Thursday Volume 510 3 June 2010 No. 9
HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT
PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)
Thursday 3 June 2010
£5·00 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2010 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Parliamentary Click-Use Licence, available online through the Office of Public Sector Information website at www.opsi.gov.uk/click-use/ Enquiries to the Office of Public Sector Information, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 4DU; e-mail: [email protected] 555 3 JUNE 2010 556
Vince Cable: The Secretary of State does understand House of Commons the importance of RDAs, which of course will be changed but in a way that makes them more effective. I am sure that the hon. Lady noticed that in my first Thursday 3 June 2010 comments on RDAs very shortly after I took office I recognised that several parts of the country were especially The House met at half-past Ten o’clock vulnerable. I mentioned the west midlands as one. Alison McGovern: In my constituency of Wirral South PRAYERS there are a great many people who are very concerned about the coalition Government’s proposals, and specifically those with special relevance to the projects that have [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] been progressed by the Northwest Regional Development Agency. Will the Secretary of State give me some reassurance that this vital business support will continue? Oral Answers to Questions Vince Cable: Within days of taking up this job I went to the north-west of England. I visited the RDA and talked to the chairman and chief executive and to businesses in the region. I reassured them that we are BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS well aware of the problems faced by Merseyside and the north-west, and that it is an area of priority in terms of resources. The Secretary of State was asked— Steve McCabe: I too congratulate the Secretary of State, and I heard what he said about not tinkering too Regional Development Agencies much in the west midlands. How many jobs would have to be lost in the west midlands before he considers this 1. Emma Reynolds (Wolverhampton North East) (Lab): policy to be a failure? What plans he has for the future of regional development agencies; and if he will make a statement. Vince Cable: I congratulate the hon. Gentleman on [000766] being returned to the House. I remember that he was a formidable force in the Government Whips Office in his 9. Alison McGovern (Wirral South) (Lab): What day. He has already noted the acceptance that the west plans he has for future support for businesses in midlands has particular structural problems, and they Merseyside and the north-west; and if he will make a will be taken into account in the reordering of the statement. [000775] RDAs. In my first answer, I stressed that the changes depend very much on the reaction of local business and 12. Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Selly Oak) (Lab): local authorities. I am sure that he will make representations For what reasons his Department plans to replace to Birmingham city council and local businesses, and I regional development agencies with local economic hope that they will reflect the priority that he wishes to partnerships. [000778] give.
15. Sir Alan Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed) (LD): Sir Alan Beith: I thank my right hon. Friend for the What plans he has for the future of the regional part that he played in securing a very clear assurance development agency in the north-east; and if he will from the Prime Minister yesterday that One NorthEast make a statement. [000782] will continue to have a key role as a regional development agency. Will that role and the way in which it is structured The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and enable it to continue to assist existing and new firms to Skills (Vince Cable): The Government intend to replace develop the private sector, for example in assembling RDAs with local enterprise partnerships and to bring land where needed? together business and local authorities to establish local Vince Cable: I hope that it will continue to play a accountability. Where they enjoy clear public support, positive role. My right hon. Friend has been extensively the partnerships may take a similar form to existing involved in supporting the north-east, and I talked to RDAs. In making the necessary reductions in RDA him about these things on the several occasions I visited budgets and reviewing their functions, we will seek to Newcastle and the region. He knows that one of the mitigate the impact on economically vulnerable parts of early decisions that came to me was to appoint the new the country. chairman of One NorthEast, and appointing someone to manage the transition was a statement of a wish to Emma Reynolds: I thank the Secretary of State for his maintain an element of continuity. I do not pretend that answer, and congratulate him and his team on their new the RDAs will not change: they will, but I recognise that positions. I wish them well. the north-east is a particular case because of its very Advantage West Midlands brings an economic benefit high dependence on public sector employment and the to the regional economy of over £7 for every £1 spent. generally very positive feedback I get about One NorthEast. Does the Secretary of State understand that the cuts that his Government have announced will put jobs at Margot James (Stourbridge) (Con): I congratulate risk in my constituency and critical projects such as the my right hon. Friend and his team on their new positions. i54 business park? Is he aware of the Richard report commissioned by the 557 Oral Answers3 JUNE 2010 Oral Answers 558
