taken and service they receive, for those who do though it is some of the accompanying challenges faced by national important that they can raise that complaint with the administrations and farmers. The UK paper requesting right person and that it can be dealt with as quickly as a pragmatic and sensible interpretation of the new CAP possible. regulations, particularly with regard to the greening The key stages in the complaint process are: requirements, was referred to and supported by a range Step 1—In the first instance a tenant should make a formal of other member states. complaint to their landlord. Informal Lunch—US Secretary of Agriculture Step 2—If the complaint cannot be resolved, a tenant can contact a designated person that is either their MP, local EU Ministers attended an informal lunch with US councillor or designated tenant panel. The designated person Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, to discuss progress can take up the case to resolve locally or, if necessary, refer on the transatlantic trade and investment partnership the case to the housing ombudsman. (TTIP). 3WS Written Statements7 JULY 2014 Written Statements 4WS

ANY OTHER BUSINESS Animal, plant and control package: smarter rules for Country of origin labelling for meat safer food The presidency described progress made on the package The Commission updated member states on its exchanges of measures. The discussion focused in particular on with the European Parliament (EP) following the latter’s import controls with divergent views among Ministers request for more detailed labelling of the country of on the need for a risk-based “open”system or precautionary birth on fresh meat. All those who spoke stressed that “closed” system. I was robust in calling for the outcome the current rules had been carefully negotiated and to be a genuine simplification with fewer powers delegated could not now be changed. to the Commission and respect for subsidiarity in relation Severe weather in Slovakia to fees and charging of businesses. Slovakia raised the impact of recent storms on its Plant Reproductive Material forests and suggested they would call on the EU solidarity I specifically supported the presidency paper and its fund. pragmatic approach. Some Ministers took the opportunity Athens conference on scientific support to agriculture to highlight particular changes they wanted to the Commission’s proposal. The presidency reported on a recent conference in Athens on scientific support to agriculture. National Emissions Ceiling Directive FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE Twelve member states supported Hungary’s request that Agriculture Ministers be involved in negotiations on the national emissions ceiling directive given the potential impact on agriculture of restrictions on ammonia UK-Caribbean Ministerial Forum and methane emissions. TUESDAY 17 JUNE The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth “Omnibus” Regulation on the Implementation of the Affairs (Mr William Hague): I wish to update the House Landing Obligation on the eighth biennial UK-Caribbean ministerial forum, which took place in London from 16 to 17 June 2014. The Council discussed the latest position on the The forum brought together Foreign Ministers and “Omnibus” regulation, which amends existing technical representatives of the countries of the Caribbean rules with a view to facilitating the introduction of the community (CARICOM), the Dominican Republic and landing obligation from 1 January 2015. This will now the CARICOM secretariat. The premiers of the UK’s go forward for discussion with the European Parliament, Caribbean overseas territories of Anguilla, the British to reach an agreement by the end of the year, ahead of Virgin Islands, and the Turks and Caicos Islands the first year of the landing obligation. participated as observers. Together we committed to Implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy: Discard further strengthening the partnership between the UK Plans and the Caribbean, and agreed on a plan of action to take forward co-operation on areas of joint interest. The Commission welcomed the progress made on the development of discard plans under the new regionalisation The forum focused on promoting prosperity and process, a new way of working that decentralises decision economic resilience in both the Caribbean and the making and brings it closer to the fisheries affected. I United Kingdom. It included sessions on economic intervened to reaffirm support for the introduction of development, energy, education and security, as well as the landing obligation and the regionalisation process, discussions on foreign policy issues. In addition, and in highlighting the work being done to tailor the first recognition of the importance of the commercial discard plans to the specific needs of the pelagic fisheries relationship between the UK and the Caribbean, where in each region. our bilateral trade is already around £2 billion a year, delegates attended a UK-Caribbean trade and investment ANY OTHER BUSINESS forum, a private sector event focused on boosting business- Management of Capelin—TAC for 2014 to-business links. At the conclusion of the forum, Ministers agreed a The Commission reported they had now received an communiqué summarising our discussions and setting offer of capelin from Greenland and will bring forward out follow-up activity for the UK and Caribbean to an amendment to the total allowable catch (TAC) and pursue in partnership. quota regulation as soon as possible to provide a TAC for this stock. On energy, we agreed to work together to explore the potential of natural gas and renewable sources as an Anti-microbial resistance in animal husbandry alternative to the current oil import dependence in the Sweden, supported by Denmark, called on the Caribbean, to work with the private sector to share Commission to provide an update to the 2011 action experiences and technical expertise of smart grids and plan on the responsible use of anti-microbials in animal distribution systems, and to enhance dialogue on utility husbandry, claiming that antibiotic resistance contributes reform. to approximately 25,000 deaths per year and ¤1.2 billion On education and skills, we agreed to build partnerships costs to health care services. Commissioner Borg stated between UK and Caribbean educational institutions, to that this is a high priority for the Commission. A bring together young leaders from academia, business five-year road map has been published and a full progress and civil society, and to work together to boost skills report will be published this year. development programmes. 5WS Written Statements7 JULY 2014 Written Statements 6WS

To enhance our mutual security, we discussed information We are committed to ensuring that high-quality care and asset-sharing agreements, including sharing data is always provided for patients detained and treated on criminal activities, fingerprints and associated under the Act. Care should always promote recovery, be information, and financial and tax data. In addition, we of the shortest duration, be the least restrictive option, shared views on building effective extradition systems keep the patient and other people safe, and ensure value to ensure that perpetrators of criminal activity cannot for money for the taxpayer. evade justice. The consultation sets out proposed changes to the Representatives of the UK and the Caribbean also code but does not include any changes to either primary stated our shared commitment to promoting global or secondary legislation. The draft code includes new sustainable development, and agreed to work together chapters on: the care programme approach; equality, to secure a single compelling framework and a set of human rights and parity of esteem; mental capacity and post-2015 goals centred on eradicating extreme poverty. deprivation of liberty; and victims. We also discussed current foreign policy challenges The revised code will apply to the use of the Act in and reaffirmed our commitment to the peaceful resolution England. of conflict, consistent with the principles and purposes Copies of “Stronger Code: Better Care—Consultation of the UN charter, including the right to self-determination on proposed changes to the Code of Practice: Mental for all peoples. Health Act 1983” and “Mental Health Act 1983: Draft The UK-Caribbean ministerial forum is part of how Code of Practice for Consultation” have been placed in we protect and promote our national interests, strengthen the Library. Copies of the consultation documents are our economy and make the most of the opportunities available to hon. Members from the Vote Office and to of the 21st century. It represents an important element noble Lords from the Printed Paper Office. of UK-Caribbean relations. I will place in the Library of the House a copy of the agreed text of the communiqué from the UK-Caribbean ministerial forum. HOME DEPARTMENT

G6 (Barcelona) HEALTH

The Secretary of State for the Home Department Code of Practice: Mental Health Act 1983 (Mrs Theresa May): The informal G6 group of Interior Ministers from the six largest European Union countries, plus representatives from the United States of America, The Minister of State, Department of Health (Norman the European Commission and Frontex, held its most Lamb): We have today launched a consultation on recent meeting in Barcelona on 25 and 26 June 2014. proposed changes to the Code of Practice: Mental The summit was chaired by the Spanish Interior Health Act 1983. Following this consultation, we will Minister Jorge Fernández Díaz and I represented the lay before Parliament a revised code by the end of 2014. United Kingdom. The other participating states were It is intended that this will become effective from 1 represented by Thomas De Maizière (Germany), Angelino April 2015. Alfano (Italy), and Bernard Cazeneuve (France). Poland Since the code was last published in 2008, there have was represented at official level. James Cole (the Deputy been substantial changes and updates in legislation, US Attorney-General), Alejandro Mayorkas (US Deputy policy, case law, and professional practice. A revised Secretary of Homeland Security), Cecilia Malmstrom code needs to reflect and embed developments since (European Commissioner for Home Affairs) and Gil 2008 in areas including the use of restrictive interventions; Arias (Executive Director of Frontex) attended as guests. use of police powers to detain people in places of The first formal session (attended by the G6 members safety; and the use of community treatment orders. only) was an analysis of the evolution of G6. It was In publishing “Transforming care: A national response agreed to keep the G6 in its present shape and format. to Winterbourne View Hospital” and “Closing the Gap: The second formal session concerned the fight against Priorities for Essential Change in Mental Health” we jihadist terrorism and radicalisation with a focus on committed to improving mental health services. “Closing co-operation with northern Africa, the Sahel and middle the Gap” sets out 25 priority actions to improve the eastern countries. Discussion centred on the problems provision of mental health care, promote recovery and caused by conflicts in these regions and the issues the experience of patients, their families and carers. caused by foreign fighters travelling to join these conflicts “Transforming Care” also committed the Department then returning to EU member states. Delegates noted of Health to review and consult on a revised code to the evolution of the terrorist threat and how it had been address the need to improve the quality of care received shaped by these factors. The importance of information by patients detained under the Mental Health Act 1983. sharing and the role of the EU passenger name record The code is an important lever for delivering these (PNR) directive in this was agreed by all. I stressed the changes. Health care and social care professionals consult need for the wording of the draft directive to be robust the code routinely to inform their practice, safeguard and it was agreed that bilateral co-operation was essential patients’ rights and ensure compliance with the law. The in the interim. code is also used by patients who are detained or The third formal session related to the fight against otherwise subject to the Act, and their families, carers drug trafficking in the Atlantic. The presidency noted and advocates. that while this was a problem for the western hemisphere 7WS Written Statements7 JULY 2014 Written Statements 8WS generally, it was a particular concern for Spain. A This action plan identifies the work we have done in the last number of delegates stressed the point that the use and 14 months to improve integration between sustainable transport classification of development funds must be considered modes. It also ensures that people recognise that this area of work to address these problems at their root. The US said remains a priority for government. It focuses on the four core areas featured in the strategy: they were working with a number of countries on this issue and were happy to continue to do so and to share accurate, accessible and reliable information about different the experience and knowledge they have. I raised the transport options for their journey; point that the money generated by the international convenient and affordable tickets, for an entire journey; drug trade helped to support terrorism and that practical regular and straightforward connections at all stages of the co-operation to address this was therefore essential. journey and between different modes of transport; The discussion at the formal dinner on 25 June focused safe and comfortable transport facilities. on the fight against irregular immigration in Europe. I Examples include the £70 million ITSO on Prestige (IoP) stressed the need for action in the countries of origin project that has upgraded London’s Oyster system to also accept and for member states to fulfil their responsibilities for ITSO smart ticketing and bank issued contactless payment cards. This is now bearing fruit: Southern Railway launched smart card effective asylum processing and border controls. Italy ticketing into London in December 2013 and will be followed by made the point that their Mare Nostrum programme c2c and South West Trains later this year. could not remain in place indefinitely and gave their The Department has reached agreement with TFL and the view that it should be replaced by a European equivalent. train operators who currently accept Oyster to allow passengers Concerns were voiced however that, while the programme to use their contactless payment cards as an alternative later this had undoubted humanitarian benefits, it nevertheless year. acted as a pull factor for migrants to the region. Doubts In addition, the Department has made available an additional were also expressed by some about the idea of Frontex £100 million funding to extend the Access for All programme undertaking a more operational role in the Mediterranean. from 2015 until 2019 and deliver improvements at 42 more The formal lunch on 26 June was an opportunity to stations. Also, continuing with the successful relaunch of the discuss relations between the EU and the US. The franchising programme we now require a franchise operator to consider improvements to the door-to-door journey experience conversation was positive and members agreed the need for its customers, in line with our Door to Door Strategy. for the EU and US to co-operate closely in operational joint initiatives. Specific measures such as the PNR I will be placing a copy of the update to the Door to Door Action Plan in the Libraries of both Houses. It will also be agreement, the agreement on processing and transfer of published on the Department’s website at https://www.gov.uk/ financial data messaging relating to the terrorist finance government/publications/door-to-door-action-plan. tracking programme (TFTP), and the Europol-US agreement were seen to be helpful tools to strengthen operational co-operation in common fields of interest. High Speed Rail in the North The next G6 meeting will take place in France but the date has not yet been confirmed. The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr Patrick McLoughlin): Improvements to transport connectivity TRANSPORT between the northern cities, including through HS2, through east-west high-speed rail links and road improvements, would be a key driver in realising the Door to Door Action Plan and Cycle-Rail Integration potential for the cities of the north to become a “Northern Powerhouse” for the UK’s economy. HS2 is a vital part of our plans to deliver significant transport infrastructure The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport that will not only maximise benefits across the UK, in (Mr Robert Goodwill): My right hon. Friend the Minister terms of journey times and connectivity, but will help of State for Transport, Baroness Kramer, has made the balance the UK’s economy, drive regional regeneration, following ministerial statement: support job creation and deliver substantial economic I am today publishing a Door to Door Action Plan following growth. on from the Door to Door Strategy which the Department for We are firmly and fully committed to our plans for a Transport published in March 2013. The strategy sets out the high-speed rail network connecting Birmingham, Government’s plan to make it easier and more convenient for Manchester and Leeds as part of our plans for HS2 people to use greener transport modes for their everyday journeys phase 2, on which we consulted earlier this year. by ensuring they are better connected. This is the second progress report. The first Door to Door Action Plan was published in In his report, “HS2 Plus”, Sir David Higgins set out December 2013. This further update identifies progress towards his recommendations that the Government should making this a reality. By considering the whole journey and improving integration between the different transport modes, undertake further work on bringing the benefits to the people will have more choice to use public transport and leave the north sooner, improving city centre to city centre and car at home. east-west connectivity and enhancing integration with As part of delivering this strategy, I am making an additional our existing network. £15 million capital funding available in 2015-16 for improving the In response to his report five cities—Hull, Leeds, integration between rail and cycle journeys. This extends the Liverpool, Manchester and Sheffield—are already engaged £14.5 million programme of improvements already delivered by in a programme of work looking at northern connectivity. the Government which have been the major enabler in doubling the number of cycle parking spaces at stations during the term of I am looking forward to seeing the outputs from this this Government. A further announcement will be made on work. I am also very grateful for the responses to the projects to be taken forward once a robust bidding process has HS2 phase 2 consultation, which we will report on in been completed. the autumn. 9WS Written Statements7 JULY 2014 Written Statements 10WS

The Government have now asked Sir David to produce of a comprehensive plan for the entire railway network ambitious proposals for connecting the great northern in the north of the country, as well as liaising with the cities. This work will look at how to bring the benefits of Highways Agency to ensure it is fully integrated with high-speed rail to the north more quickly, as well as the strategic long-term plans for the national road initial proposals for faster east-west connections—including network, currently being developed. Separately we are options on route, time scales and cost—by the time of continuing to work on improved rail links to Scotland. the autumn statement later this year. HS2 is a key part of this Government’s growth strategy In completing this work Sir David will discuss emerging and I am keen to maximise its benefits as we look to issues with leaders from the midlands and the north, deliver economic growth in the north and across the and will work with Network Rail to ensure this is part country more generally.

1P Petitions7 JULY 2014 Petitions 2P

pneumococcal vaccines has been highly successful in Petition almost eradicating these causes of meningitis; further that in contrast, the Meningitis B vaccine (Bexcero) Monday 7 July 2014 received its licence in January 2013 but has been denied by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) for NHS patients; further that it is available for PRESENTED PETITION those parents wealthy enough to pay privately at a cost Petition presented to the House but not read on the Floor of £75 to £125 per injection; further that two injections are normally required; further that the vaccine manufacturer Meningitis B Vaccine has offered significantly reduced, but unspecified, prices to the NHS; further that whilst the number of cases of The Petition of Dr Christopher Turner,Mrs Gillian Turner, meningitis B vary from year to year, it is reported that in Mr Peter Styles, Mrs Julia Styles, Mr Peter Skoulding, 2010 there were 1870 cases, that is five families affected Mrs Julie Skoulding, Miss Lucy Skoulding and others each day; further that the death rate ranges from 5 to Declares that the most common cause of meningitis 10 per cent of cases; further that disabilities are reported in the UK is bacterial meningitis caused by a meningococcal to occur in 20 to 30 per cent of survivors; further that group B infection; further that the Petitioners believe the sum of this failure to implement meningitis B meningitis and meningococcal disease are greatly feared vaccination on the NHS is a significant burden on by both doctors and parents; further that the disease taxpayers and the national exchequer in both the short strikes without warning, can be difficult to diagnose in and long term, notwithstanding the effects on individual the early stages, and can lead to at worst death of a families and the cost to them both in monetary and child or teenager within 24 hours from the onset of mild psychological terms; and further that taking a median symptoms or severe disabilities including loss figure of 25 per cent with residual disability at £3 million of limbs, deafness, blindness and mental changes in pounds each, the cost to the Exchequer reaches £140 million survivors; further that in addition to hospitalisation pounds per annum and this is likely to be an underestimate costs to the NHS involving intensive care sometimes for when family factors are taken into consideration. extended periods of time, it is estimated that the cost for The Petitioners therefore request that the House of care of each survivor is £3 million during their remaining Commons urges the Department of Health to introduce lifetime; further that in addition, litigation claims to the meningitis B vaccine for all on the NHS. NHS for clinical negligence in respect of meningitis B run into millions of pounds annually; further that the And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Geoffrey introduction into the Childhood Immunisation Programme Clifton-Brown.] of Haemophilus influenzae B, meningococcal C, and [P001365]

1W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 2W

The following tables show estimates of median gross weekly Written Answers to earnings for all and full-time employees in Coventry North East constituency, Coventry, the West Midlands and England from April 2009 to April 2013, the latest period for which results are Questions available. Median gross weekly earnings for all and full-time employees1, April 2009 to 2013 Monday 7 July 2014 £ All employees Coventry North Year East West PRIME MINISTER (April) constituency Coventry Midlands England

Abortion 2009 *363.9 402.8 373.6 402.5 2010 *410.1 424.5 376.7 409.7 Jim Dobbin: To ask the Prime Minister whether it is 20112,4 *396.8 432.5 375.6 410.2 the Government’s policy that decisions in Parliament 20113,4 *393.0 425.9 370.0 405.1 relating to abortion should be subject to a free vote; 2012 *437.1 438.4 378.8 412.4 and if he will instruct that the Department for 2013 *444.6 461.4 391.7 421.6 International Development’s practice paper, Safe and unsafe abortion, published in July 2011, should not be £ regarded as an expression of the Government’s policy Full-time employees until its contents have been approved by the House in a Coventry North free vote. [203468] Year East West (April) constituency Coventry Midlands England The Prime Minister: Issues on matters of conscience have, by tradition, been the subject of a free vote in the 2009 *451.9 487.1 456.2 495.0 2010 *488.5 502.3 467.4 504.5 House of Commons. Issues relating to abortion in 2 4 other countries are determined by respective Governments. 2011 , *473.8 510.7 470.6 507.2 20113,4 *467.6 509.7 464.4 504.0 2012 *499.0 520.2 469.2 512.6 2013 *527.7 554.5 484.6 520.5 CABINET OFFICE 1 Employee jobs are defined as those held by employees and not the self-employed. Figures relate to employees on adult rates whose pay for the survey pay period Apprentices was not affected by absence. ASHE is based on a 1% sample of jobs taken from HM Revenue and Customs’ Pay As You Earn (PAYE) records. Consequently, individuals with more than one job may appear in the sample more than once. Robert Halfon: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet 2 2011 results based on Standard Occupational Classification 2000. Office how many apprentices have been employed by 3 2011 results based on Standard Occupational Classification 2010. 4 Estimates for years prior to 2011 are based on SOC 2000 and estimates for contractors and sub-contractors to his Department in years after 2011 are based on SOC 2010. Figures are only considered to be each year since 2010-11; and what proportion such directly comparable if they are based on the same SOC. apprentices make up of the workforce of those Guide to quality: The coefficient of variation (CV) indicates the quality of a figure; the smaller contractors and sub-contractors. [203861] the CV, the higher the quality. The true value is likely to lie within +/- twice the CV. For example, for an Mr Maude: The information requested is not held average of 200 with a CV of 5%, we would expect the true population average to centrally. be within the range 180 to 220. All figures in the above tables have a CV of less than or equal to 5% except where indicated, as defined in the following key. Average Earnings Key: * CV > 5% and <= 10% Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Source: Office what assessment he has made of the median Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), Office for National Statistics (a) gross weekly wage of employees in Coventry North Civil Servants: Recruitment East constituency, (b) Coventry, (c) the West Midlands and (d) England in each of the last five years. [203599] Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Office (1) how many places are available annually on responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have the Civil Service Fast Track Apprenticeship Scheme; asked the authority to reply. [203137] Letter from Glen Watson, dated July 2014: (2) which Government Departments do not participate As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I in the Civil Service Fast Track Apprenticeship Scheme; have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question [203063] asking what assessment has been made of the median gross (3) how many new graduate Fast Streamers were weekly wage of employees in (a) Coventry North East constituency, (b) Coventry, (c) the West Midlands and (d) England in each of allocated places in each department in each year since the last five years (203599). 2010. [203195] The Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), carried out in April each year, is the most comprehensive source of Mr Maude: The pilot cohort of 100 Fast Track earnings information in the United Kingdom. Weekly levels of Apprentices began their apprenticeships in September earnings are estimated from ASHE, and are provided for employees 2013. Eight Government Departments across England on adult rates of pay, whose earnings for the survey pay period participated in the pilot cohort: were not affected by absence. Figures relate to employee jobs, which are defined as those held by employees and not the self- Department for Business, Innovation and Skills employed. Cabinet Office 3W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 4W

Crown Prosecution Service Employment Department for Education Department for Work and Pensions Mr Hepburn: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet HM Revenue and Customs Office (1) how many people have been employed in (a) Ministry of Defence Jarrow constituency, (b) South Tyneside, (c) the North Ministry of Justice East and (d) the UK in each of the last 12 months; Cohort 2 will begin in September 2014 and will place [203560] 200 apprentices across Departments and Agencies across (2) what the unemployment rate in (a) Jarrow England, including: constituency, (b) South Tyneside, (c) the North East Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and (d) the UK was in each of the last 12 months; Cabinet Office [203589] Crown Prosecution Service (3) how many women have been unemployed in (a) Department for Education Jarrow constituency, (b) South Tyneside, (c) the North East and (d) the UK in each of the last 12 months; Department for Work and Pensions [203590] HM Revenue and Customs (4) how many men have been unemployed in (a) Ministry of Defence Jarrow constituency, (b) South Tyneside, (c) the North Ministry of Justice East and (d) the UK in each of the last 12 months; Civil Service Employee Policy [203591] Civil Service Resourcing (5) how many people have been unemployed in (a) Civil Service Learning Jarrow constituency, (b) South Tyneside, (c) the North Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs East and (d) the UK in each of the last 12 months; [203592] Department for Transport Department for Culture, Media and Sport (6) how many men have been employed in (a) Jarrow constituency, (b) South Tyneside, (c) the North East Department for Communities and Local Government and (d) the UK in each of the last 12 months; [203593] UK Trade & Investment, part of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills Treasury Solicitor’s Department (7) how many women have been employed in (a) Insolvency Service Jarrow constituency, (b) South Tyneside, (c) the North East and (d) the UK in each of the last 12 months. Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary [203594] Crown Commercial Service The Government plan to continue to grow this Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the programme and expand it to other Departments. responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Annual Reports published by the Cabinet Office asked the authority to reply. indicating the number of candidates recommended for Letter from Glen Watson, dated July 2014: appointment to the Graduate (now Generalist) Fast Stream are available at As Director General for the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary questions www.gov.uk asking the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many people have A table showing the numbers recommended for been employed in (a) Jarrow Constituency, (b) South Tyneside, appointment to the scheme for the period 2010-2012, (c) the North East and (d) the UK in each of the last 12 months (203560); what the unemployment rate in (a) Jarrow constituency, distributed by Department, has been placed in the (b) South Tyneside, (c) the North East and (d) the UK was in each Library of the House. Data for 2013 are not yet available. of the last 12 months (203589); how many women have been unemployed in (a) Jarrow constituency, (b) South Tyneside, (c) the Civil Servants: Vetting North East and (d) the UK in each of the last 12 months (203590); how many men have been unemployed in (a) Jarrow constituency, (b) South Tyneside, (c) the North East and (d) the Steve McCabe: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet UK in each of the last 12 months. (203591); how many people Office what the difference is between standard security have been unemployed in (a) Jarrow constituency, (b) South checks and developed vetting carried out in respect of Tyneside, (c) the North East and (d) the UK in each of the last officials employed in the civil service; how many 12 months (203592); how many men have been employed in (a) officials in No. 10 Downing street have been subject to Jarrow constituency, (b) South Tyneside, (c) the North East and (d) the UK in each of the last 12 months (203593); how many (a) standard security clearance and (b) developed women have been employed in (a) Jarrow constituency, (b) South vetting; and what limitations are placed on officials in Tyneside, (c) the North East and (d) the UK in each of the last No. 10 Downing street who have not undergone 12 months. (203594) developed vetting. [203199] The Office for National Statistics (ONS) compiles labour market statistics for areas smaller than the UK from the Annual Mr Maude: Details of the national security vetting Population Survey (APS) following International Labour Organisation policy and process are set out in the document HMG (ILO) definitions which is not available on a monthly basis. Personnel Security Controls, available from the House Table 1 shows the number of men, women and people who of Commons Library or online at: were unemployed according to survey responses from the APS for the 12 month period April 2013 to March 2014, the latest available www.gov.uk/government/publications/hmg-personnel- period, and resident in the requested geographies, along with the security-controls unemployment rate for people. The estimate for people in South It has been the policy of successive governments not to Tyneside is calculated from a statistical model covering the same comment on staff subject to national security vetting. period. 5W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 6W

Table 2 shows the number of men, women and people who The Cabinet Office encourages all Departments to were employed according to survey responses from the APS for communicate with hon. Members via electronic mail the 12 month period April 2013 to March 2014, the latest available where appropriate. Guidance on handling correspondence period, and resident in the requested geographies. from Members of Parliament, Peers, MEPs and Members As with any sample survey, estimates from the APS are subject of devolved Administrations will be updated in due to a certain level of uncertainty. A guide to the quality of the course. estimates of the levels is included on the tables. National and local area estimates for many labour market https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant attachment_data/file/61196/guide-handling-gov- count are available on the NOMIS website at: correspondence.pdf http://www.nomisweb.co.uk Older Workers Table 1: Number1 of unemployed people and unemployment rate, April 2013 to March 2014 Level (Thousand) Percentage Stephen Timms: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Men Women Total Rate Office (1) how many people over 50-years-old are

Jarrow ****n/a ****n/a ***5 10.8 employed in each region and constituent part of the South ***5 ***4 ***9 11.2 UK; and what proportion of people aged over Tyneside2 50-years-old living in the region and constituent part North East **71 **56 *127 9.8 do they represent in each such case; [203349] UK *1,323 *982 *2,305 7.2 (2) pursuant to the answer of 19 June 2014, Official 1 Coefficients of Variation have been calculated as an indication of the quality Report, columns 679W-80W, on unemployment: older of the estimates. See Guide to Quality below. 2 Estimates of the unemployment level and rate for people in local authorities is workers, how many and what proportion of people calculated from a statistical model derived from the Annual Population Survey over 50 had been out of work for over a year in each (APS) and the Claimant Count. This is different to the estimates for the region and constituent part of the UK in each year individual sexes which are from the APS. Guide to Quality: since 1994. [203496] The Coefficient of Variation (CV) indicates the quality of an estimate, the smaller the CV value, the higher the quality. The true value is likely to lie within +/- twice the CV—for example, for an estimate of 200 with a CV of 5% we Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the would expect the population total to be within the range 180-220. responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Key Coefficient of Variation (CV) (%) Statistical Robustness asked the authority to reply. *0≤ CV < 5 Estimates are considered precise. ** 5 ≤ CV < 10 Estimates are considered reasonably precise. Letter from Glen Watson dated July 2014: *** 10 ≤ CV < 20 Estimates are considered acceptable. **** CV ≥ 20 Estimates are considered too unreliable for practical purposes. As Director General for the Office for National Statistics Source: (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Questions Annual Population Survey/Model-based estimates of unemployment. asking the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many people over Table 2: Number1 of employed people, April 2013 to March 2014 50 years old are employed in each region and constituent part of Thousand the UK; and what proportion of people aged over 50 years old Men Women Total living in the region and constituent part do they represent in each such case (203349) and; pursuant to the answer of 19 June 2014, Jarrow **21 **20 **41 Official Report, columns 679W-80W, on unemployment: older South Tyneside **38 **33 *71 workers, how many and what proportion of people over 50 had North East *621 *550 *1,171 been out of work for over a year in each region and constituent part of the UK in each year since 1994. (203496) UK *16,015 *13,879 *29,894 1 Coefficients of Variation have been calculated as an indication of the quality The Office for National Statistics (ONS) compiles estimates of of the estimates. See Guide to Quality below. the number people in employment by age and unemployment by Guide to Quality: age and duration for areas smaller than the UK from the Annual The Coefficient of Variation (CV) indicates the quality of an estimate, the Population Survey (APS) following International Labour Organisation smaller the CV value, the higher the quality. The true value is likely to lie within (ILO) definitions. +/- twice the CV—for example, for an estimate of 200 with a CV of 5% we would expect the population total to be within the range 180-220. Table 1 shows the number and percentage of people aged 50 Key Coefficient of Variation (CV) (%) Statistical Robustness and over who were in employment according to survey responses ≤ *0 CV < 5 Estimates are considered precise. from the APS for the 12 month period April 2013 to March 2014, ** 5 ≤ CV < 10 Estimates are considered reasonably precise. *** 10 ≤ CV < 20 Estimates are considered acceptable. the latest available period. **** CV ≥ 20 Estimates are considered too unreliable for practical purposes. Table 2 shows the number and percentage of people aged 50 Source: and over who were unemployed for 12 months or more according Annual Population Survey. to survey responses from the APS for the 12 month period Members: Correspondence April 2013 to March 2014, the latest available period, and for the 12 month periods ending December from 2004 to 2013. UK estimates have also been provided from the APS for comparison Simon Kirby: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet purposes as these estimates are not directly comparable to the UK Office (1) what steps his Department is taking to estimates provided in the answer of 19 June 2014, Official Report, increase the number of ministerial replies sent to hon. columns 679W-80W, on unemployment: older workers, from the Members in electronic form only; [203285] Labour Force Survey. Estimates prior to these periods are not (2) if he will estimate the total number of ministerial available. replies from his Department to hon. Members in a As with any sample survey, estimates from the APS are subject parliamentary session; and what proportion of such to a certain level of uncertainty. A guide to the quality of the estimates of the levels is included on the tables. replies are sent (a) by letter and (b) by email. [203298] National and local area estimates for many labour market Mr Maude: I refer my hon. Friend to my written statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant statement of 13 May 2014, Official Report, column count are available on the NOMIS website at 17WS. Information on the number of responses sent via http://www.nomisweb.co.uk e-mail or letter is not held. A copy of the tables will be placed in the Library of the House. 7W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 8W

Table 1: Number and percentage of people aged 50 and over in Mr Maude: In the last 12 months, the following employment, April 2013 to March 2014 organisations have collected subscriptions through my Number1 Percentage Department and its agencies payroll services: (Thousand) Amicus North East *341 35.0 Beneden Healthcare Society North West *905 36.6 Charity for Civil Servants Yorkshire and the Humber *722 38.5 Charities Aid Foundation East Midlands *646 39.2 Charities Trust West Midlands *759 38.6 Civil Service Club East of England *926 42.4 Civil Service Sports Council London *885 41.8 South East *1,348 42.9 Forester Health South West *843 40.1 HAS Individual (Simply Health) Wales *428 36.7 Leeds Hospital Fund Scotland *760 39.0 Medicash Northern Ireland *221 37.7 PCS Union UK *8,784 39.6 Prospect Union 1 Coefficients of Variation have been calculated as an indication of AXA Sun-Life the quality of the estimates. See Guide to Quality as follows. Guide to Quality: Public Sector: Procurement The Coefficient of Variation (CV) indicates the quality of an estimate, the smaller the CV value the higher the quality. The true value is likely to lie within +/- twice the CV—for example, for an estimate of 200 Caroline Lucas: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet with a CV of 5% we would expect the population total to be within Office if he will make it his policy to bar (a) G4S, (b) the range 180-220. Serco and (c) any company under investigation for Key Coefficient of Variation (CV) ( %) Statistical Robustness serious fraud from bidding for government contracts to *0≤ CV < 5 Estimates are considered precise. ** 5 ≤ CV < 10 Estimates are considered reasonably precise. deliver public services; and if he will make a statement. *** 10 ≤ CV < 20 Estimates are considered acceptable. [203972] **** CV ≥ 20 Estimates are considered too unreliable for practical purposes Mr Maude: Under the Public Contracts Regulations Source: (2006) contracting authorities can exclude companies Annual Population Survey from public contracts where they have been convicted of certain criminal offences including conspiracy, Part-time Employment: Ashfield corruption, bribery and fraud. For further information, I refer the hon. Member to Gloria De Piero: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet the written statements I laid before the House on 30 January Office what changes there have been in the number of 2014, Official Report, column 39WS, and 9 April 2014, (a) female and (b) male part time workers in Ashfield Official Report, column 11WS. constituency in each year since May 2010. [203810] Social Security Benefits: Ashfield Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Gloria De Piero: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet asked the authority to reply. Office (1) what changes there have been in the claimant count for women in Ashfield constituency aged 25 and Letter from Glen Watson, dated July 2014: over claiming for over 24 months since May 2010; As Director General for the Office for National Statistics [203808] (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking the Minister for the Cabinet Office what changes there (2) what changes there have been in the claimant have been in the number of (a) female and (b) male part time count for women in Ashfield constituency aged between workers in Ashfield constituency in each year since May 2010. 18 and 24 years claiming for over 12 months since May (203810) 2010; [203809] The ONS compiles Labour Market Statistics for areas below (3) what changes there have been in the claimant the UK following International Labour Organisation (ILO) definitions count for women aged 25 years and over claiming for using the Annual Population Survey (APS). over 24 months since May 2010; [203813] Unfortunately, due to small sample sizes, estimates of part (4) what changes there have been in the claimant time working are not available for this parliamentary constituency. count for women aged between 18 and 24 years claiming National and local area estimates for many labour market for over 12 months since May 2010. [203814] statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant count are available on the NOMIS website at Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the http://www.nomisweb.co.uk responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply. Pay Letter from Glen Watson, dated July 2014: As Director General for the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Questions Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Minister for the asking the Minister for the Cabinet Office what changes there Cabinet Office which organisations collect subscriptions have been in the claimant count for women in Ashfield aged 25 through the employers’ payroll service in his Department and over claiming for over 24 months since May 2010. (203808); and its agencies. [203099] what changes there have been in the claimant count for women in 9W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 10W

Ashfield aged between 18 and 24 years claiming for over 12 months Mrs Grant: Information on the Dignity at Work since May 2010. (203809); what changes there have been in the conferences is in the process of being placed in the claimant count for women aged 25 years and over claiming for Libraries of both Houses. over 24 months since May 2010. (203813); what changes there have been in the claimant count for women aged between 18 and Gender: Equality 24 years claiming for over 12 months since May 2010. (203814) The Office for National Statistics (ONS) compiles the number Gloria De Piero: To ask the Ministers for Women and of claimants of Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) from the JobcentrePlus Equalities how much the Government have spent on Administrative system. the “Think, Act, Report” initiative. [203666] Table 1 shows the number and net change in numbers of women claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance for the requested age and Jo Swinson: “Think, Act, Report” was launched in duration categories, in Ashfield constituency and the UK, between September 2011. On average it has had two full-time May 2010 and May 2014, the latest period available. equivalent staff working on it since then, comprising National and local area estimates for many labour market one team leader (Grade 7) and one senior executive statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant officer. Around £5,000 has been spent on events and count are available on the NOMIS website at publications to support the initiative. Significant support http://www.nomisweb.co.uk in kind has been received from supporting businesses Table 1: Number1 of women claiming jobseeker’s allowance by age and duration and other organisations, including the Royal Bank of in Ashfield constituency and the UK Scotland, CIPD, CMI, Opportunity Now, and others. Aged 25 years and over Aged 18 to 24 years claiming claiming for over 24 months for over 12 months More than 200 companies are now supporting “Think, Ashfield UK Ashfield UK Act, Report”, collectively employing over 2 million constituency constituency people.

May 2010 15 8,035 20 7,545 May 2014 90 47,115 30 15,095 Net change 75 39,080 10 7,550 NORTHERN IRELAND (+/-) 1. Data rounded to the nearest 5. Bloody Sunday Tribunal of Inquiry Source: Jobcentre Plus Administrative System Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State Teenage Pregnancy for Northern Ireland, pursuant to the answer of 23 June 2014, Official Report, columns 51-52W, on the Bloody Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Sunday Tribunal of Inquiry, what the amount was of Office how many teenage pregnancies there have been the invoice for the hosting of the website for the Saville in each ward in the last year for which figures are Inquiry; and what the totals were for any previous such available. [203734] invoices for that service since 2010. [203166]

Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Mrs Villiers: The invoice referred to in my previous responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have answer was for £80 excluding VAT. The Northern Ireland asked the authority to reply. Office paid a total of £7,900 excluding VAT for hosting Letter from Glen Watson, dated July 2014: and management of the Saville Inquiry website and domain name. These costs ran between 31 August 2010 As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I and 31 March 2013, at which point the contract was have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many teenage terminated. pregnancies there have been in each ward in the last year for Economic Situation which figures are available. [203734]. Due to the sensitive nature of conception data and the risk of Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for identifying individuals, ONS does not publish teenage pregnancy figures for individual wards. However, ward level, three-year Northern Ireland when she plans to publish the annual aggregated, conception statistics are made available to authorised update on implementation of the Government’s individuals and organisations under data access procedures jointly economic pact with the Northern Ireland Executive, approved by ONS and the Department of Health. Building a Prosperous and United Community. Figures for conceptions in England and Wales, including for [203462] women under the age of 18, are published annually on the ONS website at: Mrs Villiers: I refer the hon. Gentleman to my written http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/vsob1/conception-statistics-- statement of 3 July 2014, Official Report, columns england-and-wales/index.html 64-65WS . Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme

WOMEN AND EQUALITIES Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment she has made of the Equality and Human Rights Commission effect of introducing the Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme in Northern Ireland. [203348] Philip Davies: To ask the Ministers for Women and Equalities with reference to the answer of 29 January Mrs Villiers: “Building a Prosperous and United 2014, Official Report, column 575W, on the Equality Community: One Year On” reported that the Enterprise and Human Rights Commission, when she plans to Finance Guarantee Scheme delivered increased funding place the requested information on the Dignity at Work of £5.1 million in 2013-14, bringing the total Northern conferences in the Libraries of both Houses. [202776] Ireland funding from the scheme to £36.1 million. 11W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 12W

The Joint Ministerial Task Force on Banking and Catalyst: Building Fundraising Capacity, Catalyst: Capacity Building and Access to Finance, which I chair, will continue to monitor Match Funding and Transforming Arts Fundraising. amount committed: the impact of UK-wide interventions in Northern Ireland. Region £ % Prerogative of Mercy South West 4,941,791 12.4 Wales 156,562 0.4 Grand total 39,707,446 Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, with reference to the answer of 13 Catalyst: Endowments. Amount awarded at offer stage-distribution of funds May 2014, Official Report, column 521W,on Prerogative depends on fundraising level of Mercy, what progress has been made on the review of Region £ % historical records relating to the use of the Royal Prerogative London 18,500,000 60.7 of Mercy between 1987 and 1997. [201918] East Midlands — 0.0 West Midlands 3,000,000 9.8 Mrs Villiers: We continue to seek information on the North East 2,000,000 6.6 use of the Royal Prerogative of Mercy (RPM) for the North West 2,000,000 6.6 years 1987 to 1997 from Departments where relevant Yorkshire and the 3,000,000 9.8 material might be held. Humber An overall review of departmental records and South East 1,000,000 3.3 information procedures is ongoing and will include an East of England 1,000,000 3.3 external review of records and information procedures. South West - 0.0 Wales - 0.0 Grand total 30,500,000

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT Architecture and the Built Environment Review Broadband

Oliver Colvile: To ask the Secretary of State for Nadhim Zahawi: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when his Department plans Culture, Media and Sport if he will take steps to ensure to publish its response to the findings of the Farrell that superfast broadband is available for temporary review of architecture and the built environment. [R] construction sites as well as completed dwellings. [202982] [203028]

Mr Vaizey: The Department is grateful to Sir Terry Mr Vaizey: Property developers and communications Farrell for undertaking this review, but does not intend providers recognise the importance of superfast broadband to publish a formal response to it. Instead it looks to provision in new builds, and that consumers’ expectation industry, under the leadership of the RIBA, to respond is that these services will be available on the day they to the challenges identified by the review, supported—where move in. DCMS, with the Department for Communities appropriate—by Government. I continue to meet Terry and Local Government, is working with house builders Farrell on a regular basis to discuss how to take work and communications providers to ensure that newly forward. built residential properties have access to fixed line Arts: Finance superfast broadband. For temporary construction sites, where it is not possible to provide fixed line services because of time constraints, wireless and satellite options Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for are available. Culture, Media and Sport what the regional distribution is of Arts Council England’s Catalyst funds. [203580] Commonwealth Games Mr Vaizey: The £100 million Catalyst programme is supporting the culture and heritage sector’s efforts to Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State strengthen their fundraising expertise and build long-term for Culture, Media and Sport if he will hold discussions financial resilience across the country. with the Sports Ministers of the devolved Administrations Regional breakdown of grants awarded by the Arts to ensure that following the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Council England: games immediate preparations will begin to ensure greater participation by people in all four constituent parts Catalyst: Building Fundraising Capacity, Catalyst: Capacity Building and Match Funding and Transforming Arts Fundraising. amount committed: of the UK in the run-up to the 2018 Gold Coast Region £ % Commonwealth games. [203703]

London 10,199,987 25.7 Mrs Grant: We are committed to making sure that East Midlands 2,575,072 6.5 the investment and enthusiasm unlocked by not only West Midlands 3,627,294 9.1 the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth games, but also of North East 2,367,058 6.0 course the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games, North West 4,310,188 10.9 translate into a clear legacy of more sport being played Yorkshire and the 6,076,001 15.3 Humber by more people of all ages and abilities from across the South East 2,935,806 7.4 UK for many years to come. I am happy to discuss this East of England 2,517,687 6.3 ambition with the Sports Ministers of the devolved Administrations at any time. 13W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 14W

Direct Selling Mr Vaizey: The Department does not hold data on the amount of foreign direct investment into the UK Mr Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for film industry in each year from 1997 to 2009. The Culture, Media and Sport what steps his Department is amount spent in the UK on the production of inward taking to limit the number of nuisance telephone calls investment films is shown in the following table, which being received by members of the public. [203497] also includes investment from UK production companies in those films. No information is held on the amount of Mr Vaizey: Tackling nuisance calls is a priority issue foreign investment in other parts of the industry (for for the Department and we are pursuing a range of example, foreign investors in cinemas or distribution options for reform, which consists of both legislative companies). and non-legislative measures. We believe these will help in our efforts to make a significant difference in our £ million fight against such calls. On 30 March 2014, we published 1997 261.9 our Nuisance Calls Action Plan that set out proposals, 1998 214.2 including legislation, which will enable Ofcom to share 1999 336.4 information more easily with the Information 2000 366.6 Commissioner’s Office (ICO). The order was debated in 2001 198.5 the House on 26 June and approved, and will become 2002 265.9 effective shortly after it is made. Also, we will shortly 2003 733.0 consult to lower the legal threshold, and will better 2004 583.8 enable ICO to take enforcement action against organisations 2005 307.3 that breach the rules, including those that currently 2006 558.9 manage to avoid penalties being issued to them. 2007 604.2 Further details about our action plan can be viewed 2008 434.3 at: 2009 834.6 https://www.gov.uk/government/news/nuisance-calls-action- plan-unveiled The data are published and available in the BFI Statistical Yearbook, which can be found online at: Facebook http://www.bfi.org.uk/education-research/film-industry- statistics-research/statistical-yearbook. Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) whether he has sought Football: York legal advice on Facebook’s experiment on users’ emotions in 2012; [203579] Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for (2) what estimate he has made of the number of UK Culture, Media and Sport how much funding the citizens subject to Facebook’s experiment on users’ Football Foundation has provided to amateur clubs in emotions in 2012; [203576] York in each year since 2000. [202839] (3) what discussions he has had with Facebook about the experiment they conducted on users to influence Mrs Grant: The information is as follows: their emotions in 2012; [203577] £ (4) what discussions he has had with the US Administration about Facebook’s experiment on users’ 2000 2,670 emotions in 2012. [203578] 2001 810 2002 45,453 Mr Vaizey: Neither the Secretary of State nor I have 2003 220,781 sought specific legal advice on the recent research carried 2004 37,274 out by Facebook. In the first instance, I believe it is a 2005 103,193 matter for the Information Commissioner’s Office to 2006 714,883 determine whether UK data protection laws have been 2007 914,784 breached. 2008 448,870 Neither have we made any estimate of the number of 2009 491,808 UK citizens that may have been subject to the research 2010 427,630 recently published by Facebook, nor had discussions 2011 78,934 with Facebook or the US Administration about this. I 2012 33,551 have received a briefing paper from Facebook regarding 2013 195,553 this research, ahead of giving evidence to the House of 2014 35,226 Commons Science and Technology Committee inquiry >1 June 2014 13,793 on social media data. Grand total 3,766,512 Source: Film: Foreign Investment in UK Football Foundation.

Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate he has made Culture, Media and Sport how much funding the of the amount of foreign direct investment into the UK Football Youth Development Programme has provided film industry in each year from 1997 to 2009. [203623] to York City FC to date. [202840] 15W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 16W

Mrs Grant: Between 1998 and 2006 Sport England Mr Vaizey: The report from Ofcom shows that there invested £556,163 in York City FC for the Football are some ‘not spot’ areas in Fownhope which have no Youth Development programme. No funding has been coverage. However the number of not spots has reduced requested since 2006. to a level where the Mobile Infrastructure Project can no longer go forward with plans for a mast. In areas Mobile Phones where there is uncertainty over coverage, DCMS officials have commissioned drive testing to check the level of coverage. Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make it his policy that no mobile infrastructure projects will be undertaken without Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, first fully investigating the not spot data for the relevant Media and Sport, pursuant to the answer of 24 June area. [203024] 2014, Official Report, column 124W, on mobile phones, whether any other proposed masts in Herefordshire will Mr Vaizey: The planning for the Mobile Infrastructure be withdrawn following changes in not spot data. Project was based on data originally provided by the [203023] mobile network operators and compiled by Ofcom in 2010. The operators have since made changes to their Mr Vaizey: DCMS officials and Arqiva, delivery networks, going through a process of consolidating and partner for the Mobile Infrastructure Project, are sharing sites, and this has had an impact on the locations incorporating changes in the not spot data into the of not spots. Ofcom updated the not spot data for 2014 project’s planning. Once this planning is finalised any with information from the mobile network operators. changes will be communicated to planning authorities.

Mobile Phones: Hertfordshire Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the answer of 24 June Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for 2014, Official Report, column 125W, on mobile phones: Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the answer of Herefordshire, what the strength is of the mobile reception 24 June 2014, Official Report, column 125W, on mobile that is provided in Fownhope. [203025] phones: Herefordshire, what tests Ofcom carried out and on what dates to establish whether there is mobile reception in Fownhope. [202976] Mr Vaizey: The nature of mobile reception means that the strength of signal received by a handset varies Mr Vaizey: The not spot data was updated by Ofcom over a set area, and is affected by local geography, even with information from the mobile network operators. by buildings or trees. It is also affected by the handset The operators submitted updated information on where used, as not all mobile phones are equal in their ability they have coverage, as predicted by desktop planning to pick up a signal. tools, in March 2014. Ofcom did not carry out on the The Mobile Infrastructure Project’s planning assesses ground tests for all 34,000 not spots across the UK signal at a level of Neg 86 dBm. The Project can containing premises, as to do so would be prohibitively intervene in areas where there is no mobile coverage, at expensive. In areas where coverage is thought to be this level, from any operator, and where the cost of the marginal, or there is uncertainty over coverage, DCMS build of a mast considered alongside the numbers of officials have commissioned drive testing to check the premises that would benefit from the additional coverage level of coverage. provides value for money.

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the answer of Media and Sport, pursuant to the answer of 24 June 24 June 2014, Official Report, column 125W, on mobile 2014, Official Report, column 125W, on mobile phones: phones: Herefordshire, for what reason it was decided Herefordshire, which mobile network operators provide to proceed with the planning process for Fownhope reception in Fownhope. [203026] mast before checking Ofcom’s latest not spot data. [203020] Mr Vaizey: We do not hold this information. The Mr Vaizey: No planning application was made for mobile network operators provide coverage checkers the Fownhope mast site. The Mobile Infrastructure which can give an indication of possible coverage by Project is working to tight time scales and Arqiva, our postcode. delivery partner for the Mobile Infrastructure Project, has been working to engage local communities and give Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for early notice of where planning applications will be Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the answer of made. 24 June 2014, Official Report, column 125W, on mobile phones: Herefordshire, when the not spot data held by Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Ofcom was updated for 2014. [203027] Media and Sport, pursuant to the answer of 24 June 2014, Official Report, column 125W, on mobile phones: Herefordshire, if he will take steps to review the accuracy Mr Vaizey: The not spot data was updated by Ofcom of the report by Ofcom that there is mobile reception in in March 2014 with information from the mobile network Fownhope. [203021] operators. 17W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 18W

National Railway Museum Yorkshire and the Humber since 2004-05 Financial year Total (£)

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for 2006-07 5,817,597 Culture, Media and Sport how many visits there were 2007-08 8,354,393 to the National Railway Museum in each year since 2008-09 9,335,611 2008-09. [202838] 2009-10 6,836,191 2010-11 7,304,195 Mr Vaizey: The number of visits to museums and 2011-12 10,691,260 galleries sponsored by the Department for Culture, 2012-13 11,152,320 Media and Sport since 2004-05 is published on Gov.uk 2013-14 9,192,886 https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/ Grand total 94,680,391 museums-and-galleries-monthly-visits The number of visits to the National Railway Museum in each year since 2008-09 is as follows: (b) The City of York local authority area. Number York local authority area since 2004-05 Financial year Total (£) 2008-09 782,430 2009-10 709,166 2004-05 472,723 2010-11 630,396 2005-06 61,583 2011-12 717,274 2006-07 0 2012-13 727,000 2007-08 131,000 2013-14 923,000 2008-09 269,800 2009-10 14,824 Pay 2010-11 85,480 2011-12 1,318,046 2012-13 641,604 Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport which organisations collect 2013-14 499,597 subscriptions through the employers’ payroll service in Grand total 3,494,657 his Department and its agencies. [203101] Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Mrs Grant: The organisations that collect subscriptions Culture, Media and Sport how much (a) Government through Department for Culture, Media and Sport are: spending and (b) lottery funding has been spent on PCS Union sport in (A) the Yorkshire and the Humber and (B) First Division Association York Unitary Authority in each year since 2008-09. Forester/Westfield Contributions [202841] Benevolent Fund Civil Service Sports Council Mrs Grant: Figures in the tables show Sport England H.S.A Crown Plan direct investment only.The figures do not include additional GAYE money being spent on grassroots sports by national Sun Life Assurance governing bodies and other national partners in which We do not hold information on subscriptions collected Sport England is investing £493 million between 2013-17 through payrolls of agencies. to get more people playing sport across England.

Sports: Yorkshire and the Humber Exchequer funding in Yorkshire and the Humber since 2008-09 Fin Year Total Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for 2008-09 4,507,769 Culture, Media and Sport how much his Department 2009-10 3,281,760 spent on sport in (a) the Yorkshire and the Humber 2010-11 2,060,620 and (b) the City of York local authority area in each 2011-12 609,441 year since 2004-05. [202837] 2012-13 425,276 2013-14 593,074 Mrs Grant: Figures in the tables show Sport England Grand total 11,477,940 direct investment only.The figures do not include additional money being spent on grass-roots sports by national Exchequer funding in York local authority area since 2008-09 governing bodies and other national partners in which Fin Year Total Sport England is investing £493 million between 2013 and 2017 to get more people playing sport across England. 2008-09 149,800 (a) Yorkshire and the Humber. 2009-10 0 2010-11 1,000 Yorkshire and the Humber since 2004-05 2011-12 0 Financial year Total (£) 2012-13 350 2004-05 16,225,358 2013-14 0 2005-06 9,770,580 Grand total 151,150 19W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 20W

Lottery funding in Yorkshire and the Humber since 2008/9 HEALTH Fin Year Total

2008-09 4,827,842 Abortion 2009-10 3,554,431 2010-11 5,243,575 2011-12 10,081,819 Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 2012-13 10,727,044 what recent representations he has received requesting 2013-14 8,599,812 the Government to intervene to require the British Grand total 43,034,523 Pregnancy Advisory Service to remove advice on its website which alleges that gender-selective abortion is Lottery funding in York local authority area since 2008/9 not illegal; and if he will make a statement. [202913] Fin Year Total Jane Ellison: There has been one request for intervention 2008-09 120,000 by the Government to require the British Pregnancy 2009-10 14,824 Advisory Service to remove the advice from its website. 2010-11 84,480 2011-12 1,318,046 Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 2012-13 641,254 what assessment he has made of the British Medical 2013-14 499,597 Association’s press release of 27 May 2014 entitled Grand total 2,678,201 “Abortion guidance ignores gender complexity”; and if he will make a statement. [202949]

Jane Ellison: We have noted the views of the British Television: Licensing Medical Association on this issue.

Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State Alcoholic Drinks: Misuse for Culture, Media and Sport whether he plans to review the terms of the requirements to purchase a television licence to better account for changes in Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many admissions there were for alcohol- viewing habits. [203167] related illnesses in (a) Yo rk , (b) north Yorkshire and York primary care trust area and (c) England in Mr Vaizey: BBC Charter Review is the point at 2008-09 and in each year since. [202896] which Government can consider any aspects of the BBC. Charter Review will not begin within this Parliament. Jane Ellison: The following tables contain the sum of the estimated alcohol attributable fractions (AAFs) for admissions for patients in (a) Yo rk (b) north Yorkshire Tourism: Marketing and York primary care trust (PCT) area and (c) England over for the year 2008-09 to 2012-13. It should be noted that these figures are not a count Mr Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for of people and represent an estimated number of admissions Culture, Media and Sport how the level of funding for that were attributable to alcohol. the GREAT Britain campaign has changed over the AAFs are based on the proportion of a given diagnosis past 10 years. [203029] or injury that is estimated to be attributed to alcohol. Some diagnoses or injuries will, by definition, be wholly Mrs Grant: The GREAT Britain campaign was attributable to alcohol and have an AAF of one, others established in 2011. It showcases the very best of what will only be partly attributable to alcohol and have an this country has to offer. The campaign is currently AAF greater than zero, but less than one. Diagnoses or active in over 140 countries around the world and aims injuries that are not attributable at all to alcohol will to deliver significant and long-term increases in trade, have an AAF of zero. tourism, education and inward investment in support of These figures are derived by summing all AAFs for our prosperity and growth agenda. Detailed evaluation the relevant admissions and should therefore only be of available results shows that the campaign is making a interpreted as an estimate of the number of admissions significant economic and reputational impact, with that can be attributed to alcohol. measurable returns to date significantly exceeding the In addition, partially AAFs are not applicable to cost of the campaign. children aged under 16 years, therefore figures for this Government funding for GREAT Britain campaign age group relate only to wholly attributable admissions. £ million The NHS Information Centre for Health and Social 2011-131 37 Care—Statistics on Alcohol: England, 2014 report manually 2013-14 30 implemented new methodology against the 2012-13 data 2014-15 46.5 in their report. However, no change to the underlying 2015-16 46.5 hospital episode statistics (HES) data has been currently 1 Development and launch costs covered two financial years. made. 21W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 22W

Sum of partially and wholly alcohol attributable fractions1 for finished admission Autism episodes (FAEs)2 for patients for York Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, North Yorkshire and York PCT of treatment and England for 2008-09 to 2012-133

York Teaching Hospital NHS Trust Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many adults with autism accessed care and Sum of wholly Sum of partially alcohol alcohol support under the Fair Access to Care Standards attributable attributable eligibility criteria in Cambridge constituency in each fractions fractions year since 2010; [203256] (FAEs)1 (FAEs)1 Total (2) how many adults with autism in England receive 2008-09 1,185 3,775.21 4,960.21 support because they have been identified by a local authority as being at risk of abuse or neglect. [203257] 2009-10 1,259 3,673.31 4,932.31 2010-11 1,268 4,065.70 5,333.70 Norman Lamb: The Health and Social Care Information 2011-12 1,225 3,952.58 5,177.58 Centre does not collect any data on the number of adults with autism accessing care and support under 2012-13 2,217 7,936.95 10,153.95 the Fair Access to Care Services eligibility criteria. The Care Act 2014 clarifies and strengthens local North Yorkshire and York PCT authorities’ responsibilities towards people who are at Sum of wholly Sum of partially risk of abuse or neglect. It places adult safeguarding on alcohol alcohol a statutory basis for the first time. Information on how attributable attributable fractions fractions many adults with autism in England who receive support (FAEs)1 (FAEs)1 Total because they have been identified by a local authority as being at risk of abuse or neglect is not held centrally. 2008-09 2,669 7,480.90 10,149.90 2009-10 3,029 9,246.72 12,275.72 2010-11 3,124 10,340.52 13,464.52 Baby Care Units 2011-12 3,097 10,846.87 13,943.87 2012-13 2,930 11,465.32 14,395.32 Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS England hospitals offer free breast pumps to enable mothers to express breast milk England for babies in neonatal care. [203452] Sum of wholly Sum of partially alcohol alcohol attributable attributable Dr Poulter: The provision of free breast pumps is a fractions fractions matter for individual national health service trusts. Data (FAEs)1 (FAEs)1 Total on the provision of free breast pumps are not collected 2008-09 237,820 707,649.50 945,469.50 centrally. 2009-10 265,246 791,716.34 1,056,962.34 2010-11 287,198 881,067.56 1,168,265.56 Care Homes 2011-12 304,206 916,087.40 1,220,293.40 2012-13 294,786 937,677.63 1,232,463.63 1 Alcohol-related admissions: Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Health The number of alcohol-related admissions is based on the methodology developed what assessment his Department has made of the proposals by the North West Public Health Observatory (NWPHO), which uses 48 by Scope, HST and the Guinness Partnership to close indicators for alcohol-related illnesses, determining the proportion of a wide range of diseases and injuries that can be partly attributed to alcohol as well as residential care homes that serve people with physical those that are, by definition, wholly attributable to alcohol. Further information impairments and learning difficulties. [203143] on these proportions can be found at: www.nwph.net/nwpho/publications/AlcoholAttributableFractions.pdf The AAF is set to 1 (100%) where the admission is considered to be entirely due Norman Lamb: The Department is aware that some to alcohol, e.g. in the case of alcoholic liver disease—these records are described providers of residential care for disabled people are as wholly alcohol attributable. The AAF is set to a value greater than 0 but less than 1 according to the NWPHO definition, e.g. the alcohol fraction of an reviewing their services and consulting with users of admission with a primary diagnosis of C00—malignant neoplasm of lip, where services and their families. the patient is male and between 65 and 74 is 0.44—these records are described as partly alcohol attributable. The Department appreciates that some service users These wholly and partly AAFs can be aggregated to supply an estimate of and their families may be concerned and would encourage activity which can be considered wholly or partly attributable to alcohol. them to engage fully with the consultation process and Partly AAFs are not applicable to children under 16. Therefore figures for this age group relate only to wholly-attributable admissions, where the attributable ensure their views are taken into account. fraction is one. 2 Finished admissions episodes: The Government believe that people who wish and A FAE is the first period of admitted patient care under one consultant within who are able to live in their communities should be one health care provider. FAEs are counted against the year or month in which given the support they need to do so. Service users the admission episode finishes. Admissions do not represent the number of patients, as a person may have more than one admission within the period. whose care is provided or arranged by their local council 3 Assessing growth through time (admitted patient care): can be assured that they will be supported to exercise HES figures are available from 1989-90 onwards. Changes to the figures over their choice regarding where they receive services. time need to be interpreted in the context of improvements in data quality and coverage (particularly in earlier years), improvements in coverage of independent The new Care Act, which will come into force in sector activity (particularly from 2006-07) and changes in NHS practice. For 2015, will give local authorities a core duty to promote example, changes in activity may be due to changes in the provision of care. Note: their local market in care provision, with a particular Activity in English National Health Service Hospitals and English NHS focus on ensuring diversity, quality and sustainability commissioned activity in the independent sector. which, importantly, will mean there should be sufficient Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), the NHS Information Centre for Health and high quality services available to meet the needs of Social Care. individuals in their local area. 23W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 24W

Clinical Commissioning Groups CCG allocations for 2014-15 Clinical commissioning group Allocation per head 2014-15 (£)

John Glen: To ask the Secretary of State for Health NHS East Riding of Yorkshire CCG 1,173 (1) what services currently commissioned by NHS England NHS Hambleton, Richmondshire 1,211 will be commissioned by clinical commissioning groups and Whitby CCG following the implementation of the recommendations NHS Harrogate and Rural District 1,096 in Prescribed Specialised Services Commissioning Intentions CCG NHS Hull CCG 1,244 2014-15 and 2015-16; [202952] NHS North East Lincolnshire CCG 1,246 (2) what resources will be transferred from NHS NHS North Lincolnshire CCG 1,202 England to clinical commissioning groups following the NHS Scarborough and Ryedale 1,270 implementation of the recommendations in Prescribed CCG Specialised Services Commissioning Intentions 2014-15 NHS Vale of York CCG 1,062 and 2015-16. [202951] North Yorkshire and the Humber 1,175 NHS Barnsley CCG 1,366 Jane Ellison: NHS England has advised that there NHS Bassetlaw CCG 1,269 have been no changes to the scope of specialised services NHS Doncaster CCG 1,329 directly commissioned by NHS England in 2014-15, in NHS Rotherham CCG 1,289 order to provide a period of stability following the NHS Sheffield CCG 1,186 major changes in 2013-14. There has, therefore, been no South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw 1,269 transfer of resources to clinical commissioning groups NHS Airedale, Wharfedale and 1,189 (CCGs) in 2014-15, for any changes in commissioning Craven CCG responsibility. NHS Bradford Districts CCG 1,182 The Manual for Prescribed Specialised Services 2013/14 NHS Calderdale CCG 1,213 describes the prescribed specialised services and sets out NHS Leeds North CCG 1,116 which elements of services are commissioned directly NHS Bradford City CCG 952 by NHS England, and which elements are commissioned NHS Greater Huddersfield CCG 1,119 by CCGs. NHS Leeds West CCG 1,043 NHS Leeds South and East CCG 1,271 The Prescribed Specialised Services Commissioning NHS North Kirklees CCG 1,169 Intentions 2014-15 and 2015-16 document sets out the NHS Wakefield CCG 1,268 firm plans for 2014-15 and the direction for 2015-16. West Yorkshire 1,163 There will be a new set of commissioning intentions for 2015-16 to take account of the new environment and to A copy of the detailed CCG allocations for 2014-15 firm up the plans for next year. and 2015-16, published by NHS England on 20 December The development of the commissioning intentions 2013, has already been placed in the Library, and is also for 2015-16 is included in the work of the specialised available at: commissioning taskforce and will be progressed over www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/ccg- the next few months ready for publication in the autumn. allocation-big-table-v2.pdf The taskforce work streams also include actions relating to the future portfolio of services to be commissioned Coeliac Disease by NHS England and CCGs, and possible future commissioning models. This work will be further progressed Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for over the summer and will inform the 2015-16 commissioning Health (1) how many people of each gender, age bracket intentions. and household income bracket had diagnosed coeliac NHS England advises that it is yet to be determined disease in England in the most recent year for which whether or not there will be changes to the scope of figures are available; [R] [203850] specialised services directly commissioned by NHS England (2) what estimate his Department has made of the in 2015-16 or whether any additional resources will be potential long-term costs to the NHS in England of transferred between NHS England and CCGs. un-managed (a) coeliac disease and (b) other nutritional disorders; [R] [203846] Clinical Commissioning Groups: Yorkshire and the (3) if his Department will establish a national Humber register of people with coeliac disease in England. [R] [203849] Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much funding per capita NHS England Norman Lamb: Annual incidence data concerning has allocated to each clinical commissioning group in the number of people diagnosed with coeliac disease in Yorkshire and the Humber for 2014-15. [203697] England are not collected and there are no plans to establish a national register for people in England with Dr Poulter: NHS England has responsibility for clinical this condition. However, the clinical guideline ‘Coeliac commissioning group (CCG) allocations. The decisions disease: Recognition and assessment of coeliac disease’, that NHS England made in December 2013 mean that, published by the National Institute for Health and Care over the next two years, every CCG will receive real Excellences 2009, estimates that coeliac disease may be terms funding growth. present in up to one in 100 of the population. The funding per capita NHS England has allocated No estimate has been made of the potential long-term to each CCG in Yorkshire and the Humber for 2014-15 costs to the national health service in England of is shown in the following table. un-managed coeliac disease and other nutritional disorders. 25W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 26W

Competition Consultant-led referral to treatment waiting times are collected separately for 18 treatment functions (divisions Mr Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for of clinical work based on main specialty). These treatment Health how much Monitor spent on working with and functions are listed in the National Health Service Data supporting the Competition and Markets Authority on Dictionary at: competition-related issues in 2013-14; and how much it www.datadictionary.nhs.uk/data_dictionary/data_field_notes/ projects it will spend on that work in 2014-15. [203207] t/tr/treatment_function_code_(referral_to_treatment_period) _de.asp?shownav=1 Jane Ellison: The information requested is not available. Referral to treatment waiting times for all other The cost of this activity is not disaggregated in Monitor’s treatment functions, including orthodontics, are not internal reporting systems. reported individually. Primary care trusts were abolished on 31 March 2013 Consent to Medical Treatment as part of the Health and Social Care Act 2012, and their functions taken over by clinical commissioning Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for groups. Health (1) what his policy is on signatories of medical Dental Services: North Yorkshire consent forms having access to the carbon copy of the form; [203254] Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for (2) what his policy is on medical consent forms being Health how much has been spent on NHS general amended after they have been signed. [203255] dental services in North Yorkshire in 2008-09 and in each year since. [202898] Jane Ellison: It is a general legal and ethical principle that valid consent must be obtained from an individual Dr Poulter: The information is not available in the before starting a treatment or physical intervention. For format requested. consent to be valid it must be given voluntarily by an appropriately informed person who has the capacity to The total amount spent on general dental services consent to the intervention in question. and personal dental services contracts by the former North Yorkshire and York Primary Care Trust (PCT) It is the responsibility of the doctors undertaking the for 2008-09 to 2012-13 is shown in the following table: treatment or investigation to ensure that they (or someone they delegate) obtain valid consent and that the key General and Personal Dental £000 elements of their discussion with the patient, including Services any specific requests by the patient, are properly recorded in a person’s medical record or in a consent form. This 2008-09 38,857 might include a request for a copy of a consent form. 2009-10 40,632 Professional guidance from the General Medical Council 2010-11 41,773 “Consent: patients and doctors making decisions together” 2011-12 43,438 available at: 2012-13 46,694 www.gmc-uk.org/guidance/ethical_guidance/consent_ Notes: 1. General dental services cannot be separately identified in the guidance_index.asp published figures. The total gross expenditure for general dental makes clear that doctors should explain the scope of service and personal dental service contracts is categorised between decisions to be made. They should also discuss and either independent contractor led contracts or on salaried led services agree with the patient how decisions will be made about provided by the PCT. 2. Contractor led contracts are all primary care dental services whether to change the investigation or treatment plan commissioned from practitioners or corporate bodies where payments and that doctors must not exceed the scope of the are processed on the PCT’s behalf by the Dental Services division of authority given by the patient. Thus changes to a person’s the NHS Business Services Authority. Salaried led services include the consent form after it has been signed, without their cost of any dental or support staff directly employed by the PCT and knowledge, may invalidate the consent. personal dental services or PCT dental services that are directly managed by PCTs or commissioned from other national health Other sources of guidance for health care professionals service trusts either within or outside their area. on obtaining consent include the Department’s “Reference Source: guide to consent for examination or treatment (Second NHS Summarisation schedules Edition):” Drugs: Rehabilitation www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/138296/dh_103653__1_.pdf and the British Medical Association’s consent toolkit: Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people being prescribed methadone http://bma.org.uk/practical-support-at-work/ethics/consent or other opioid substitutes had their prescription reduced in 2013-14. [203391] Dental Services Jane Ellison: The information requested is not collected Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for Health centrally. how many patients there are on orthodontic treatment waiting lists in each primary care trust area in England. Eyesight: Testing [203273] Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Dr Poulter: The information requested is not held Health how many people have received eye tests on the centrally. NHS in each of the last five years. [203219] 27W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 28W

Dr Poulter: The following table shows the number of As at March: Number national health service sight tests for persons in England from 2008-09 to 2012-13. This information has been 2011 6,000 extracted from the report, General Ophthalmic Services: 2012 9,000 Activity Statistics for England, Yearending 31 March 2013. 2013 11,000 2014 13,000 Number of NHS sight tests in 2015 116,000 England 1 Expected. 2012-13 12,339 Family Planning 2011-12 12,306 Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for 2010-11 11,939 Health, further to the answer of 24 June 2014, Official 2009-10 11,812 Report, column 151W, on family planning, what 2008-09 11,278 definition his Department uses for (a) contraceptive and (b) abortifacient. [203173] This report, published 18 July 2013, can be accessed here: Jane Ellison: Contraception is licensed to prevent pregnancy prior to implantation. An abortifacient ends www.hscic.gov.uk/article/2021A/Website-Search?productid an established pregnancy post implantation. =12003&q=general+ophthalmic+services++activity+statistics +2013&sort=Relevance&size=10&page=1&area=both#top General Practitioners Debbie Abrahams: To ask the Secretary of State for Family Nurse Partnership Programme Health how many training places for general practice in each region were (a) commissioned and (b) filled in each of the last five years. [203551] Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Dr Poulter: The Department set up Health Education how many Family Nurse Partnership places there were England (HEE) to deliver a better health care work in each year since 2010; and what progress the force for England. HEE is responsible for ensuring a Government have made on their target of doubling the secure work force supply for the future balancing need number of such places by 2015. [203318] against demand, taking into account factors such as the age profile of the existing work force, the impact of Dr Poulter: The commitment the Government made technology, and new drugs. in 2010 to double the amount of places on the Family The table sets out the number of training places for Nurse Partnership from a baseline of 6,000 was achieved general practice that were commissioned and filled for by March 2014. It is currently expected that by 2015 each of the last five years on a regional basis. there will be at least 16,000 places available. The figures It should be noted that the figure for 2014 represents for the end of each financial year since 2010 are as figures for the year to date. A further recruitment round follows: is planned by HEE in the autumn.

Number 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Post Post Post Post Post Posts filled Posts filled Posts filled Posts filled Posts filled

England 2,732 2,800 2,672 2,658 2,687 2,669 2,761 2,738 3,043 2,630 East Midlands 227 231 222 215 233 233 240 237 262 163 East of England 271 274 274 273 262 261 274 274 290 281 Kent, Surrey and Sussex 284 284 269 265 242 237 237 237 238 234 London 339 335 411 414 387 388 406 406 441 437 North East 156 158 150 150 157 152 158 154 180 124 North West 388 396 396 391 377 358 388 388 443 345 Oxford 100 104 95 92 100 100 102 102 112 107 South West 219 223 203 203 211 214 238 238 261 244 Wessex 145 148 129 133 132 132 134 134 142 129 West Midlands 294 311 271 271 317 325 308 308 345 331 Yorkshire and the Humber 309 316 252 251 269 269 276 260 329 235 Note: London comprises North West London, South London and North Central and East London local education and training board areas. Source: National Recruitment Office for General Practice Training and HEE.

Health Foods: Prescriptions gluten-free prescribing schemes; and if his Department will issue guidance on such schemes; [R] [203847] (2) what plans his Department has to encourage the Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for roll out of pharmacy-led gluten-free prescribing Health (1) what estimate his Department has made of schemes in England. [R] [203848] the potential cost savings to the NHS of pharmacy-led 29W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 30W

Norman Lamb: We have made no recent estimate. Dr Poulter: The primary source of national health However, we are aware that some local assessments of service earnings data are published by the Health and these schemes have been undertaken and details of Social Care Information Centre. Data on average basic these are available at: pay per full-time equivalent (FTE) are taken from this www.coeliac.org.uk/healthcare-professionals/resources/ publication. This is based on Electronic Staff Record community-pharmacy-supply-of-gluten-free-foods/ data which are only available from 2008-09 onwards so the data series cannot be extended into early years. Data NHS England can commission a gluten-free food relating to the Vale of York Clinical Commissioning supply service as a local enhanced pharmaceutical service Group cannot be provided as they are merged with data in the light of local need. Neither we nor NHS England from other organisations. For ease, a comparison of have plans to issue guidance on these schemes. basic pay per headcount, which has not specifically Health Professions: North Yorkshire been requested, is provided. England Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Average Basic Pay Cash Terms Health how many full-time equivalent NHS (a) (£ )(England Average) FTE Headcount hospital doctors, (b) GPs, (c) dentists, (d) nurses and 2008-09 28,028 24,464 midwives, (e) other clinical staff and (f) staff in total 2009-10 29,111 25,433 were employed in (i) York and (ii) North Yorkshire in 2010-11 30,122 26,287 1996-97 and in each year since; and what the staff costs 2011-12 30,390 26,542 in each category were in 1996-97 (A) in cash terms and 2012-13 30,544 26,739 (B) at current prices. [202894] 2013-14 30,782 27,043

Dr Poulter: Information is not available in the format York requested. Average Basic Pay Cash Terms (£) (York Average) Former North Yorkshire and York Teaching Hospital NHS Full-time equivalent data for all doctors, dentists and York Primary Care Trust Foundation Trust non-medical staff for the York Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and former primary care trusts in North Yorkshire 2008-09 29,261 26,715 have been placed in the Library. 2009-10 30,153 27,847 2010-11 31,392 28,996 Information on the cost of staff permanently employed 2011-12 32,010 29,477 by the national health service and non-NHS staff (agency 2012-13 33,740 29,835 staff) in 1996-97 is not available centrally. 2013-14 — 30,123 Health Professions: Pay Health Professions: Warrington Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the annual basic pay per full-time Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health employee for qualified nursing, midwifery and health how many (a) doctors and (b) nurses were employed visiting staff in (a) England, (b) the former North by Warrington and Halton NHS Foundation Trust and Yorkshire and York Primary Care Trust (PCT), (c) by its predecessors in each year since 1995-96. [203328] Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group and (d) York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust was in Dr Poulter: The information requested is shown in 1996-97 and in each year since. [202893] the following tables:

NHS hospital and community health services: NHS staff by main staff group in each specified organisation as at 30 September 2001 to 2013 Full-time equivalent 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

Halton General 689 710 775 818 876 962 n/a n/a n/a n/a Hospital NHS Trust

Professionally 355 374 422 430 459 493 n/a n/a n/a n/a qualified clinical staff Medical and Dental 61 63 67 66 71 72 staff Qualified nursing, 195 204 248 247 267 278 n/a n/a n/a n/a midwifery and health visiting staff Qualified scientific, 99 107 107 117 121 142 n/a n/a n/a n/a therapeutic and technical staff

Support to clinical 200 193 220 256 275 307 n/a n/a n/a n/a staff Support to doctors 173 166 191 224 240 264 n/a n/a n/a n/a and nursing staff Support to ST&T 27 26 29 31 34 43 n/a n/a n/a n/a staff 31W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 32W

NHS hospital and community health services: NHS staff by main staff group in each specified organisation as at 30 September 2001 to 2013 Full-time equivalent 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

NHS infrastructure 135 141 132 132 142 162 n/a n/a n/a n/a support Central functions 50 59 54 56 58 73 n/a n/a n/a n/a Hotel, property and 58 54 51 48 54 55 n/a n/a n/a n/a estates Managers and 26 28 28 29 30 34 n/a n/a n/a n/a senior managers

Other staff or those -2----n/an/an/an/a with unknown classification

Warrington 1,691 1,760 1,774 1,839 1,909 2,011 n/a n/a n/a n/a Hospital NHS Trust Professionally 878 914 905 959 988 1,045 n/a n/a n/a n/a qualified clinical staff Medical and Dental 146 162 159 176 181 191 staff Qualified nursing, 537 540 527 552 572 611 n/a n/a n/a n/a midwifery and health visiting staff Qualified scientific, 196 212 220 230 235 243 n/a n/a n/a n/a therapeutic and technical staff

Support to clinical 570 599 628 625 643 673 n/a n/a n/a n/a staff Support to doctors 460 496 523 517 531 550 n/a n/a n/a n/a and nursing staff Support to ST&T 111 103 105 108 112 123 n/a n/a n/a n/a staff

NHS infrastructure 238 242 240 253 277 291 n/a n/a n/a n/a support Central functions 72 66 65 68 94 106 n/a n/a n/a n/a Hotel, property & 125 128 129 144 140 141 n/a n/a n/a n/a estates Managers and 41 48 46 41 44 43 n/a n/a n/a n/a senior managers

Other staff or those 441212n/an/an/an/a with unknown classification

Warrington and n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 3,078 3,032 3,102 3,265 Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Professionally n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 1,576 1,511 1,559 1,663 qualified clinical staff Medical and Dental 252 272 274 311 staff Qualified nursing, n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 931 868 925 977 midwifery and health visiting staff Qualified scientific, n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 393 370 361 375 therapeutic and technical staff

Support to clinical n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 1,038 1,019 1,043 1,068 staff Support to doctors n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 864 816 815 831 and nursing staff Support to ST&T n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 175 203 228 236 staff 33W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 34W

NHS hospital and community health services: NHS staff by main staff group in each specified organisation as at 30 September 2001 to 2013 Full-time equivalent 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

Support to n/an/an/an/an/an/a---- ambulance staff

NHS infrastructure n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 462 498 494 527 support Central functions n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 186 219 215 249 Hotel, property and n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 196 212 204 190 estates Managers and n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 80 67 74 87 senior managers Other staff or those n/an/an/an/an/an/a2557 with unknown classification

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Halton General n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Hospital NHS Trust

Professionally n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a qualified clinical staff Medical and Dental staff Qualified nursing, n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a midwifery and health visiting staff Qualified scientific, n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a therapeutic and technical staff

Support to clinical n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a staff Support to doctors n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a and nursing staff Support to ST&T staff n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

NHS infrastructure n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a support Central functions n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Hotel, property and n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a estates Managers and senior n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a managers

Other staff or those n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a with unknown classification

Warrington Hospital n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a NHS Trust Professionally n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a qualified clinical staff Medical and Dental staff Qualified nursing, n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a midwifery and health visiting staff Qualified scientific, n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a therapeutic and technical staff

Support to clinical n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a staff Support to doctors n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a and nursing staff Support to ST&T staff n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

NHS infrastructure n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a support Central functions n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 35W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 36W

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Hotel, property & n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a estates Managers and senior n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a managers

Other staff or those n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a with unknown classification

Warrington and 3,337 3,302 3,014 3,193 3,359 3,334 3,280 3,249 3,364 Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Professionally 1,730 1,727 1,583 1,765 1,855 1,784 1,760 1,744 1,784 qualified clinical staff Medical and Dental 315 344 282 398 456 343 349 352 364 staff Qualified nursing, 1,004 987 896 937 958 978 946 918 951 midwifery and health visiting staff Qualified scientific, 411 397 405 430 440 463 465 474 469 therapeutic and technical staff

Support to clinical 1,035 1,009 940 866 894 965 946 979 1,049 staff Support to doctors 809 780 742 682 701 805 794 803 854 and nursing staff Support to ST&T staff 226 229 198 184 193 160 152 176 195 Support to ambulance -0------staff

NHS infrastructure 567 560 486 557 607 577 567 518 527 support Central functions 266 268 226 211 231 175 207 199 192 Hotel, property and 224 220 186 274 299 317 314 277 284 estates Managers and senior 77 72 74 73 77 84 46 43 52 managers Other staff or those 664437775 with unknown classification Notes: 1. In 2000 Halton General Hospital NHS Trust merged with Warrington Hospital NHS Trust to form Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. 2. Full time equivalent figures are rounded to the nearest whole number. 3. “-” denotes 0 4. These statistics relate to the contracted positions within English NHS organisations and may include those where the person assigned to the position is temporarily absent, for example on maternity leave. 5. Data Quality: 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 the data. Methods are continually being updated to improve data quality where changes impact on figures already published. This is assessed but unless it is significant at national level figures are not changed. Impact at detailed or local level is footnoted in relevant analyses. Source: Health and Social Care Information Centre Non-Medical Workforce Census. Health and Social Care Information Centre Medical and Dental Workforce Census.