Conservative party in opposition? It found that a third Vince Cable: I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his of RDA money was spent on administration and that welcome and congratulate him on his elevation to the much of the rest was spent on signposting to other shadow Cabinet. He is quite right: we both greatly sources of information. I beseech him to ensure that in respected John Smith, for whom we worked. I should the new policy businesses and locally elected authorities also like to thank the right hon. Gentleman for what he can get together to avail themselves far more directly of did as a very hard-working Minister. He has made the all that taxpayer money. life of this Government easier as a result of all the preparatory work that he did preparing for private Vince Cable: Yes, I am aware of that report. There capital to come into Royal Mail. But in relation to cuts, was a happy coincidence of thinking between my colleague’s I am sure he acknowledges that the fiscal position does party and my own on the future of RDAs. She is quite demand drastic action. When I joined the Department I right to say that there was a lot of administrative waste, was already aware that this process was being undertaken— some of which we are now removing as a result of the cuts were already being taken in science laboratories, changes that have been made in the last week. There will and further education lecturers were being made redundant be parts of the country—including, I think, the part as a result of cuts made under his Government. that she represents—where we will have a substantial cutback in RDAs. However, they will be refocused and Flexible Working made more effective.
Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con): I thank the Secretary 2. Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con): of State for last week coming to visit Pace International, What plans he has to extend the right to request an excellent company in my constituency. Following on flexible working to all employees. [000768] from the excellent question from my hon. Friend the Member for Stourbridge (Margot James), I have been The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, concerned that the Secretary of State has indicated that Innovation and Skills (Mr Edward Davey): I welcome the Yorkshire Forward may be given a reprieve. May I tell hon. Lady to the House and congratulate her on her him that it is just as unacceptable for the unelected and election. The coalition agreement commits the Government unaccountable Yorkshire Forward to spend £300 million to extending the right to request flexible working to all a year of public money as it is for similar organisations employees. We will be consulting businesses and listening in the south of England? to their views, and we hope to bring proposals to the House later in the year. Vince Cable: The language of “reprieve” is not quite right. All the RDAs will change their nature; they will Harriett Baldwin: Thank you very much for that become local partnerships. answer, and I am pleased to welcome all of you to the team. It is so nice to have you in this House. Mr Speaker: Order. May I very gently say to the Secretary of State that he must turn to address the I want to ask about flexible working arrangements in House? particular. I know from my own experience how valuable it can be to an employer to have employees on flexible Vince Cable: What I said is that Yorkshire, together working arrangements, but I realise that small businesses with the north-east, the north-west and the west midlands, are very concerned about the potential impact of extending has particular structural problems that do need to be this regulation and I wondered what steps the team will addressed. take to consult on the extension of flexible working arrangements. Mr Pat McFadden (Wolverhampton South East) (Lab): I welcome the Secretary of State and his ministerial Mr Davey: Our commitment is for extensive consultation. team to their post and wish them well. The Secretary of I want to make it clear that my door is open to all State and I have something in common: we both used to business organisations and to the hon. Lady and hon. work for the late John Smith in times past, but that of Members of the House. We will listen to those views course was before the Secretary of State fell in with the and take them on board, but there is increasing evidence wrong crowd—and now he has fallen in with an even that flexible working arrangements are embraced by worse crowd. employers and employees and are welcomed in many The Secretary of State has said several times in recent businesses across the country. weeks that his Department will be the Department for growth. I am not going to begin these exchanges by Christopher Leslie (Nottingham East) (Lab/Co-op): denying that