Health Services expects the review to conclude; whether he intends to consult on the outcome of the review; and if he will make a statement. [202935] John Glen: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will make it his policy that there should be Jane Ellison: Since April 2013, NHS England has equality of access to treatment for patients in England been responsible for the commissioning of services that with specialised conditions; [202919] have been identified as specialised. NHS England’s role (2) when he expects NHS England’s review of is to ensure that the national health service delivers specialised services commissioning to conclude; who is better outcomes for patients requiring these specialised leading the review; what (a) NHS England employees services in a consistent manner across the country. and (b) other interested parties are participating in the NHS England is committed to commissioning and review; and if he will make a statement; [202924] planning a healthcare system that seeks to reduce health (3) what the purpose is of NHS England’s review of inequalities. In line with the ‘UK Strategy for Rare specialised services commissioning; on what date the Diseases’, NHS England promotes equity of access to decision to commission the review was taken; when he allow everyone with a rare disease to follow a clear, well 37W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 38W defined care pathway, in order to achieve high quality consult NHS England and the local clinical commissioning services for every individual through integrated personal group in conjunction with local NHS service providers. care plans. The aim is to ensure no one gets left behind These bodies are best placed to assess local needs and just because they have a rare disease. the Department does not become involved in these NHS England has advised that the review of specialised matters. services commissioning was initiated at the start of May Heart Diseases and will run for an initial period of three months. Dr Paul Watson, Regional Director for the Midlands and East Region, is leading the specialised commissioning Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for taskforce. National discussions took place at the end of Health, pursuant to the answer of 26 June 2014, April and the taskforce was established in April 2014 in Official Report, column 279W, on heart diseases, how order to make some immediate improvements to the the budget of £16.9 million for Commissioning way in which NHS England commissions specialised through Evaluation announced by NHS England on 6 services, and to put commissioning arrangements on a March 2014 is being allocated between each of the five stronger footing for the longer-term. This taskforce technologies within the programme. [203096] comprises of seven distinct work streams, which will focus on financial control in 2014-15, and planning for Jane Ellison: We understand from NHS England that the 2015-16 commissioning round. The seven work the budget for Commissioning through Evaluation is streams each have a distinct portfolio of work, some of being allocated as follows: which is short-term, and some of which includes looking £9 million for three interventional cardiology schemes; to the future and the development of a sustainable and £4.8 million for selective internal radiation therapy; and effective model of specialised commissioning. £1.6 million for selective dorsal rhizotomy. Around 50 additional individuals, from different £1.5 million has been removed from the budget as the disciplines, have been drawn from across NHS England, renal denervation scheme is no longer being progressed. coming together to support intensive, focused attention This is due to recently available research findings. in a number of these work streams. Hospitals: Debts There are aspects of the work which will require engagement with clinical commissioning groups (CCGs). In consultation with the Commissioning Assembly, a Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for specific working group has been established to enable Health whether any specialist trust hospitals currently the joint discussions with CCGs to take place. The first have a deficit. [203705] meeting of this group was on 4 July. Jane Ellison: As at 31 March 2014, there was one NHS England advises that there are currently no specialist trust that ended the 2013-14 financial year in plans to consult on the outcome of the work of the financial deficit (Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic taskforce. Diseases NHS Foundation Trust). Health Services: EU Nationals In Vitro Fertilisation

Dr Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for many people from (a) Spain, (b) Portugal and (c) Health, with reference to the answer of 7 May 2014, Italy have used the NHS in each of the last five years. Official Report, column 238W, on invitro fertilisation, [203097] whether his Department considers there to be genomic DNA present in mitochondria as distinct from nuclear Jane Ellison: The Department does not hold this genomic DNA. [203171] information. Although the Health and Social Care Information Centre collects hospital episode statistics, Jane Ellison: As I stated in my written answer of 7 these do not contain information about the patient’s May 2014, Official Report, column 238W, there is no residency, nationality or migration status. evidence of nuclear genomic DNA inside mitochondria. A description of the non-nuclear DNA in mitochondria Health Services: Lancaster and its function can be found at paragraph 2.1 of the April 2011 scientific report of the Human Fertilisation David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for and Embryology Authority (HFEA) convened Expert Health with reference to Lancaster City Council’s Local Panel. This can be found on the HFEA’s website at: Plan for Lancaster District 2011-2031: Strategic Options www.hfea.gov.uk/6372.html for Land Allocations, what assessment his Department has made of the potential increased demand for NHS Influenza services in Lancaster District that would arise under Option 5 of that plan. [203502] Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will discuss a public health campaign with Dr Poulter: Lancaster city council has published a Transport for London to educate passengers on public consultation on five potential options to identify reducing the spread of influenza on public transport. additional sites for future housing development. The [203058] consultation closes on 31 July 2014. During the development of the chosen option, the local council will have to Jane Ellison: Public Health England (PHE) engages assess the provision of local infrastructure which will in public health campaigns when there is an evidence-base include health facilities. As part of this process, it would to demonstrate the likely impact on positive public 39W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 40W health outcomes. There is evidence that people are more Nurses: Pay likely to respond to messages about respiratory and hand hygiene when there is an imminent threat to public Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health health, such as a pandemic. what the average gross earnings of a full-time equivalent PHE closely monitors flu infection rates, and should NHS nurse were in (a) cash and (b) real terms in (i) rates suddenly accelerate or meet unacceptably high England and (ii) York in 1996-97 and in each year since. levels, they could activate such a campaign. Although [202891] PHE did not run a “Catch It, Bin It, Kill It” campaign during 2013-14, campaign materials, e.g. print and digital Dr Poulter: The primary source of national health resources, were made available for local use. service earnings data is published by the Health and PHE would engage key partners such as Transport Social Care Information Centre. Data on average basic for London in the preparation of any such initiative. pay per full-time equivalent are taken from this publication. This is based on Electronic Staff Record data which are only available from 2008-09 onwards so the data series Jeena International cannot be extended into early years. Data relating to York relate to the former North Yorkshire and York Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Primary Care Trust and York Teaching Hospitals when he plans to respond to the letter sent to his Foundation Trust. For reference a comparison of basic Department by Jeena International on 27 May 2014 on pay per headcount, which has not specifically been the misrepresentation of its organisation in a requested, is provided. parliamentary debate on abortion; and if he will make England average a statement. [202914] Headcount Average total earnings Jane Ellison: A reply to the letter of 27 May has now Cash (£) Real Terms (£) been sent to Jeena International. 2008-09 28,384 31,784 Meetings 2009-10 29,412 32,056 2010-11 30,174 32,050 2011-12 30,439 31,596 Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 2012-13 30,657 31,270 what his policy is on the taking of minutes in meetings 2013-14 30,917 30,917 conducted by his departmental officials with representatives of (a) other Government Departments and (b) outside York average organisations; and if he will make a statement. [202915] Headcount Average total earning Dr Poulter: Where meetings of formally constituted Cash (£) Real terms (£) committees or boards are held, a minute of the meeting must be produced for governance purposes. For other 2008-09 27,988 31,341 less formal meetings, a note or minute is produced at the 2009-10 29,000 31,607 discretion of the officials concerned. 2010-11 30,194 32,071 2011-12 30,743 31,912 2012-13 31,787 32,423 Mosquitoes: Greater London 2013-14 30,123 30,123

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will discuss with the Mayor of London Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and the chief executives of the London Boroughs what the starting salary of a full-time equivalent NHS possible steps to reduce the spread of mosquitoes in nurse in York was in (a) cash and (b) real terms in 1996-97 and in each year since. [202892] London. [203048] Dr Poulter: Since the introduction of Agenda for Jane Ellison: Entomologists at Public Health England Change in October 2004, nurses who are newly qualified (PHE), formerly the Health Protection Agency (HPA), start at Agenda for Change band 5. Prior to Agenda for have been working with colleagues in the Chartered Change they started at Whitley grade D. National salary Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH), local authorities scales apply for NHS nurses in York. The starting salary and port health officers to better understand the risk for a full-time equivalent NHS nurse in cash and real posed by mosquitoes in London. terms is shown in the following table: PHE discusses the issues of mosquitoes with the CIEH which then provides advice (and contact) to £ environmental health officers (EHOs) at the London Full-time national scale boroughs. PHE does work with local authorities directly Cash terms starting Real terms starting for specific mosquito surveillance schemes, but this is salary salary always through the principal EHO at CIEH. 1996-97 11,895 17,254 PHE currently runs a mosquito surveillance scheme 1997-98 12,385 17,646 to monitor problem mosquitoes from EHOs and the 1998-99 12,855 17,972 public, and have been conducting surveillance of invasive 1999-2000 14,400 19,744 species at airports and seaports across England, including 2000-01 14,890 20,271 London. 2001-02 15,445 20,470 41W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 42W

Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for £ Health what steps he is taking to maximise the use of Full-time national scale donated organs. [203546] Cash terms starting Real terms starting salary salary

2002-03 16,005 20,730 Jane Ellison: The six years between April 2008 and 2003-04 16,525 20,997 April 2014 have seen a strengthening of the donation 2004-05 18,114 22,397 programme; increasing donation rates by 63% and 2005-06 18,698 22,705 transplant rates by 47%. The number of people registering 2006-07 19,166 22,623 for organ donation has increased by over 3 million since 2007-08 19,683 22,663 2010 to over 20 million. NHS Blood and Transplant 2008-09 20,225 22,648 launched a United Kingdom strategy in July 2013, 2009-10 20,710 22,572 “Taking Organ Transplantation to 2020” that sets the 2010-11 21,176 22,492 agenda for increasing organ donation and transplantation 2011-12 21,176 21,981 rates over the next seven years. This includes an aim to 2012-13 21,176 21,600 transplant 5% more of the organs offered from donors 2013-14 21,388 21,388 through work to increase the number of organs retrieved, 2014-15 21,478 — offered and accepted for transplant. Notes: 1. Starting pay for a newly qualified nurse is normally the minimum of the scale applicable to basic grade qualified nurses as follows: Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for 1996-97 to 2003-04: Whitley D grade Health (1) what proportion of lungs retrieved from 2004-05 o 2013-14: Agenda for Change band 5. 2. Starting pay is taken from national pay scales. donors are transplanted into recipients; [203547] 3. Figures given include any staged increases in the year in question. 4. The starting pay given for 2004-05 is the minimum of the Agenda for Change (2) what proportion of kidneys retrieved from band 5 scale at the effective date of implementation of Agenda for Change on 1 donors are transplanted into recipients; [203548] October 2004. 5. The 2014-15 starting salary change is due to an adjustment to ensure all staff (3) what proportion of hearts retrieved from donors on spine point 5 eligible for incremental progression received at least 1% when are transplanted into recipients; [203549] progressing to spine point 16, which is also the current starting spine point for a newly qualified nurse. (4) what proportion of livers retrieved from donors 6. The cash terms data have been converted into real terms using the latest [203550] official gross domestic product (GDP) deflator series taken from the HM are transplanted into recipients. Treasury website on 30 June 2014 and last updated on 20 December 2013. 7. It is not possible to convert the 2014-15 cash starting salary to real terms because of the way the GDP deflator series operates. Jane Ellison: It is the responsibility of the transplanting 8. To be as up to date as possible, the real terms data are presented in 2013-14 surgeon to decide whether or not to accept a donor prices. This involves using the HM Treasury forecast GDP deflator value for 2013-14. organ for transplant. This decision may be made both before retrieval and at retrieval, or occasionally at allocation. The following table shows those organs retrieved and Organs: Donors subsequently transplanted over the last five years. Percentage of organs retrieved that were subsequently transplanted Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Percentage Health how many organ donations have been received Total deceased in Yorkshire and the Humber in 2008-09 and in each Organ DBD1 DCD2 donors year since. [202899] Lung 2013-14 93 85 92 2012-13 92 79 90 Jane Ellison: The information requested is in the following tables: 2011-12 96 90 95 2010-11 90 85 89 Deceased organ donors at hospitals in Yorkshire and the Humber - by financial year as at 30 June 2014 2009-10 85 77 84 Number

2008-09 57 Kidney 2013-14 94 87 91 2009-10 81 2012-13 93 82 88 2010-11 79 2011-12 93 87 91 2011-12 74 2010-11 94 85 91 2012-13 86 2009-10 93 87 91 2013-14 87 2014-15 (to date) 19 Total 483 Heart 2013-14 97 - 97 Source: 2012-13 100 - 100 NHS Blood and Transplant 2011-12 100 - 100 Total organ transplants for Yorkshire and the Humber residents1-by financial year as at 30 June 2014 2010-11 97 - 97 2014-15 2009-10 98 - 98 (to Total 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 date) Liver 2013-14 95 70 89 Organs 305 266 300 321 320 381 94 2012-13 91 74 87 1 Transplant counts are based on recipient residence postcode rather than transplant unit 2011-12 92 74 88 Source: NHS Blood and Transplant 2010-11 92 69 88 43W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 44W

Percentage of organs retrieved that were subsequently transplanted disease. These applications are subject to peer review Percentage and judged in open competition, with awards being Total deceased made on the basis of the importance of the topic to Organ DBD1 DCD2 donors patients and the national health service, value for money 2009-10 93 73 89 and scientific quality. 1 Donors who died after brain death 2 Donors who died after circulatory death Pay Source: NHS Blood and Transplant Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome Health which organisations collect subscriptions through the employers’ payroll service in his Department and its Jim Dobbin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, agencies. [203106] pursuant to the answer of 24 June 2014, Official Report, columns 156-57W, on ovarian hyperstimulation Dr Poulter: The requested information is listed as syndrome, what assessment he has made of the reasons follows: for the reductions in the number and proportion of Department of Health severe cases of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome Association of First Division Civil Servants (FDA) reported to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Civil Service Club Authority between 2009 and 2010 and between 2010 Civil Service Sports [203247] and 2011. Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC) Jane Ellison: The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Health and Social Security Recreational Association (HASSRA) Authority has advised that it has made no assessment of Prospect (IPMS) the reason as to why there was a reduction in the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) number and proportion of severe cases of ovarian Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency hyperstimulation syndrome reported to the authority Civil Service Sports between 2009 and 2010 and between 2010 and 2011. Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC) Health and Social Security Recreational Association (HASSRA) Jim Dobbin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, Lottery pursuant to the answer of 24 June 2014, Official Report, columns 156-57W, on ovarian hyperstimulation NIBSC Unite syndrome, in how many licensable treatment cycles at Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) least (a) 30 and (b) 40 eggs per cycle were collected in Prospect (IPMS) each of the last five years for which figures are Public Health England available. [203248] Amicus/Unite Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC) Jane Ellison: The information requested is shown in General, Municipal, Boilermakers and Allied Trades Union the following table. (GMBATU) Health and Social Security Recreational Association (HASSRA) Licensable treatment cycles where at least: Prospect (IPMS) 30 eggs were collected 40 eggs were collected Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) 2008 371 52 Unison 2009 375 58 2010 469 69 Policy 2011 425 59 2012 399 41 Mr O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 20131 246 34 (1) what explicit monetary value his Department 1 The year 2013 only covers the period 1 January to 30 June 2013. assigns to the value of preventing a fatality calculation Source: The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority. during the process of policy appraisal and evaluation; [203071] Parkinson’s Disease (2) at what level his Department values the reduction of risk of death per fatal casualty prevented; and if he Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for will give an example of policy intervention where this Health what direct funding his Department has made evaluation was made. [203613] available for research into Parkinson’s disease. [203182] Dr Poulter: The value of a prevented fatality is not Dr Poulter: The Department’s National Institute for normally used in the appraisal of policy or project Health Research (NIHR) spent £4.0 million in 2013-14 proposals by the Department. The standard unit of on Parkinson’s disease research through research impact for appraisal of projects and policies that have programmes, research centres and units, and research an impact upon mortality or morbidity, including fellowships. prevention of fatalities, is a statistical life year (SLY), The usual practice of the NIHR is not to ring-fence with adjustment for quality of life impacts where funds for expenditure on particular topics: research appropriate (in which case quality adjusted life years proposals in all areas compete for the funding available. (QALYs) are used). SLYs and QALYs are valued at The NIHR welcomes funding applications for research roughly £60,000. This valuation is consistent with the into any aspect of human health, including Parkinson’s willingness of members of the public to pay for 45W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 46W improvement in health and risk outcomes elicited in the (2) if he will commission a survey of the prevalence study that underpins the valuation of prevented fatalities of mental health problems and learning disabilities by the Department for Transport and other Departments among adults and children in the prison population (Carthy T., Chilton S., Covey J., Hopkins L., Jones-Lee and in other criminal justice settings. [203455] M., Loomes G., Pidgeon N., Spencer A., “The Contingent- Valuation of Safety and the Safety of Contingent Valuation, Norman Lamb: Improving the mental health of offenders part 2: The CV/SG Chained Approach”, Journal of is a priority for this Government, as set out in the Risk and Uncertainty, 1999, 17: 187-213.) mental health strategy No Health, Without Mental This valuation of SLYs is used by the Department in Health in 2011. We have acted upon the recommendations its impact assessment of the proposed draft regulations of Lord Bradley’s review, published in 2009, of people for standardised packaging of tobacco products upon with mental health problems and learning disabilities in which the Department is currently consulting. the criminal justice system, to ensure that people in prison have the same access to mental health services as A copy of the impact assessment has been placed in the rest of population. The review also recommended the Library and is available at: the development of liaison and diversion services nationally. www.gov.uk/government/consultations/standardised- The national liaison and diversion programme is currently packaging-of-tobacco-products-draft-regulations trialling an all age service model with the intention of national roll-out by 2017. Prisons: Mental Health Services The Government’s Mandate commits NHS England to develop better health care services for offenders and Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for people in the criminal justice system, which are integrated Health (1) what steps he is taking to ensure the efficient between custody and the community, including through and timely transfer of prisoners to hospitals under the development of liaison and diversion services. Mental Health Act 1983; [203451] We have also asked the National Institute for Health (2) what estimate he has made of the number of and Care Excellence to develop guidelines on improving prisoners waiting for more than 14 days for a transfer the mental health for people in prison, which is expected to hospital under the Mental Health Act 1983. [203454] to be published in 2016. NHS England is responsible for commissioning health Norman Lamb: The implementation of an effective services, including mental health services, for people system for the timely transfer of prisoners to hospital is who are detained in prison or other secure accommodation. dependent on close working and co-operation between NHS England published Securing Excellence in a number of organisations and agencies, including the Commissioning for Offender Health, which sets out its Department of Health, Ministry of Justice (National commissioning intentions to secure the best possible Offender Management Service and Her Majesty’s Prison health outcomes for prisoners, detainees and children Service), the Home Office in some cases, the national and young people in secure settings. This document is health service and independent sector health providers. published on NHS England’s website: In 2011, the Department updated good practice guidance www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/offender- for the transfer and remission of adult prisoners under commissioning.pdf sections 47 and 48 of the Mental Health Act 1983. The NHS England, the National Offender Management guidance is available on the gov.uk website: Service and Public Health England established a national www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-transfer-and- partnership agreement for the co-commissioning and remission-of-adult-prisoners-under-s47-and-s48-of-the- delivery of health care services in prisons in England. mental-health-act The partnership agreement sets out the shared strategic Following the NHS reforms, this is now being updated intent and joint commitment of these organisations to further by NHS England. NHS England plans to consult deliver effective health care for offenders and improving on draft guidance this year. health outcomes and reducing inequalities. A copy of the partnership agreement is published on the National The Ministry of Justice has also published guidance Offender Management Service’s website: for those working with mentally disordered offenders, www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/about/noms/work-with- including the transfer and remission of prisoners under partners/national-partnership-agreement-commissioning- the Mental Health Act 1983, which is published on its delivery-healthcare-prisons2013.pdf website: The Department commissioned the Office for National www.justice.gov.uk/offenders/types-of-offender/mentally- Statistics in 1997 to conduct a survey of the prevalence disordered-offenders of psychiatric problems in prison. There are no plans to NHS England collects data on the number of people commission a further survey. in England and Wales waiting to be transferred from The Liaison and Diversion programme has recently prison to hospital. The latest data, for quarter 3 of commissioned an evaluation of liaison and diversion 2013-14, show that between September and December services. The implementation of improved screening as 2013, 186 people were waiting more than two weeks, part of these services will provide a level of information from assessment for suitability, to be transferred from on offender health needs within that evaluation. prison to hospital. Spectacles Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what steps he is taking to ensure that Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health prisoners in England receive adequate mental health when he expects the new Symfony Lens to be available treatment and support; [203453] on the NHS as an alternative to glasses. [203228] 47W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 48W

Dr Poulter: The Department’s view is that spectacles Evidence from the EXPRESS study has informed or contact lenses can satisfactorily correct almost all advice on TIA services set out in the “Cardiovascular refractory errors in a safe, cost-effective way. Disease Outcomes Strategy” published last year. Clinical commissioning groups have the discretion to pay for a multi-focal lens on the national health service Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if it is judged clinically necessary for an individual what steps he is taking to ensure that examples of good patient. practice and better care pathways for the treatment of transient ischaemic attacks are disseminated Strokes throughout the NHS. [203604]

Crispin Blunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Jane Ellison: The Strategic Clinical Networks (SCNs) Health if he will request that the National Institute for bring together clinicians from across health care settings Health and Care Excellence examines the use of and the wider health and care system in 12 geographic Sativex or other appropriate cannabis derivatives for areas across England. The SCNs share best practice treatment of spasticity due to stroke. [203015] and promote initiatives around their core service areas which include cardiovascular disease (renal disease, diabetes, Norman Lamb: Sativex (nabiximols) does not have a cardiac disease and stroke, including transient ischaemic marketing authorisation for use in the treatment of attacks). The SCNs hold regular meetings to enable spasticity due to stroke and there are no current plans communication and information sharing. to ask the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence to issue guidance on the drug or other cannabis derivatives for this indication. Tuberculosis

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will institute a campaign to raise public awareness Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for of the symptoms of a transient ischaemic attack and Health what steps his Department is taking to reduce the need for urgent treatment; and if he will make a the number of cases of TB in (a) London and (b) England. [203049] statement. [203602]

Jane Ellison: There are no plans for any specific Jane Ellison: In 2012 in the United Kingdom, a total marketing activity around raising public awareness of of 8,751 cases of tuberculosis (TB) were reported, a rate transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs). of 13.9 cases per 100,000 population. In 2011, 8,899 TB However, Public Health England continues to run the cases were reported in the UK (rate: 14.1/100,000 highly impactful Act FAST stroke awareness campaign population), and 8,397 TB cases were reported in 2010, that covers very similar signs with a message to call 999 a rate of 13.5 per 100,000 population. if these signs are witnessed. Two new television executions In the UK, the main burden of TB is concentrated in ran in March 2014 with plans to run them again later in large urban areas; in 2012, London had the highest the current financial year. proportion of cases (39%) followed by West Midlands NHS England produced a resource for clinical (12%). commissioning groups (CCGs) to support them in setting The Department recognises the public health importance and delivering on a level of ambition to reduce premature of TB, particularly among groups at higher risk of TB, mortality. The resource included information on high- such as migrants from high incidence countries and impact interventions that CCGs could consider persons with social risk factors, such as homelessness, commissioning to reduce premature mortality. One of imprisonment and drug and alcohol use in England and these is to increase the proportion of patients with TIA within large metropolitan areas, like London. treated within 24 hours from 71% to 100%. We also recognise the contribution that latent TB The resource is available here: infection (LTBI) makes to the overall TB disease burden. www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/sop/red-prem-mort/ Systematic LTBI testing and treatment is part of the recommendation in the current TB guidelines from the Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence what research he has commissioned into the effect of (NICE, 2011) and are a key intervention in the draft ensuring that patients receive urgent treatment collaborative TB strategy for England, being led by following a transient ischaemic attack on (a) reducing Public Health England (PHE). the risk of stroke and (b) reducing the cost to the NHS The Department is also concerned about the high TB of treating strokes. [203603] rates in persons with social risk factors, which is why it commissioned NICE to produce a short clinical guidance Jane Ellison: The Department has not commissioned on TB services for underserved groups. The guidance any recent research on these specific topics. Funding makes clear recommendations for active case finding from the Department’s National Institute for Health and other interventions in these groups (published in Research has supported the EXPRESS (Early use of March 2012). The Department is funding research projects eXisting PREventive Strategies for Stroke) study, which on identifying latent TB in relation to the effectiveness aimed to measure the effect or more rapid treatment of testing for latent TB and on the prognostic value of after transient ischaemic attack (TIA) and minor stroke these tests to predict the progression from latent to in patients who were not admitted directly to hospital. active TB. 49W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 50W

PHE has made TB one of its main priorities, and is an initial survey of monetary valuations of various leading a coalition of key stakeholders, including the units of impact by different departments and agencies Department, NHS England, Local Government and including case studies was undertaken. This was conducted other key public and voluntary organisations, to develop by the Institute of Transport Studies at the University a national TB strategy. of Leeds and compiled into a “Survey of the Value of The strategy aims to bring together best practice in Life/ Health used in Government Departments”, which clinical care, social support and public health to strengthen has been placed in the Library. In addition, the Health TB control, leading to a year on year decrease in and Safety Executive and the Department for Transport incidence, a reduction in health inequalities associated have already placed in the Library their members’ responses with TB, and to contribute to the eventual elimination to the ITS survey. of the disease. Development of monetary thresholds to be applied The consultation process for the formulation of the to the cost-per-quality adjusted life year is not within strategy started in March 2014 and ended in June 2014. the remit of the Group. The strategy will be launched sometime in the autumn 2014. York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust The following link is for the TB Strategy consultation, which provides useful information on introducing TB Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health controls in England: how many patients had been waiting for (a) over six www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/ months and (b) three months for in-patient admission 1317140970182 at York Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in In London, a London TB Control Board has been March 1997 and in each year since. [202887] constituted with representation from all agencies involved in preventing, controlling and treating TB, to try and Jane Ellison: Information is not available in the format replicate the progress made in other major international requested. Information on the number of patients waiting cities such as New York and Paris. over six months and three months for in-patient admission at what is now York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Valuation of Life and Health Interdepartmental Group Trust from March 1997 to March 2010 is shown in the following table. Mr O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Since 2007, waiting times on a referral to treatment (1) what monetary thresholds were applied to the cost- (RTT) basis have been published. Information on the per-quality adjusted life year quoted in the evidence number of patients who waited over six months and submitted as part of the National Institute for Health over three months on an admitted RTT pathway at and Care Excellence’s work with the Inter-departmental York Teaching Hospital NHS FT between March 2008 Group for the Valuation of Life and Health review in and March 2012 is shown in the following table. 2008; [203081] 1 (2) what measures of the value of life and health were Organisation Six months Three months included in the evidence submitted as part of the National 1997 York Health Services 1,317 3,138 Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s work with NHS Trust the Inter-departmental Group for the Valuation of Life 1998 York Health Services 2,744 4,651 NHS Trust and Health review; [203072] 1999 York Health Services 1,641 3,368 (3) what measures of the value of life and health NHS Trust were included in the evidence submitted as part of his 2000 York Health Services 1,752 3,540 Department’s work with the Inter-departmental Group NHS Trust for the Valuation of Life and Health review; [203073] 2001 York Health Services 1,884 3,488 NHS Trust (4) what measures of the value of life and health 2002 York Health Services 1,900 3,697 were included in the evidence submitted as part of the NHS Trust Health Protection Agency’s work with the Inter- 2003 York Health Services 1,7H 3,416 departmental Group for the Valuation of Life and NHS Trust Health review; [203074] 2004 York Health Services 826 2,542 NHS Trust (5) what measures of the value of life and health 2005 York Health Services 532 2,076 were included in the evidence submitted as part of the NHS Trust Food Standards Agency’s work with the Inter- 2006 York Health Services 0 1,490 departmental Group for the Valuation of Life and NHS Trust Health review in 2008. [203079] 2007 York Hospitals NHS 0 606 Foundation Trust (FT) Dr Poulter: I refer my right hon. Friend to the answer 2008 York Hospitals NHS FT 0 227 given on 26 June 2014, Official Report, column 283W. 2009 York Hospitals NHS FT 0 298 2010 York Hospitals NHS FT 0 132 The focus of the work of the Inter-departmental 1 As at March each year. Group for the Valuation of Life and Health has been Note: methodological rather than upon specific measures of Data on in-patient waiting lists not collected after March 2010. Source: value. It has focused upon the appropriate units for the Department of Health KH07 from March 1992 to March 2007 and measurement of impacts on life and health risks in MMRProv (monthly monitoring return) from March 2008 to March 2010. different circumstances, and the methodology to be 1 applied to valuation of those units in different contexts. Organisation Six months Three months Nevertheless, as a spur to the methodological investigation, 2008 York Hospitals NHS FT 42 413 51W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 52W

Organisation1 Six months Three months Ending March each year: Number waiting at period end

2009 York Hospitals NHS FT 46 529 1999 6,715 2010 York Hospitals NHS FT 44 449 2000 6,477 2011 York Teaching Hospital 38 530 2001 6,317 NHS FT 2002 6,354 2012 York Teaching Hospital 119 736 2003 6,425 NHS FT 2004 5,714 2013 York Teaching Hospital 89 864 NHS FT 2005 5,211 2014 York Teaching Hospital 277 1,178 2006 4,738 NHS FT 2007 3,055 1 As at March each year. 2008 2,536 Source: 2009 2,675 Department of Health monthly RTT return. 2010 2,336 Note: Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Data on in-patient waiting lists not collected after March 2010. Health how many patients were waiting for elective Source: admission at York Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Department of Health KH07, Monthly monitoring return on 1 April in 1996 and in each year since. [202888] Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Jane Ellison: The number of patients waiting for Health what the mean and median waiting time was for elective admission at York Hospitals NHS Foundation treatment at accident and emergency in York Teaching Trust for each year between March 1996 and March Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in 2007-08 and in 2010 is shown in the following table: each year since. [202889]

Ending March each year: Number waiting at period end Jane Ellison: The following table shows the mean and 1996 6,081 median waiting times for assessment, treatment, and 1997 6,846 departure at accident and emergency departments at 1998 8,445 York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

Mean duration to Median duration to Mean duration to Median duration to Mean duration to Median duration to assessment assessment treatment treatment departure departure

2007-08 23.3 17 23.1 17 120.0 102 2008-09 24.1 17 24.0 17 116.0 99 2009-10 27.1 19 26.8 19 112.7 100 2010-11 30.9 22 30.5 22 118.0 105 2011-12 24.8 15 55.7 39 95.0 77 2012-13 17.2 5 45.0 26 111.8 88 Notes: 1. Duration to Assessment The total amount of time in minutes between the patient’s arrival and their initial assessment in the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department. This is calculated as the difference in time from arrival at A&E to the time when the patient is initially assessed. 2. Duration to Treatment The total amount of time in minutes between the patient’s arrival and the start of their treatment. This is calculated as the difference in time from arrival at A&E to the time when the patient began treatment. 3. Duration to Departure The total amount of time spent in minutes in the A&E department. This is calculated as the difference in time from arrival at A&E to the time when the patient is discharged from A&E care. This includes being admitted to hospital, died in the department, discharged with no follow up or discharged—referred to another specialist department. Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Health and Social Care Information Centre

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Month ending: Number waiting at period end how many patients were waiting for a first out-patient appointment at York Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust March 2006 5,530 on 1 April and 1 October in 2004 and on the same dates September 2006 4,416 in each year since. [202890] March 2007 2,728 September 2007 3,423 March 2008 2,237 Jane Ellison: Information is not available in the format requested. The number of patients waiting for a first September 2008 2,311 out-patient appointment at York Hospitals NHS March 2009 2,067 Foundation Trust on 1 April and 1 October in each year September 2009 1,987 since 2004 are shown in the following table: March 2010 1,602

Month ending: Number waiting at period end Notes: 1. Out-patient waiting times are measured from general practitioner referral to first out-patient appointment. September 2004 4,800 2. Figures first published June 2004 and last published March 2010. March 2005 7,697 Source: Department of Health QM08, monthly monitoring return. September 2005 7,644 53W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 54W

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Asylum how many finished consultant episodes there were at York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in each Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for the year since 2008-09 and in each year since. [202897] Home Department with reference to the report by the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration, Jane Ellison: The information requested is shown in Inspection of the UK Border Agency’s handling of the following table: legacy asylum and migration cases, published in November Count of finished consultant episodes1 where the provider was York Teaching 2012, what steps have been taken in response to Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, for the years 2008-09 to 2012-132 recommendation 1 of that report. [202745] FCEs

2008-09 87,023 Karen Bradley: The Older Live Cases Unit routinely 2009-10 91,528 and regularly matches asylum and migration legacy 2010-11 97,719 cases against the Police National Computer (PNC) and 2011-12 103,847 Warnings Index (WI) records, until the point at which 2012-13 164,691 cases are finally concluded. The checks are undertaken 1 Finished consultant episode (FCE) on a rolling three monthly basis. Results are recorded A FCE is a continuous period of admitted patient care under one consultant on a bespoke database which informs the decision-making within one health care provider. FCEs are counted against the year in which process within the Older Live Cases Unit. they end. Figures do not represent the number of different patients, as a person may have more than one episode of care within the same stay in hospital or in Compliance with the recommendation was acknowledged different stays in the same year. by the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and 2 Assessing growth through time (admitted patient care) Hospital Episode Statistics figures are available from 1989-90 onwards. Changes Immigration in his report, An investigation into the to the figures over time need to be interpreted in the context of improvements in progress made on legacy asylum and migration cases data quality and coverage (particularly in earlier years) and changes in national January-March 2013, published in June 2013, where he health service practice. For example, changes in activity may be due to changes in the provision of care. stated, “security checks had been completed in each of Source: the cases we sampled (144), indicating that the agency Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Health and Social Care Information Centre. had implemented our earlier recommendation to routinely and regularly match legacy cases against the PNC and WI until finally concluded.” HOME DEPARTMENT Asylum: Children Cyber-attacks Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for the Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the report by the Home Department what assessment she has made of Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration, the preparedness of the police to respond to a Inspection into the Handling of Asylum Applications cyber-attack. [904651] made by Unaccompanied Children, published in October 2013, what steps have been taken in response to Karen Bradley: The Government take the threat of recommendations 1, 3, 4 and 8 of that report. [202744] cyber attack seriously. Last year we created the National Cyber Crime Unit in the National Crime Agency, to James Brokenshire: In response to recommendation lead the national response to cyber crime. We are also 1, a clear and consistent approach has been adopted. A investing in the cyber teams in Regional Organised pilot was run shortly after the inspection that led to the Crime Units, and training police officers in local forces, adoption of a new screening process for unaccompanied to ensure we are fully equipped to tackle cyber attacks children; this has led to increased consistency between at every level. And we are strengthening the Computer the Home Office and local authorities. All initial screenings Misuse Act to ensure that the punishments available to take place within five days of initial claim. Local authorities prosecute cyber criminals fit the crime. are clearly responsible for facilitating the access to legal advice and responsible adults prior to the screening Animal Experiments interview. In response to recommendation 3, this guidance and Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for policy has been reinforced locally. The Asylum Casework the Home Department if she will bring forward legislative Directorate has implemented new structures that offer proposals to make the homing of cats, dogs and other better technical support for promoting and monitoring animals no longer required for experimentation a family tracing. This guidance has been reinforced locally mandatory requirement for laboratories. [203184] in all teams through the creation of specialised family and minors teams in each regional location. Work is Norman Baker: There are no legislative proposals to ongoing with the Foreign Office on new family tracing make the homing of cats, dogs and other animals no arrangements for volume UASC nationalities (Albanian longer required for experimentation a mandatory and Afghan) that should help to expedite the tracing requirement for laboratories. process in these countries. The practicality of specialised European directive 2010/63/EU, which was implemented teams will be reviewed once all decision units are fully in the UK and other member states on 1 January 2013, staffed. sets out the conditions under which animals may be In response to recommendation 4, the move to a re-homed in article 19. These provisions are reflected in single national directorate has led to greater consistency our Guidance on the Operation of the Animals (Scientific and control of asylum case work. This has helped to Procedures) Act 1983, section 5.21. address the consistency of operations and outcomes in 55W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 56W each of the seven casework locations. Customer service Educational Testing Service standards have been reviewed with the expectation that straightforward claims can expect to receive their decision Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for the within six months. Unaccompanied children should Home Department at which main institutions the student receive their decisions quicker than that. immigrants who were found to have either invalid or In response to recommendation 8, as part of the questionable English language test results by the ongoing continuous improvement programme decision Government’s recent review of the test provider Educational letters have been reviewed and changed. Templates are Testing Services intended to extend their studies. now clearer, more concise and customer friendly. This [203035] new approach to producing more concise grant letters and minutes has been implemented while a pilot regarding James Brokenshire: Following the review of English refusal letters is under way. language test results provided by Educational Testing Service test centres, on 24 June the Home Office took Commonwealth Games 2014 action against 60 institutions that sponsored students with invalid or questionable test results. The list of sponsors against whom action was taken was placed in Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the the Library of the House on that day and was also Home Department if she will take steps to ensure that published on the Gov.uk website as part of a “Home participants in the Glasgow Commonwealth Games office immigration action against education institutions: 2014 are prevented from staying in the UK illegally factsheet”: after the Games have finished. [202835] https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ Karen Bradley: The rigorous Accreditation Process attachment_data/file/323106/sponsor-suspensions.pdf that contributed to the success of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012 has also been central to our Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for the preparations for Glasgow 2014. Home Department what the main nationalities were of the student immigrants who were found to have either To minimise attempts to abuse our hospitality after invalid or questionable English language test results by the Games have ended, comprehensive record checks the Government’s recent review of the test provider on all Commonwealth Games participants and Games Educational Testing Services. [203036] Family Members are conducted before they are cleared to enter the UK. We have also introduced arrangements James Brokenshire: As I stated in my oral statement to confirm that people given Commonwealth Games to Parliament on 24 June 2014, Official Report, columns clearance have left the UK within their permitted time 206-08, analysis is being provided by the American arm limits. of Educational Testing Service (ETS) on those with invalid or questionable results. Analysis is on-going and Cybercrime it is not possible to provide data on nationality at present. As I stated to the House on 24 June, the Home Mr Steve Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for the Office will provide regular updates to the House on Home Department what progress has been made by the progress with work to remove these students and on Cyber Crime Reduction Partnership over the last 12 further information we receive from ETS. months; and if she will make a statement. [202611] HM Passport Office Karen Bradley: The UK Cyber Security Strategy, which includes a commitment to develop a partnership Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the group with industry on cybercrime, was published in Home Department how many people employed by HM November 2011. Passport Office were specifically tasked with processing The Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster passport applications on 1 January, (a) 2011, (b) 2012, General, my right hon. Friend the Member for Horsham (c) 2013 and (d) 2014. [200369] (Mr Maude), gave the second annual report on progress against objectives set out in the strategy on 12 December James Brokenshire: The table shows the number of 2013, Official Report, columns 43-47WS. The Minister Her Majesty’s Passport Office full-time equivalents working for the Cabinet Office also placed before Parliament a within the passport operational Directorates. list of achievements over the preceding year and a document that outlines its future plans. The documents The formal record for workforce data is made on the can be found at: last day of each calendar month. We have therefore provided the data as of 31 December of each year. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-cyber- security-strategy-2-years-on Number The partnership, one of a set of engagement points with industry on cyber-security, provides an opportunity (a) 2011 2,360 to raise awareness of cybercrime among members, helping (b) 2012 2,265 them to become more resilient to the threat. To date, it (c) 2013 2,457 has provided a forum for partners to share views on key changes to the law enforcement landscape on cyber and Due to the limitations of the HR management system contribute to key actions in the strategy. This includes used prior to December 2010, it is not possible to work to co-ordinate cyber-security messages to the private provide reliable management information below top sector. level for any periods prior to that date. 57W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 58W

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Karen Bradley: In November 2013, the UK Government Home Department how many people employed by HM and the Albanian Government, working with the Passport Office were specifically tasked with processing International Organisation for Migration (IOM), established passport applications on (a) 1 January, (b) 1 a voluntary return package for female victims of trafficking February, (c) 1 March, (d) 1 April, (e) 1 May and (f) who wished to return to Albania. This comprehensive 1 June 2014. [200370] package includes the provision of secure accommodation in Albania (with guards and social services on site), James Brokenshire: The formal record for workforce child care assistance where required, and training or data is made on the last day of each calendar month. support to establish a business or enter the labour The following table shows the number of Her Majesty’s market. This provides the high level of support and Passport Office full-time equivalents working within assistance required for victims who wish to return to the passport operational Directorates. Albania to rebuild their lives. Although no victims have yet availed themselves of the package, a number of Number potential cases have been identified and the Home Office is actively working with the Albanian Government, (a) On 31 December 2013 2,457 the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the IOM to (b) On 31 January 2014 2,515 improve the promotion of the scheme among those who (c) On 28 February 2014 2,559 may qualify and identify and address any perceived (d) On 31 March 2014 2,593 barriers to return. (e) On 30 April 2014 2,611 (f) On 31 May 2014 2,629 Human Trafficking: Children Note: Her Majesty’s Passport Office records migrated to the Department’s strategic record system during this period and are subject to enhanced validation checks. Greg Mulholland: To ask the Secretary of State for Several months in this time series have a variance of +/- 2 FTE. the Home Department if she will bring forward legislative proposals to recognise child trafficking as a Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for the separate offence to adult trafficking. [202633] Home Department what estimate she has made of the savings generated by closing passport offices in the last Karen Bradley: The most effective way to protect five years; and what estimate she has made of the total child victims of trafficking is to have a general offence, cost of (a) cancelled and (b) altered flights due to which applies to both adults and children. The Modern delayed passport applications in 2014. [201357] Slavery Bill contains a general human trafficking offence, which does not require prosecutors to prove the age of James Brokenshire: No passport offices have been the child, as this can lead to practical problems during closed in the last five years. prosecutions. Targeting a child will, however, be an Restructuring of passport operations between 2010 aggravating factor for sentencing purposes, and the and 2012 entailed the closure of some interview offices human trafficking offence in the Modern Slavery Bill and relocation of the Newport passport office. These will carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. changes realised annual savings of approximately £7.2 million per year. Greg Mulholland: To ask the Secretary of State for We do not collect data on the costs of cancelled and the Home Department what discussions she has had altered flights. with the Attorney-General on her policy in relation to the prosecution of child victims of trafficking who are Mike Thornton: To ask the Secretary of State for the forced to commit crimes. [203000] Home Department what steps her Department is taking to ensure that the information given to passport Karen Bradley: The Modern Slavery Bill provides for applicants through the 0300 passport helpline is a statutory defence for victims of slavery and trafficking who have been compelled to commit an offence as current and in real time. [201863] direct result of their trafficking or slavery situation. In James Brokenshire: Her Majesty’s Passport Office preparing the Bill, I have had discussions with ministerial regularly reviews the guidance issued to the helpline colleagues, including with the Attorney-General, in relation provider, and updates it to reflect any changes in processes to the statutory defence. or customer requirements. When considering whether the defence applies, the Information on the progress of applications can be age, sex and any physical or mental illness or disability provided from information that is either live or updated of the victim is relevant under the test set out in the Bill. daily, dependent on the nature of the inquiry. Members: Correspondence

Human Trafficking: Albania Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will estimate the total number Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for the of ministerial replies from her Department to hon. Home Department, pursuant to her answer of 16 June Members in a parliamentary session; and what proportion 2014, Official Report, column 441W,on human trafficking: of such replies are sent (a) by letter and (b) by email. Albania, how many female victims of trafficking have [203307] returned from England using the International Organisation for Migration voluntary return package and taken up Karen Bradley: The total number of ministerial replies the facilities made available by the Government in Albania; sent to hon. Members between 1 January and 31 December and if she will make a statement. [202513] 2013 was 56,193. This figure includes replies sent by 59W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 60W letter or email. We do not collect information centrally on timescales during busy periods for (a) the renewal on the volumes of responses provided by email and it of a passport and (b) the time it will take for staff to could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. call an applicant back. [199578]

Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for the James Brokenshire: Ministers have held frequent recent Home Department what plans her Department has to discussions with Her Majesty’s Passport Office. increase the number of replies sent electronically to Current advice for customers on expected service letters from hon. Members. [203530] standards is published on: https://www.gov.uk Karen Bradley: The Government’s digital strategy details the approach we will take to evolve our service The current guideline for returning calls to customers provision. Where the Home Office receives high volumes is to do so within 48 hours. Her Majesty’s Passport of correspondence from MPs, such as on immigration Office gives priority to those with the most immediate matters, we work proactively with MPs and their travel plans. caseworkers to provide them with the most efficient and convenient service, and encourage increasing use of Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for the emails and telephones as channels of communication. Home Department what recent reports she has received of changes in the backlog for processing (a) new passport Nazi War Crimes applications and (b) passport renewals. [200256]

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for the James Brokenshire: Ministers receive regular reports Home Department how many investigations have been on the performance of Her Majesty’s Passport Office. carried out by Scotland Yard since 1984 on suspected individuals involved in crimes by the SS in the Second Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for the World War. [203227] Home Department if she will make it her policy to compensate people who have paid for an upgrade in Damian Green: The Home Office does not hold this their passport application as a result of delays in processing information. their original application. [200689]

Organised Crime James Brokenshire: Anyone who needs to travel within the next seven days and who has waited longer than the Sir Edward Leigh: To ask the Secretary of State for standard processing time of three weeks, through no the Home Department what assessment she has made fault of their own, will be able to upgrade their application of the effect of serious and organised crime on without charge. After their application has been through communities. [904663] the proper checks, the processing, printing and delivery of the new passport will be fast-tracked for free. This Mrs May: The Government take the threat of cyber policy was announced by the Secretary of State for the attack seriously. Last year we created the National Home Department to the House of Commons on 12 June Cyber Crime Unit in the National Crime Agency, to and will not be applied retrospectively. lead the national response to cyber crime. We are also HM Passport Office’s policy on compensation is investing in the cyber teams in Regional Organised available at: Crime Units, and training police officers in local forces, https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/compensation- to ensure we are fully equipped to tackle cyber attacks and-complaints-handling at every level. And we are strengthening the Computer Misuse Act to ensure that the punishments available to Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for the prosecute cyber criminals fit the crime. Home Department what estimate she has made of the Passports number of applicants who have upgraded to a premium service following contact with the Passport Office in each of the last 12 months for which figures John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for the are available. [200717] Home Department what estimate she has made of the average waiting time for people (a) applying for a passport renewal and (b) waiting for a call back from James Brokenshire: The table below shows the number of people who have upgraded from a standard to a the Passport Office. [199574] premium service. James Brokenshire: The information requested is as Number of upgrades follows: (a) Expected service standards for passport renewals are published January 2014 6 at: February 2014 17 https://www.gov.uk March 2014 117 (b) The current guideline for returning calls to customers is to April 2014 996 do so within 48 hours. Her Majesty’s Passport Office gives May 2014 1,024 priority to those with the most immediate travel plans. The specific information required is held in application John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for the ‘case notes’ on Her Majesty’s Passport Office systems Home Department what recent discussions she has had which cannot be mined through database queries. Data with the Passport Office about the updating of advice presented here are an estimate for 2014. 61W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 62W

Information on the number of upgrades prior to James Brokenshire: Her Majesty’s Passport Office January 2014 has not been collated centrally. has a number of policies and provisions in place to ensure customers can communicate with Her Majesty’s Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Passport Office in Welsh. Home Department what representations she has received We work closely with the Office of the Welsh Language from the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Commissioner to ensure that we offer quality services in Affairs on the processing of passport applications from line with the Welsh Language Act 1993. abroad since 1 January 2014. [200813] Raytheon James Brokenshire: Home Office Ministers have regular discussions with ministerial colleagues and others. As was the case with previous Administrations, it is not the Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for the Government’s practice to provide details of all such Home Department what financial provision her meetings. Department has made to cover the (a) ongoing legal costs of and (b) costs of a potential settlement resulting Mr McKenzie: To ask the Secretary of State for the from the binding arbitration process brought by Raytheon Home Department if she will make it her policy to Systems Ltd. [202733] reimburse people who have had to pay to upgrade to the premium one-day service to secure a (a) new or (b) Karen Bradley: Ongoing legal costs will be met from renewed passport; and if she will make a statement. departmental resources, although no specific financial [201055] provision has been made for this or for the costs of a potential settlement. The costs of a potential settlement James Brokenshire: There are no plans to reimburse have been recognised as a contingent liability in the customers who choose to use the four hour premium Home Office accounts since 2011-12. service. Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for the On 12 June 2014, Official Report, column 693, the Home Department what progress her Department has Secretary of State for the Home Department, my right made on reaching a settlement with Raytheon Systems hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May), Ltd on the e-Borders programme; and when the announced in the House of Commons that where people arbitration progress is scheduled to be completed. have an urgent need to travel, and their application has [202833] been with Her Majesty’s Passport Office for longer than the standard processing time of three weeks through no Karen Bradley: The Home Office would like the dispute fault of their own, they will be able to upgrade their with Raytheon to be concluded as swiftly as possible. It application without charge. After their application has is not unusual that an international arbitration of this been through the proper checks, the processing, printing complexity should take a considerable time to resolve. and delivery of the new passport will be fast-tracked for The Home Office has done everything possible to progress free. To qualify, customers must be booked to travel the arbitration as quickly as possible. The evidential within the next seven days. Customers will be asked to hearings concluded in April 2013. provide details—such as flight numbers and the name of the travel company—to confirm their travel plans. This policy came into effect immediately after being UK Border Agency announced and will be available until further notice. This policy will not be applied retrospectively. Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the cost was of running (a) Passports: Scotland the Case Resolution Directorate, (b) the Case Assurance and Audit Unit and (c) the Older Live Cases Unit in each year of those bodies’ operations. [202312] Pamela Nash: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people resident in Karen Bradley: The operational costs of running the Scotland were issued with passports for (a) collection Case Resolution Directorate (excluding enforcement and (b) interviews at offices outside of Scotland in costs, detention and removal escort costs or asylum and each of the last four years for which records are most immigration tribunal costs) was approximately £32 million recent. [201807] per year. The costs are inclusive of an outsourced administrative function in 2009-11. Support costs for James Brokenshire: Her Majesty’s Passport Office applicants were accounted for separately for this period. does not hold this information broken down by residency of applicant. The cost of providing it from individual The total running costs of the Case Assurance and applicant data would be disproportionate. Audit Unit was £27.4 million (2011-12) and £19.5million (2012-13). The total running costs of the Older Live Cases Unit was £7.8 million (2013-14). The Older Live Passports: Welsh Language Cases Unit budget spend to date for 2014-15 is £1.87 million. Since setting up the Case Resolution Directorate, Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for the operational running costs have decreased year on year. Home Department what plans she has to ensure that Welsh language service provisions are maintained Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for the whilst her Department clears the passport applications Home Department, with reference to the report by the backlog. [202193] Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration, 63W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 64W

Investigation into the Establishment of the Performance them on international climate change policy developments, and Compliance Unit, published in May 2013, what such as United Nations Framework Convention on steps have been taken in response to recommendation 1 Climate Change negotiations. of that report. [202743]

James Brokenshire: Following the reorganisations which Dungeness B Power Station flowed from the decision to bring the functions of the UK Border Agency back into direct ministerial control, Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Performance and Compliance Unit no longer exists. Energy and Climate Change what assessment his Valuation of Life and Health Interdepartmental Group Department has made of the application by EDF Energy to relax safety limits at Dungeness nuclear power station. Mr O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for the [203044] Home Department (1) what the explicit monetary value per quality-adjusted life was in the context of homicide Michael Fallon: The application by EDF Energy and crime categories of wounding, sexual offences, regarding safety limits in its safety case at Dungeness B common assault and robbery, as quoted as part of her is a regulatory matter and therefore taken forward by Department’s submission to the Inter-Departmental the independent nuclear regulator, the Office for Nuclear Group for the Valuation of Life and Health review in Regulation (ONR), which reviews such arrangements 2008; [202423] set out in safety cases. (2) if she will place in the Library a copy of her I understand that EDF Energy Nuclear Generation Department’s submission to the Inter-Departmental Ltd submitted a revised safety case to ONR to demonstrate Group for the Valuation of Life and Health review and that safety would be maintained at Dungeness B as a all evidence submitted to the series of interviews with result of their proposals to revise the safety limits for her Department’s staff conducted by researchers from allowable graphite weight loss in the reactor cores, and the university of Leeds in 2008. [202415] that ONR was satisfied that the justifications in the revised safety case demonstrated that the licensee’s Norman Baker: A copy of the Home Office’s written obligations to ensure safety would be met. response to the 2008 Survey of Departmental Practice in the Valuation of Life and Health will be placed in the Library. The Home Office does not have a record of its Electricity response to the questions in stage 2 of the survey. This is because the interviews were carried out face-to-face Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for with researchers at the university of Leeds. Energy and Climate Change, pursuant to the answer of The Home Office first estimated the social and economic 19 June 2014, Official Report, column 1258, on energy costs of crime in 2000, available at: security, on which process he calculated that there has http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110218135832/ been £45 billion of electricity investment since 2010. rds.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs/hors217.pdf [203378] The most recent update to these estimates prior to the Department’s submission to the Inter-Departmental Michael Fallon: The estimate of more than £45 billion Group for the Valuation of Life and Health review in of electricity infrastructure investment between 2010 2008 was published in 2005, available at: and 2013 is calculated by DECC based on modelling http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20100413151441/ consistent with the EMR Delivery Plan. http:/www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs05/rdsolr3005.pdf The modelling suggests that since 2010, over £30 billion The monetary value per quality-adjusted life year has been invested in electricity generation capacity, used in the 2005 report was £80,620 in 2003 prices. This principally in renewable technologies. In addition, since was based on a paper by Carthy et al. (1999). 2010, more than £16 billion of investment has been made in electricity transmission and distribution. Generation capacity investment levels are determined ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE by multiplying capacity changes by a technology specific capital cost per unit of capacity value, which varies over Climate Change: Northern Ireland time. A project’s total investment cost is profiled over its construction lifetime, with total annual investment levels David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for reflecting the sum of investment in that year across all Energy and Climate Change what discussions his technology types. All data on costs and profiles are Department has had with bodies in Northern Ireland taken from DECC’s Electricity Generation Costs dataset. on addressing climate change. [203054] Onshore and offshore transmission network investment estimates come from National Grid’s networks module Gregory Barker: Ministers and officials in the Department that has been added to DECC’s dispatch model as part engage with their counterparts regularly in the Northern of the EMR Delivery Plan analysis.1 Network investment Ireland Executive on a wide range of issues, including for onshore transmission owners is based on additions work related to the transition to a low carbon economy to network owners’ regulated asset value under the price and tackling climate change. This includes, for example, control periods consistent with National Grid’s Gone discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive on the Green scenario. From 2013 onwards Gone Green Electricity Market Reform programme, which is designed investment estimates are adjusted for different uptake to decarbonise our electricity generation, and updating of technologies in DECC’s dispatch modelling. 65W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 66W

Network investment for offshore transmission is 4 DECC estimate DECC estimate based on AEA analysis-Assessing calculated by using a relevant cost associated with Offshore the domestic supply chain barriers to the commercial deployment Transmission Owners (OFTOs) based on an average of carbon capture and storage within the power sector (2013). cost per kW for known projects. This is multiplied by https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/assessing-the- offshore wind capacity built. domestic-supply-chain-barriers-to-the-commercial-deployment- of-carbon-capture-and-storage-within-the-power-sector Investment in distribution networks is based on additions to network owners’ regulated asset value under the Energy Companies Obligation DPCR5 price control period. Further detail on DECC’s Electricity Generation Costs Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for is available here: Energy and Climate Change what estimate his Department https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/decc-electricity- has made of the average saving on energy bills for generation-costs-2013 households that have received measures under the Energy 1 Find further detail in the National Grid report: Company Obligation. [203366] https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/267614/Annex_D_- Gregory Barker: The Department has not estimated _National_Grid_EMR_Report.pdf the average savings on energy bills for households that have received measures specifically under the Energy Company Obligation. The saving on energy bills will Energy depend on several factors including the particular measure installed, energy prices and household characteristics that affect their energy consumption. Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy However, more generally, DECC has estimated that and Climate Change what the evidential basis is for the households can save from around £25 to £270 or more statement in paragraph 2.1 of his departmental annual per installation per year from installing the main insulation report 2013-14, HC9, published on 26 June 2014, that measures (e.g. loft, cavity and solid wall). This is based investment in cleaner energy infrastructure will help on estimated energy savings from an illustrative three support up to 250,000 jobs by 2020. [203357] bedroom semi-detached house (see 2012 Final Green Deal and ECO IA for details): Michael Fallon: We estimate that investment in new, https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ cleaner energy infrastructure through the Government’s attachment_data/file/42984/5533-final-stage-impact- Electricity Market Reforms will help support up to assessment-for-the-green-deal-a.pdf 250,000 jobs by 2020. This reflects estimates of how many jobs could be supported by electricity generated Energy: Prices using renewable, nuclear, and carbon capture and storage technologies, and includes jobs in the relevant supply Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for chains. Energy and Climate Change what steps he is taking to In nuclear energy, we estimate there will be between reduce consumer energy prices in line with changes in 69,000 and 81,000 jobs by 2020. This is made up of the wholesale market prices. [203217] 29,000-41,000 jobs across the nuclear supply chain at the peak of construction activity, from the 16GW of Michael Fallon: In a competitive market, pricing decisions new build capacity industry is planning to build by are a commercial matter for companies. 2030, in addition to the 40,000 people currently employed Consumers can put pressure on companies to reduce in nuclear energy.1 prices by switching to the best deal for them. Ofgem’s We also estimate that up to 200,000 jobs could be Retail Market Reforms to deliver a simpler, clear market supported in renewable electricity by 2020. This estimate combined with Government’s push to significantly reduce is based on the Renewable Energy Association’s estimate switching times and require suppliers to share consumer of employment in the sector in 2012-132, and a range of data with trusted third parties, should make this easier possible deployment levels in 2020 as set out in the to do. Government’s Electricity Market Reform Delivery Plan.3 The Government supported Ofgem’s recent move to Within the carbon capture and storage sector, we write to the largest suppliers, challenging them to explain estimate that around 8,000 jobs could be supported in to consumers the impact of falling wholesale prices on the early stages of deployment by 2020.4 their retail prices. Evidence that large suppliers raise prices more quickly when costs increase than they reduce 1 The Economic Benefits of the UK’s Nuclear Supply Chain prices when costs fall was one of the issues underpinning Capabilities, Oxford Economics, 2013 (A report commissioned Ofgem’s recent referral of the energy markets to the for DECC) Competition and Markets Authority. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/168017/bis-13-633-the-economic-benefit- of-improving-the-uk-nuclear-supply-chain-capabilities.pdf Fuel Poverty 2 REVIEW-Renewable Energy View 2013, Renewable Energy Association, April 2014 Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change (1) what estimate his Department http://www.r-e-a.net/resources/rea-publications has made of the number of households who will receive 3 EMR Delivery Plan, DECC, 2013 assistance under (a) affordable warmth, (b) carbon https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/electricity-market- savings community and (c) carbon saving target in (i) reform-delivery-plan 2014-15, (ii) 2015-16 and (iii) 2016-17; [203283] 67W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 68W

(2) what estimate his Department has made of the Gregory Barker: £100 cashback is available for households number of measures to be installed under (a) affordable that have a Green Deal assessment and install a measure warmth, (b) carbon savings community and (c) carbon via the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund route, saving target in (i) 2014-15, (ii) 2015-16 and (iii) 2016-17; however the scheme only recently launched and it is too [203282] early to give a figure on spend. Local authorities offered (3) what estimate his Department has made of free Green Deal assessments from Green Deal Pioneer expenditure under (a) affordable warmth, (b) carbon Places Fund and DECC estimates that 9,543 free savings community and (c) carbon saving target in (i) assessments were funded through it. The Pioneer Places 2014-15, (ii) 2015-16 and (iii) 2016-17. [203284] Fund of £10 million was allocated to local authorities and/or consortia of local authorities in England to demonstrate ambitious approaches to kick starting local Gregory Barker: The Department’s latest assessment Green Deal activity in both the domestic and non-domestic of the impact of the three energy company obligation sectors. As well as funding Green Deal assessments, (ECO) targets on the number of households supported, activities that were supported by DECC funding included: energy company spending and number of measures piloting local marketing approaches, including a street installed is set out in the 5 March ‘The Future of the by street approach to roll out, establishing a network of Energy Company Obligation’: local Green Deal show homes, area wide events to Assessment of Impacts: publicise the Green Deal, working with local partners https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ such as the local NHS to drive demand for the Green attachment_data/file/286926/The_Future_of_the_Energy_ Deal and working with community and other civil Company_Obligation_Assessment_of_Impacts.pdf society groups to deliver demand for the Green Deal. The Department will be publishing a final assessment of the impact of the ECO policy to accompany the forthcoming response to the Government’s consultation Housing: Energy on the Future of the Energy Company Obligation. Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Green Deal Scheme Energy and Climate Change what estimate his Department has made of the average annual saving to a household’s energy bill from a (a) condensing gas boiler, (b) cavity Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for wall insulation, (c) loft insulation, (d) solid wall insulation Energy and Climate Change, pursuant to the answer of and (e) other forms of insulation. [203363] 19 June 2014, Official Report, column 1247, on energy efficiency, what the evidential basis is for the statement that Green Deal assessments are stimulating action on Gregory Barker: The saving on energy bills from installing heating and insulation measures will depend energy efficiency. [203338] on several factors including the particular measure, energy prices and household characteristics that affect Gregory Barker: DECC research has consistently shown their energy consumption. that around four fifths of households that had a Green Deal assessment have installed, were in the process or DECC has estimated that households can save from intended to install at least one measure. Research published around £25 to £270 or more per installation per year in March 2014, showed that 22% of households that from installing the main insulation measures. This is had an installation after a Green Deal assessment were based on estimated energy savings from an illustrative not thinking about installing that measure before they three bedroom semi-detached house. Further information had an assessment. For those households that installed on illustrative bill savings for different measures can be solid wall insulation, 70% of them were not thinking found in table 49 of the 2012 Final Green Deal and about installing it before they had a Green Deal assessment. ECO IA: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/42984/5533-final-stage-impact- Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for assessment-for-the-green-deal-a.pdf Energy and Climate Change what estimate his Department has made of the number of households that have paid Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for for a Green Deal assessment to date. [203370] Energy and Climate Change what consumer research his Department has commissioned on (a) the Green Gregory Barker: Previous DECC research has shown Deal and (b) the Energy Company Obligation since that around one in 10 households that have had a Green 2013. [203372] Deal assessment paid, at least in part, for it. However the latest DECC research, published in June 2014, Gregory Barker: As part of our evaluation of Green showed that 14% of households paid, at least in part, Deal and ECO we have commissioned a range of consumer towards an assessment. This research was carried out research, covering research into the customer journey with households that had an assessment between 1 January including people’s views, attitudes and experiences of and 30 March 2014 and shows that the number of the Green Deal and ECO journeys, the experience of households paying for an assessment increased. arranging assessments, actions and intentions after receipt of a Green Deal Advice Report and general public Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for awareness of the Green Deal. DECC has published the Energy and Climate Change how much his Department various outputs of this research on its website and will has spent on free Green Deal assessments for households continue to do so in line with the Government Social to date. [203371] Research publication guidance. 69W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 70W

Nuclear Power: China ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS Agriculture: Subsidies Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will publish all documentation relating to the nuclear power investment signed with the Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Prime Minister of China covering Chinese state companies Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) if he will on 17 June 2014; and if he will publish all subsequent estimate the effect on farmers in England of capping documentation. [202370] direct payments to farmers and initiating a 15% reduction on payments over £150,000 and a complete cap at Michael Fallon: On 17 June 2014, the UK and China payments of £300,000; [203135] signed the Joint Statement on Civil Nuclear Energy (2) what alternative proposals on the capping of Co-operation. DECC was also a co-signatory to the payments to farmers in England were considered beyond Memorandum of Understanding on Enhancing Co-operation the five per cent reduction for basic payments above in the Field of Civil Nuclear Industry Fuel Cycle Supply £150,000. [203134] Chain. Both documents are online at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/multimillion-boost-to- George Eustice: We put forward proposals for reductions uk-economy-as-china-and-uk-government-sign-civil-nuclear- of direct payments to farmers as part of our wider agreement-and-sign-agreement-to-deepen-cooperation-on- consultation on CAP reform in October 2013. The climate-change consultation included estimates for the amounts which would be transferred annually to Rural Development Renewable Energy: Heating programmes arising from reductions of 5% and 100% (i.e. capping); further analysis was included in the evidence Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for paper published alongside the consultation. These can Energy and Climate Change, with reference to the answer both be found at: of 3 February 2014, Official Report, columns 133-34W, https://consult.defra.gov.uk/agricultural-policy/cap- on renewable energy: heating, when he expects to publish consultation the data on the effect on electricity bills in households using heat pumps. [203441] We announced in December that reductions would be applied at 5% on amounts in excess of ¤150,000; Gregory Barker: In January this year, we published a however, we no longer take the view, contained in our preliminary report on the Renewable Heat Premium response to the consultation, that we have no power to Payment (RHPP) heat pump metering programme. This make further or alternative reductions at a higher threshold is available at: such as ¤300,000. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ Animal Welfare: Circuses attachment_data/file/276612/Preliminary_Report_on_the_ RHPP_metering_programme_2014-01-31.pdf This report presents data from more than 400 heat Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for pumps installed in domestic properties on a trial basis. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many times each circus licensed under the Welfare of Wild Animals Wind Power in Travelling Circuses (England) Regulations 2012 was inspected in (a) 2012, (b) 2013 and (c) 2014; and how Sammy Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for many animals of each species each circus is currently Energy and Climate Change how much has been paid licensed to hold. [203233] in constraint payments to wind reproducers in each of the last three years. [202973] George Eustice: The Welfare of Wild Animals in Travelling Circuses (England) Regulations 2012 came Michael Fallon: Constraint payments relating to England, into force in January 2013. Only two circuses have been Scotland and Wales are made by National Grid through licensed under the Regulations: Circus Mondao and competitive market arrangements in order to help ensure Jolly’s Circus. During 2013 there were three inspections the secure operation of the electricity system. National by a DEFRA appointed inspector of Circus Mondao Grid has advised that details of most individual constraint and four inspections by a DEFRA appointed inspector payments to wind farms are published at: of Jolly’s Circus. So far during 2014 there has been one www.elexon.co.uk such inspection of Circus Mondao and two such inspections of Jolly’s Circus. Further such inspections are planned and during 2014. Currently, Circus Mondao is licensed to www.bmreports.com use: two camels, two reindeer and a zebra. Jolly’s Circus and aggregated data on payments to wind farms are is licensed to use: an ankoli, a camel, a fox, two lions, a published in its “Monthly Balancing Services Summary”, racoon, four reindeer, three snakes, three tigers and two which is available at: zebra. www2.nationalgrid.com/UK/Industry-information/ Electricity-transmission-operational-data/Report-explorer/ Environment Protection: Seas and Oceans Services-Reports/ Energy policy in Northern Ireland is devolved to the Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Executive. The Department of Enterprise, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps he Trade and Investment Northern Ireland has advised plans to take to implement the recommendations in the that constraint payments are a commercial matter between Global Ocean Commission’s report, From Decline to the Single Electricity Market Operator (SEMO) and the Recovery: A Rescue Package for the Global Ocean. generator. [203414] 71W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 72W

George Eustice: The UK Government are already (2) what steps his Department is taking to encourage playing a key role in tackling a number of issues raised more people to become gamekeepers. [203212] in this report. For example, we are already pressing for an agreement under the UN Convention on the Law of George Eustice: DEFRA does not hold information the Sea on the conservation and sustainable use of on employment figures for gamekeepers. There is no biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, ensuring requirement for gamekeepers or employers of gamekeepers implementation of UN Resolution 61/105 on sustainable to report this information to DEFRA. fisheries, and promoting action to combat illegal fishing. It is for landowners and gamekeeping organisations We are also working with partner countries in OSPAR to encourage more people to become gamekeepers. on a range of environmental measures in the north-east However, DEFRA invests in a range of rural skills and Atlantic, including a regional action plan to address jobs through initiatives under the Rural Development marine litter. Programme for England. Flood Control: Lancashire Pay David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs with reference to Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Lancaster city council’s Local Plan for Lancaster District Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which organisations 2011-2031: Strategic Options for Land Allocations, what collect subscriptions through the employers’ payroll assessment his Department has made of the drainage service in his Department and its agencies. [203104] and flood prevention measures that would be required in respect of the 5,000 new homes in the rural area of Dan Rogerson: This response covers Core DEFRA, the Lune Valley that would be required under Option 5 Animal Health Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA), the Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture of that plan. [203505] Science (CEFAS), the Food and Environment Research Dan Rogerson: We have not made any specific assessment Agency (FERA), the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) as the drafting of a Local Plan is a matter for the local and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). council. DEFRA and its agencies allow the following Planning guidance is clear that infrastructure organisations to collect subscriptions through its payroll requirements must be considered by councils when making services: plans. AXA Sun Life (FERA only) Benenden Healthcare Society Food Supply Networks Review Birmingham Hosp Saturday Fund (AHVLA and RPA only) Charitable Giving Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State Charity for Civil Servants for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what his Civil Service Benevolent Fund Department’s response is to the recommendations of Civil Service Club the Elliott Review into the Integrity and Assurance of Civil Service Pension Scheme (inc stakeholder) Food Supply Networks. [203701] Civil Service Retirement Fellowship George Eustice: We are considering Professor Elliott’s Civil Service Sports Council interim report recommendations. We will respond to his Commercial Union Life Assurance final report, which is due to be published shortly. Customs and Excise Sports Club (core DEFRA only) Customs Fund Insurance (core DEFRA only) Food: Fraud Cyclescheme (FERA only) DEFRA Lottery Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State Department of Environment Recreational Association (core for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many DEFRA only) officials in his Department are currently working on Dimensions Fitness food authenticity. [202971] Fideliti George Eustice: Currently, 13 DEFRA officials work First Division Association wholly or partly on aspects of food authenticity. This Forester Health Plan Scheme includes work on food composition and standards, food General, Municipal and Boilermakers (AHVLA only) labelling and related science, including development of Give As You Earn (RPA and CEFAS only) methodologies for detecting food authenticity. DEFRA Halfords works closely with the Food Standards Agency which HAS Crown Plan and Individual (RPA only) has responsibility for surveillance and enforcement policy. Hospital Savings Association Land Registry Sports and Social (VMD only) Gamekeepers Leeds Hospital Fund (AHVLA only) Medicash Health Scheme (CEFAS and RPA only) Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) how many Minerva Sports and Social (VMD only) people have become gamekeepers in each of the last Prospect three years; and what the age group and gender is of all Public and Commercial Services Union registered gamekeepers; [203213] Simply Health (core DEFRA and FERA only) 73W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 74W

Sodexo (FERA only) The focus of the work of the Inter-departmental Sovereign Health Care (core DEFRA and FERA only) Group for the Valuation of Life and Health has been SSA Lottery (CEFAS only) methodological rather than upon specific measures of Sun Life Assurance Company value. It has focused upon the appropriate units for the measurement of impacts on life and health risks in Welsh Hospitals (AHVLA only) different circumstances, and the methodology to be Welsh Office Sports and Social Association (core DEFRA applied to valuation of those units in different contexts. only) Nevertheless, as a spur to the methodological investigation, an initial survey of monetary valuations of various Policy units of impact by different Departments and agencies, including case studies, was undertaken. This was conducted Mr O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for by the Institute of Transport Studies at the University Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what explicit of Leeds and compiled into a “Survey of the Value of monetary value his Department assigns to the value of Life/ Health used in Government Departments”, which preventing a fatality calculation during the process of has been placed in the Library. In addition, HSE and policy appraisal and evaluation. [203068] DFT have already placed in the Library their members’ responses to the ITS survey. Dan Rogerson: The Department uses the methodology most appropriate to the policy question; for example, Mr O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for whether the policy reduces the risk of a sudden loss of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what measures life or whether the policy increases life expectancy. of the value of life and health were included in the Air quality affects people’s health and their life evidence submitted as part of the Environment Agency’s expectancy. This is reflected in policy appraisal with a work with the Inter-departmental Group for the Valuation ‘lost life years’ methodology employing a value of £29,000 of Life and Health review in 2008; [203078] per year of lost life (in 2004 prices). This figure was (2) what measures of the value of life and health informed by a 2004 DEFRA report entitled Valuation were included in the evidence submitted as part of his of Health Benefits Associated with Reduction in Air Department’s work with the Inter-departmental Group Pollution available here for the Valuation of Life and Health review. [203076] http://archive.defra.gov.uk/environment/quality/air/airquality/ publications/healthbenefits/airpollution_reduction.pdf Dan Rogerson: The focus of the work of the Inter- The 2004 study did not directly give the £29,000 figure departmental Group for the Valuation of Life and but was instrumental in its adoption. Health has been methodological rather than upon specific Alternatively, appraisal of policy that prevents sudden measures of value. loss of life, such as those relating to flood risk, is The value of life and health measures submitted by supported by published DEFRA guidance on risk to the Department through discussions at the Inter- life of flooding which we provide a copy of. This departmental Group for the Valuation of Life and guidance refers to the Green Book which includes a Health review referred to DEFRA’s guidance on valuing value of preventing fatality of about £1.145 million (in risk to life from Flooding and the “lost life years” 2000 prices). This estimate is not appropriate in all estimate associated with reductions in air pollution. situations but represents a readily available value of A copy of the published DEFRA guidance has been changes in risks of fatalities. placed in the House Library. The methodology used by the Department is likely to The Environment Agency evidence to the Inter- evolve over time as new evidence is developed. departmental Group for the Valuation of Life and Documents provided: Health review was submitted in March 2008. It did not Defra, May 2008. Supplementary Note to Operating Authorities, include any measures of the value of life and health. It Assessing and Valuing the Risk to Life from Flooding for use in did refer to DEFRA guidance on valuing risk to life, Appraisal of Risk Management Measures. which was under preparation at the time of the review and published in May 2008. Valuation of Life and Health Inter-departmental Group A copy of the Environment Agency submission to the Review has been placed in the House Library. Mr O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what monetary Documents provided: thresholds were applied to the cost-per-quality adjusted Environment Agency, March 2008, response to the Inter-Departmental life year quoted in the evidence submitted as part of the Group for the Valuation of Life and Health Survey. Department’s work with the Inter-departmental Group Defra, May 2008. Supplementary Note to Operating Authorities, for the Valuation of Life and Health review in 2008; Assessing and Valuing the Risk to Life from Flooding for use in Appraisal of Risk Management Measures. [203066] (2) what monetary thresholds were applied to the cost-per-quality adjusted life year quoted in the evidence Water Charges submitted as part of the Environment Agency’s work with the Inter-departmental Group for the Valuation of Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Life and Health review in 2008. [203067] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what guidance he has produced on how his Department, OFWAT and Dan Rogerson: I refer the right hon. Member to the water companies should monitor and assess affordability reply given on 1 July 2014, Official Report, columns for consumers when carrying out their functions; 533-34W. [203320] 75W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 76W

(2) if he will publish all work undertaken by his George Eustice: The EU Wild Birds Directive provides Department to (a) define what is affordable for consumers a strong framework for the protection of birds in Europe. to pay to the water industry and (b) assess whether This includes migratory species, both on land and at charges made by the water industry to consumers are sea. affordable; [203253] The developers of major infrastructure projects such (3) what work his Department has done to assess the as offshore wind farms are required to assess their long-term effect of investment and pricing decisions impacts on the environment, including birdlife, and made by (a) his Department, (b) OFWAT and (c) mitigate or compensate for impacts that cannot be water companies on affordability for consumers; and if avoided. The results of these assessments are considered he will publish all such work. [203319] by the relevant decision makers in determining applications for development consent for such projects in accordance Dan Rogerson: As the independent economic regulator with their legal obligations. for the water sector, it is OFWAT’s duty to review water prices every five years. This includes assessing the investment and pricing proposals included in water company business plans before setting limits on what companies can charge JUSTICE their customers. Most company business plans are proposing flat or declining customer bills from 2015. Community Rehabilitation Companies OFWAT has a rolling programme of activity to keep under review issues relating to affordability and it publishes Jenny Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for analysis in this area. OFWAT is guided in its work by Justice when community rehabilitation companies are DEFRA’s Strategic Policy Statement, published in May planned to begin providing post-release supervision to 2013, which sets out the policy framework within which offenders serving sentences of under 12 months in the water regulator must operate and it identifies tackling prison. [203845] affordability pressures as a key priority. OFWAT is required to monitor the action taken by water companies Jeremy Wright: We are opening up delivery of probation to help customers who struggle to afford their bills and services to a diverse range of new organisations in order report on this to the Secretary of State annually. to tackle repeat reoffending which blights our communities. As part of our reforms, we will extend post-release The Government have published guidance to water supervision to offenders released from custodial sentences companies on the introduction of social tariffs, to assist of less than 12 months. We plan to commence the them in providing support to customers at risk of relevant provisions of the Offender Rehabilitation Act affordability problems. The Government encourage water 2014 at the point when ownership of the new Community companies to introduce social tariffs to help vulnerable Rehabilitation Companies (CRCs) transfers to successful customers, taking account of local circumstances, needs bidders. We will do this in line with the Government’s and views. commitment to roll out these important reforms by DEFRA is currently working with OFWAT and the 2015. Environment Agency to assess the long-term affordability of water bills. This work will incorporate the outcomes Courts: Children of OFWAT’s current review of water prices, which concludes in December 2014, and will report in 2015. Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what assessment she has made of the Wildlife: Imports implications for her policies of the NSPCC’s “Order in Court” campaign seeking changes to the way the Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for criminal justice system treats children. [203700] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what guidance his Department gives UK nationals on purchasing or Damian Green: This question was previously raised acquiring (a) abalone, (b) coral, (c) conch, (d) shark under reference number 202662 for answer on Wednesday fin, (e) sea turtle meat or shells, (f) bushmeat, (g) 2 July 2014. A response has therefore been provided ivory and (h) rhino horn when overseas. [203473] under Hansard reference 670W. George Eustice: The trade in endangered animal and Driving: Licensing plant species, and their import and export, is controlled by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Mr Ward: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Species of wild fauna and flora (CITES). what guidance he gives to the courts on the Guidance on the provisions of CITES are published disqualification of drivers who have accumulated over on GOV.UK at: 12 points on their driving licence. [203203] www.gov.uk/cites-controls-import-and-export-of-protected- species Jeremy Wright: The vast majority of drivers who get 12 or more penalty points are fined and disqualified Wind Power: Birds from driving. Under Section 35 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988, disqualification for a minimum of Mr Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, six months must be ordered if an offender incurs 12 Food and Rural Affairs what the Government’s policy penalty points or more within a three-year period, is on protecting migratory birds from the effects of unless the court finds that the period of the totting up offshore wind turbines; and if he will make a statement. disqualification should be reduced or avoided for exceptional [203543] hardship or other mitigating circumstances. The minimum 77W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 78W period may be automatically increased if the offender Homicide has been disqualified within the preceding three years. The Secretary of State for Justice does not issue Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice guidance to courts on the exercise of this discretion. how many applications for legal aid were made in cases The Sentencing Council, which operates independently relating to homicide in each of the last three years; and of Government, issues guidelines to the courts on how many of those applications were successful. sentencing; its “Magistrates Courts Sentencing Guidelines” [203661] deal with totting up disqualification. These guidelines state: Mr Vara: The Legal Aid Agency does not record on “The period of a totting up disqualification can be reduced or its IT systems whether applications for civil legal aid avoided for exceptional hardship or other mitigating circumstances. were made in cases relating to homicide. There is no No account is to be taken of hardship that is not exceptional legal or business requirement for the agency to record hardship or circumstances alleged to make the offence not serious. this information. In the consideration of civil legal aid Any circumstances taken in account in the preceding three years eligibility, the agency assesses a person’s overall financial to reduce or avoid a totting disqualification must be disregarded.” circumstances. It is made clear in the guidelines that magistrates should The Legal Aid Agency’s IT system that is used to consult their legal advisor for further guidance on record applications for criminal legal aid does not record exceptional hardship applications. an offence type of ‘homicide’. The Government are committed to ensuring that penalties reflect the seriousness and culpability of offending Homicide: Victim Support Schemes behaviour and want to ensure that we are doing everything we can to keep our roads safe. This is why we have Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice brought forward Government amendments in the Courts which peer support groups were included in the successful and Criminal Justice Bill specifically to deal with disqualified bid by Victim Support to deliver the National Homicide drivers who cause death or serious injury: to increase Service from 1 October 2014; and what value of grant the maximum penalty for disqualified drivers who cause has been awarded to each such organisation. [203469] death, from two to 10 years’imprisonment; and introducing a new offence of causing serious injury by driving while Damian Green: Peer support groups that were included disqualified, with a maximum penalty of four years within Victim Support’s successful bid to operate the imprisonment. new National Homicide Service from 1 October 2014 We have also announced our intention to launch a were Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse, Child full review of driving offences and penalties, to ensure Bereavement UK, and The Jimmy Mizen Foundation people who endanger lives and public safety are properly (Families United). punished. The Ministry of Justice has awarded a grant to Victim Support in order to deliver a range of support based on need, including peer support and advocacy. It Educational Testing Service is for Victim Support, in discussion with the peer support and other organisations it will be working with to deliver the service, to develop the operational detail of Mr Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how the different components of the new service deploy what current contracts (a) his Department and (b) to best meet needs, consistent with the grant agreement each of his Department’s executive agencies or non- and delivering the best outcomes for families bereaved departmental public bodies hold with the Educational by homicide. Victim Support is currently in negotiations Testing Service or any of that organisation’s subsidiaries. with groups to establish the details and value of their [202173] contributions within the grant, and this will be closely monitored by the Ministry of Justice. Mr Vara: There are no current contracts held with the Educational Testing Service or any of that organisation’s Jimmy Savile subsidiaries by the Department or any of the Department’s executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies. Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will revise his decision to redact documents relating to Jimmy Savile in the PREM 19/878 file in the Fraud National Archives. [203322] Simon Hughes: The majority of the information in Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for the file has been disclosed. An application for closed Justice how many people were convicted for providing information in the file is currently subject to a pending courts with false information on means forms in (a) appeal in the first-tier tribunal. Therefore the Government 2011, (b) 2012 and (c) 2013. [202483] cannot comment further in these circumstances.