whoever won the election, there would Many employers regard flexible working as involving have been difficult decisions to take on deficit reduction, the hiring of temporary staff—agency workers and so but does he accept that the £300 million of cuts to RDA on. Will the Minister put in on the record today once budgets this year are not efficiency savings? They will and for all that there is no truth whatever in the reports mean real cuts in real business support, with less private in the Financial Times that his Government—the investment leveraged in and cuts to important regeneration coalition—are planning to scrap protections for agency projects. Is it not the case that the specific feature of workers, for temporary workers, which give them rights these cuts and his plans for replacing RDAs is that they to equal pay after 12 weeks? will impact on our capacity to secure the very growth that is necessary to make deficit reduction a success? Mr Davey: I welcome the hon. Gentleman back to the House; I remember sparring with him in previous Mr Speaker: There were two questions there. One Parliaments. As a former Minister, he will know not to brief answer will suffice. believe everything that he reads in the papers. 559 Oral Answers3 JUNE 2010 Oral Answers 560
Regulation Mr Amess: As chairman of the all-party group on small shops, I receive many representations from shops in Southend West and across the country on the burden 3. Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): What his of such regulations. In these still unfavourable trading most recent estimate is of the financial effect on conditions, will my hon. Friend look carefully at those businesses of the present level of regulation. [000769] representations and, as a Minister open to new ideas, 5. Mr Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East) (Con): meet a small deputation from the all-party group? What his most recent estimate is of the financial effect on businesses of the present level of regulation. Mr Prisk: I am very pleased to accede to that request. [000771] My hon. Friend is an excellent advocate of that vital part of our economy. It is crucial that we are open to 7. Mr David Amess (Southend West) (Con): What his fresh ideas, so I look forward to hearing those most recent estimate is of the financial effect on representations, and if he will contact my office, we can businesses of the present level of regulation. [000773] arrange that as soon as possible.
The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation Catherine McKinnell (Newcastle upon Tyne North) and Skills (Mr Mark Prisk): While no official estimate (Lab): With reference to the Minister’s desire to help currently exists, British Chambers of Commerce calculates small businesses, it has to be accepted that some effort that, since 1998, the additional regulatory costs introduced needs to be made to create the right environment for by the previous Labour Government have equated to manufacturing businesses. Will he therefore please explain approximately £11 billion every year. the Government’s plans to remove the annual investment allowance, which helps thousands of manufacturing Mr Bone: I thank the Minister for that response and businesses, hundreds of which are in my constituency? welcome him to the Dispatch Box; I can think of nobody in the House better qualified to occupy his role. Mr Prisk: The hon. Lady is right to point out the The cost that regulation has imposed is staggering. Can importance of manufacturing; it is a crucial part of our he estimate how much of that regulation emanates from economy. Sadly, it became imbalanced when her party the European Union, and what can he do to minimise was in power, and we need to change that. On the tax that? measure in question, and the representation that she made, she will understand that we are in the period Mr Prisk: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for those running up to Budget purdah and need to be careful not kind opening remarks, and I hope to be able to satisfy to get ahead of what I think the Chancellor’s ambitions my colleagues’ desire to make sure that we make a real will be, but at the CBI dinner he made it very clear that, change in how we help small businesses. My hon. Friend as regards corporation tax changes, we will not act in is absolutely right to say that Europe is a key source of any way that impugns manufacturing in any form. many of the regulatory problems that we have, but we gold-plate the situation. That is why the Government are determined to adopt a different approach. Let me John Cryer (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab): Does the briefly say what that is. There are two simple principles: Minister consider any part of health and safety regulation first, we will ensure that the timing of implementation to be burdensome or, as he just said, red tape? If so, does not disadvantage British business, when compared which bits? to its European counterparts; and secondly, when introducing regulation, we shall do so in a way that does Mr Prisk: The key principle in regulation is to ensure not substantially increase either the cost or the scope. that it is proportionate and balanced, and that risks, That is a crucial commitment to small businesses, and I where they exist, particularly