Damian Green: The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) rightly Legal Aid Scheme has a zero tolerance approach to fraud and works in partnership with the law enforcement agencies to support Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for prosecution where appropriate. According to internal Justice what assessment he has made of the compatibility management information there were six convictions for of the residence test for civil legal aid with article 16 of fraud against the agency in 2011-12, one in 2012-13 and the 1954 Convention on the Status of Stateless Persons. one in 2013-14. [203474] 79W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 80W

Mr Vara: We believe that in principle, individuals should I have taken the opportunity to engage directly with have a strong connection to the UK in order to benefit mediation and legal practitioners about the issues facing from the civil legal aid scheme. We therefore intend to them at the moment. I have hosted a webchat for people introduce a residence test for civil legal aid requiring to come forward and offer ideas to encourage people to applicants to be lawfully resident in the UK, Crown use family mediation and launched an online tool called dependencies or British overseas territories at the time Dialogue where people can post their ideas. they apply for civil legal aid and to have resided there I have hosted two roundtable meetings to discuss lawfully for at least 12 continuous months in the past. increasing the take-up of family mediation with key We are satisfied that the residence test is fully compatible figures in the mediation profession. The ideas from with our domestic and international legal obligations, these events were considered by the Family Mediation including the 1954 Convention on the Status of Stateless Task Force, which was chaired by David Norgrove. The Persons. ‘Report of the Family Mediation Task Force’ has been published on the mediation Dialogue webpage at: Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for http://bit.ly/1o7roWW Justice how many people resident in (a) Coventry, (b) The report makes recommendations about increasing the west midlands and (c) England received an award the uptake of family mediation. The Government will of legal aid in each of the last five years. [203597] respond in due course. Mr Vara: The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) does not New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 record the number of people who receive legal aid. Instead it records the number of ‘acts of assistance’. Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State One individual may receive a number of separate acts of for Justice how many (a) prosecutions and (b) convictions assistance, and one act of assistance can help more than there have been in relation to offences under section 57 one person. of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991. [203464] With regard to the breakdowns requested for Coventry, the west midlands and England, the LAA cannot separately Jeremy Wright: I refer the right hon. Gentleman to identify legal aid cases by the location of the person the answer given by the Under-Secretary of State for receiving legal aid. Applicant postcodes are not Justice, my hon. Friend the Member for North West systematically recorded against legal aid cases. Cambridgeshire (Mr Vara), on 1 July 2014, Official Report, column 561W. Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what estimate he has made of the savings from a Prison Service residence test for claimants of legal aid. [203695] Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Mr Vara: The Government do not currently record how many people are currently employed in prisons to the residency status of applicants for civil legal aid so calculate the release date of prisoners. [202788] cannot accurately estimate the amount of funding currently received by those who would not satisfy the residence Jeremy Wright: The number of staff employed in test. However, there is likely to be a reduction in legal prisons specifically for the purpose of calculating release aid volumes and expenditure from imposing a residence dates for prisoners is not held on central systems. To test on civil legal aid, resulting in savings to the legal aid obtain the information would involve collecting data fund. from every establishment, which would entail We have been clear that the introduction of the disproportionate cost. residence test supports the principle that legal aid should be available to only those who have a strong connection Jenny Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for to this country. This is fair to the taxpayer who pays for Justice what the ratio of prison officers to prisoners was it and will help to restore credibility to our legal aid system. in (a) HM Prison Swansea, (b) HM Prison Lincoln, (c) HM Prison Preston, (d) HM Prison Leicester, (e) Mediation HM Prison Exeter, (f) HM Prison Wandsworth, (g) HM Prison Kennet, (h) HM Prison Bedford, (i) HM Prison Cardiff and (j) HM Prison Doncaster in each Mr Bradshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for year between 2010 and 2013. [203159] Justice what steps the Government are taking to reverse the fall in take-up of family mediation for separating Jeremy Wright: I refer the hon. Lady to the reply and divorcing couples. [203498] given to the right hon. Member for Tooting (Sadiq Khan), on 4 March 2014, Official Report, column 805W. Simon Hughes: We have changed the law to require people to consider mediation before applying to the Prisoners: Domestic Violence family court. This will encourage people to resolve their issues through mediation rather than court, where Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice appropriate. with reference to the answer of 28 February 2014, We are delivering a wide-ranging programme of activity Official Report, column 548W, on prisoners: females, to improve public awareness about family mediation what programmes and interventions are provided to and to make sure that advice agencies are providing the male victims of domestic violence in prison; in which right information about it. This includes being very men’s prisons such programmes and interventions are clear that legal aid is still available for mediation and for available; how much central Government funding has legal support for mediation. been made available to such programmes and interventions 81W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 82W in (a) 2013-14 and (b) 2014-15; which domestic violence In particular, for offenders with personality disorder programmes and interventions will be delivered in which who are being treated in therapeutic communities, emerging prisons in 2014-15. [202016] signs of domestic violence victimhood will be addressed as part of these treatments. Jeremy Wright: Offenders’ needs are assessed using OASys and the outcome informs the sentence plan, As part of our Transforming Rehabilitation reforms, which helps to determine the appropriate establishment all prisoners will receive a resettlement service from (within the correct security category). Community Rehabilitation Companies; the resettlement service will include specialist services to meet the needs All prisoners who have been victims of domestic of victims of domestic abuse. violence, rape, or abuse have access, as required, to appropriate support throughout custody as part of the A number of prisons also provide counselling services National Offender Management Service (NOMS) core for prisoners. rehabilitative offer. This service provision is articulated in the NOMS Rehabilitation Services (Custody) Specification.

Name of Intervention Prison Intervention Aim

Counselling Support HMP Onley Safe Line-Counselling for Prisoners who have been sexually abused or raped, and those with an underlying issue that causes them anxiety - improving psychological and emotional wellbeing and functioning. Counselling Support HMP Stocken Individual counselling sessions (maximum 8) to address issues such as mild anxiety and depression, child abuse and other forms of abuse, coping deficits and bereavement. Domestic Violence - Sexual & Domestic Abuse HMYOI Thorn Cross Counselling Support for victims of sexual and domestic Counselling abuse - Support services for sex workers/victims of domestic abuse and sexual abuse. Sexual Abuse Counselling HMP Leyhill Kinergy provides confidential emotional support, available at any time, to those who may have suffered sexual abuse. Sexual Abuse Counselling HMP Kirklevington Grange JIGSAW Support Network for the Sexually Abused - Counselling for those who have been sexually abused. Counselling Support HMP Lowdham Grange Provision of appropriate support for those assessed as suitable. Referrals must be made through staff and highlight specific needs. Counselling Support HMP The Verne Citadel Counselling - Counselling Service, two certificated counsellors. Counselling Support HMP Springhill Person-centred Counselling one-to-one. To support men in examining personal issues. Run by volunteers. Counselling Support HMP Winchester To help prisoners cope with personal difficulties and make appropriate decisions for their future lives. Counselling Support HMP Mount (The) Togive men the facility to address issues in a one-to-one context. These may be personal (eg bereavement) or offending (eg guilt linked with their crime). Counselling Support HMP/YOI Forest Bank To improve emotional wellbeing in a secure and confidential setting and to assist prisoners in being able to achieve a more fulfilling lifestyle. Counselling Support HMP Risley Aims to provide counselling and to help prisoners understand themselves better, providing them with support and guidance should they choose to make any difficult decisions or changes in their lives. Counselling Support HMP Manchester To provide a full range of counselling services. Counselling Support HMP Rye Hill To give one-to-one counselling to offender to assist them in dealing with their problems. Counselling Support HMP Whatton To work with a counsellor to identify ways prisoners can increase their ability to cope with depression, anxiety, panic disorder, stress management, post- traumatic stress disorder, obsessional compulsive disorder, relationship work self-esteem raising, phobia etc. Counselling Support HMP Stocken Individual counselling sessions (maximum 8) to address issues such as mild anxiety and depression, child abuse and other forms of abuse, coping deficits and bereavement for example. Counselling Support HMP Springhill Confidential counselling service to help clients gain insight and understanding into their problems. Counselling Support HMPYOI Feltham Hounslow Youth Counselling Service (HYCS)- Counselling to provide confidential one-to-one counselling to prisoners.

There are 13 Therapeutic Communities within four Warren Hill) which address the interpersonal problems, male prisons (HMPs Dovegate, Gartree, Grendon and attitudes, thinking and emotions of offenders and aim 83W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 84W to engage in treatment those who also have additional incidents referred to the police for prosecution. It is emotional and psychological needs. These services are working closely with the police and CPS to develop a trauma-focused and are designed to respond to abuse new joint protocol to report crimes in prison—this where it is relevant to individuals. includes pushing for prosecutions when prison staff are There are also specialist personality disorder services attacked. at HMP Whitemoor and HMP Frankland (since 2005-06), The number of assaults on staff in prison custody is and new treatment services opening at HMPs Garth published in Table 4 of the Safety in Custody Statistics and Swaleside this financial year 2014-15. These new bulletin which can be found at services are part of a wider personality disorder pathway http://www.gov.uk/government/collections/safety-in-custody- approach which is being implemented with support statistics from the NHS at a number of prisons. It is not possible to identify separately the costs Prisons: Offensive Weapons associated with these specific interventions and treatments as they are often integrated into the wider cost structure Jenny Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for of the therapeutic community and personality disorder Justice (1) how many incidents were recorded of knives services and also with the wider costs of operating or other weapons being confiscated by staff in each prisons. prison in England and Wales in each year between 2011 and 2013; [203140] Prisoners: Per Capita Costs (2) how many inmates in each prison in England and Wales have been found in possession of knives or other Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice weapons in each year between 2011 and 2013. [203141] what the marginal cost was of one extra prisoner being accommodated in each prison in England and Wales Jeremy Wright: Prisons deploy a comprehensive range when each prison is functioning at its operational capacity of robust searching and security techniques to detect, in the latest period for which figures are available. deter and disrupt the supply of unauthorised items, [202797] including weapons, both at the point of entry to the prison or concealed within the prison. Jeremy Wright: The National Offender Management The number of incidents recorded of knives or other Service (NOMS) does not have information on the weapons being confiscated by staff, and how many marginal cost of a prisoner for each prison. The calculation prisoners have been found in possession of knives or of a marginal cost would normally apply where a permanent other weapons, in each prison in England and Wales in change to a prison’s operational capacity is taking each year between 2011 and 2013 is recorded on a place. central incident reporting system, but not in a discrete Prisons are not expected to operate above their category. In order to establish the number of recorded operational capacity, and ensuring that this capacity is confiscations or possessions for the period in question set to reflect the provision of safe and decent would require the interrogation of over 30,000 individual accommodation and the operation of suitable regimes electronic incident files. This could be achieved only at ensures that levels of crowding in prisons are carefully disproportionate cost. managed. Sensible measures have been taken to ensure that we Prisons: Sexual Offences have sufficient capacity to deal with any temporary increases in population. These include creating additional places in prisons in a safe and decent way and ensuring Jenny Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for that prisons reflect the needs of the current population. Justice what training prison officers receive to enable Any short-term increases in capacity will only be those them to detect incidents of sexual assault inside prison. sites where additional prisoners can be safely and decently [203841] accommodated and where a senior prison manager has certified that the additional prisoners will be held in Jeremy Wright: During their initial training, prison safe, secure and decent accommodation. officers learn how to identify and respond to a prisoner We will end this Parliament with more adult male exhibiting signs of distress or a change in their normal prison places than we inherited, more hours of work in behaviour. Prison staff also receive training in assessing prisons than we inherited, more education for young and managing offenders’ risk of harm, including the detainees than we inherited and a more modern, cost- risk of harm from others. effective prison estate than we inherited. Officers receive training about prevention of violence in prisons and to complement this, specific training Prisons: Crimes of Violence about sexual violence will be included in the revised Prison Officer Entry Level Training (POELT) course which will be introduced from January 2015. Jenny Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what was the average number of assaults on prison staff recorded in prisons in England and Wales Roads: Accidents was in each year from 2010 to 2013. [203160] Dan Byles: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Jeremy Wright: NOMS takes the issue of assaults how many coroners’ inquests have been held into the very seriously. It currently has systems in place to deal death of a child below the age of four as a result of with perpetrators quickly and robustly, with serious being a passenger in a road traffic accident in each of 85W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 86W the last five years; in how many of those cases the Sexual Offences: Greater Manchester inquest found that a faulty child’s car seat was a contributory factor; and in how many of those cases the inquest Ann Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice found that an incorrectly fitted child’s car seat was a how many offences with code (a) 21, (b) 22, (c) 23, contributory factor. [203091] (d) 71, (e) 72, (f) 73, (g) 74, (h) 17Z, (i) 17B, (j) 19C, (k) 19D, (l) 19E, (m) 19H, (o) 20A, (p) 20B, (q) 22B and (r) 88A under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 Simon Hughes: The Ministry of Justice collects data were brought to trial in Greater Manchester in each from coroners for the annual Coroners Statistics bulletin, year since 2008; how many of these resulted in convictions which is available at: under each category; and what the conviction rate was in Greater Manchester in that period. [203064] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coroners- statistics-2013 Jeremy Wright: The Government take very seriously all matters relating to the sexual abuse of children and The statistical information is collected in summary adults. Our laws in these areas are rightly robust and form, which does not include data at the level of detail clear. requested. The Sexual Offences Act 2003 provides tough measures Coroners are independent judicial office holders, to deal with these truly abhorrent crimes. We have also appointed by a local authority within the coroner area, already introduced automatic life sentences for a second and are not employed by the Ministry of Justice. serious sexual or violent offence, and we have announced plans to end automatic early release for child rapists, To provide the information requested would require terrorists and all dangerous offenders. the Ministry of Justice to ask coroners in England and The number of defendants proceeded against and Wales to examine their records for over 5,000 inquests found guilty at all courts in Greater Manchester police to extract the information and provide a summary force area, for selected sexual offences from 2008 to report to the centre. As such, this information is available 2013 (latest data available) together with the conviction only at disproportionate cost. ratio can be viewed in table 1 and table 2.

Table 1: Defendants proceeded against at magistrates court in Greater Manchester police force area, for selected sexual offences, 2008 to 20131, 2 Offence code Offence description 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

17b Sexual Assault on a Male Child under 13 7 13 7 11 9 4 17a Sexual Assault on a Male 11 8 13 8 15 12 19d Rape of a Female Child under 16 63 48 66 76 43 70 19c Rape of a Female aged 16 and over 93 110 105 112 136 115 19e Rape of a Female Child under 13 10 27 40 18 20 29 19h Rape of a Male Child under 13 2 16 7 5 1 4 20a Sexual Assault on a Female aged 13 and over 112 121 173 188 172 152 20b Sexual Assault on a Female Child under 13 34 85 82 72 72 89 21 Sexual Activity involving a Child under 13 17 20 26 25 32 33 223 Causing or inciting Sexual Activity 14 15 10 25 7 21 22b4 Sexual Activity involving a Child under 16 27 44 47 42 49 52 23 Incest or Familial Sexual Offences 747959 71 Abuse of Children through Prostitution and 433319 Pornography 72 Trafficking for Sexual Exploitation 9 5 5—10 73 Abuse of Position of Trust of a Sexual Nature 111002 74 Gross Indecency with Children 8 5— 5—053 88a Sexual Grooming 4 5 10 6 6 7 Total 423 525 597 601 573 611 1 The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with.Whena defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed fortwoor more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. 2 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. 3 Includes the following sections under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, sections 4, 10, 11, 12 4 Includes the following sections under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, sections 9 5 Nil Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice Table 2: Offenders found guilty at all courts in Greater Manchester police force area, for selected sexual offences, 2008 to 20131, 2 Offence code Offence description 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

17b Sexual Assault on a Male Child under 13 465977 17a Sexual Assault on a Male 766644 19d Rape of a Female Child under 16 21 27 16 34 24 18 19c Rape of a Female aged 16 and over 38 36 33 38 42 41 19e Rape of a Female Child under 13 7 8 16 12 14 13 19h Rape of a Male Child under 13 5 3 10 1 1 1 20a Sexual Assault on a Female aged 13 and over 47 58 77 101 105 90 87W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 88W

Table 2: Offenders found guilty at all courts in Greater Manchester police force area, for selected sexual offences, 2008 to 20131, 2 Offence code Offence description 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

20b Sexual Assault on a Female Child under 13 28 15 33 20 33 34 21 Sexual Activity involving a Child under 13 15 4 16 17 14 8 22 (3) Causing or inciting Sexual Activity 8 9 10 12 20 8 22b (4) Sexual Activity involving a Child under 16 34 36 44 36 45 41 23 Incest or Familial Sexual Offences 473744 71 Abuse of Children through Prostitution and 152317 Pornography 72 Trafficking for Sexual Exploitation 5 7 5—11 73 Abuse of Position of Trust of a Sexual Nature 1 5—21 74 Gross Indecency with Children 6 2 11 4 3 5 88a Sexual Grooming 4 1 10 4 6 9

Total 235 230 292 307 324 291

Conviction ratio 55.5 43.8 48.9 51.0 56.5 47.6 1 The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with.Whena defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed fortwoor more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. 2 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. 3 Includes the following sections under the Sexual Offences Act 2003: sections 4, 10, 11, 12 4 Includes the following sections under the Sexual Offences Act 2003: section 9 5 Nil Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice

Wills differences between regulated and unregulated will providers, and related protections and redress routes. Mark Tami: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Witnesses: Children with reference to the Decision Notice of 14 May 2013 on the extension of the reserved legal activities, (1) what steps he is taking to educate consumers on (a) the Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice different types of providers, (b) their respective pursuant to the answer of 1 July 2014, Official Report, protections and (c) options for redress; [202956] column 580W, on evidence in court, for what reason HM Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS) does not (2) what new guidance he has issued on will writing hold data on the number of child witnesses summoned for the legal profession; [202957] to give evidence in court; and if he will request (3) what discussions he has had with the will writing HMCTS to do so in future. [203723] industry on strengthening existing regulation of authorised persons in this area. [202958] Damian Green: HMCTS uses information about witnesses in criminal cases to ensure that individual Mr Vara: In the Lord Chancellor’s Decision Notice trials are managed effectively. It has not been necessary of 14 May 2013, as well as confirming that he had to collate or retain this information after a trial has decided not to make will writing a reserved legal activity, been completed. HMCTS is reviewing how it may capture he indicated that further efforts should be made to see if those data in future. alternatives to regulation could be made more effective in improving standards in relation to will writing. Youth Custody Since then, the Legal Services Board (LSB) has taken a number of steps, with the intention of encouraging Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice and supporting measures to improve standards, in both how he will enforce his lights out policy for young the regulated and unregulated legal service sectors. offenders currently accommodated in adult prisons. [203205] In relation to the regulated sector, the LSB has written to the approved regulators, to encourage them to take Jeremy Wright: There are currently no offenders under steps to address concerns about the quality of will 18 years old being accommodated in adult prisons. writing by authorised persons. In May 2014, the Solicitors Regulation Authority issued guidance for solicitors on Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice will writing. what time will be set in his lights out policy for young In relation to the unregulated sector, the LSB convened offenders; and what evidence was used to select that a roundtable with industry stakeholders, including leading time. [203206] will writing trade bodies, in January 2014, to explore ways to improve the coverage and effectiveness of voluntary Jeremy Wright: We are committed to reforming the schemes and codes. At this roundtable, the LSB and youth secure estate. That includes improving the existing stakeholders also discussed how to improve consumer regime, within existing establishments, alongside our information, to better educate consumers about the plans for Secure Colleges. Introducing a latest bedtime 89W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 90W of 10.30pm in public Under-18 YoungOffender Institutions The annual Joint Ministerial Council hosted in London is a sensible measure to ensure young people have a by the FCO is also a forum for elected representatives routine that will enable them to engage effectively in the from the islands to raise any concerns about governance regime. with UK Ministers. In developing this standardised bedtime for young people in Under-18 Young Offender Institutions, we Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State have undertaken consultation with a number of staff in for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make those Under-18 YOIs to ensure that this measure will an assessment of the implementation of the Saint Helena, assist in providing young people with structure and Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Constitution Order consistency. 2009 and of the efficacy of that Order in securing democratic representation and human rights in that territory. [203448]

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE Mark Simmonds: The St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Constitution Order 2009 is functioning well, Bahrain serving as a sound foundation for the development of democratic process and providing comprehensive terms Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for the protection of human rights. Well-run general for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what elections were held in St Helena and Ascension Island representations he has received about the in 2013. On Tristan da Cunha, also in 2013, a new imprisonment of the Bahrain 13; [203694] Island Council was formed. There were eight candidates (2) what reports he has received about the reasons for nominated for the eight seats so an election was not the imprisonment of the Bahrain 13; [203713] necessary. Three councillors were also appointed, in (3) if he will raise with his Bahraini counterpart the keeping with the Constitution. release of the Bahrain 13. [203714] Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Hugh Robertson: The Government welcomed the decision for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make to review these cases in a civilian court and to drop all an assessment of recent trends in (a) the cost of living charges relating to freedom of expression in 2012, but and (b) living standards in Saint Helena, Ascension we understand that other serious charges against the and Tristan da Cunha. [203449] individuals remain. At the time that these individuals were originally convicted, reports acknowledged by the Mark Simmonds: Managing the cost of living and Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry suggested living standards is largely a matter for the locally elected that some defendants had been abused in detention, government with HMG providing support as may be denied access to legal counsel and coerced into confessing. appropriate. We continue to encourage the Government of Bahrain As St Helena moves towards the opening of its to meet all their human rights obligations and guarantee airport, the island has seen a number of positive their citizens the fundamental liberties to which they developments. Incomes have increased significantly over are entitled. the last two years and unemployment is low. Ascension Island’s special status means that those living there British Overseas Territories must be employed. The standard of living is good with satisfactory education and health services. Employees Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State receive a competitive housing, salary and allowances for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent package. Although Tristan da Cunha is not in receipt of assessment his Department has made of the budgetary aid, HMG provides support in training, health, governance of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da education and infrastructure to help improve living Cunha. [203446] standards.

Mark Simmonds: Governance is continuously monitored Bulgaria by the FCO through frequent dialogue with the Governor, administrators, senior island government officials, NGOs Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for and others. FCO and DFID officials also periodically Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions visit the islands to inform their assessments. The FCO he has had with his EU counterparts on recent and Governor also meet a variety of stakeholders from difficulties facing Bulgarian banks. [203190] all the islands to listen to their views. Mr Lidington: Government Ministers have not had Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State discussions with other EU member states on the recent for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent events involving some Bulgarian banks. We understand representations he has received expressing concern that the Bulgarian authorities are conducting internal about the governance of Saint Helena, Ascension and investigations on the activity of one bank. Tristan da Cunha. [203447] Burma Mark Simmonds: Individual complaints or allegations may be raised from time to time, relating to governance Mr Burrowes: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign issues. Whenever such representations are received, they and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has raised the are taken very seriously, are properly investigated and jailing of journalist Zaw Pe with the Government of dealt with as necessary. Burma. [203270] 91W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 92W

Mr Swire: Our ambassador has discussed the case of The British Government are one of the most vocal Zaw Pe, and those of other arrested journalists, with the and active members of the international community in Burmese Deputy Minister of Information Ye Htut, supporting those calling for human rights and democracy raising our concerns and encouraging the Government in Burma. We will continue to urge the Burmese to ensure a safe environment for journalists to conduct Government to take action to protect the lives and their work. The cases of Zaw Pe and many other rights of Rohingya, and to address the underlying causes individuals were also raised during the first EU-Burma of ethnic and religious discrimination and violence. Human Rights Dialogue in May. Central African Republic Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what projects his Department is supporting to promote free media in Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Burma. [203279] Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 24 June 2014, Official Report, column 201W, Mr Swire: On 7 May, the British ambassador hosted on the Central African Republic, how much funding a reception for members of the Burmese media to mark the UK will allocate to the deployment of the team of World Press Freedom Day.He welcomed widening freedom experts to the Central African Republic to investigate for media to operate in the country in the past few sexual violence abuses; how many specialists will be years, but expressed our serious concerns over the detention deployed from the UK; when the team of experts will of several journalists in recent months. be deployed; and if he will make a statement. [202856] The UK also funds several projects to support the development and professionalisation of the media in Mark Simmonds: The UK is providing £279,000 to Burma. For example, the Foreign and Commonwealth the African Union (AU) to support the deployment of a Office is funding a project that promotes responsible multidisciplinary team of African experts, including media coverage of religious freedom and conflict. Through medical doctors, psychologists, lawyers and police officers. the Department for International Development we provide The programme will be managed by the AU Mission in a global grant to BBC Media Action, which supports the Central African Republic, MISCA, through Medecins work in Burma, such as training for local journalists D’Afrique, a Pan-African NGO with expertise in emergency and the launch of new programmes featuring opposition response. The programme is designed to build African voices and the views of ordinary Burmese people. Through capacity to tackle conflict-related sexual violence, and the British Council, we have funded workshops for the UK is not providing any experts as part of the photographers and filmmakers, and supported weekly deployment. The team will track and report on allegations radio broadcasts reaching millions of listeners across of sexual violence, for further action by the AU Commission the country. and African Governments. We expect the team to deploy Through the EU, the UK also funds two projects shortly. providing training and capacity building for members of the Burmese media, especially those reporting on the Counter-terrorism peace process and democratic reforms. Supported activities include roundtable discussions between media, government Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State and civil society; training of young journalists; courses for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the in investigative reporting; and training for civil society answer of 26 June 2014, Official Report, column 256W, organisations. on counter-terrorism, which activities have ceased as a result of the reduction in the Counter-Terrorism Prevention Gavin Shuker: To ask the Secretary of State for Fund budget. [203492] Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department has made of recent trends in the level Mr Hague: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office of use of forced labour in Chin state, Burma. [203422] does not release details of specific activities funded by Mr Swire: The Burmese Government have taken the Counter-Terrorism Programme Fund (CTPF), for welcome steps towards the elimination of forced labour, operational and security reasons. as noted in the Resolution adopted at the UN Human Rights Council in March this year. However, we recognise Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State that forced labour continues to be a problem in Chin for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to State and elsewhere in Burma. We urge the Government the answer of 26 June 2014, Official Report, column to continue their co-operation with the UN and 256W, on counter-terrorism, by how much the International Labour Organisation to ensure this practice Counter-Terrorism Prevention Fund has been reduced is eliminated once and for all. over what period. [203493]

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Hague: The Counter Terrorism Programme Fund Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he (CTPF) budget has been: has received of the imprisonment of ethnic Rohingya people for getting married. [203632] £ million Mr Swire: We have not received any specific reports 2010-11 38 of Rohingya people being imprisoned for getting married. 2011-12 38 However, we remain deeply concerned about the situation 2012-13 36 of the Rohingya, including in relation to discriminatory 2013-14 30 marriage practices reported in Rakhine State. 93W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 94W

This reflects the redirection of Foreign and Iraq Commonwealth (FCO) resources and the shift of some programmes to other Government Departments. The Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for CTPF is only one element of the FCO’s resources for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is countering terrorism. It is complemented by other budgets taking to assist the Government of Iraq in tackling the used for counter-terrorism related activities and the threat posed by ISIS. [203188] tri-departmental (FCO, Department for International Development and Ministry of Defence) Conflict Pool Hugh Robertson: We support the Iraqi Government (ref WMS of 24 June). The FCO Strategic Programme in their fight against terrorism. We are taking action in Fund Allocation for 2014-15 will be announced shortly. three areas: promoting political unity among those who support a democratic Iraqi state and regional stability, offering assistance where appropriate, and alleviating Gibraltar humanitarian suffering. Tackling the threat from foreign extremists currently Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for operating as part of Islamic State of Iraq and the Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has Levant (ISIL) is a priority. taken to ensure that businesses choosing to operate in We have pledged £5 million in direct support to Iraq. Gibraltar are able to do so as easily as possible. This includes funding for food and basic shelter to [203191] those affected by the crisis, clean water and sanitation, essential medicine, hygiene kits and basic household Mr Lidington: Business and economic matters are items, and protection for vulnerable girls and women within the constitutional competence of HM Government through the deployment of dedicated UN safety and of Gibraltar. Gibraltar provides a professional infrastructure welfare teams in key internally displaced person/refugee that is compliant with European standards of regulation. camp sites and areas. The numerous international businesses already based in Lesotho Gibraltar are testament to this. Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions made of the current political situation in Lesotho. he has had with the Chief Minister of Gibraltar in [203738] relation to a change in law enabling British citizens to become Gibraltarians after 10 years of residence in Mark Simmonds: Through our high commission in Gibraltar. [203192] South Africa, which covers our relations with Lesotho, we are closely monitoring the political situation in the Mr Lidington: Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar country following the decision on 10 June by Lesotho’s have introduced a Bill to amend the Gibraltarian Status Prime Minister to prorogue Parliament for nine months Act 1962 lowering the qualifying period for registration (until 27 February 2015). The UK supports the South from 25 years to 10 years. This is an area within the African Development Community’s (SADC) call for all constitutional competence of Her Majesty’s Government parties to follow the constitution. of Gibraltar and I have had no discussions with the Nigeria Chief Minister of Gibraltar about the change. Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what support his Gibraltar: Spain Department has offered to the Nigerian authorities in tackling the threat of Boko Haram. [203193] Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Mark Simmonds: The UK is playing a leading role in Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information helping Nigeria to tackle the terrorist threat from Boko his Department holds on the current official position of Haram and related group Ansaru, working closely both the UN on Spain’s claim to Gibraltar; and what steps with the Nigerian authorities and international partners he is taking to secure condemnation by the UN of the UK proscribed Boko Haram in July 2013. Spain’s behaviour in relation to Gibraltar. [203186] Following the abduction in April of the Chibok schoolgirls the Prime Minister offered a package of Mr Lidington: Gibraltar is discussed in the UN’s support including: tactical advice and training for the Fourth Committee and Special Committee on military to help counter terrorism ; military air surveillance Decolonisation. The most recent Fourth Committee capacity and intelligence support to help try to locate decision on Gibraltar urges the Governments of Spain the girls; £1 million towards the UN Safe Schools and the United Kingdom to reach a solution in light of initiative. The Secretary of State for Foreign and all preceding resolutions, while listening to the interests Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member and aspirations of Gibraltar that are legitimate under for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), hosted a ministerial international law. meeting on security in Nigeria on 12 June in London. The United Kingdom robustly defends its sovereignty The meeting delivered agreements from Nigeria, over Gibraltar at the UN through rights of reply in the neighbouring countries and international partners on various UN fora in which Spain raises the issue. The improved security, intelligence cooperation, and Government will also continue to ensure the views of commitment both to coordination of development working Gibraltarians are heard at the United Nations, and the in the region and to empowerment and education of realities of Spain’s actions are widely understood. women. 95W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 96W

We are also working with Nigeria on a range of complementing the efforts of others, like the US, that judicial and security projects to improve military capacity, support broadcasts into North Korea. The recent policing, access to justice and prosecution of terrorists. report of the UN Commission of Inquiry into human All UK counter terrorism work is subject to the Overseas rights in North Korea recognised the importance of Security and Justice Assistance (OSJA) process. both approaches. North Korea The UK continues to play an active role in raising human rights violations in the DPRK in other meaningful ways. For example, we pressed for a strong DPRK Jim Dobbin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign resolution at the March UN Human Rights Council, and Commonwealth Affairs if the Government will including a call for the UN General Assembly to submit bring the conclusions relating to the genocidal extermination the report of the Commission of Inquiry to the UN of Christianity in the report commissioned by Human Security Council for its consideration and appropriate Liberty entitled “Crimes against humanity” published action. In April, we and other Security Council members in May 2014 to the attention of the UN Security took part in a public “Arria”briefing by the Commission Council, the North Korean Government and HM Embassy and in May, we raised the need for a continued focus on in Pyongyang. [203385] human rights during a UN Security Council Sanctions Committee. Recently, I visited Geneva, where I took Mr Swire: We are aware of the report produced by part in an Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur Hogan Lovells on behalf of Human Liberty. However, on Human Rights in the DPRK, Mr Mazuki Darusman. we note that the UN Commission of Inquiry (COI) was I raised the importance of DPRK human rights with unable to establish the crime of genocide on religious the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon and stressed grounds, because the available evidence in this respect the importance of UN action. The next step will be to was ambiguous. ensure there is an appropriate focus on DPRK human However, the COI did find that systematic and rights at this autumn’s UN General Assembly session widespread human rights violations were taking place, and that there is a strong DPRK resolution, strongly and did find reasonable grounds to establish that crimes supported, in the UNGA Third Committee. against humanity had been committed in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). The findings of the COI formed the basis of the core text of the Nuclear Weapons subsequent UN Human Rights Council resolution on the DPRK, adopted in March 2014, which the UK cosponsored. Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals the UK In April, the same month, the UK took part in a has put to the Permanent Five members of the UN public ‘Arria-formula’ briefing with other Security Council Security Council (P5) on collective participation in the member states to consider DPRK human rights. In Conference on the Humanitarian Effects of Nuclear May, the UK raised DPRK human rights concerns Weapons being hosted in Vienna in December 2014 by during closed consultations between the High the Austrian Government; and what discussions were Commissioner for Human Rights and the Security Council. held within the P5 on participation in the predecessor In June, I visited Geneva, where I took part in an conferences held in Norway and Mexico. [203561] Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in the DPRK, Mr Mazuki Darusman. I raised the importance of DPRK human rights with the Hugh Robertson: The UK has not put any proposals UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon and stressed the to the Permanent Five (P5) members on attendance at importance of UN action. The next step will be to the Vienna Conference on the Humanitarian Effects of ensure there is an appropriate focus on DPRK human Nuclear Weapons. The UK, US, France, Russia and rights at this autumn’s UN General Assembly (UNGA) China exchanged views on attendance ahead of both of session and that there is a strong DPRK resolution, the previous humanitarian consequences conferences. strongly supported, in the UNGA Third Committee. The P5 dialogue (initiated by the UK in 2009), provides a valuable opportunity for the P5 to exchange views on Jim Dobbin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign a range of nuclear disarmament issues, and is an essential and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Government step to building trust and confidence among the nuclear support recommendation 1224 of the UN Human Rights weapons states, as part of a step-by-step approach to Council’s Report of the detailed findings of the commission disarmament. of inquiry on human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), published in February 2014; and whether his Department has taken steps to Pakistan support the work of human rights non-governmental organisations in their attempts to broadcast accessible information into the DPRK and to improve the human Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for rights situation in that country. [203413] Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to assist the Government of Pakistan in tackling Mr Swire: The UK does not currently provide financial the threat posed by the Taliban. [203189] support to any of the organisations making cross-border broadcasts into the Democratic People’s Republic of Hugh Robertson: Pakistan is on the front line of the North Korea (DPRK). Through our embassy in global fight against terrorism, including against groups Pyongyang, however, the UK is one of the few countries such as the Pakistan Taliban. It remains one of our that are able to engage directly with North Koreans, priority countries for counter-terrorism work. A major 97W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 98W part of this effort is dedicated to working with Pakistanis Saudi Arabia to reduce the threat from violent extremism and to build their capacity to deal with it. This requires a David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for determined security response, but also investment in Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the education, tackling poverty, and confronting the extremist Government are taking to improve the situation of narrative. Christian people in Saudi Arabia who face difficulties Alongside this, we have pledged further assistance, as a result of publicly practising their faith. [203144] including UK strategic expertise, capacity development to improve detection and disruption of improvised explosive Hugh Robertson: We have made clear to the Saudi devices, support with developing effective approaches authorities our strong support for the right to freedom to countering violent extremism and infrastructure security. of religion or belief. The Senior Minister of State, my Our approach is supported by intensive diplomatic noble Friend the right hon. Baroness Warsi raised the work, bilaterally, multilaterally, and in concert with key importance of religious tolerance in meetings with Governor partners such as the European Union and the United and Mayor of Makkah, Presidency of the Two Holy States. Mosques, and the Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in February 2014. Palestinians Syria

Nadhim Zahawi: To ask the Secretary of State for Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the motivation of Hamas in kidnapping he has made of the UK contribution to establishing three Israeli teenagers on 12 June 2014. [R] [202988] democracy in Syria. [203181]

Hugh Robertson: We have made no assessment on Hugh Robertson: The lack of democratic freedoms in this issue. We are encouraging Israel to continue to Syria is at the root of the current crisis. The recent work with the Palestinian Authority in order to find the elections held by the Assad regime were a parody of perpetrators. We will look very closely at any information democracy, taking place against the backdrop of about who is responsible. horrendous violence, and with many millions of Syrians disenfranchised. Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Since its formation in October 2012, we have provided Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his the National Coalition with practical and political support Department took to help secure the release of Eyal designed to help it become ever more credible and Yifrah, Gilad Sha’ar and Naftali Frankel, who were inclusive and to promote democracy inside Syria. We abducted in the West Bank on 12 June 2014. [203659] have also worked with grass-roots civil society groups and local councils in Syria to promote good governance Hugh Robertson: The Foreign and Commonwealth at a local level. Our work with the moderate opposition Office offered practical support to the Israeli authorities is now more vital than ever as they face a dual threat to help find the kidnapped teenagers. from the Assad regime and terrorist groups such as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) which wants to destroy democracy in the region and replace it Pay with an Islamic state. Ukraine Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which organisations collect subscriptions through the employers’ payroll Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for service in his Department and its agencies. [203105] Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with his Ukrainian counterpart on Hugh Robertson: The following organisations collect immediate threats to Ukraine from Russia. [203185] subscriptions through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office payroll service: Mr Lidington: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member Friends Life Service for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), met the Ukrainian British Health Care Association Services Ltd Foreign Minister, Pavlo Klimkin, at the EU Foreign The Benenden Healthcare Society Affairs Council on 23 June. During the meeting Mr Klimkin The Charity For Civil Servants presented President Poroshenko’s peace plan, and asked Civil Service Club for a clear EU message of support. Mr Klimkin stressed that the peace process should be inclusive, and reflected Civil Service Healthcare Society Ltd on the risk that, if the current situation were prolonged, Civil Service Sports Council illegal groups would destabilise the situation further. The Hospital Saturday Fund In the Conclusions of the meeting, the EU reiterated Engage Mutual Assurance its strong support for Ukraine’s unity, sovereignty, Simplyhealth independence and territorial integrity, and called upon Russia to do likewise, to repudiate the latest lawless acts Public and Commercial Service Union in Eastern Ukraine and to contribute to stabilize the Post Office Insurance Society Assurance Ltd situation. The EU called on all parties to exercise restraint Prospect Union. and commended the Ukrainian authorities for pursuing 99W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 100W their law and order operations in a measured manner. Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General what The EU also encouraged the Government in Kyiv to consideration the Serious Fraud Office has given to contribute further to reducing tensions. investigating Wonga, for fraud by false representation The Foreign Secretary also spoke to Mr Klimkin on 3 under section 2 of the Fraud Act 2006. [203476] July to reiterate UK support in the face of continuing Russian aggression. The Attorney-General: The Serious Fraud Office is aware that City of London Police are reviewing whether World War I: Anniversaries a criminal investigation is now appropriate. Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General whether Mr Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for the Crown Prosecution Service has been contacted for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans his investigative advice by any police force in England and Department has to commemorate the 100th anniversary Wales with regard to the possible criminal liability of the First Battle of the Marne between 5 and following the findings by the Financial Conduct Authority 12 September 2014. [203331] that Wonga has been threatening debtors with letters from fake law firms. [203477] Mark Simmonds: The Battle of the Marne is not part of the UK national programme for the First World War The Attorney-General: The Crown Prosecution Service Centenary commemorations. We are in regular contact (CPS) has not yet been approached for investigative with the French Government regarding centenary advice, by any police force, in respect of possible criminal commemorations, and will be guided by their plans to matters arising from the Financial Conduct Authority commemorate the Battle of the Marne, supporting investigation of Wonga. them as appropriate. Following the announcement that Wonga would pay £2.6 million in compensation, after sending letters from non-existent law firms to customers in arrears, the CPS Deputy Head of the Specialist Fraud Division contacted ATTORNEY-GENERAL the City of London Police, on the 26 June 2014, to enquire whether this matter was being criminally Corruption: Tanzania investigated. City of London Police are the national police lead for Lisa Nandy: To ask the Attorney-General what serious fraud investigations. They are currently assessing reports he has received of bribery of foreign officials in whether the case merits a criminal investigation and Tanzania by African Barrack Gold plc; and whether have confirmed that they will refer any request for the SFO plans to investigate those reports. [203352] advice to the CPS Specialist Fraud Division.