in health and safety, are hope that it will stem the tide. recognised. However, I say to the hon. Gentleman and to the whole House, let us ensure that regulations are Mr Ellwood: I, too, welcome my hon. Friend to his introduced and implemented with a degree of common position. Labour’s red tape comes in all shapes and sense. Under the Better Regulation Executive we have sizes. There are examples of that in Bournemouth, good rules about proportionate regulation, and I want where a heavy goods vehicle licence is now required to to ensure that health and safety meets those standards. drive one of the Noddy trains, which have provided an excellent service for years. Also, the police are now Ian Lucas (Wrexham) (Lab): May I offer my required to pass a course to allow them to climb an congratulations to the hon. Gentleman on his appointment? 8-foot ladder to erect Neighbourhood Watch signs. I was very pleased to read that this Government are to Does my hon. Friend agree that that is not what made follow the previous Government’s initiative in publishing Britain great? the forward regulatory programme. Indeed, I was very pleased to read the press release in the Financial Times Mr Prisk: My hon. Friend is right about the way in this morning, which I must say was very familiar to me. which common sense seems to depart from the way that Press releases are the easy bit, but when will the Government this works. That is why we need to change the system, bring forward the costings for additional regulations, not just deal with the symptoms of the problem. That is such as minimum pricing and additional planning why we are introducing a one in, one out approach to regulations, which have already been proposed and are change the whole culture of Government: no new regulatory set out in the coalition agreement? burden on business can be brought forward unless reductions are made to existing regulations. That will Mr Prisk: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his kind change the culture of Whitehall and stop some of the remarks and look forward to jousting with him in a nonsense to which my hon. Friend refers. reverse of the situation we had before. I am very pleased 561 Oral Answers3 JUNE 2010 Oral Answers 562 to answer his point directly, because he raises the question Apprenticeships of those regulations that are in the pipeline. I am pleased to tell the House that this Government will 6. Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): What steps his initiate a fundamental review of all regulation that is Department plans to take to support businesses scheduled for introduction over the coming year. In the seeking to offer apprenticeships. [000772] first few days of this Government, we have already identified several billion pounds of costs in those regulations, The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and and we want to ensure that, where we can, we remove Skills (Vince Cable): We will increase the number of them so that business can get on and grow. apprenticeship places, and we are committed to improving the quality of apprenticeships to make them better Adult Community Learning suited to the needs of employers and learners. The Government’s decision to redeploy £150 million of our 4. Andrew Percy (Brigg and Goole) (Con): What his savings in 2010-11, creating an additional 50,000 places, policy is on support for adult community learning. demonstrates our commitment to high-quality, employer- [000770] owned apprenticeships.
The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation Robert Halfon: I thank the Secretary of State for his and Skills (Mr John Hayes): My strong commitment to reply. Is he aware of the excellent Essex apprenticeship adult and community learning is well known. It is scheme that does so much for young people throughout shared by my Secretary of State and the Prime Minster, the county? What steps will he take to replicate such who in a recent interview with “Adults Learning” made schemes to ensure that apprenticeships are better clear his belief that learning is championed to young people? Polling data from the organisation Edge show that just one in four teachers “about broadening the mind, giving people self-belief, strengthening the bonds of community”. would recommend apprenticeships over higher education. That is why in 2010-11 we are developing a skills strategy with increasing importance placed on those Vince Cable: The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right: with disabilities, learning difficulties and disadvantaged this is an extremely important aspect of helping to families and communities, spending £210 million in that develop the careers of young people. It is worth putting year alone. it in context that the 50,000 additional places we are providing are on top of 250,000 that existed before—a But that is insufficiently elegiac for you, Mr Speaker, 20% increase in one year. This is specifically directed at and for this House. Lifelong learning feeds hope—builds small and medium-sized businesses, which frequently and rebuilds lives by seeding a hunger for knowledge. It do not get the benefit of apprenticeships. I am sure that shapes people, families and communities and feeds social the good practice in Essex will be emulated around the justice. country.