The Attorney-General: As and when matters are brought to the attention of the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) they are assessed in the context of the SFO’s remit to investigate WORK AND PENSIONS fraud, bribery and corruption. If appropriate, relevant matters will be considered for criminal investigation in line with SFO internal procedures. The SFO does not Apprentices comment on its assessments or their status at any one time but does publish on its website details of those Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for cases formally adopted for criminal investigation, whenever Work and Pensions how many apprentices his this is possible without prejudice to the investigation. Department and its agencies employed in (a) 2010, (b) 2011, (c) 2012, (d) 2013 and (e) 2014; and how many Wonga he expects to employ in (i) 2015 and (ii) 2016. [203722]

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General what Mike Penning: The number of apprentices employed discussions have taken place between the Financial in DWP for the years asked for is as follows: Conduct Authority and the Serious Fraud Office on the recent finding by that regulator that Wonga sent letters Number to debtors from non-existent solicitors demanding payment. (a) 2010 0 [203475] (b) 2011 109 (c) 2012 243 The Attorney-General: The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) (d) 2013 273 has no records of any discussion with the Financial (e) 2014 316 Conduct Authority (FCA) in regard to this matter. Press statements have been issued by both the FCA The anticipated number of apprentices to be employed and the City of London Police concerning Wonga and in DWP in the future years asked for is as follows: their agreement to pay compensation. If the SFO is approached by any law enforcement or Number regulatory bodies then any relevant matters will be (i) 2015 330 considered for criminal investigation in line with the (ii) 2016 350 SFO’s remit to investigate fraud, bribery and corruption. 101W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 102W

Attendance Allowance there was a short period, before telephony lines could be transferred, when CMG staff travelled to the Child Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Maintenance Options office. and Pensions how many staff in his Department are CMG staff have been used as contingency only where working on claims for attendance allowance for older demand is above the agreed contracted level. This planned people; and how many staff were employed in each of approach ensures value for money as we are not paying the last 16 quarters. [203436] for long-term resource where the forecast shows a short- term increase in demand. Mike Penning: Please see the data in the following table which shows the number of staff processing all Sheila Gilmore: To ask the Secretary of State for claims to attendance allowance over the periods requested. Work and Pensions when he will bring into force section 40 of the Child Maintenance and Other Payments Act Number 2008. [203664]

2010-11 Steve Webb: We are exploring bringing into force Q1 769.19 powers laid out in the Child Maintenance and Other Q2 773.64 Payments Act 2008, providing for the disclosure of Q3 733.37 payment information to credit reference agencies. This Q4 709.85 would be subject to a public consultation before any regulations were laid in Parliament. 2011-12 Sheila Gilmore: To ask the Secretary of State for Q1 701.01 Work and Pensions with reference to the written evidence Q2 665.40 from his Department to the Work and Pensions Committee Q3 641.66 of 20 October 2013 on child maintenance reform, when Q4 619.08 he will publish initial findings from the series of behaviour change trials undertaken by his Department to test 2012-13 different interventions aimed at addressing the barriers Q1 598.92 that prevent parents from making regular payments of Q2 588.56 child maintenance. [203665] Q3 578.18 Q4 564.17 Steve Webb: The series of behaviour trials completed later than expected, in May 2014. Now that the trials 2013-14 are completed, a full evaluation is underway. Once the evaluation has concluded, we will share the findings in Q1 548.67 accordance with the undertakings we gave to the Select Q2 536.25 Committee, in October 2013. We will incorporate any Q3 528.19 learning from the successful trials into our approach to Q4 508.31 tackle and prevent the build-up of arrears. The headcount figures are in full-time equivalent form whereby part-time staff are counted as a proportion Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for of one full-time staff member depending on the number Work and Pensions whether debt accrued by non- of hours they work. resident parents transfers automatically to the Child Maintenance Service for enforcement when the Child Support Agency is abolished. [203899] Children: Maintenance Steve Webb: Our first priority is to collect money for Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work children who will benefit from regular ongoing maintenance and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 24 June 2014, payments, rather than the pursuit of historic arrears in Official Report, columns 171W,on children: maintenance, cases where the children have now grown up. on how many occasions where contingency measures However, where arrears of child maintenance are had to be employed by the Department’s Child linked to an ongoing child maintenance case on the Maintenance Group (CMG) to support the work of the 2012 scheme, we will move arrears in those cases to the Child Maintenance Options Service it was the case that Child Maintenance Service and pursue them as appropriate call demands exceeded forecasted volumes; how many alongside the ongoing maintenance case. CMG staff were deployed on each such occasion; and In cases where the arrears are not linked to an ongoing in which office or offices of the CMG these trained 2012 case, and a parent with care does not request that contingency staff were located. [202918] their arrears are written off, we will transfer them to the Child Maintenance Service and pursue collection as Steve Webb: Child Maintenance Group (CMG) staff, resources allow. based at Barnsley, were used on three, limited duration, occasions (November 2013, January 2014 and February Children: Poverty 2014) when call demand exceeded forecasted volumes. The number of CMG staff engaged in this activity, at Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work any one time, varied between five and 20 colleagues for and Pensions how many children in Yorkshire were in periods ranging from minutes to hours. Most of this (a) relative and (b) absolute poverty in 1997-98 and in activity took place in the CMG Barnsley office. However, each year since. [202933] 103W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 104W

Esther McVey: Estimates of the number and proportion As a consequence of the recent significant drop in of children in relative and absolute low income are appeals the Tribunal Service expects its clearance times published in the National Statistics Households Below to significantly decrease. Average Income (HBAI) series. This information is captured using the Family Resources Survey (FRS). Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work The latest publication is available at the following link: and Pensions what the average time is that people wait https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/households- to receive employment and support allowance below-average-income-hbai-199495-to-201213 following a successful tribunal appeal. [202929] Due to small sample sizes, local poverty estimates for Yorkshire are not available as robust estimates cannot Mike Penning: The information requested is not readily be produced. However, HBAI does provide three-year available. average estimates of the number of children in relative DWP action appeal disposals from HMCTS as a and absolute low income in Yorkshire and the Humber. matter of urgency once received to ensure the customer is not disadvantaged. Employment and Support Allowance

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Employment Schemes: Autism and Pensions what the total cost incurred by his Department was of appeals against employment and support allowance Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for decisions in 2010 and in each year since. [202927] Work and Pensions what steps his Department has taken to help people with autism find appropriate Mike Penning: We have taken action to reduce the work. [203179] cost of appeals by reforming the DWP appeal process. Mandatory reconsideration, where we look again at Mike Penning: The Government have contributed individual decisions before it goes to a tribunal, alongside significantly to the development of the ‘Rethink Autism’ our wider reforms to streamline the system are designed strategy, owned by the Department of Health. to avoid the need for expensive appeals. DWP is an active member of the Autism Programme We have seen a significant reduction in the volume of Board and is working closely with colleagues from appeals. During the first quarter of this year appeals across Government to address a number of key against ESA decisions decreased by almost 90%, compared commitments that support the employment of people with the same time last year. We expect that this will be with autistic spectrum conditions including Asperger’s reflected in a lower total cost incurred by this Department syndrome and associated hidden impairment conditions. in 2014-15. DWP is working with an extensive range of partner The operating costs incurred by the Department for organisations and the Hidden Impairment National appeals against ESA decisions prior to 2014-15 are as Group (HING), which the Minister has agreed to sponsor. follows:

ESA Appeals (£) Employment: Depressive Illnesses 2011-12 16,464,859 2012-13 19,651,619 Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for 2013-14 28,678,396 Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of how many people are signed off work as a result of In addition to these costs, the Department has paid depression. [203170] the following amounts to HMCTS. These costs are for the number of appeals against ESA decisions that HMCTS has handled which are in excess of the volume for which Mike Penning: The Department for Work and Pensions they have been funded for in their baseline funding. does not hold information on the number of people taking sickness absence from work as a result of depression. Total Costs payable to HMCTS (£)

2011-12 26,157,701 European Social Fund: Cornwall 2012-13 29,291,646 2013-14 41,179,738 Sarah Newton: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Note: Comparable data are not available prior to 2011-12. and Pensions what progress has been made on Cornwall’s additional European social funding. [203605] Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people wait more than (a) Esther McVey: The Government have asked Local three, (b) six, (c) nine and (d) 12 months to receive a Enterprise Partnerships to work with local partners on tribunal appeal decision following an employment and a strategy for how the European Social Fund (2014-20) support allowance decision; and what steps the should be spent in their area. The Cornwall and Isles of Government are taking to speed up that process. Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership has developed a [202928] comprehensive strategy, the themes of which the Government have incorporated into the draft operational Mike Penning: The information requested is not readily programme which will be submitted to the European available. Commission this month to begin the negotiating process. 105W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 106W

Gas Masks Esther McVey: A supervised job-search test bed in Wolverhampton ran from December 2013 to February Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for 2014. The purpose of the test bed was to examine on a Work and Pensions with reference to the answer of small scale which areas would be viable design options 25 November 2013, Official Report, column 126W, on for the supervised job-search pilots to be introduced gas masks, what progress he has made on preventing the later this year. continued online sale of Second World War gas masks In overall terms the success of the test bed confirmed containing asbestos. [203585] that a protracted supervised job-search could be delivered with the long-term unemployed client group. As a result Mike Penning: HSE has concluded its sampling exercise of what we learnt from Wolverhampton, we have with online sellers. A number of the different types of incorporated several elements into the pilots design, gas mask available were analysed and most found to including: contain asbestos. The placing on the market, supply induction sessions, to set clear expectations and assess individuals’ and transport of almost all items containing asbestos, abilities; including gas masks, is prohibited by the EU Regulation basic IT training; on Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (EU1907/2006) (REACH). integrating group sessions and one-to-one support to retain claimants concentration and engagement; and HSE and Trading Standards are working with the supporting participants to focus on tailored, quality job platform, which hosted the purchases of the gas masks applications. involved in the study, on a policy to prohibit the sale of items that fall under REACH. Jobseeker’s Allowance HSE will continue work on a case-by-case basis with Local Authority Trading Standards, which is responsible for enforcement relating to sale to consumers, to take Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for robust action against those who break the law on asbestos Work and Pensions when he plans to publish Matthew and unnecessarily put themselves and others at risk. Oakley’s independent review of jobseeker’s allowance sanctions. [203495] Housing Benefit: Social Rented Housing Esther McVey: The report and the Government’s Mr Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Work response will be published in due course. and Pensions what assessment he has made of the effects of the introduction of the under-occupancy penalty Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for on (a) the total housing benefit bill, (b) overcrowding, Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 30 June (c) homelessness and (d) housing mobility. [203739] 2014, Official Report, column 431W, on jobseeker’s allowance, how many jobseekers aged (a) between 18 Esther McVey: The information is as follows: and 21, (b) 22 and 24 and (c) 25 years and over were (a) The housing benefit bill was expected to rise above £25 assessed for potential skills needs at the beginning of billion in 2014-15 (£15 billion for the social rented sector alone) their claim to jobseeker’s allowance in the most recent prior to the introduction of the removal of the spare room year for which data are available; and how many subsidy. jobseekers in each category were assessed as having a The Department estimated the policy would achieve skills need. [203725] savings of £490 million in 2013-14, £525 million in 2014-15 and £560 million in 2015-16. Esther McVey: All jobseekers are assessed at the (b) to (d) The policy to remove the spare room subsidy beginning of their claim to jobseeker’s allowance for introduces not only parity of treatment between the private and potential skills needs that are a barrier to them finding social rented sectors, but encourages more effective use of social work. Where a skills need is identified, claimants are housing stock. It has reduced the number of households who referred to courses. under-occupy their properties, which has freed up larger homes for those currently on the social housing waiting list who are This Government are committed to ensuring jobseekers living in overcrowded conditions. It also encourages social providers have the skills they need to get into work. In 2012-13, to take account of local needs and demographic trends when 171,100 young people aged 19 to 24 and claiming benefit allocating properties and developing their building programmes. started a learning course, an increase of 30% over Levels of homelessness acceptances in England have reduced 7% in the last quarter compared with the same period in the previous 2011-12. year. This is 65% lower than the peak in 2003. The effects of the policy are being monitored and Pay evaluated over a two-year period from April 2013. Initial findings will be published before recess and the Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for final report in late 2015. Work and Pensions which organisations collect subscriptions through the employers’ payroll service in Jobcentre Plus: Wolverhampton his Department and its agencies. [203111]

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Mike Penning: The following list shows a Treasury- Work and Pensions what conclusions he has drawn approved list of organisations to which employees can from his small-scale test bed at Wolverhampton Jobcentre pay subscriptions and premiums through voluntary for the Supervised Pilot Scheme. [203350] deductions to their salary. 107W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 108W

The Department is unable to determine which of Steve Webb: The main benefits claimed by elderly these are specifically subscriptions as per the question people are state pension, pension credit, attendance asked, so for completeness this list details all potential allowance, carer’s allowance and housing benefit. Claims voluntary deductions operated within the Department. for state pension can be made online, by telephone or by Benenden Healthcare Society letter. Claims for pension credit can be made by telephone The following are covered under British Hospitals Contributory or by paper application. Association: Claims for attendance allowance are made by paper Anglia Health application. For carer’s allowance, claims can be made Bolton and District either online or through a paper application. Claims for BUPA Cash Plan housing benefit can be made by paper application and in certain circumstances by telephone. In addition, people Crewe Hospital over women’s state pension age receive a winter fuel Gwent Hospital payment, which in most cases does not need to be Leicester & County claimed since the Department already holds the information Mercia Health necessary to make the payment. Patients Aid Premier Health Benefits Personal Independence Payment Provincial Hosp Service Simply Health Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Sovereign Health Work and Pensions what steps his Department is taking Transport Hosp Fund—Healthshield to demonstrate transparency and accountability with Wakefield Health Scheme specific regard to the level of service provided to customers claiming personal independent payments. [203323] Western Provident Asscociation. Birmingham Hospital Sat Fund Mike Penning: The Department has introduced a Charity Trust number of actions to ensure that our levels of service Civil Service Benevolent Fund are transparent and claimants are aware of how long Civil Service Club their PIP claim might take. Information about estimated Civil Service Retirement Fellowship journey times is included with the, “How your disability Civil Service Sports Council affects you”, form and by sending a text message CSBF Recovery Of Loans acknowledging receipt of this form. We have updated the online information available to claimants and support Customs Annuity Ben Fund organisations via gov.uk to include information regarding FDA how long a claim might take. Forester Health We are committed to regularly publishing details of HASSRA the number of cases we process and the number of HASSRA National Lottery awards of PIP. Health Scheme Health Sure Group Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Hosp Savings Assoc Crown Work and Pensions what steps his Department is taking Hosp Savings Assoc Individual to ensure that the data on clearance time for personal independent payments are robust enough to be published; Hospital Saturday Fund and what timescale he has set for implementing such Leeds Hospital Fund Ltd steps. [203324] Merseyside Health Norwich Union Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work PCS and Pensions when his Department will include data Post Office Insurance Soc on clearance times of personal independence payment Prospect applications using normal and special rules claims in its quarterly statistical publication. [203399] Scottish Benevolent Fund Sun Life Assurance Society Mike Penning: Statistics on clearance times are intended Transport and General Workers Union for future publication, but releasing them at this stage UK Civil Service Benefit Society would give an incorrect representation of the process Welsh Hosp and Health Servs Association since the system has not yet reached maturity, and Westfield Health Scheme Discretionary further quality assurance of the data is required. Departmental analysts are currently assessing the quality Westfield Health Scheme Fixed of these data to ensure they meet the standards set by Give As You Earn G.A.Y.E. the UK Statistics Authority before they can be published. In accordance with UK Statistics Authority guidelines, Pensioners: Social Security Benefits we will preannounce our intention to release these statistics, at least one month prior to their publication, Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work on the UKSA hub and also on our PIP statistics webpage and Pensions what steps he is taking to enable elderly at: people to claim their benefits manually without https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/personal- requiring an online application. [203215] independence-payment-statistics 109W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 110W

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Mike Penning: As soon as I became aware of the and Pensions what specific steps the Department took length of time it was taking some special rules cases to to reduce the delays to personal independence payment be processed I took action to reduce the timescales and (PIP) claimants using special rules; and when PIP introduced: claimants using normal rules will benefit from efforts A dedicated phone service with specially trained staff; to reduce waiting times. [203392] An electronic transfer of information between a claimant’s health professional, DWP and assessment providers; Mike Penning: So far we have introduced: a trial of a new process to enable decisions to be made in-house with support from health care professionals A dedicated phone service with specially trained staff; I am pleased to say that we are now seeing improvements An electronic transfer of information between a claimant’s health professional, DWP and assessment providers. to clearance times for claims from terminally ill people. Trialling a new process to enable decisions to be made in-house We have acknowledged that claims under our normal with support from health-care professionals rules are currently taking too long. We are absolutely Clearer guidance for DWP staff. committed to improving performance—ours and that of the assessment providers. We are already seeing We are absolutely committed to reducing the delays. improvements to our processes and will continue to By the autumn, we expect no one to be waiting for an work to further reduce delays and backlogs. assessment for longer than 26 weeks and by the end of By the autumn, we expect no one to be waiting for an the year we expect no one will be waiting longer than assessment for longer than 26 weeks and by the end of 16 weeks. the year, we expect no one will be waiting longer than 16 weeks. Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what his Department’s target time is for Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Work people to receive an accurate decision for claiming the and Pensions what forecast his Department has made personal independence payment. [203393] of the length of time each part of the claims process for personal independence payment (PIP) up to provision Mike Penning: There are no legal requirements to of accurate and targeted assessments will take; and complete action on a claim to PIP within a specified what guidance his Department uses for a reasonable time, but we continue to monitor how long the claimant amount of time for an individual to wait for an journey is taking and implement measures to speed up accurate targeted assessment for PIP. [203706] the process. Mike Penning: We keep the time taken to process claims under constant review and are absolutely committed Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Work to improving performance. We accept that the delays and Pensions what steps his Department is taking to faced by some people are unacceptable, and we are better identify personal independence payment committed to putting that right. By the autumn, we claimants who could be assessed solely on the basis of expect no one to be waiting for an assessment for longer written evidence and without the need for face-to-face than 26 weeks and by the end of the year we expect no assessments. [203696] one will be waiting longer than 16 weeks.

Mike Penning: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Work written answer I gave the hon. Member for Lewisham and Pensions whether disabled people who go into debt East (Heidi Alexander) on 2 July 2014, Official Report, because of long delays in processing their personal column 641W. independence payment claims will be able to receive assistance from the Government to help pay off the interest on their debts. [203731] Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether his Department has conducted Mike Penning: Most claimants of personal independence an impact assessment of the effects of the time taken to payment (PIP) will already be receiving some element of resolve claims for personal independence payments on financial support to meet day-to-day living expenses, claimants. [203698] for example through earnings or through receipt of income maintenance benefits such as employment and Mike Penning: We keep the time taken to process support allowance. No successful new claimant to PIP claims under constant review and are absolutely committed will lose out financially as claims will be backdated. to improving performance. We are already seeing Additionally, disability living allowance (DLA) claimants improvements to our processes and will continue to claiming PIP continue to receive their DLA while the work to further reduce delays and backlogs. PIP claim is being assessed.

Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Poverty and Pensions what steps his Department took to reduce delays to personal independence payment (PIP) Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work special rules claims; how long it took to resolve those and Pensions how many and what proportion of (a) delays; what steps he plans to take to reduce delays to children, (b) pensioners and (c) households fell below PIP claims in the normal rules; and what estimate he 60 per cent of contemporary median equivalised has made of the time that will be taken to reduce those income (i) before and (ii) after housing costs in 2007-08 delays. [203699] and in each year since. [202925] 111W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 112W

Esther McVey: Estimates of the number and proportion Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for of children, pensioners and households falling below Work and Pensions how of his Department’s contracts 60% of contemporary median equivalised income are were awarded to small and medium-sized enterprises in published in the National Statistics Households Below (a) direct procurement spend and (b) indirect Average Income (HBAI) series. This information is procurement spend in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011, (iii) 2012 and captured using the Family Resources Survey (FRS). (iv) 2013; and what the projected number is for (A) The latest publication is available at the following link: 2014, (B) 2015 and (C) 2016. [203721] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/households- below-average-income-hbai-199495-to-201213 Mike Penning: Unfortunately, the information requested The number and proportion of children, pensioners is not routinely collected by the Department and is and households falling below 60% of contemporary therefore unavailable at this time. median equivalised income (i) before and (ii) after housing costs in 2007-08 to 2011-12 are available in the tables Schools: Asbestos provided: Number and percentage of households falling below 60% of Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for contemporary median equivalised income, before housing costs and Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to monitor after housing costs, between 2007-08 and 2012-13 the standards of asbestos management in schools (a) Before housing costs After housing costs under and (b) outside of local authority control. Number Number [203583] (million) Percentage (million) Percentage 2007-08 4.9 19 5.7 22 Mike Penning: The Health and Safety Executive continues 2008-09 4.8 19 5.6 22 to be a member of the Asbestos in Schools Steering 2009-10 4.7 18 5.7 22 Group, which aims to promote the effective management 2010-11 4.5 17 5.5 21 of asbestos in both local authority and non-local authority 2011-12 4.5 17 5.6 21 controlled schools. The steering group has representatives 2012-13 4.5 17 5.6 21 from the Joint Union Asbestos Committee, education trade unions, local authorities and independent schools. Number and percentage of children falling below 60% of contemporary median equivalised income, before housing costs and after housing costs, between In June 2014, HSE published the results of its latest 2007-08 and 2012-13 inspection survey on the management of asbestos in Before housing costs After housing costs schools covering those outside local authority control. Number Percentage Number Percentage This survey showed improved levels of awareness and a (million) (million) decrease in the level of enforcement action required in 2007-08 2.9 23 4.1 32 comparison with a survey of the same sector in 2010-11. 2008-09 2.8 22 3.9 30 HSE also completed a similar inspection exercise in 2009-10 2.6 20 3.9 30 2010 on local authority controlled schools. 2010-11 2.3 18 3.6 27 2011-12 2.3 18 3.6 27 Social Security Benefits 2012-13 2.3 17 3.7 27

Number and percentage of pensioners falling below 60% of contemporary Pamela Nash: To ask the Secretary of State for Work median equivalised income, before housing costs and after housing costs, between 2007-08 and 2012-13 and Pensions what average time was taken between an Before housing costs After housing costs application being made and benefit paid for (a) Number Percentage Number Percentage attendance allowance, (b) bereavement benefits, (c) (million) (million) carer’s allowance, (d) disability living allowance, (e) employment and support allowance, (f) jobseeker’s 2007-08 2.5 22 2.0 18 allowance, (g) maternity benefits, (h) housing benefit, 2008-09 2.2 20 1.8 16 (i) council tax benefit and (j) pension credit in (i) 2009-10 2.0 18 1.8 15 Airdrie and Shotts constituency, (ii) England, (iii) 2010-11 2.0 17 1.6 14 Scotland, (iv) Wales and (v) Northern Ireland in each 2011-12 1.9 16 1.6 13 of the last four years including the most recent period 2012-13 1.9 16 1.6 13 for which figures are available. [202987]

Mike Penning: The information regarding when a Procurement benefit is paid is not available as this can vary from each claim depending on circumstances, payment type and Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Work frequency of payment. and Pensions what proportion of his Department’s contracts were awarded to small and medium-sized Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for enterprises in (a) direct procurement spend and (b) Work and Pensions how many new claims were paid in indirect procurement spend in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011, (iii) April 2014 for (a) jobseeker’s allowance, (b) employment 2012 and (iv) 2013; and what the projected proportion and support allowance, (c) income support, (d) housing is for (A) 2014, (B) 2015 and (C) 2016. [203717] benefit and (e) universal credit. [203728]

Mike Penning: Unfortunately, the information requested Esther McVey: Information on how many new claims is not routinely collected by the Department and is were paid in April 2014 for (a) jobseeker’s allowance therefore unavailable at this time. (JSA), (b) employment and support allowance (ESA), 113W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 114W

(c) income support (IS), (d) housing benefit (HB) and Esther McVey: There are a number of working-age (e) universal credit (UC) is not readily available and to benefits and each has slightly different rules. Working- provide it would incur disproportionate cost. age benefits are usually affected by earnings and, depending Statistics on the number of JSA claimants who started which benefit is in payment, the amount payable may be a new claim in April 2014 can be found at: affected. If work is unpaid because it is voluntary work, http://www.nomisweb.co.uk/ this would, in most cases, not affect the benefit award. If Guidance for users can be found at: work is unpaid and it is not reasonable for it to be unpaid, the income-related benefit rules allow an amount http://www.nomisweb.co.uk/home/newuser.asp of notional earnings to be assumed. Statistics on the number of ESA and IS claimants who started a new claim, by the number of previous claims on this benefit, up to and including November Universal Credit 2013 can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/dwp-statistics- Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State tabulation-tool for Work and Pensions if he will provide an estimate of Guidance for users is available at: how many people were in receipt of universal credit on [203169] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dwp-tabulation- 1 June 2014. tool-guidance Statistics covering the period March 2014 to May Esther McVey: The official universal credit statistics 2014 are due to be published on 12 November 2014. covering the period up to 31 May 2014 will be published on 13 August 2014. Statistics on the number of universal credit (UC) claimants who started a new claim up to and including Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for March 2014 can be found at: Work and Pensions when the universal credit system https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/universal-credit- will accept claims from those who are self-employed. statistics [203552] Statistics for April 2014 are due to be published on 16 July 2014. Esther McVey: We announced our plans for the State Retirement Pensions implementation of universal credit on 5 December, and these were set out in a written ministerial statement. The WMS can be found here: Mike Kane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people receive over-80 pensions; http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/ cmhansrd/cm131205/wmstext/131205m0001.htm# what estimate he has made of how many people are 13120551000006 entitled to claim such pensions; and what steps he has taken to publicise such pensions to people who are Official statistics on universal credit were most recently entitled to them. [203423] published on 11 June and can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit- Steve Webb: The over-80 pension is also known as the statistics-apr-2013-to-31-march-2014 Category D pension. The number of people in receipt of a Category D pension is published on the Department’s Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for website at: Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 11 June https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/dwp-statistics- 2014, Official Report, column 282W,on universal credit, tabulation-tool how much his Department spent on IT development Guidance for users is available at: and implementation for universal credit in 2013-14; and how much it expects to spend on such development and https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dwp-tabulation- tool-guidance implementation in 2014-15. [203724] A reliable estimate of how many people are entitled to Esther McVey: The Department spent £186 million claim this pension is not available. on IT, development and implementation for universal The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) makes credit in 2013-14, against the previously forecast £401 information available in various locations (for example, million. our website at www.gov.uk and leaflets available from The forecast for 2014-15 is currently £316 million our DWP Information Line on 0845 7313233) to ensure against the previous forecast of £317 million. that people are aware of the benefits to which they may be entitled and how to claim them. In addition DWP’s This forecast is subject to change due to further National Partnerships Team works with over 4,400 refinements of requirements and on-going commercial customer representative organisations, both nationally discussions. Plans continue to be developed to support and locally, to provide a wide range of advice and rollout of UC within budget. support for pensioners. Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Unemployment Benefits Work and Pensions on what date he plans to publish the revised impact assessment for universal credit. [203726] Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions for what reasons his Department does not Esther McVey: The Government published a detailed distinguish between those in paid and those in unpaid impact assessment in December 2012 to accompany the work when assessing their eligibility for out-of-work laying of the universal credit regulations that came into benefits; if he will revise his Department’s policy in this force in April 2013. There are no current plans to area; and if he will make a statement. [203295] publish an update. 115W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 116W

Valuation of Life and Health Inter-departmental Group Mike Penning: The Department is collecting information to understand how the introduction of mandatory reconsideration is operating, including completion Mr O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Work timescales. However, these data are not sufficiently robust and Pensions (1) what monetary thresholds were applied and reliable to make available at this time. to the cost-per-quality adjusted life year quoted in the evidence submitted as part of the Health and Safety Departmental statisticians need to assure themselves Executive’s work with the Inter-Departmental Group of the quality of administrative data sources before for the Valuation of Life and Health review in 2008; releasing information as official statistics, and before [203065] the exact timing and format of statistics can be confirmed. (2) what measures of the value of life and health were Although it is correct to say that ESA cannot be included in the evidence submitted as part of the Health claimed during the mandatory reconsideration stage, it and Safety Executive’s work with the Inter-Departmental is not correct to say that jobseeker’s allowance (JSA) Group for the Valuation of Life and Health review in cannot be claimed. These claimants have been found fit for work and the benefit for them is JSA. To be entitled 2008. [203083] to JSA, the conditions of entitlement, including the signing of a claimant commitment, must be satisfied. Mike Penning: I refer my right hon. Friend to the Where someone presents with health issues, the conditions written answer I gave him on 2 July 2014, Official are modified and the claimant commitment drafted Report, column 643W. accordingly—disability advisers support claimants in HSE does not apply cost-per-quality adjusted life this position and provide specialist advice. year (QALY) thresholds. In the Regulatory Impact Assessment described in the evidence submitted by Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for HSE to the Inter-Departmental Group for the Valuation Work and Pensions how many decisions based on work of Life and Health review in 2008, which is published in capability assessments were overturned during the the Library, HSE used a value of £42,000 per QALY to completion of the mandatory reconsideration period in estimate the benefits of the intervention. These were (a) 2013-14 and (b) 2012-13. [203624] compared against the expected costs of the intervention in order to assess the potential net benefits to society. Mike Penning: The Department is collecting information to understand how the introduction of mandatory Widowed Parent’s Allowance reconsideration (MR) is operating. However, these data are not sufficiently robust and Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for reliable to make available at this time. Work and Pensions how many claimants (a) received an overpayment of widowed parent’s allowance and (b) were prosecuted for benefit fraud in respect of that allowance in each of the last five years. [203553] COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Esther McVey: The following table represents the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty number of claimants in receipt of widowed parent’s allowance who received an overpayment and DWP Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State recorded a prosecution outcome. for Communities and Local Government what guidance Claimants in receipt of Widowed Parents Allowance his Department gives on the weight to be given to areas Number of claimants of outstanding natural beauty when calculating housing who received an need for the purpose of drawing up local plans; and if overpayment Number of cases with a he will make a statement. [203607] Fiscal year (thousands) prosecution outcome

2009–10 1.42K 0 Nick Boles: Local plans prepared by democratically 2010–11 1.48K 4 accountable councils working with their local communities 2011–12 2.01K 2 are based on objectively assessed housing needs. Areas 2012–13 2.59K 1 of outstanding natural beauty have the highest status of 2013–14 2.61K 6 protection in national planning policy in relation to landscape and scenic beauty, but they also contain living communities. Local authorities through their local Work Capability Assessment plans are best placed to ensure communities in these areas are able to thrive alongside providing strong protection Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work for these nationally important landscapes. and Pensions what the average time taken to process a National planning policy sets out that local plans mandatory reconsideration of a work capability should meet objectively assessed needs, unless specific assessment is; and what steps the Government are policies such as the protection of areas of outstanding taking to support employment and support allowance natural beauty indicate development should be restricted. (ESA) claimants whose work capability assessments Our recently published planning guidance also addresses are being reconsidered, but who are unable to claim areas of outstanding natural beauty and can be found ESA during the reconsideration or claim jobseeker’s at allowance because they do not meet the entitlement http://planningguidance.planningportal.gov.uk/blog/ criteria because they are too ill to seek work. [203404] guidance/natural-environment/landscape/ 117W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 118W

Local authorities are also under a legal duty to cooperate Kris Hopkins: Thanks to this Government’s long-term in seeking to meet development requirements which economic plan, housing starts in England are at their cannot be wholly met within their own areas. highest since 2007 and new orders in residential construction have risen to their highest level since 2007. Betting Shops: Planning Permission According to the NHBC, new home registrations rose by 30% in 2013 in England, the highest since 2007; Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for and are up 60% in London, the highest for over two Communities and Local Government when he expects decades; this is in contrast to Wales which has a Labour his Department to publish a consultation document on Administration, where new home registrations are falling. withdrawing permitted development rights for bookmakers; and if he will make a statement. [203326] More detailed statistics on house building starts can be found on my Department’s website, in live table 208: Nick Boles: We will consult in due course. www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/live-tables-on- house-building Care Act 2014 My Department does not publish forecasts or targets for overall house building. Andy McDonald: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what discussions I am aware there have been recent media reports he has had with the Secretary of State for Health on which have given a misleading impression on starts in the potential effect of the Care Act 2014 on local 2014-15. I would note the following in response. authorities; and if he will make a statement. [203281] We anticipate in 2014-15 that housing completions will continue to rise as will private sector housing starts. Brandon Lewis: Ministers within the Department for Our planning reforms are also helping increase housing Communities and Local Government regularly meet supply by supporting conversions to housing from previous colleagues from other Departments to discuss a range uses. of matters. We are conscious that there is a potential risk of a The Government produced an impact assessment hiatus between the completion of our 2011-15 Affordable and new burdens assessment which were published Housing Programme, which is on course to deliver alongside the Care Act 2014. 170,000 new affordable homes, and our 2015-18 Affordable We have worked collaboratively with a wide range of Housing Programme, which will deliver a further 165,000 external partners, including representatives of local new affordable homes (the fastest rate of affordable authorities, including the Local Government Association house building for 20 years). and the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services Hence, we are reviewing what practical steps can be on the development of the Act and the accompanying taken to prevent this, including bringing forward the draft regulations and guidance. affordable housing programme and accelerating starts Homes and Communities Agency on sites in other Government programmes. This common sense forward planning will help further support the new homes that our country needs. Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether the Homes and Communities Agency is required by its Mortgages: Government Assistance own objectives for the allocation of economic assets to consider (a) the highest financial bid only and (b) bids in conjunction with the degree of vision and strategic Mr Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for plans for the local economy when selecting a preferred Communities and Local Government how many house bidder; and if he will make a statement with particular purchases have been funded through the Help to Buy reference to the future of Hythe Marine Park in New scheme in (a) Ribble Valley, (b) Lancashire and (c) the Forest East. [203175] UK. [203332]

Kris Hopkins: In keeping with Government policy, Kris Hopkins: This Government are committed to the Homes and Community Agency seeks to dispose of supporting people’s aspirations to own their own home. its assets to meet the objectives and targets as set out in The number of families buying a home with the support its corporate plan but also to support local economic of the Help to Buy: Equity Loan scheme, as of 31 May growth for local communities. in the Ribble Valley borough council is 21; in Lancashire In regard to Hythe Marine Park, the procurement it is 512; and across England it is 22,831. The Department’s process is still underway and bids are commercially official statistics on sales, broken down by local authority sensitive. The site has been advertised on an open and and postcode sector for England are available at: competitive basis. Information about the bidder’s vision www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/help-to-buy- for the site was requested by way of background. equity-loan-scheme-monthly-statistics Housing: Construction The Department does not hold information on schemes operated by the other devolved Administrations. Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for The Help to Buy: Mortgage Guarantee scheme is Communities and Local Government how many housing managed by HM Treasury and the data are available at: starts there were in 2013-14; and what recent forecast he www.gov.uk/government/publications/help-to-buy-mortgage- has made of the likely number of housing starts in guarantee-scheme-quarterly-statistics-october-2013-to-march- 2014-15. [203693] 2014 119W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 120W

Parish Councils Valuation of Life and Health Inter-departmental Group

Nadhim Zahawi: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what recent Communities and Local Government what measures of assessment he has made of the accountability of parish the value of life and health were included in the councils and their administration of burial plots. evidence submitted as part of his Department’s work [202990] with the Inter-Departmental Group for the Valuation of Life and Health review in 2008. [203082] Brandon Lewis: There has been no such recent assessment of the accountability of parish councils and their Brandon Lewis: I refer my right hon. Friend to the administration of burial plots. The underlying statutory answer I gave him on 30 June 2014, Official Report, duties for local (burial) authorities are outlined in the columns 412-13W. Local Authorities Cemeteries Order 1977. The associated guidance is overseen by the Ministry for Justice and is available at: TREASURY www.justice.govuk/downloads/burials-and-coroners/burial- ground-managers.pdf Air Passenger Duty

Pay Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will bring forward legislative proposals Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for to lower air passenger duty. [203541] Communities and Local Government which organisations collect subscriptions through the employers’ payroll Nicky Morgan: Budget 2014 announced the reform of air passenger duty with the abolition of bands C and service in his Department and its agencies. [203100] D from 1 April 2015. This will eliminate the two highest rates of air passenger duty charged on flights to countries Brandon Lewis: The following organisations collect over 4,000 miles from Britain, cutting tax for millions of subscriptions through the Department’s payroll service: passengers travelling to China, India, Brazil and many Civil Service Club, SPARTA (Civil Service Sports and Recreation other emerging markets. This will also mean that flights Association), Civil Service Retirement Fellowship, Civil Service to South Asia and the Caribbean will pay tax at the Benevolent Fund, Civil Service Sports Council, Minerva Sport lower band B rate. and Social, PCS Union, First Division Association, Prospect. Additionally, the following organisations collect Consumers: Protection subscriptions through the Planning Inspectorate and QEII’s payroll service. Mr Doran: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer QEII: Charity for Civil Servants, PCS Union. what consideration he has given to the decision of the The Planning Inspectorate: SPARTA, NAW Welfare Fund, Supreme Court in the case of Durkin v. DSG Retail Civil Service Benevolent Fund, Civil Service Sports Council, PCS Limited and another, and its effect on existing consumer Union, Prospect. law. [202977] Currently, the Department offers a check off system where union subscriptions can be deducted from an Andrea Leadsom: The Government note the judgment individual’s pay and transferred to the appropriate trade in which the Supreme Court upheld an individual’s union. The Department believes it is no longer appropriate right to rescind a contract of sale and a related credit for public funds or resources to be used in this way. We agreement. The Government believe that existing consumer will therefore seek to end these arrangements and have credit law adequately protects individuals in this regard. strongly encouraged executive agencies to also pursue this objective. Corporation Tax: Northern Ireland