Andrew Percy: I thank the Minister for that response. Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): I Does he agree that the success and value of adult welcome the right hon. Gentleman to the Dispatch Box. education is measured not only in terms of qualifications Has he read the ERA Foundation’s report on the declining and certificates? Will he assure us that, as this Government productive capability of our country? Does he accept move forward, the past cuts in adult education, for that lively and proper apprenticeships will be an essential courses that do not lead to qualifications, will if possible building block in facing the productive capacity changes be reversed, and that value will be placed on all layers of that we need in our country? Will he remember that last community adult education? time the Conservatives ruled this country, they got rid of apprenticeships? Will he have a free hand to build on Mr Hayes: I welcome my hon. Friend to the House. I the basis that we built on in the past 13 years? know of his rich experience in learning as a former teacher, and he, like me, understands that learning has a Vince Cable: This Government are expanding value for its own sake. I do not want to be unkind to my apprenticeships very rapidly in their first few days in predecessors, because that would be slightly vulgar; office. Of course the hon. Gentleman is absolutely right nevertheless, it has to be said that the dull utilitarianism on his basic point that apprenticeships are not only that permeated the previous regime’s thinking on this good for the very many young people who would otherwise subject has now, thankfully, come to an end. be unemployed, but good for the productivity of the economy. Mr Wayne David (Caerphilly) (Lab): The Minister will be aware of the huge contribution that the Workers Gordon Henderson (Sittingbourne and Sheppey) (Con): Educational Association has made to adult education. May I ask the Secretary of State to give an assurance to Can he confirm that his Government will support the manufacturing companies, particularly those such as WEA in its current form? Thamesteel in my constituency, which need to recruit people with high ability as apprentices, that the Mr Hayes: I am not only an admirer but, I would go apprenticeships scheme that we are proposing will not so far as to say, a devotee of the WEA. The value that be targeted only at people with less ability? learning brings, in elevating lives and building strong communities, is exemplified by such organisations, and Vince Cable: Indeed; the hon. Gentleman makes an I look forward to an early meeting with the WEA to excellent point. We are talking about the full range of discuss how we can move forward together. skills in this regard. If he wishes to pursue his point in 563 Oral Answers3 JUNE 2010 Oral Answers 564 relation to his constituency, the National Apprenticeship for employers. We have noticed the comments that have Service is there to help him to steer the scheme in the been made by, for example, British Chambers of Commerce right direction. and the Institute of Directors, which have called for changes to the employment tribunal system so as to Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): I warmly welcome streamline the process. That is what we are considering. the right hon. Gentleman to his position and welcome his apparent desire to carry on Labour’s outstanding Sheffield Forgemasters record on growing apprenticeships. When I became the Minister with responsibility for apprenticeships, I thought I was being radical in appointing an apprentice to my 10. Paul Blomfield (Sheffield Central) (Lab): Whether private office, but I must admit that even I would not he has discussed with Sheffield Forgemasters the have been as brave as this Government and gone so far continued availability of a loan facility from his as to appoint an apprentice as the new Chief Secretary Department; and if he will make a statement. [000776] to the Treasury. Given the need to set a good example to business, can The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and the right hon. Gentleman tell us what the numbers will Skills (Vince Cable): At this time, I have not discussed be for this year on public sector starts for apprenticeships? with Sheffield Forgemasters the continuing availability of the loan facility but, as the then Chief Secretary’s Vince Cable: Of course we cannot give numbers for statement on 17 May made clear, all projects that were that, for the simple reason that it is an offer for businesses approved after 1 January 2010, including this one, are to take up. Many of them will be in the public sector, undergoing a process of review. An announcement will and many of them will be in the private sector. I will be made in due course as part of the review. keep in touch with the hon. Gentleman and give him the information that he requires as it emerges. Paul Blomfield: I thank the Secretary of State for his answer, but will he acknowledge that the loan was Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) crucial in levering in significant private sector investment (LD): I warmly welcome my right hon. Friend and his to enable the acquisition of the largest forging press colleagues not only to their jobs but to their commitment outside Japan and Korea? Over three years, the loan to apprenticeships. May I ask him, in particular, to was subject to rigorous review by the shareholder executive ensure that those involved in large-scale construction and a value-for-money exercise, and this further review projects and large-scale transport projects take their full is causing unnecessary uncertainty. Will he therefore responsibility for apprenticeships and that all chambers urgently get rid of that uncertainty, give Forgemasters of commerce are engaged in the process of spreading the confidence to move forward and confirm the loan? the word? Vince Cable: I understand the importance of that Vince Cable: Yes, indeed; that is a very helpful point. project to the hon. Gentleman’s constituency and to I would merely stress that, by and large, very large Sheffield, but he needs to understand that we inherited companies do engage in substantial apprenticeship schemes a very large number of projects that were agreed in a for their own good reasons, and have the resources to hurry in the run-up to the general election. I do not do it. The particular expansion that we are engaged in is want to speculate about the motives, but we inherited a focused on small and medium-sized enterprises that lot of projects that were of variable quality. We now lack the resources and the support to do that. have to judge those projects, including this one, according Employment Law to the criteria of value for money and affordability.
8. Mr David Anderson (Blaydon) (Lab): What the Mr Pat McFadden (Wolverhampton South East) (Lab): terms of reference are of the review of employment law Let me assure the House that the Sheffield Forgemasters referred to in the coalition agreement. [000774] project was not agreed in a hurry. Does the Secretary of State understand that the decision of the last Government The Minister for Universities and Science (Mr David to provide a loan, not a grant, to that company was Willetts): We are reviewing employment law to maximise about not just support for one company but our ambition flexibility for employers and for employees. Our aim is to secure a national capability for the United Kingdom fairness for employees within a competitive environment in making key components for the nuclear supply chain for business. that is set to grow throughout the world in the coming years? Does he also accept that if the damaging uncertainty Mr Anderson: I thank the Minister for that response. not only about this but about other important projects, During the election campaign, the Secretary of State such as the electric car at Nissan and the automotive said that he and the Liberal Democrats believed that the assistance to Ford, is not resolved soon, all the Government’s link between the Labour party and the trade unions was talk about supporting a lower-carbon economy will be corrupt. Can we have an assurance from the team that seen as nothing more than rhetoric, with their actions that prejudice will in no way influence the employment going in entirely the opposite direction? law review? Vince Cable: I understand the issue because I have Mr Willetts: The Secretary of State has made it clear studied the reasoning behind the project. However, the that he did not make those remarks. We are looking at a hon. Gentleman has got to understand that we must do review that will not cut the rights of individuals, but we due diligence and a lot of projects have to be reviewed. want a streamlined process to cut the costs of compliance There is also the basic question of affordability. We 565 Oral Answers3 JUNE 2010 Oral Answers 566 have inherited a very serious financial situation and all Higher Education Funding such projects must be judged against whether money is available for them. 13. Lilian Greenwood (Nottingham South) (Lab): Women Entrepreneurs What plans he has for funding higher education in 2010-11; and if he will make a statement. [000779]
11. Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab): What plans he The Minister for Universities and Science (Mr David has to support women entrepreneurs; and if he will Willetts): Universities will receive £5.1 billion for teaching make a statement. [000777] from the Higher Education Funding Council for 2010-11. This includes an increase of £70 million since the December The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation 2009 grant letter. That reflects the 10,000 extra university and Skills (Mr Mark Prisk): While the existing start-up places that the coalition is committed to delivering in rates for female-led businesses compare favourably with 2010-11. other G7 nations, the Government believe that much more needs to be done to help more women in business. The Government will make future funding decisions in the light of the Browne review on student finance, I am currently talking to a wide range of businesses established by the previous Government, which will and considering what role the Government should play report later this year. with regard to access to finance, home-based businesses and enabling more women to start their own firm. Lilian Greenwood: I am sure that hon. Members know that for almost a decade Professor Philip Cowley Fiona Mactaggart: But the people who need to support and his colleagues in the school of politics at Nottingham women entrepreneurs and are failing to do so are at the university have been studying Back-Bench behaviour. banks, despite evidence from the Grameen bank and Their findings have been published on the “Revolts” from the USA that investment in women entrepreneurs website and are widely used by journalists and hon. can grow the economy. What conversations is the Minister Members—particularly, I am told, the Whips Office. having with the banks to ensure that women-led businesses Does the Minister share my concern that the project has can succeed? Is he confident that a male team of Ministers recently