Policy Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much corporation tax was raised by HM Treasury in Northern Ireland in the last full financial year. Mr O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for [202564] Communities and Local Government what explicit monetary value his Department assigns to the value of Mr Gauke: The most recent available estimate of preventing a fatality calculation during the process of corporation tax receipts in respect of Northern Ireland policy appraisal and evaluation. [203069] relates to financial year 2012-13. This estimate was published by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in ‘A Brandon Lewis: When carrying out an appraisal my Disaggregation of HMRC Tax Receipts between England, Department follows the principles set out in the HM Wales, Scotland & Northern Ireland’. A link to the Treasury’s “Green Book: Appraisal and Evaluation in publication is provided as follows: Central Government”. The Green Book includes guidance https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ on how to value the prevention of fatalities and injuries. attachment_data/file/285765/disagg-info.pdf One of the approaches in the Green Book used by my For 2012-13 the estimated portion of onshore UK Department is the Department for Transport’s valuation corporation tax receipts relating to Northern Ireland of a fatality. The latest monetary value is publicly was £476 million. Estimates of offshore corporation tax available on its website. receipts relating to Northern Ireland are available as 121W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 122W produced by two methods: a geographic basis and a several years, (2) if he will make an assessment of the population-based apportionment. The estimates for 2012-13 effect of (a) US regulatory authorities’ interventions in are nil and £137 million respectively. the gold market and (b) such interventions on gold market-related securities in ISAs. [202836] Development Aid Andrea Leadsom: The Government monitor all aspects Hugh Bayley: To ask the Chancellor of the of the gold market. Although no specific assessment of Exchequer how much Official Development Assistance US regulatory interventions has been made, the was spent by each Government Department in 2009-10 Government are committed to taking action, whenever and in each year since (a) in cash terms, (b) at current necessary, to ensure the efficient functioning of these prices and (c) as a proportion of Gross National essential markets. In order to raise standards of conduct Income. [203236] in the financial system the Government have launched a joint review by the Treasury, the Bank of England and Danny Alexander: Information on the amount of the Financial Conduct Authority into the way wholesale Official Development Assistance spent by each Government financial markets operate, including commodity markets. Department since 2009-10 is available publicly at: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department- Income Tax for-international-development/about/statistics Dover Priory Station Adam Afriyie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people in (a) the UK, (b) the Thames Valley and (c) Windsor constituency no longer pay Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer income tax due to changes in the level of personal with reference to the answer of 9 April 2014, Official allowance introduced since 2010. [202981] Report, column 225W, on Revenue and Customs, for what reasons HM Revenue and Customs has not made Mr Gauke: By April this year this Government’s an assessment of the economic viability of the land on increases in the personal allowance (for those born after the western perimeter of the Priory Court site, in relation 5 April 1948) are estimated to have taken over 3 million to the requirement of Network Rail for new parking individuals out of the income tax system altogether. facilities for Dover Priory railway station. [203494] 384,000 of these individuals live in the south-east region, which includes the Thames Valley and the parliamentary Mr Gauke: As explained in my previous reply, which constituency of Windsor. was answered on 16 June 2014, Official Report, column 394W, HM Revenue and Customs occupies its site These estimates are based on the 2011-12 Survey of adjacent to Dover Priory Station under a PFI contract. Personal Incomes, projected to 2014-15 using economic Commercial discussions are a matter for Mapeley, as assumptions consistent with the Office for Budget land owner and other parties. HMRC may consider any Responsibility’s March 2014 economic and fiscal outlook. reasonable proposals. HM Treasury does not publish this information at constituency level. Financial Services: Taxation Individual Savings Accounts Frank Dobson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what modelling (a) his Department and (b) the Office Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Chancellor of the for Budget Responsibility has made of the financial Exchequer if he will amend treatment of ISAs in effect of a tax levied on financial transactions. [203149] respect of spouse-to-spouse transfers after death of either person to bring such transactions into line with Mr Gauke: I refer the right hon. Gentleman to the other spouse-to-spouse transactions. [203168] answer given on 11 March 2013, Official Report, column 38W. Mr Gauke: ISAs are a personal tax relief: they are non-transferable accounts and the tax advantages they Gold: Prices provide end upon the death of the account holder. As with other personal tax allowances and reliefs, the Mr Mark Williams: To ask the Chancellor of the individual nature of ISAs reflects the general principle Exchequer with reference to the answer of 24 February of individual taxation. 2014, Official Report, column 29W, on gold: prices, and to the Financial Conduct Authority’s decision to fine The Government keep all areas of the tax system Barclays Bank for gold fix manipulation, (1) if he will under review. make an assessment of the effect of (a) US regulatory authorities’ interventions in the gold market and (b) Tax Avoidance: British Overseas Territories such interventions on gold market-related securities in ISAs; [202775] Joan Walley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (2) with reference to the answer of 24 February 2014, what progress he has made in reducing levels of tax Official Report, column 29W, on gold: prices, and the avoidance in the UK’s Overseas Territories. [202916] academic draft report of February 2014, by Professor Rosa Abrantes-Metz, Adviser to the EU and International Mr Gauke: The UK Government are at the forefront Organisation of Securities Commission on Financial of the global response to international aggressive tax Benchmarks, entitled Gold Price Fix, and her reports of planning and cross-border evasion, driving the international systemic manipulation of the twice daily gold fix over tax, 123W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 124W transparency and trade agenda forward under the UK’s the administration of the welfare system. Up to 300,000 G8 presidency in 2013, and fully backing the OECD’s more people will be in work. Base Erosion and Profit Shifting project. The Treasury has approved funding for the universal Under the Prime Minister’s leadership of the G8, the credit programme in 2013-14 and 2014-15, in line with UK has led a global leap forward in international tax the ministerial announcement (5 December 2013, Official transparency, meaning there are fewer places to hide. Report, column 65WS)—link to WMS: We are imposing tough new sanctions for those who do http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/ not come forward under HM Revenue and Customs’ cmhansrd/cm131205/wmstext/131205m0001.htm#column_65ws (HMRC) offshore disclosure facilities. There will be The roll-out of universal credit continues in a progressive serious consequences for those who continue to believe approach, with the live service expanding to couples they can hide wealth offshore, when later on this year and the north-west of England and then to families. HMRC will consult on a new strict liability criminal The Government continue to roll out the service in a offence that could mean jail for those who do not controlled manner in order to assess how claimants are declare taxable offshore income. HMRC will also consult responding, and to inform development of the enhanced on tougher civil sanctions. In addition, last year the digital solution. Government entered into a series of Intergovernmental Agreements with the Overseas Territories which will ensure that from September 2016 HMRC will receive Welfare Tax Credits details of UK residents who have bank accounts and other investments in the Overseas Territories. Rachel Reeves: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer HMRC co-operates with tax authorities in other what average value of tax credits were paid to claimants countries, in areas such as exchange of information and who were (a) out of work, (b) self-employed and (c) recovery of tax. Following the commitments made at employed in each of the last 10 years. [203325] the G8, all of the UK’s Overseas Territories with financial centres and the Crown Dependencies have taken significant Nicky Morgan: The following table is based on finalised steps forward on tax transparency putting them at the tax credits administrative data for each financial year. forefront of this agenda globally. In addition to signing The latest data available are for 2012-13. agreements with the UK for the automatic exchange of tax information, they have also agreed to be early £ adopters of the new global standard for automatic Average tax credit award for households who are exchange of tax information, committing to an ambitious classified as ’in work’ timetable of implementation as members of a group of Average tax credit award 44 countries and jurisdictions. for Households Households households who are Households who are Ukraine who are classified as who are classified as classified as self- classified as both employed ‘out of employed employed and self- Richard Burden: To ask the Chancellor of the Tax Year work’ only only employed Exchequer what steps are being taken in response to EU Council Regulation 692/2014 to (a) identify goods 2007-08 4,300 5,800 2,800 3,300 originating in Crimea or Sevastopol and exclude them 2008-09 4,700 6,500 3,300 3,700 from entry into the UK and (b) ensure no individual 2009-10 5,000 6,800 3,700 4,000 or business based in the UK provides, directly or 2010-11 5,200 6,900 3,900 4,100 indirectly, financing, financial assistance or insurance 2011-12 5,600 7,200 4,500 4,800 or reinsurance related to the import of such goods 2012-13 6,000 7,600 6,300 6,400 Notes: from Crimea or Sevastopol. [202740] 1. These figures have been rounded to the nearest £100. 2. Data from earlier years are available only at disproportionate cost. Mr Gauke: HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has The increase in average tax credit awards in 2012-13 set up customs risk profiles to target goods originating can largely be explained by the removal of the ‘Second in Crimea or Sevastopol in response to EU Council Income Threshold’ in April 2012. This policy removed a Regulation 692/2014. The profiles are targeting Crimean number of higher income households from the tax postcodes. The risk profiles are being monitored and credit population. As higher income households generally will be adjusted as circumstances require. have lower tax credit awards, the effect of removing As with all sanctions introduced by the EU, they have these households increases the average award. direct effect in the UK and apply directly to UK persons and companies. The Government will take steps to Stephen Timms: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer ensure these measures are effectively implemented and how many new claims were paid in April 2014 for (a) enforced. working tax credit and (b) child tax credit. [203727] Universal Credit Nicky Morgan: Data relating to the volume of working Stephen Timms: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer tax credit and child tax credit awards are published when his Department approved the Universal Credit bi-annually and can be found here: Strategic Outline Business Case. [203121] https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/305891/cwtc-apr14.pdf Nicky Morgan: Universal credit will provide the right There would be a disproportionate cost attached to incentives for people to work, target support at those providing the information for the specific month in who need it most, reduce fraud and error, and streamline question. 125W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 126W

Working Tax Credits: Self-employed Recent publications of relevance to the sector include: details of £16 million funding from the Employer Helen Jones: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Ownership of Skills pilot to boost skills in the sector; (1) how many people in Warrington North constituency the UKTI Creative Industries International Strategy, were self-employed and in receipt of working tax credit developed with industry, to increase exports and inward in each year since 2010-11; [203276] investment; the Technology Strategy Board’s strategy (2) how many self-employed people in (a) Warrington for innovation in the sector from 2013 to 2016; information and (b) Warrington North constituency were in receipt for creators and intellectual property rights owners of each type of tax credit in each year from 2008. from the Intellectual Property Office; also two statistical [201711] publications from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport: “Creative Industries Economic Estimates” Nicky Morgan: The following table is based on finalised and “Creative Industries: Focus on Employment”. tax credits administrative data for each financial year. The latest data available are for 2012-13. Business: Registration Warrington unitary authority Thousands Adam Afriyie: To ask the Secretary of State for Number of families in receipt of tax credits containing at Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has least one member identified as self-employed made of the effect of online business registration on Families benefitting from Families benefitting from registration rates; and if he will make a statement. Tax year both WTC and CTC WTC Only [202986] 2008-09 1.2 0.2 2009-10 1.1 0.3 Michael Fallon: There is no register covering all businesses 2010-11 1.1 0.3 in the UK. The Registrar of Companies registers a 2011-12 0.8 0.4 subset of businesses and provides online registration for 2012-13 1.5 0.4 those businesses that register as companies or limited liability partnerships. HMRC registers sole traders for Warrington North parliamentary constituency tax purposes. Thousands Online incorporation via software filing agents was Number of families in receipt of tax credits containing at least one member identified as self-employed introduced in July 2001, followed in April 2010 by the Families benefitting from Families benefitting from launch of the Citizen Incorporation Service via Companies Tax year both WTC and CTC WTC Only House Webfiling. The number of companies on the register has almost doubled, from 1.66 million at the 2008-09 0.5 0.1 end of March 2001 to 3.25 million at March 2014. In 2009-10 0.5 0.2 the financial year 2013-14, 98% of all new companies 2010-11 0.5 0.2 were incorporated electronically. 2011-12 0.4 0.2 2012-13 0.7 0.2 Companies House has carried out several studies to identify the main factors contributing to the increasing In general, there is and has been a long-term trend of trend for company incorporations. This is attributed to growth in the number of self-employed people. a number of combined factors, such as the benefits of limited liability, changes to tax legislation and developments in the wider UK economy. There is no indication that BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS the electronic enablement of company registration in Apprentices itself has acted as a direct driver for the increase in new company registration rates, as just one of the methods Andrew Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the Government have used to help reduce the burden on Business, Innovation and Skills how many apprentices business and the costs of running a company. This in there are in his Department. [203019] turn has helped to make the UK one of the best places to set up and run a company. Jo Swinson: BIS currently employs 58 apprentices. A Electronic services have also enabled Companies House further 10 apprentices will be appointed under the to absorb the significant additional workload resulting Civil Service Fast Track Apprenticeship scheme in from the growing register, make organisational efficiency September 2014. savings and pass these efficiencies on to customers in Arts the form of lower fees. For incorporation, the UK charges some of the lowest fees in the world. Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether his Comet Group Department provides any guidance specifically for the creative industries. [203542] Alan Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills when he expects the Mr Willetts: The Department for Business, Innovation report from the Insolvency Service into the collapse of and Skills and the Department for Culture, Media and Comet to be published. [202955] Sport work with industry to support growth in the thriving UK creative industries, including through the Jo Swinson: The Insolvency Service’s fact-finding Creative Industries Council. On 2 July 2014, industry inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the insolvency published the Creative Industries Strategy, available at of Comet Group Ltd is being conducted under section www.thecreativeindustries.co.uk 447 of the Companies Act 2006. Publication of the which the Government have welcomed. findings of such investigations is prohibited by law 127W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 128W although when an inquiry results in the winding up of Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, the company, or the prosecution or disqualification of Innovation and Skills how many current students in (a) its directors, this is publicised. the UK, (b) England, (c) Cumbria and (d) South Lakeland have been awarded disabled students allowance. [203608] Disabled Students’ Allowances Mr Willetts: Information on students awarded and Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for paid Disabled Students’ Allowance is published annually Business, Innovation and Skills with reference to the by Student Loans Company (SLC) in the Statistical statement of 7 April 2014, Official Report, columns First Release ‘Student Support for Higher Education 1-2WS, on higher education (student support), what England’. The latest statistics are available at the following new requirements will be put on higher education link: institutions; and what steps he is taking to ensure those http://www.slc.co.uk/media/694170/slcsfr052013.pdf institutions are prepared to fulfil these requirements. A further breakdown for England, Cumbria and [203353] South Lakeland has been provided in the table for the academic year 2012/13. The effective date is that of the Mr Willetts: Higher education institutions have had November 2013 Awards Statistical First Release. These specific duties to provide reasonable adjustments under figures are therefore provisional and do not include the Equality Act since 2010. students who were awarded DSA after November 2013. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills Equivalent figures for the academic year 2013/14 will is in regular contact with representatives of higher be available from November 2014. education institutions as part of the preparation of the Information on Scottish domiciled students awarded new guidance on disabled students allowances, which and paid Disabled Students’ Allowance is published by will be available in the autumn. the Student Award Agency for Scotland. A comparable figure for the UK is unavailable. Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Students in receipt of Disabled Students’ Allowance1,2 from England, South Lakeland3 and Cumbria3, academic year 2012/13, effective date: 13 November Business, Innovation and Skills how much funding 20134 available through the disabled student’s allowance was Number of Applicants Paid spent on non-medical help in the last year. [203586] Application Type Post- Full-Time Part-Time graduate Mr Willetts: Information on students awarded and Area Application Application DSA Total paid disabled students’ allowance is published annually by Student Loans Company (SLC) in the Statistical England2 54,900 2,900 4,600 62,400 First Release ‘Student Support for Higher Education South 130 10 10 150 Lakeland2 England’. The latest statistics are available at the following 2 link: Cumbria 380 30 20 430 1 Disabled Student Allowance (DSA) may be paid to the student or to a supplier http://www.slc.co.uk/media/694170/slcsfr052013.pdf on the student’s behalf. 2 DSA Payments may be made at any point during the academic year or after A further breakdown by type of disabled students’ the end of the academic year. allowance has been provided for the academic year 3 Figures are derived from the postcode of the applicant’s home address. 4 The effective date is that of the November 2013 Awards Statistical First 2012/13. The effective date is 30 November 2013. These Release. The figures are therefore provisional and do not include students who figures are therefore provisional and do not include were awarded DSA after November 2013. students who were awarded DSA after November 2013. Note: Numbers are rounded to the nearest 10. Totals may not add to the sum of the Equivalent figures for the academic year 2013/14 will components due to rounding. be available from November 2014. Breakdown by type of disabled student allowance1, 2. Expenditure in England. Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Academic year 2012/13. Effective date: 30 November 20133 Innovation and Skills if he will estimate the number of Type of disabled student allowance Expenditure (£) current students who have been awarded disabled students’

Disabled student allowance total expenditure 121,239,000 allowance (DSA) who would fail to be awarded DSA Disabled student allowance for non-medical helpers 77,859,000 under the proposed revised eligibility guidelines. [203609] Part-time DSA total expenditure 6,811,000 Part-time DSA for non-medical helpers 4,551,000 Post graduate DSA total expenditure4 9,953,000 Mr Willetts: Disabled students will continue to receive Total DSA expenditure 138,003,000 support through a combination of disabled students’ Notes: allowances (DSAs) and reasonable adjustments made 1 Disabled student allowance (DSA) may be paid to the student or to a supplier on the student’s behalf. by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Each student’s 2 DSA payments may be made at any point during the academic year or after needs are unique. Some will receive more support through the end of the academic year. reasonable adjustments than previously experienced. 3 The effective date is 30 November 2013. The figures are therefore provisional and do not include students who were awarded DSA after November 2013. Written guidance will be available. 4 Postgraduate DSA expenditure is not broken down in the same way as disabled student allowance and part-time DSA. An overall figure for postgraduate It is not possible to make an accurate estimate of how DSA has been provided as a result. many prospective students will no longer be eligible for Note: DSAs as many students receive more than one type of Figures have been rounded to the nearest thousand. support. 129W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 130W

Current DSA recipients and disabled students applying conclude his Department’s consultation on the proposed for DSAs in 2014/15 will not be affected by these changes to the disabled students’ allowance; and when changes in 2015/16. he expects to publish the Equality Analysis and Disabled Students’ Allowances Guidance for 2015-16. [203719] Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has made of the Mr Willetts: The Department for Business, Innovation cost of introducing, maintaining and updating a register and Skills is actively engaged in discussions with of providers of disabled students’ allowances (DSA) stakeholders to inform the DSA Guidance 2015/16 and study needs assessments and DSA assistive technology the Equality Analysis, and this will continue over the service providers; and who will fund the introduction summer. Both documents will be published in the autumn. and maintenance of that register. [203625]

Mr Willetts: The Disabled Students’ Allowances Quality Disabled Students’ Allowances: Lewisham Assurance Group already holds a register of suppliers. These arrangements are now being formalised. Heidi Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for No Government funding is provided for these Business, Innovation and Skills how many people in arrangements. (a) the London borough of Lewisham and (b) Lewisham East constituency are in receipt of disabled Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for student’s allowance. [203720] Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer of 18 June 2014, Official Report, column 649W, on Mr Willetts: Information on students awarded and disabled students’ allowances, if he will publish a list of paid disabled students’ allowance is published annually all stakeholders being consulted on the Equality by Student Loans Company (SLC) in the Statistical Analysis and Disabled Students’ Allowances Guidance First Release “Student Support for Higher Education for 2015-16. [203667] England”. The latest statistics are available at the following link: Mr Willetts: We have and continue to actively engage http://www.slc.co.uk/media/694170/slcsfr052013.pdf with a wide range of stakeholders following the laying of a written ministerial statement on disabled students’ A further breakdown for the London borough of allowances on 7 April 2014, Official Report, columns 1-2WS. Lewisham and Lewisham East constituency has been A list of those who have submitted information or provided in the table for the academic year 2012/13. The evidence for the Equality Analysis and Disabled Students’ effective date is that of the November 2013 Awards Allowances Guidance for 2015-16 will be published as Statistical First Release. The figures are therefore provisional part of this document. and do not include students who were awarded DSA after November 2013. Heidi Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Equivalent figures for the academic year 2013/14 will Business, Innovation and Skills when he expects to be available from November 2014.

Students in receipt of disabled students allowance1.2 from the London borough of Lewisham3 and Lewisham East constituency3, Academic year 2012/13 (provisional), Effective date: 13 November 20134 Application type Full-time application Part-time application Postgraduate DSA Total Number of applicants Number of applicants Number of applicants Number of applicants Area paid paid paid paid

London borough of Lewisham 450 40 60 550 Lewisham East Constituency 150 10 10 170 1 Disabled student allowance (DSA) may be paid to the student or to a supplier on the student’s behalf. 2 DSA payments may be made at any point during the academic year or after the end of the academic year. 3 Figures are derived from the postcode of the applicant’s home address. 4 The effective date is that of the November 2013 Awards Statistical First Release. The figures are therefore provisional and do not include students whowere awarded DSA after November 2013. Note: Numbers are rounded to the nearest 10. Totals may not add to the sum of the components due to rounding.

Disabled Students’ Allowances: North East First Release, “Student Support for Higher Education England”. The latest statistics are available at the following link: Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for http://www.slc.co.uk/media/694170/slcsfr052013.pdf Business, Innovation and Skills how many people in (a) Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, (b) A further breakdown for the requested constituencies, Middlesbrough, (c) Stockton North, (d) Stockton South, local authorities and North East region has been provided (e) Hartlepool, (f) Redcar constituency and (g) the in the table for academic years 2011/12 and 2012/13. North East received disabled students’ allowance in (i) The effective date is that used for the November 2013 2011-12, (ii) 2012-13 and (iii) 2013-14. [203732] Awards Statistical First Release. Hence, the figures for 2012/13 are classified as provisional and do not include Mr Willetts: Information on students awarded and students who were awarded DSA after November 2013. paid disabled students’ allowance is published annually Equivalent figures for the academic year 2013/14 will by the Student Loans Company (SLC) in the Statistical be available from November 2014. 131W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 132W

Students in receipt of disabled students’ allowance(1,2) in the North East region(3), Academic year, Effective date 13 November 2013(4 Application type 2011/12 2012/13(4) Post- Post- Full-time Part-time graduate Full-time Part-time graduate application application DSA Total application application DSA Total

Middlesbrough South 80 10 10 100 80 10 10 100 and East Cleveland Middlesbrough LEA 100 10 10 120 90 10 10 110 Stockton North 60 — — 60 60 — — 70 constituency Stockton South 70 10 — 80 90 — — 90 constituency Hartlepool LEA 70 10 10 90 70 — — 70 Redcar constituency 70 10 — 80 60 — — 70 North East region 1,470 160 140 1,770 1,590 150 100 1,860 “—” represents a number less than 5. 1 Disabled student allowance may be paid to the student or to a supplier on the student’s behalf. 2 DSA payments may be made at any point during the academic year or after the end of the academic year. 3 Figures are derived from the postcode of the applicant’s home address. 4 The effective date is that of the November 2013 Awards Statistical First Release. The figures are therefore provisional and do not include students whowere awarded DSA after November 2013. Note: Numbers are rounded to the nearest 10. Totals may not add to the sum of the components due to rounding.

Government Office for Science applications there were to (a) the university of York and (b) university of York St John in 2008-09 and in Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, each year since then. [202886] Innovation and Skills how many (a) women and (b) men are employed in the Government Office for Science. [203053] Mr Willetts: The latest information is shown in the Jo Swinson: As at 30 June 2014, the Government following table. UCAS have not released any data on Office for Science employed 95 staff in total. Of those, applications to individual institutions for the 2014 39 were women and 56 were men. applications cycle, but the latest figures for total applicants Higher Education: York to all UK institutions (published on 29 May 2014) show that they have risen by 4%, compared with the same Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for point in 2013. Business, Innovation and Skills how many UCAS

UCAS main scheme applications to university of York and York St John university, 2008 to 2013, full-time undergraduate courses Year of entry 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

University of York 18,434 21,543 24,548 23,725 23,570 25,030 York St John University 5,541 6,194 7,685 8,657 9,600 9,700 Notes: 1. Each applicant can submit up to five applications. 2. Figures cover applicants who applied during the main UCAS application scheme which closes on 30 June. Applicants who subsequently applied during clearing are not included. Source: UCAS.

National Careers Service Matthew Hancock: National Careers Service Prime Contractors are required to comply with robust quality Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for standards. All Prime Contractors must hold and retain Business, Innovation and Skills how many staff are the matrix Standard; comply with the Ofsted Common currently employed in the National Careers Service; Inspection Framework for Further Education and Skills; and how many staff he expects to be employed after the participate in any research to assess, measure and improve new contract for that service is in place. [203480] the quality of the National Careers Service; and produce Matthew Hancock: As of 1 January 2014, the staff an evidence-based self-assessment review each year. They cohort for the National Careers Service was 3,740 people. will also need to provide evidence of their partnership These figures may vary during the course of the year. activity and their role in brokering relationships between Future staff numbers will be decided by the prime employers and schools and colleges. contractors of the National Careers Service in line with their contractual responsibilities. Pay Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Business, Innovation and Skills what quality criteria Innovation and Skills what the Government’s policy is will be included in contracts for provision of the National on whether holiday pay may be calculated without Careers Service; and how performance against those reference to bonus and overtime payment; and if he criteria will be monitored. [203481] will make a statement. [203544] 133W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 134W

Jo Swinson: The Government guidance on this issue Michael Fallon: The decision to close the shipyard at states that a week’s holiday pay equals how much a Portsmouth and focus shipbuilding activity at the Clyde worker receives for a week’s work, excluding non-guaranteed was a commercial decision made by BAE Systems. overtime payments in most cases. A prospectus for the site was issued on 10 March. I We are aware of relevant court cases, such as Neat v. am working with the Ministry of Defence in the search Freightliner, which will be heard by the Employment for a commercial venture to occupy the BAE site. Appeal Tribunal in late July. I am confident that Portsmouth has a strong maritime future. £13 million of regional growth funding has been Mr Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, awarded to the Solent LEP to support the defence and Innovation and Skills whether his Department plans to maritime sector in the Solent and ensure a sustainable intervene in the Neal v. Freightliner proceedings in the future for the advanced manufacturing skills in the Employment Appeal Tribunal in July. [203545] area.

Jo Swinson: I can confirm that the Department for Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills is planning to intervene Business, Innovation and Skills what discussions the in these proceedings in late July. Minister for Portsmouth has had with BAE Systems on the potential implication for Portsmouth of a yes vote Prisons: Higher Education in the referendum on Scottish independence. [203507]

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Michael Fallon: The Government are not, and will Justice how many prisoners have completed university not be, making contingency plans for the possibility of degrees inside prison in each of the last 10 years; and an independent Scottish state before the referendum is what the cost to the public purse was of that education. concluded. We are clear that any break-up of the United [202785] Kingdom would be bad for Scotland and bad for the UK as a whole. Therefore I have not discussed the Matthew Hancock: Most prisoners who study higher potential implications with BAE. education (HE) in custody do so through the Open University (OU). The following table shows the number Street Trading of prisoners in England who have completed OU degrees while in prison from academic year 2003/04. Prior to Dan Byles: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, September 2012, the costs of prisoners’ tuition were Innovation and Skills what plans he has to (a) amend met from public funds in an arrangement that broadly or repeal the Pedlars Acts 1871 and 1881 and (b) mirrored the grant arrangements for other part-time amend Schedule 4 to the Local Government (Miscellaneous HE students. The OU’s additional costs for delivering in Provisions) Act 1982 covering the street-trading regime custody are met through a grant from the Department. of England and Wales; and if he will make a statement. We do not have information on the public funding for [203563] these specific learners. From September 2012, prisoners have been required to take out, and then repay, tuition Jo Swinson: The original street-trading and pedlary fee loans in the same way as other learners. consultation was issued in November 2012 and covered Number of prisoners completing Open University the repeal of the Pedlars Acts 1871 and 1881 and other, degrees in prisons from 2003/04: incidental changes to the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 to ensure compliance with the EU Award year (academic year) Total number of prisoners Services Directive 2006/123/EC. The consultation had been extended in order for the Government to engage 2003/04 4 further with the UK’s pedlar community and closed in 2004/05 10 April 2013. We hope to issue a response by the end of 2005/06 14 the summer. 2006/07 10 2007/08 11 Students: Disability 2008/09 22 2009/10 19 2010/11 23 Mr Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for 2011/12 26 Business, Innovation and Skills if he will provide additional 2012/13 16 financial support to disabled students following the [202860] Total 155 removal of disabled students’ allowance. Mr Willetts: Disabled students’ allowance (DSA) has England only not been removed. Source: Information supplied by the Open University The maximum amounts for DSA were announced in March 2014 and are being maintained at current levels Shipbuilding: Portsmouth for 2015/16.

Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Students: Loans Business, Innovation and Skills what discussions the Minister for Portsmouth has had with BAE Systems Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, about the sale of the shipyard in Portsmouth; and if he Innovation and Skills how often his Department will make a statement. [203482] calculates the RAB charge on student loans. [203052] 135W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 136W

Mr Willetts: The RAB charge on student loans is activities such as turbine manufacturing. GIB has already updated when the Office for Budget Responsibility updates taken equity stakes in a number of operating offshore its macroeconomic forecasts, which normally happens wind farms. two or three times a year. Another update happens annually, when the Student Loans Company provides Woolworths the Department with updated loans data. Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade Unions Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer of 30 June 2014, Official Report, column 464W, on Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for insolvency, how much the Insolvency Service’s Redundancy Business, Innovation and Skills for what reasons he Payments Service paid in relation to the collapse of decided against change following his review into his Woolworths; and how much of that amount was paid in Department’s check-off system for employees’ trade respect of protective awards. [203335] union subscriptions. [202857] Jo Swinson: The Insolvency Service’s Redundancy Jo Swinson: I have not reviewed, and have no plans to Payments Service has paid out a total of £59,207,942.40 review, this Department’s check-off arrangements. to the former employees of Woolworths, and of this, £18,188,224.54 was paid in respect of protective awards. I have not reviewed these arrangements, as I believe that trade unions have an important role to play in creating a positive employment relations climate from which all organisations can benefit. I also believe that INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT the check-off system does not create a distinguishable burden on the administration of the HR function in AIDS: Conferences this Department. Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State Vocational Guidance for International Development who will represent her Department at the upcoming International Aids Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Conference. [202984] Business, Innovation and Skills what contractual requirements to provide face-to-face advice will be in Lynne Featherstone: Her Majesty’s Government will the contracts of providers of the National Careers be represented at the conference. We do not routinely Guidance; and what the current levels of provision are. confirm attendance in advance. [203479] Burma Matthew Hancock: 12 regional National Careers Service providers will be contractually obliged to deliver an Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for area-based service that will provide careers advice to International Development which community-based adults through digital and social media platforms, on women’s organisations in Burma receive funding from the telephone and face to face from 1 October 2014. her Department to assist victims of sexual violence by The contractors must ensure that customers are aware the Burmese army. [202920] of the ways they can access the service. Face-to-face careers advice is available for customers who request it, Mr Duncan: DFID is providing £500,000 through the those who need intensive direct support or those who United Nation’s Population Fund (UNFPA) to strengthen are unable to access digital and telephone services. the network and capacity of agencies working on gender- The National Careers Service delivered the following based violence in Rakhine and Kachin those areas. during the 2013-14 financial year: Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for 664,948 new adult customers who accessed face-to-face advice; International Development what projects her Department 371,778 telephone advice sessions for adults; is supporting in promoting free media in Burma. 52,150 telephone advice sessions, webchat, e-mails and texts [203124] for young people; 15,710,908 website visits; Mr Duncan: DFID provides a global grant to BBC 25,871 mobile web home page views. Media Action which includes work in Burma. In Burma, this has supported capacity-building with the state Wind Power broadcaster, training of local journalists, and the launch of new programmes featuring opposition voices and the Mr Kennedy: To ask the Secretary of State for views of ordinary people. Business, Innovation and Skills if he will bring forward plans to enable the Green Investment Bank to purchase Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for equity in existing offshore projects to enable similar International Development what steps her Department investment in onshore wind turbine construction; and is taking to achieve universal healthcare in Burma. if he will make a statement. [202950] [203126]

Michael Fallon: The role of the Green Investment Mr Duncan: Along with other donors, DFID funds Bank (GIB) is to help finance green infrastructure the Three Millennium Development Goal Fund. This projects. The terms of its state aid approval do not fund is delivering improved reproductive, maternal, newborn allow it to invest in specific supply chain companies or and child health services across seven states and regions, 137W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 138W as well as funding gaps in the national programmes to Uganda control HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria. The fund also invests in improved health systems, including the supply Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for International of drugs and commodities, human resources, and health Development pursuant to the answer of 30 June 2014, information systems. Official Report, column 416W, on Uganda, to which Developing Countries: Education human rights organisations her Department is stepping up to support; and what form that support will take. [203718] Adam Afriyie: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many children received Lynne Featherstone: We are consulting in-country schooling as a direct result of UK aid in (a) sub-Saharan with LGBTI groups and development partners to determine Africa and (b) South Asia in the latest period for which the best ways to support our aims. figures are available. [202969]

Lynne Featherstone: Up until September 2013, UK Aid has supported over 6.4 million children in primary DEFENCE and lower secondary school, of which 3.1 million were girls, through our bilateral programmes. Of these, 4.2 Afghanistan million were in sub-Saharan Africa and 2.1 million children were in South Asia. These figures are the latest Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State available, and are reported in the DFID Annual Report for Defence how many (a) precision-guided munitions and Accounts 2012-13. and (b) gravity bombs of each type have been dropped Multilateral Trade Organisation in Afghanistan by British (i) fixed-wing aircraft and (ii) unmanned aerial vehicles since 23 March 2011. [200904]

Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State Mr Francois: The number of precision-guided munitions for International Development on how many boards of dropped in Afghanistan in the period requested are multilateral organisations representatives from her shown in the following table. No free-fall bombs have Department sit; and how many meetings of each board been dropped in this time. such representatives of has not attended in the last 12 months. [202983] Aircraft Type 24 March 2011 to 16 June 20141 Lynne Featherstone: DFID currently sits on the board Fixed Wing 71 of 28 multilateral organisations to which it gives core Remotely Piloted Air Systems 317 funding, sometimes representing the UK alone and (RPAS) sometimes also representing a constituency (group of 1 Inclusive. donor members). DFID either attended, or was represented Use of force remains closely controlled and the avoidance by a member of their constituency at, all board meetings of civilian casualties has been paramount. Professional in the last 12 months. crews carefully select the smallest warhead appropriate to the target being attacked to ensure they deliver the Pay required effect, while minimising the risk to civilians. All UK forces operate in accordance with International Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Humanitarian Law, following the principles of distinction, International Development which organisations collect humanity, proportionality and military necessity. The subscriptions through the employers’ payroll service in UK’s clearly defined Rules of Engagement are formulated her Department and its non-departmental public body. on this basis. The same strict Rules of Engagement that [203108] govern the use of conventional military aircraft also apply to RPAS and targets are always positively identified Mr Duncan: There are currently four organisations as legitimate military objectives. Reaper is the UK’s which collect subscriptions through DFID’s payroll only RPAS with the ability to deploy precision-guided service: weapons. Civil Service Club Civil Service Sports Council Rory Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Public and Commercial Services Union how many Afghan interpreters have been granted asylum EKODA Club (social club) since he announced in 2013 that the resettlement package for Afghan interpreters would extend to any interpreter St Helena serving for a year continuously up to December 2012. [202959] Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent assessment Mr Francois: The ex-gratia redundancy scheme for he has made of the progress on constructing the Saint locally engaged civilians (LECs) which was announced Helena airport; and if he will make a statement. on 4 June 2013, includes a bespoke immigration [203450] arrangement specifically for Afghan LECs which is unrelated to the UK asylum system. Mr Duncan: Construction is progressing well and is The ex-gratia scheme includes an offer of relocation currently to budget and on schedule to allow the airport to the UK for LECs who meet the relevant eligibility to open in February 2016. criteria. We estimate that up to 600 LECs will be eligible 139W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 140W to apply for relocation via the ex-gratia scheme; the https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/location-of-all- majority of these individuals will have been interpreters. uk-regular-service-and-civilian-personnel-quarterly-statistics- Two have been granted visas; visa applications are being index processed for another 269. Further applications will be Information on the number of UK civilian personnel processed as our remaining LECs are made redundant. based in City of York unitary authority area for each We expect the first LECs to arrive in the UK later this year from 1 April 2008 to 1 April 2011 is produced in summer. the following table:

Armed Forces Number

2008 650 Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 2009 680 if he will make it his policy to centrally record all 2010 720 instances of verbal or physical abuse made towards 2011 640 members of the Armed Forces. [203471] Information on the number of UK civilian personnel Anna Soubry: The Ministry of Defence has no plans based in the City of York unitary authority area for to record such information, and no representation has each year since 1 April 2012 is now published in Ministry been made by the armed forces that such a record is of Defence Quarterly Location Statistics Table 3.3a, necessary. We have seen no evidence of widespread or available at the GOV.UK website: increasing prejudice, harassment or criminality aimed https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/location-of-all- at service personnel. uk-regular-service-and-civilian-personnel-quarterly-statistics- index Armed Forces: Cadets Additionally, copies of the Quarterly Location Statistics are available in the Library of the House. Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to change funding for existing Combined Billing Cadet Force detachments and to communicate those changes to schools. [203660] Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many creditors had remained unpaid by Anna Soubry: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the his Department on 1 June 2014 for (a) 45, (b) 60, (c) answer I gave on 25 June 2014, Official Report, column 75 and (d) 76 days and over. [201610] 221W,to my hon. Friend the Member for North Wiltshire (Mr Gray). Mr Dunne: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) financial systems capture the length of time the invoice has been Armed Forces: Housing outstanding at the point the invoice is paid. The following table represents our assessment of late Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for payments paid during the 12 months ended 1 June Defence whether the Statistical Bulletin 6.02 on 2014. This does not reflect existing unpaid bills. Accommodation will be published by the end of July Invoices paid after 45 days between June 2013 and June 2014 2014. [203274] Days Number

Dr Murrison: It is intended that Statistical Bulletin 45-59 19 6.02 will be published at 09.30 am on Thursday 24 July 60-74 6 2014, as announced on the Ministry of Defence timetable 75 0 for future releases on the GOV.UK website. 76 18 Totalover45Days 43 Armed Forces: York During financial year 2013-14 out of over 4 million Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for correctly submitted invoices the MOD paid 94% within Defence how many UK (a) regular military and (b) five working days. civilian personnel were based in City of York in each Defence Vetting Agency year since 2008. [202855]

Anna Soubry: Information on the number of UK Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for regular military personnel based in the City of York Defence how many people were employed by the Unitary Authority area for each year from 2008 until Defence Vetting Agency in (a) York and (b) total on 1 2013 is published in Ministry of Defence Quarterly April in each year since it was created. [202854] Location Statistics Table 3.3a, available on The National Archives website: Anna Soubry: The figures in the following table represent people employed by the Defence Business Services National http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20140116142443/ Security Vetting for 2012, 2013 and 2014 and its predecessor http://www.dasa.mod.uk/index.php/publications/personnel/ combined/quarterly-location-statistics the Defence Vetting Agency until 2011, in York and total, on 1 April each year. Information on the number of UK regular military personnel based in the City of York unitary authority Staff based in York Overall total area for each year from 2010 until 2014 is published in Ministry of Defence Quarterly Location Statistics Table 2003 220 320 3.3a, available on the GOV.UK website: 2004 220 340 141W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 142W

Mr Dunne: The Department for Transport is the lead Staff based in York Overall total for civil aeronautical and maritime search and rescue. 2005 230 350 The Ministry of Defence makes defence assets available 2006 230 350 for search and rescue, which in the past have included 2007 230 360 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA). 2008 250 390 We continually monitor the international situation 2009 300 450 and will adjust our capability plans in response as 2010 310 470 necessary. The capability gap resulting in the removal of 2011 260 430 MPA, which was years behind schedule and hundreds 2012 220 350 of millions of pounds over budget, was recognised in 2013 180 310 the Strategic Defence and Security Review 2010 but has 2014 162 297 been partially mitigated using other maritime assets. Notes: Prudent management of the defence budget means that 1. Although the Defence Vetting Agency was founded in 1996 reliable figures are available only from 2003. we have the ability to consider enhancements to the 2. Figures are for full-time equivalents. defence programme should a requirement to do so 3. Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10. emerge.

Marchwood Military Port Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how long it will take to (a) acquire aircraft and Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for (b) reinstate skills following a decision to reacquire Defence if he will make it his policy formally to consult maritime patrol aircraft. [203467] the residents of Marchwood, Hampshire, about the sale of the lease of land and facilities at the site of the Mr Dunne: The period from a decision to acquire military port; and if he will make a statement. [203317] entry into service would depend on the platform selected, affordability in the Defence programme and commercial Mr Dunne: There will be a formal opportunity to arrangements. It is therefore not possible to provide a receive and hear the views of local residents in regard to specific timeline. the Marchwood proposal via the statutory planning process. Additionally, in recognition of the ongoing The UK has since 2011 run a Seedcorn programme concerns that local residents will understandably have, whereby RAF personnel are embedded in the Maritime Ministry of Defence officials will continue to engage Patrol Aircraft (MPA) capabilities of a number of close with local representatives and through the Local Planning allies. This initiative will mitigate the long lead time Authority until the commercial arrangements are usually taken to establish a suitably qualified and completed. experienced cadre if there is a future requirement to regenerate a UK MPA capability. It is not yet known how interested parties will seek to develop the Marchwood site for commercial use over The previous MPA capability, the Nimrod MR2, was and above the continuing military use at this early stage retired by the previous Government. Its successor in the process. Consequently, any consultation with the programme, the Nimrod MR4A, was hundreds of millions local community would, at this stage, be speculative. of pounds over budget with significant technical challenges I would expect the successful partner to consult with present to achieve air worthiness certification. the local community regarding its plans for the site following the grant of the concession. Patrol Craft Members: Correspondence Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State Defence when he expects the contracts to be signed for for Defence when he intends to answer the letter sent to the three offshore patrol vessels to be built for the him by the right. hon. Member for Mid Sussex (Sir Royal Navy. [203483] Nicholas Soames) dated 14 March 2014, enclosing correspondence from his constituent, Mr Douglas Mr Dunne: Negotiations with BAE Systems for the Denham St. Pinnock. [203463] contract to build the three new offshore patrol vessels, announced in November 2013, are ongoing. Subject to Anna Soubry: The Minister for the Armed Forces, my main-gate approval, we intend to award a build contract right hon. Friend the Member for Rayleigh and Wickford to enable construction of these vessels to begin in (Mr Francois) replied to my right hon. Friend on 2 July autumn 2014. 2014. I apologise for the length of time taken to respond to Veterans your letter. Military Aircraft Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether his Department issues guidance on Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for protocols relating to former armed forces or personnel Defence what account he has taken of (a) recent losses using their rank as a title after they have left service. of aircraft and yachts at sea and (b) the deterioration in [203843] East-West relations resulting from events in the Ukraine; when assessing the effects on defence capability of the Anna Soubry: Ministry of Defence officials are not absence of maritime patrol aircraft; and if he will make aware of any official guidance on this issue. However, a statement. [203466] Debretts suggests that: 143W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 144W

‘…regular officers of the rank of major and above may use, the national curriculum. In addition, many pupils take and be addressed by, their rank after being placed on the retired part in extra-curricular arts activities both inside and list.’ outside school. Written Questions: Government Responses Billing Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will answer Question 201291, tabled Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for by the hon. Member for Middlesbrough South and Education with reference to the answer of 19 October East Cleveland (Tom Blenkinsop) 18 June 2014. 2013, Official Report, column 235W, on billing, what [203789] the value was of duplicate supplier payments identified by his Department’s audit; and what proportion of Anna Soubry: I responded to the hon. Gentleman on such payments have since been recovered. [202514] 2 July 2014, Official Report, columns 678-79W. Elizabeth Truss: The Department’s spend recovery audit contractor has identified a small number of duplicate EDUCATION payments (excluding executive agencies). In 2012/13 there were 12 duplicate payments and in 2013/14 there Academies was one. Any duplicate payments that have been identified and already recovered in previous years would not have Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for been picked up in this audit. Education how much has been paid to converter The value of these duplicate payments is £110,527 academies towards pre-opening costs since 2010. over the five years audited. The audit was completed in [202866] April 2014 and we have recovered £40,256 (36%) of the total amount, with the remainder being subject to an Mr Timpson: The total pre-opening costs for converter ongoing recovery process by the contractor. We expect academies from 2010 to the end of March 2014 are £102 the contractor to pursue the remaining recovery action million. quickly. Adoption In addition to the recovery work currently being undertaken, the Department has brought in other measures Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for to minimise the risk of duplicate payments. From August Education what steps his Department is taking to 2013, arrangements for grants payments are dealt with reduce the time taken to adopt a child. [203216] by a central grants payment team. More recently, we have implemented the use of a unique reference number Mr Timpson: Major reforms in the Children and (URN) to reduce the risk of inaccurate grant payments Families Act 2014 are helping to speed up the legal and improve management information. The Department adoption process for children in England, support quicker also ensures that finance guidance is updated as appropriate matching and ensure earlier placement of children with to ensure risks are minimised and we have regular foster families who may go on to adopt them. Adoption discussions with our shared service provider about scorecards were introduced in 2012 and are driving continuous improvements, which includes measures such improvements locally. We implemented a new adopter as routine supplier data cleansing and clear protocols. approval process last year and under this new process prospective adopters can now be approved in just six Children in Care months. New training materials and other tools have been developed by the College of Social Work and Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Research in Practice to improve the skills of social Education how many (a) primary, other than small workers so they are better placed to quickly judge what primary and (b) secondary schools in each local is best for each child. In 2012-13, the number of adopters authority area had more than 3% of pupils in care in was 34% up on the year before. the latest period for which figures are available. Arts: Primary Education [203735]

Ms Harman: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Timpson: The following tables show the number Education (1) what proportion of primary pupils from of primary and secondary schools with at least 3% of each region have engaged with (a) theatre activities, pupils who were looked after on the 31 March 2013. (b) music activities, (c) dance and (d) other arts in This has been presented by local authority. Schools each year since 2009-10; [203662] with a headcount of fewer than 50 pupils have been (2) what proportion of primary pupils from removed from this analysis. (a) disadvantaged backgrounds and (b) non- Number of primary disadvantaged backgrounds have engaged with (i) schools where more than theatre activities, (ii) music activities, (iii) dance and (iv) Total number of 3.0% of pupils are looked- 1 2 other arts in each year since 2009-10. [203663] Local authority primary schools after children Cumbria 235 10 Elizabeth Truss: The Department for Education does Lincolnshire 258 7 not collect this specific information. Kent 447 6 All primary pupils in maintained schools will participate Lancashire 452 6 in drama, music, dance and art and design as part of Nottinghamshire 278 6 145W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 146W

Number of primary Number of primary schools where more than schools where more than Total number of 3.0% of pupils are looked- Total number of 3.0% of pupils are looked- Local authority primary schools1 after children2 Local authority primary schools1 after children2

East Riding of 121 4 Yo rk 5 2 1 Yorkshire 1 Number of primary schools (including middle-deemed primary) with a pupil Wirral 90 4 headcount of at least 50 (based on 2013 school census data). 2 Wolverhampton 73 4 Number of primary schools (including middle-deemed primary), where at least 3.0% of pupils were looked after on 31 March 2013. Blackburn with 54 3 Darwen Number of secondary Cornwall 213 3 schools where more than Devon 275 3 Total number of 3% of pupils are looked- Local authority secondary schools1 after children2 Hampshire 422 3 Norfolk 320 3 Bury 14 1 Staffordshire 282 3 Lancashire 83 1 Wiltshire 190 3 Lincolnshire 54 1 Bury 63 2 Luton 13 1 Cheshire East 120 2 Northumberland 46 1 Dudley 78 2 Staffordshire 69 1 Durham 217 2 Wirral 22 1 East Sussex 151 2 1 Number of secondary schools (including middle-deemed secondary) with a pupil headcount of at least 50 (based on 2013 school census data). Halton 50 2 2 Number of secondary schools (including middle-deemed secondary), where at Herefordshire 73 2 least 3.0% of pupils were looked after on 31 March 2013. Kingston upon Hull, 70 2 City of Children: Day Care Leeds 218 2 North Tyneside 56 2 Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education North Yorkshire 249 2 (1) what assessment he has made of the additional costs Northumberland 97 2 to (a) parents and (b) childcare providers of providing Shropshire 115 2 childcare for disabled children; [203315] St Helens 54 2 (2) what assessment he has made of the level of Sunderland 82 2 accessibility of childcare for disabled children; how Warwickshire 190 2 many childcare settings of all types of provision provide West Berkshire 62 2 places for disabled children; what proportion of disabled Worcestershire 177 2 children are able to access early years provision; and Barnsley 78 1 how many disabled children access the free early years Birmingham 300 1 entitlement at (a) three and four years old and (b) two Blackpool 29 1 years old. [203321] Bolton 94 1 Bristol, City of 104 1 Elizabeth Truss: The Government are extending the Bromley 74 1 entitlement criteria for two-year-old early learning. From Buckinghamshire 164 1 September 2014, two-year-olds will be eligible if they Calderdale 84 1 have a current statement of special educational needs Cambridgeshire 201 1 (SEN) or an education, health and care plan (EHCP) or Coventry 84 1 if they get disability living allowance. The Government Dorset 129 1 are determined to ensure that all children are able to Essex 452 1 benefit from their Government-funded early education, Gateshead 67 1 and local authorities have the necessary funding, including Gloucestershire 225 1 in the high-needs block of the dedicated schools grant, Hertfordshire 386 1 to secure this. Kirklees 145 1 The Government published Childcare and Early Years Knowsley 50 1 Survey of Parents 2012/13 in January 2014, which contains Leicestershire 216 1 a range of information about the views of parents with Liverpool 122 1 disabled children about childcare. The survey contained North Lincolnshire 63 1 information about access to childcare, including flexible Northamptonshire 248 1 and holiday care, the quality and affordability of this Oldham 86 1 care. It is published online at: Rochdale 69 1 https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ Salford 76 1 attachment_data/file/275992/SFR06-2014_Childcare_ Sandwell 94 1 and_Early_Years_Survey_of_Parents_2012-13_final.pdf Solihull 62 1 The Government published Childcare and Early Years South Tyneside 45 1 Providers Survey 2011, which contains information on Southampton 60 1 early years providers who care for children with disabilities. Torbay 30 1 This survey is published online at: Trafford 67 1 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/childcare-and- Wigan 102 1 early-years-providers-survey-2011 147W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 148W

Children: Protection young adults that would arise under Option 5 of that plan. [203503] Glenda Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what recent assessment he has made of the Mr Timpson: Lancashire local authority has a statutory adequacy of the UK’s child protection legislation; and duty to ensure that there are sufficient school places available. The Department for Education continues to if he will make a statement. [203198] engage with Lancashire local authority, along with all Mr Timpson: Professor Eileen Munro undertook a other local authorities, to understand the place planning wide-ranging independent review of the child protection pressures they face. system in England reporting in 2011. This review looked The Department has not assessed Lancaster district at the system as a whole, including the adequacy of the council’s plans for long-term expansion with regard to child protection legislation. The Department for Education the provision of educational facilities. The council’s has since clarified the legislation through the revised plan is a local area consultation and decisions will be statutory safeguarding guidance, ‘Working Together to made at local level. Safeguard Children 2013’ so all organisations working With regard to funding for additional school places, with vulnerable children know what the law says they local authorities are asked to include potential pupils and others must do. from new housing developments (where there is already The Department will continue to monitor the current planning permission or there is a high degree of confidence legislation and review options to strengthen the system that they will go ahead) in their forecasts that they to keep children safe. provide to the Department. These forecasts underpin the capital funding allocations for the delivery of school places. The Department has allocated a total of £83 Children: Social Services million basic need funding to Lancashire local authority for the provision of school places between 2011-12 and Mrs Lewell-Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for 2016-17. Education pursuant to the answer of 23 June 2014, In addition to Government funding, the Department Official Report, column 78W,on children: social services, expects housing developers to make a contribution to and with reference to clause 71 of the Deregulation Bill, the infrastructure needs of the new communities created. whether the Government intend to maintain the Securing that funding is a matter for the local authority. requirement for all third-party social work providers to register with Ofsted. [203439] Education: York

Mr Timpson: The Deregulation Bill contains provisions Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for that would remove the requirement for providers of Education what the revenue spending was for each (a) social work services to register with Ofsted. primary and (b) secondary pupil in York Unitary Authority area in each year since 2008-09 and in each year since. [202881] Education: Lancaster Mr Laws: The available information on expenditure David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for in maintained primary and secondary schools in York Education with reference to Lancaster city council’s local authority is shown in the table. Local authority Local Plan for Lancaster District 2011-2031: Strategic maintained schools receive their funding from their Options for Land Allocations, what assessment his local authority, which control how this is apportioned. Department has made of the potential expansion of To provide data for further years would incur demand for educational facilities for children and disproportionate cost.

School income and expenditure and per capita statistics for local authority maintained schools in York local authority area1, 2, 3, years 2011-12 and 2012-13

Primary schools Secondary schools

£000 £ per pupil4 £000 £ per pupil4

Spending by schools 2012-13

Total expenditure5 52,545,453 3,963 41,797,127 5,379

Income (generated by schools)6 2,721,285 205 2,015,165 259

Net current expenditure (total expenditure less income) 49,824,168 3,758 39,781,962 5,119

Spending by schools 2011-12

Total expenditure5 50,618,714 3,949 42,394,872 5,330

Income (generated by schools)6 2,522,975 204 2,000,017 251 149W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 150W

School income and expenditure and per capita statistics for local authority maintained schools in York local authority area1, 2, 3, years 2011-12 and 2012-13 Primary schools Secondary schools £000 £ per pupil4 £000 £ per pupil4

Net current expenditure (total expenditure less income) 48,095,740 3,745 40,394,855 5,079 1 The detailed definition of every income and expenditure category is available on the Department’s website at the following link: http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/adminandfinance/financialmanagement/consistentreporting/b00205260/consistent-financial-reporting-online-guide 2 School expenditure data are provided by local authority maintained schools only. They do not contain data on academies. Therefore the income and expenditure figures are affected by the numbers of schools converting to academy status. In particular this affects the figures for secondary schools and makes year-on-year comparisons difficult. 3 Cash terms figures as reported by schools. 4 Per pupil figures are based on pupils and income and expenditure in schools that were open for the full financial year. 5 Total expenditure is the sum of the following four categories: teaching staff, education support staff, other employee costs and running expenses (E01 to E32 excluding code E30). 6 Income generated by schools (rather than the funding received through central Government and local authorities) covers CFR codes I07 to I13 plus I17 which includes, for example, income generated from facilities, services, catering, parental contributions towards school visits and donations. It also includes receipts from insurance claims. Latest figures on both the income and expenditure of local authority maintained schools in England for the financial year April 2012 to March 2013 are available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/la-and-school-expenditure-financial-year-2012-to-2013

Free School Meals for 2002 to 2014 has been placed in the House Library. Comparable data for earlier years are not available. Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Information by parliamentary constituency is not Education how many children in (a) Yo rk , (b) North published. Yorkshire, (c) Yorkshire and the Humber and (d) England received free school meals in 1995-96 and in Internet: Bullying each year since. [202878]

Mr Laws: Information on the number and percentage Dr Wollaston: To ask the Secretary of State for of pupils known to be eligible for and claiming free Education what steps he is taking to tackle cyber- school meals in York local authority, North Yorkshire bullying. [904664] local authority, Yorkshire and the Humber region and England for 2002 to 2014 has been placed in the Library Mr Timpson: The Government believe that internet of the House. providers, schools and parents all have a role to play in Comparable data for earlier years are not available. keeping children and young people safe online. All schools must have a behaviour policy which includes Free School Meals: Ashfield measures to prevent all forms of bullying, including cyber-bullying. The “Keeping Children Safe in Education” Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for guidance outlines the importance of tackling cyber-bullying, Education how many secondary school pupils in which can be found online at: Ashfield constituency received free school meals in http://www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/schools-the-wider- each of the last five years. [203812] sector/cyberbullying.aspx Schools have the flexibility to develop their own Mr Laws: Information on the number of pupils known measures to prevent and tackle bullying, but are held to to be eligible for and claiming free school meals in account by Ofsted. state-funded secondary schools is published in the “Schools, The Government recognise that educating young people pupils and their characteristics: January 2014” Statistical 1 about online safety is key to tackling cyber-bullying. As First Release . part of changes to the new computing programmes of 1 Note: study which will be taught from September 2014, e-safety https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/schools-pupils- will be taught at all four key stages. This will empower and-their-characteristics-january-2014 young people to tackle cyber-bullying through responsible, Table 8b shows local authority level information. respectful and secure use of technology, as well as Parliamentary constituency level information is not ensuring that pupils understand age-appropriate ways published. Information for 2010 to 2013 can be found in of reporting any concerns they may have about what previous versions of this release.2 they see or encounter online. 2 Note: The new curriculum also offers opportunities to tackle https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/statistics-school- the underlying causes of bullying; for example, the new and-pupil-numbers citizenship programme of study sets out a requirement for pupils to be taught about the diverse national, Free School Meals: Warrington regional, religious and ethnic identities in the United Kingdom and the need for mutual respect and Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for understanding. Education how many children in (a) Warrington and The Department for Education is providing £4 million (b) Warrington North constituency received free of funding over two years from 2013 to four anti-bullying school meals in each year since 1995-96. [203252] organisations: Beatbullying, the Diana Award, Kidscape and the National Children’s Bureau consortium. Although Mr Laws: Information on the number and percentage this funding has been awarded to specific projects to of pupils known to be eligible for and claiming free reduce bullying in general, this can, and does, include school meals in Warrington local authority and England work to tackle cyber-bullying. 151W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 152W

The Department has produced case studies showing Elizabeth Truss: The Department is currently consulting good practice in how to manage behaviour and bullying. on removing its check-off provision. These include a case study about how a school deals The following organisations received subscriptions with cyber-bullying. Also, through funding provided by from staff salaries through the Department’s payroll the Department, the Anti-Bullying Alliance has produced provider in May 2014: specific advice on cyber-bullying for children and young Benenden Health people with special educational needs and/or disabilities. We provide a link to this in our own advice on preventing Birmingham Hospital Saturday Fund and tackling bullying. British Healthcare Association Government Ministers have regular meetings with Charity for Civil Servants internet providers, social media platforms and search Charity Trust engines on matters related to internet safety, including Civil Service Club cyber-bullying. Ministers from the Department for Civil Service Sports Club Education, Home Office and the Department for Culture, FDA Media and Sport also co-chair the UK Council for Forester Health Child Internet Safety (UKCCIS) which brings together Give As You Earn a range of experts across Government, law enforcement, industry, academia and charities to consider the best Health Sure Group ways to minimise the risk of harm to children when online. Hospital Saturday Fund In July 2013 the Prime Minister announced measures HSA Crown Simply Health to support parents to install free and easy to use internet HSA Individual Simply Health filters which can block access to harmful websites. The Leeds Hospital Fund Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have now rolled out Merseyside Health easy to use filtering to all new customers and will PCS confirm that, by the end of 2014, 95% of all homes with Prospect an existing internet connection will be required to choose Westfield Health whether to switch on a whole home family friendly internet filter. The filters are constantly being refined and updated by the ISPs to keep families as safe as Pearson VUE possible in the fast-changing digital world. The ISPs have also announced a new £25 million internet safety Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State campaign over three years that will reach out to millions for Education what representations he has received of parents on how best to protect their children and regarding Pearson VUE’s delivery of QTS numeracy make good use of filters. and skills tests. [202962]

Members: Correspondence Mr Laws: There have been representations made by individuals and candidates regarding Pearson VUE’s Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Education delivery of the skills tests. These representations have (1) if he will estimate the total number of ministerial been in relation to technical issues encountered by replies from his Department to hon. Members in a candidates at the time of sitting the test and requests for parliamentary Session; and what proportion of such appeals where candidates feel there have been exceptional replies are sent (a) by letter and (b) by email; [203302] circumstances which should result in another attempt at (2) what plans his Department has to increase the the test in question being permitted. All representations number of replies sent electronically to letters from of this nature are fully investigated by the Standards hon. Members. [203526] and Testing Agency.

Elizabeth Truss: Information is not available in the Performance Appraisal form requested. Reports on the performance of Departments in handling correspondence from hon. Mrs Lewell-Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Members and peers are published by the Minister for Education what proportion of (a) disabled and (b) all the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General each year other staff employed by his Department received each and include the numbers of letters to which Ministers level of performance rating in their end of year reply. The report for the calendar year 2013, 13 May performance assessment for 2013-14. [202053] 2014, Official Report, column 17WS, shows that 16,898 such letters were received by Department for Education Elizabeth Truss: The information requested is set out Ministers. Most correspondence from hon. Members in the following table. continues to be received as letters and is replied to in the same format, although Ministers will continue to reply Table 1: 2013-14 Performance management outturn figures for the Department in e-mail form when they consider it appropriate to for Education do so. Percentage Performance Declared No declared Pay rating disability disability Not declared Top/Exceeded 14 26 22 Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Achieving/ 69 66 68 Education which organisations collect subscriptions through Achieved the employers’ payroll service in his Department and its Low/Must 17 8 10 Improve agencies. [203103] 153W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 154W

The Department continues to take steps to ensure Primary Education: Admissions that its performance ratings are a fair reflection of individual performance. Over the last year, this has Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for included independent members being present at end of Education what recent estimate he has made of the year meetings where performance assessments are number of children in England starting primary school moderated and training for staff on how to avoid in September 2014 who have received a place at their unconscious bias. first choice school. [203229]

Mr Laws: Data on the proportion of children made Pre-school Education: Warrington an offer of their first choice school for England have recently been published as part of the Statistical First Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Education Release ‘Secondary and primary school applications how many nursery places were available in (a) Warrington and offers: 2014’. This is published online: and (b) Warrington North constituency in each year https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/statistics-school- since 1995-96. [203327] applications Pupil Exclusions: Staffordshire Elizabeth Truss: I have asked Ofsted to respond using the data they hold on registered nursery places. Sir Mr Burley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education Michael Wilshaw, Her Majesty’s chief inspector will how many children were permanently excluded from write to the hon. Lady, and a copy of his response will (a) primary, (b) middle, (c) upper and (d) secondary be placed in the House Libraries. Some providers, such schools in Staffordshire in each of the last three years. as schools with nursery provision for children aged [203786] three or over, are exempt from registration. The number of places therefore may not include the full range of Elizabeth Truss: Information on the number of early years provision available in the area. permanent exclusions in each of the last three years is The Department for Education’s Childcare and Early published in the “Permanent and fixed period exclusions Years Providers Survey, available at: from schools in England: 2011 to 2012 academic year” 1 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/childcare-and- Statistical First Release . Information for 2012/13 will early-years-providers-survey-2011 be published on 31 July 2014. collects data on all registered child care places, including Table 1 in the publication shows the number of those in maintained schools and nurseries. These figures permanent exclusions in state-funded primary and are therefore more comprehensive than the Ofsted figures; secondary schools. This information is not available by however, data are available only at a national and regional middle and upper schools, as such schools are deemed level, and in this case only for the north-west. either primary or secondary and are included in those counts. 1 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/permanent-and- Pre-school Education: York fixed-period-exclusions-from-schools-in-england-2011-to-2012- academic-year

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Pupils: Disadvantaged Education how many nursery places were available in City of York constituency in 1995-96 and in each year Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for since. [202879] Education how many children are involved in the Challenge the Gap scheme. [203230] Elizabeth Truss: I have asked Ofsted to respond using the data they hold on registered nursery places. The Mr Laws: To date, 99,755 children have taken part in Ofsted Director for the Early Years, and North-East, the Challenge the Gap project. Yorkshire and the Humber, Nick Hudson, will write to the hon. Gentleman, and a copy of his response will be Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for placed in the House Libraries. Some providers, such as Education how many primary schools in (a) England schools with nursery provision for children aged three and (b) Birmingham are taking part in the Challenge or over, are exempt from registration. The number of the Gap scheme. [203231] places therefore may not include the full range of early years provision available in the area. Mr Laws: In its first two years, the Challenge the Gap programme has reached 150 schools, of which 84 are The Department for Education’s Childcare and Early 1 primary schools. 16 schools in Birmingham are involved Years Providers Survey collects data on all registered in the programme, 11 of which are primary schools. child care places, including those in maintained schools and nurseries. These figures are therefore more Pupils: Qualifications comprehensive than the Ofsted figures; however data are available only at a national and regional level, and in Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for this case only for the North East, Yorkshire and Humberside Education how many and what proportion of pupils combined. who did not have a statement of special educational 1 Note: needs in each school achieved no qualifications by the https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/childcare-and- end of key stage 4 in the most recent year for which early-years-providers-survey-2011 figures are available. [203334] 155W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 156W

Mr Timpson: The information requested has been Mr Laws: As York only became a local authority in placed in the House Library. 1996-97 as a result of local government reorganisation, comparable funding data are available only from this Pupils: Speech and Language Disorders date. The following table shows capital funding for the Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for financial years that are available. Education how many and what proportion of pupils in (a) reception, (b) year 1 and (c) year 2 in each state-funded £ million primary school had speech and language difficulties in City of York Capital allocations1 PFI credits2 the latest year for which figures are available. [203737] 1996-97 0.8 — Mr Timpson: The information requested has been 1997-98 1.3 — placed in the House Library. 1998-99 1.8 — 1999-2000 4.5 — Schools: Uniforms 2000-01 7.4 — 2001-02 4.8 — 2002-03 9.2 — Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for 2003-04 11.1 — Education what guidance he gives to schools on steps 2004-05 11.4 15.4 they should take to inform students of their right to 2005-06 10.7 — wear or not to wear religious clothing. [202911] 2006-07 23 — 2007-08 19.3 — Mr Laws: It is for the governing body of each school 2008-09 26.7 — to set its own policies on school uniform and other 2009-10 23.1 — matters of appearance. The Department for Education’s 2010-11 18.4 — guidance to schools on school uniform recommends 2011-12 8.0 n/a that, once this policy is decided, the governing body 2012-13 8.7 n/a should describe its uniform or appearance policy clearly 2013-14 8.5 n/a and ensure that parents are informed. 2014-15 (provisional) 6.5 n/a ‘-’ Indicates that no funding was given in that year. The uniform guidance reminds schools of their need 1 Capital allocations includes capital grant and supported borrowing allocations. to have full regard to their obligations under equalities 2 PFI credit allocations, where applicable are counted at financial close. PFI credits were not made after 2010-11. law when setting and enforcing their school uniform Notes: policy. It also recommends that the governing body 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest £100,000. considers carefully any reasonable requests to vary its 2. Capital allocations are made to York unitary authority for local authority uniform policy to accommodate individual pupils’ beliefs. maintained schools. The school uniform guidance is available at: Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-uniform Education how much funding was given to schools in York unitary authority area in each year in 2008-09 Schools: York and in each year since. [202882]

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Laws: Total revenue funding allocations to York Education what capital funding was allocated by his local authority (LA) covering maintained schools and Department to schools in the City of York in 1995-96 recoupment academies for financial years 2008 to 2015 and in each year since. [202874] are as follows:

Total revenue funding to schools £ million (cash) 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

York LA 98.3 101.6 107.4 107.6 109.5 114.2 118.2

These figures are in cash terms and include dedicated The following table shows capital funding for the schools grant, other schools-related grants in 2008-09 financial years 2008 to 2014. The data are in cash terms. to 2010-11, pupil premium, physical education and sport grant and universal infant free schools meals. Most of the additional grants were mainstreamed into the dedicated schools grant in 2011-12.

Total capital funding to schools £ million (cash) 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14

York LA 26.7 23.1 18.4 8.0 8.7 8.5

Notes: 1. Capital allocations includes capital grant and supported borrowing allocations. 2. Figures are rounded to the nearest £100,000. 157W Written Answers7 JULY 2014 Written Answers 158W

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education within the state school system were fined as a result of how much capital funding was given to schools in York unauthorised absence by their children in 2013. [203180] unitary authority area in 2008-09 and in each year since. [202883] Elizabeth Truss: The Department for Education collects and publishes annual data on the number of penalty Mr Laws: The following table shows capital funding notices (fines) issued to parents, which include any for the financial years requested. issued to guardians, for offences relating to section 444(1) of the Education Act 1996. The number of £ million penalty notices issued in the academic year 2012/13 was City of York 52,370. This information is published online: Capital allocations1 PFI credits2 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/parental- responsibility-measures-academic-year-2012-to-2013 2008-09 26.7 — 2009-10 23.1 — The Department does not collect data regarding fines 2010-11 18.4 — issued by the courts on this matter. 2011-12 8 n/a Universal Credit 2012-13 8.7 n/a 2013-14 8.5 n/a Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for ‘-’ Indicates that no funding was given in that year. 1 Capital allocations includes capital grant and supported borrowing allocations. Education if he will estimate the cost to the public 2 PFI credit allocations, where applicable, are counted at financial close. PFI purse of extending entitlement to benefits from the credits were not allocated after 2010-11. pupil premium to all claimants of universal credit once Notes: 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest £100,000. universal credit has been fully rolled out. [202675] 2. Capital allocations are made to York unitary authority for local authority maintained schools. Mr Laws: Universal credit will be fully rolled out in Teachers the next Parliament from 2017/18, and no pupil premium spending decisions for that period have yet been taken. Debbie Abrahams: To ask the Secretary of State for For example, the per-pupil funding rates have not been Education what proportion of newly qualified teachers decided beyond 2014/15. This means that it is not were still teaching three years after completing their possible to estimate the potential cost of extending entitlement on the pupil premium budget. qualifications in each of the last five years. [203011] Young People: Yorkshire and the Humber Mr Laws: The information that the Department for Education holds will be published in late July as additional Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for tables to the Statistical First Release ‘School Workforce Education how many and what proportion of people in England, November 2013’, which is available here: aged (a) 16, (b) 17 and (c) 18 years living in (i) York https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school- and (ii) Yorkshire and the Humber were in (A) full-time workforce-in-england-november-2013 education and (B) full-time education, employment or training in 2008-09 and in each year since. [202872] Teachers: Labour Turnover Matthew Hancock: Estimates of the proportion of 16 Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for and 17-year-olds participating in education and work-based Education what the (a) turnover and (b) wastage rate learning are published in the “Participation in education, was for (i) full-time and (ii) part-time teachers in each training and employment, age 16 to 18” statistical first school in the most recent year for which figures are release (SFR). This provides estimates at local authority available. [203736] level for full-time education, and the wider measure of education and work-based learning, but information on Mr Laws: The information requested is not available employment is not available at local level. The local for individual schools. estimates are only available for academic age 16 and 17-year-olds. Truancy: Fines The SFR is published online here:

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/participation-in- Education how many parents and guardians of children education-training-and-employment-age-16-to-18

1MC Ministerial Corrections7 JULY 2014 Ministerial Corrections 2MC

five months of this year, compared with 2.95 million in Ministerial Corrections the same period last year. [Official Report, 18 June 2014, Vol. 582, c. 1136.] Monday 7 July 2014 Mrs May: Her Majesty’s Passport Office has issued 3.3 million passports in the first five months of this year, compared with 2.95 million in the same period last HOME DEPARTMENT year. [Official Report, 18 June 2014, Vol. 582, c. 1145.] Passport Office (Delays) The following is an extract from a speech given by the James Brokenshire: Her Majesty’s Passport Office Minister for Security and Immigration, the hon. Member issued 3.3 million passports in the first five months of for Old Bexley and Sidcup (James Brokenshire) during the year, compared with 2.95 million in the same period the debate on Passport Office (Delays) on 10 June 2014. last year. [Official Report, 18 June 2014, Vol. 582, c. 1175.] James Brokenshire: Between 1 January and 31 May 2014, Letters of correction from Theresa May and James HMPO received 3.3 million applications—350,000 more Brokenshire: than the same period last year, and the highest volume of applications received for this period over the last Errors have been identified in part of the speeches 12 years. Indeed, in both March and May this year, given during the debate on Passport Applications. HMPO recorded the highest level of applications received The correct response should have been: in any month over the last 12 years. Her Majesty’s Passport Office has received 3.3 million [Official Report, 10 June 2014, Vol. 582, c. 523.] applications for passports in the first five months of this Letter of correction from James Brokenshire: year, compared with 2.95 million in the same period last year. An error has been identified in part of the speech I gave during the debate on Passport Office (Delays). Student Visas The correct response should have been: The following is an extract from the Statement given by the Minister for Security and Immigration, the hon. James Brokenshire: Between 1 January and 31 May 2014, Member for Old Bexley and Sidcup (James Brokenshire) HMPO received 3.3 million applications—350,000 more on Student Visas on 24 June 2014. than the same period last year, and the highest volume of applications received for this period over the last James Brokenshire: Overseas students at privately 12 years. Indeed, in both March and May this year, funded further education colleges are not allowed to HMPO recorded the highest level of applications received work at all, yet one college—the London School of in any month over the last eight years. Business and Finance—has 290 foreign students who worked and paid tax last year. Passport Applications [Official Report, 24 June 2014, Vol. 583, c. 207.] The following are extracts from speeches made by the Letter of correction from James Brokenshire: Secretary of State for the Home Department, the right An error has been identified in the statement given on hon. Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May) and the Minister 24 June 2014. for Security and Immigration, the hon. Member for Old The correct statement should have been: Bexley and Sidcup (James Brokenshire) during the debate on Passport Applications on 18 June 2014. James Brokenshire: Overseas students at privately funded further education colleges are not allowed to Mrs May: I have explained that HMPO is dealing work at all, yet one college—the London School of with an unprecedented surge in demand for passports. Business and Finance—has over 290 foreign students HMPO has issued 3.3 million passports in the first who worked and paid tax last year.

ORAL ANSWERS

Monday 7 July 2014

Col. No. Col. No. HOME DEPARTMENT...... 1 HOME DEPARTMENT—continued Counter-terrorism Strategy ...... 6 Organised Sexual Abuse of Children ...... 10 Cyber-crime ...... 14 Passport Office...... 3 Illegal Immigration ...... 16 Reducing Crime Levels ...... 8 Migration (EU Accessions)...... 14 Serious and Organised Crime...... 1 Modern Slavery...... 12 Terrorism ...... 12 Neighbourhood Policing...... 10 Topical Questions ...... 16 WRITTEN STATEMENTS

Monday 7 July 2014

Col. No. Col. No. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 1WS HEALTH...... 5WS Social Tenants: Complaints Process ...... 1WS Code of Practice: Mental Health Act 1983 ...... 5WS

HOME DEPARTMENT...... 6WS ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL G6 (Barcelona)...... 6WS AFFAIRS...... 2WS Agriculture and Fisheries Council...... 2WS TRANSPORT ...... 7WS Door to Door Action Plan and Cycle-Rail FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 4WS Integration...... 7WS UK-Caribbean Ministerial Forum ...... 4WS High Speed Rail in the North...... 8WS PETITION

Monday 7 July 2014

Col. No. Col. No. PRESENTED PETITION Meningitis B Vaccine ...... 1P WRITTEN ANSWERS

Monday 7 July 2014

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 99W CABINET OFFICE...... 1W Corruption: Tanzania ...... 99W Apprentices...... 1W Wonga...... 99W Average Earnings ...... 1W Civil Servants: Recruitment ...... 2W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 125W Civil Servants: Vetting...... 3W Apprentices...... 125W Employment ...... 4W Arts...... 125W Members: Correspondence ...... 5W Business: Registration ...... 126W Older Workers...... 6W Comet Group...... 126W Part-time Employment: Ashfield...... 7W Disabled Students’ Allowances ...... 127W Pay...... 7W Disabled Students’ Allowances: Lewisham...... 130W Public Sector: Procurement...... 8W Disabled Students’ Allowances: North East...... 129W Social Security Benefits: Ashfield...... 8W Government Office for Science...... 131W Teenage Pregnancy...... 9W Higher Education: York...... 131W National Careers Service...... 131W Pay...... 132W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 116W Prisons: Higher Education ...... 133W Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty ...... 116W Shipbuilding: Portsmouth ...... 133W Betting Shops: Planning Permission...... 117W Street Trading ...... 134W Care Act 2014 ...... 117W Students: Disability...... 134W Homes and Communities Agency...... 117W Students: Loans ...... 134W Housing: Construction...... 117W Trade Unions ...... 135W Mortgages: Government Assistance...... 118W Vocational Guidance...... 135W Parish Councils ...... 119W Wind Power ...... 135W Pay...... 119W Woolworths...... 136W Policy ...... 119W Col. No. Col. No. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT— ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE...... 63W continued Climate Change: Northern Ireland ...... 63W Valuation of Life and Health Inter-departmental Dungeness B Power Station ...... 64W Group ...... 120W Electricity...... 64W Energy...... 65W Energy Companies Obligation ...... 66W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 11W Energy: Prices ...... 66W Architecture and the Built Environment Review .... 11W Fuel Poverty...... 66W Arts: Finance ...... 11W Green Deal Scheme...... 67W Broadband ...... 12W Housing: Energy ...... 68W Commonwealth Games...... 12W Nuclear Power: China ...... 69W Direct Selling ...... 13W Renewable Energy: Heating ...... 69W Facebook ...... 13W Wind Power ...... 69W Film: Foreign Investment in UK...... 13W Football: York...... 14W Mobile Phones ...... 15W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL Mobile Phones: Hertfordshire...... 15W AFFAIRS...... 70W National Railway Museum ...... 17W Agriculture: Subsidies ...... 70W Pay...... 17W Animal Welfare: Circuses...... 70W Sports: Yorkshire and the Humber...... 17W Environment Protection: Seas and Oceans...... 70W Television: Licensing ...... 19W Flood Control: Lancashire...... 71W Tourism: Marketing ...... 19W Food: Fraud...... 71W Food Supply Networks Review ...... 71W Gamekeepers ...... 71W DEFENCE...... 138W Pay...... 72W Afghanistan ...... 138W Policy ...... 73W Armed Forces ...... 139W Valuation of Life and Health Inter-departmental Armed Forces: Cadets...... 139W Group ...... 73W Armed Forces: Housing ...... 139W Water Charges...... 74W Armed Forces: York...... 139W Wildlife: Imports...... 75W Billing ...... 140W Wind Power: Birds ...... 75W Defence Vetting Agency...... 140W Marchwood Military Port...... 141W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 89W Members: Correspondence ...... 141W Bahrain ...... 89W Military Aircraft ...... 141W British Overseas Territories...... 89W Patrol Craft...... 142W Bulgaria ...... 90W Veterans ...... 142W Burma...... 90W Written Questions: Government Responses ...... 143W Central African Republic ...... 92W Counter-terrorism ...... 92W EDUCATION...... 143W Gibraltar...... 93W Academies...... 143W Gibraltar: Spain ...... 93W Adoption ...... 143W Iraq...... 94W Arts: Primary Education...... 143W Lesotho...... 94W Billing ...... 144W Nigeria...... 94W Children: Day Care ...... 146W North Korea ...... 95W Children in Care...... 144W Nuclear Weapons...... 96W Children: Protection...... 147W Pakistan ...... 96W Children: Social Services...... 147W Palestinians ...... 97W Education: Lancaster ...... 147W Pay...... 97W Education: York...... 148W Saudi Arabia...... 98W Free School Meals...... 149W Syria...... 98W Free School Meals: Ashfield ...... 149W Ukraine...... 98W Free School Meals: Warrington ...... 149W World War I: Anniversaries...... 99W Internet: Bullying...... 150W Members: Correspondence ...... 151W HEALTH...... 20W Pay...... 151W Abortion ...... 20W Pearson VUE ...... 152W Alcoholic Drinks: Misuse...... 20W Performance Appraisal ...... 152W Autism ...... 22W Pre-school Education: Warrington...... 153W Baby Care Units...... 22W Pre-school Education: York ...... 153W Care Homes ...... 22W Primary Education: Admissions...... 154W Clinical Commissioning Groups ...... 23W Pupil Exclusions: Staffordshire ...... 154W Clinical Commissioning Groups: Yorkshire and Pupils: Disadvantaged...... 154W the Humber...... 23W Pupils: Qualifications...... 154W Coeliac Disease ...... 24W Pupils: Speech and Language Disorders...... 155W Competition...... 25W Schools: Uniforms ...... 155W Consent to Medical Treatment...... 25W Schools: York...... 155W Dental Services ...... 25W Teachers...... 157W Dental Services: North Yorkshire...... 26W Teachers: Labour Turnover...... 157W Drugs: Rehabilitation...... 26W Truancy: Fines ...... 157W Eyesight: Testing...... 26W Universal Credit...... 158W Family Nurse Partnership Programme...... 27W Young People: Yorkshire and the Humber ...... 158W Family Planning...... 28W Col. No. Col. No. HEALTH—continued JUSTICE—continued General Practitioners ...... 28W Mediation ...... 79W Health Foods: Prescriptions...... 27W New Roads and Street Works Act 1991...... 80W Health Professions: North Yorkshire ...... 29W Prison Service ...... 80W Health Professions: Pay...... 29W Prisoners: Domestic Violence...... 80W Health Professions: Warrington ...... 30W Prisoners: Per Capita Costs...... 83W Health Services ...... 35W Prisons: Crimes of Violence ...... 83W Health Services: EU Nationals...... 37W Prisons: Offensive Weapons ...... 84W Health Services: Lancaster...... 37W Prisons: Sexual Offences ...... 84W Heart Diseases ...... 38W Roads: Accidents ...... 84W Hospitals: Debts ...... 38W Sexual Offences: Greater Manchester...... 86W In Vitro Fertilisation ...... 38W Wills...... 87W Influenza...... 38W Witnesses: Children...... 88W Jeena International...... 39W Youth Custody...... 88W Meetings ...... 39W Mosquitoes: Greater London...... 39W NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 10W Nurses: Pay ...... 40W Bloody Sunday Tribunal of Inquiry ...... 10W Organs: Donors ...... 41W Economic Situation...... 10W Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome ...... 43W Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme ...... 10W Parkinson’s Disease...... 43W Prerogative of Mercy ...... 11W Pay...... 44W Policy ...... 44W PRIME MINISTER...... 1W Prisons: Mental Health Services...... 45W Abortion ...... 1W Spectacles...... 46W Strokes ...... 47W TREASURY ...... 120W Tuberculosis...... 48W Air Passenger Duty ...... 120W Valuation of Life and Health Interdepartmental Consumers: Protection...... 120W Group ...... 49W Corporation Tax: Northern Ireland ...... 120W York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.... 50W Development Aid...... 121W Dover Priory Station...... 121W HOME DEPARTMENT...... 53W Financial Services: Taxation ...... 121W Animal Experiments ...... 53W Gold: Prices ...... 121W Asylum ...... 54W Income Tax ...... 122W Asylum: Children...... 54W Individual Savings Accounts ...... 122W Commonwealth Games 2014 ...... 55W Tax Avoidance: British Overseas Territories...... 122W Cyber-attacks...... 53W Ukraine...... 123W Cybercrime ...... 55W Universal Credit...... 123W Educational Testing Service ...... 56W Welfare Tax Credits...... 124W HM Passport Office ...... 56W Working Tax Credits: Self-employed...... 125W Human Trafficking: Albania...... 57W Human Trafficking: Children...... 58W WOMEN AND EQUALITIES...... 9W Members: Correspondence ...... 58W Equality and Human Rights Commission...... 9W Nazi War Crimes...... 59W Gender: Equality...... 10W Organised Crime ...... 59W Passports...... 59W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 100W Passports: Scotland...... 61W Apprentices...... 100W Passports: Welsh Language...... 61W Attendance Allowance ...... 101W Raytheon ...... 62W Children: Maintenance ...... 101W UK Border Agency ...... 62W Children: Poverty ...... 102W Valuation of Life and Health Interdepartmental Employment and Support Allowance ...... 103W Group ...... 63W Employment: Depressive Illnesses...... 104W Employment Schemes: Autism...... 104W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 136W European Social Fund: Cornwall...... 104W AIDS: Conferences ...... 136W Gas Masks ...... 105W Burma...... 136W Housing Benefit: Social Rented Housing ...... 105W Developing Countries: Education ...... 137W Jobcentre Plus: Wolverhampton...... 105W Multilateral Trade Organisation...... 137W Jobseeker’s Allowance...... 106W Pay...... 137W Pay...... 106W St Helena ...... 137W Pensioners: Social Security Benefits ...... 107W Uganda ...... 138W Personal Independence Payment...... 108W Poverty...... 110W JUSTICE...... 76W Procurement...... 111W Community Rehabilitation Companies ...... 76W Schools: Asbestos...... 112W Courts: Children ...... 76W Social Security Benefits...... 112W Driving: Licensing...... 76W State Retirement Pensions...... 113W Educational Testing Service ...... 77W Unemployment Benefits...... 113W Fraud ...... 77W Universal Credit...... 114W Homicide ...... 78W Valuation of Life and Health Inter-departmental Homicide: Victim Support Schemes...... 78W Group ...... 115W Jimmy Savile ...... 78W Widowed Parent’s Allowance...... 115W Legal Aid Scheme ...... 78W Work Capability Assessment...... 115W MINISTERIAL CORRECTIONS

Monday 7 July 2014

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CONTENTS

Monday 7 July 2014

List of Government and Principal Officers of the House

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

Child Abuse [Col. 23] Statement—(Mrs May)

Local Growth Deals [Col. 46] Statement—(Greg Clark)

Bills Presented [Col. 63]

Estimates (1st allotted day) [Col. 71] Universal Credit Common Agricultural Policy Estimates agreed to

Meningitis B Vaccinations [Col. 134] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Written Statements [Col. 1WS]

Petition [Col. 1P]

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

Ministerial Corrections [Col. 1MC]