lost its Economic and Social Research Council will make that a high enough priority? funding, just at the time when it might yield the most interesting results from the Benches opposite? Mr Prisk: The priority of making sure that the banks are doing their job is something that both the Secretary of State and I are working on closely with the banking Mr Willetts: I attended a meeting at Nottingham sector and the Treasury. We agree with the hon. Lady university before the election when Professor Cowley that we need to make sure that the banks are doing their presented his report on the fascinating subject of rebellions job properly. I think there was a degree of, dare I say, in the House of Commons, so I am aware of his work. complacency from some Ministers at the end of the last However, it would be dangerous if we got into a position Government that all things were settled, but she is right whereby Ministers responsible for higher education started to point out that they are not. She has also rightly commenting on and micro-managing individual universities’ pointed out the gender imbalance on the Front Bench, decisions about their departments. I do not think that but I am pleased to tell her that my noble Friend we should go down that route. Baroness Wilcox, who represents this Department in the other place, is working closely with me on the Mr Rob Wilson (Reading East) (Con): My hon. Friend question of women in business. Baroness Wilcox is a will be aware of the value for money that the US successful business woman herself and I think she will community college model provides in getting more make an excellent contribution. I know the hon. Lady disadvantaged young people into higher education. Is takes a close interest in this matter. If she and other he having any work undertaken in the Department to business women here would like to contribute to the assess what we can learn from that important system in debate, so that we can ensure we get the gender balance the USA? right and help more firms, they would be very welcome. Mr Willetts: I pay tribute to my hon. Friend’s expertise Lorely Burt (Solihull) (LD): Many companies already in the subject and his record of campaigning on it. I accept the wisdom of procuring from companies that completely agree that progression through college to look like the customers whom they supply. We are university is one of strengths of some American systems, behind many other countries, particularly the USA. I such as that in California. Experts from California are greatly welcome the Government’s aspiration to procure coming here next week. We definitely need to learn from 25% from small businesses. Will the Minister consider those systems so that people have opportunities as they the issue of procurement, and measuring procurement, progress through education to move from college to from women-owned businesses for Government contracts? university.
Mr Prisk: I would be wary on trying to secure gender Mr David Lammy (Tottenham) (Lab): I welcome the balance, as it becomes very complicated. The key is hon. Gentleman to his new role. I know that many in ensuring that women, as business owners and managers, the higher education sector value the continuity that he can have the best opportunity. I would be happy to talk provides, but they also value consistency. In November to the hon. Lady about how we can do that. I extend to 2009, he said: her and other female Members who are in business and “At a time when the jobs market for young people is tougher have real experience an offer to help me ensure that than ever, it is far better to find them a place in education than to those businesses can succeed. leave them languishing on the dole.” 567 Oral Answers3 JUNE 2010 Oral Answers 568
Why, within days of taking up the job, has he done a Mr Davey: Thank you for that helpful advice, Mr Speaker. volte face and condemned 10,000 young people to the The hon. Member for Bassetlaw (John Mann) has dole by not providing extra student places to HE this always been known in the House for his modest use of summer? Is that not desperately hypocritical? language and his cross-party spirit, and I am sure he will want to ensure that all trade unions that fund Mr Willetts: I look forward to my exchanges with the mailings use Royal Mail. right hon. Gentleman, and of course I recognise his expertise as the former Minister for universities. As he Video Games Industry (Scotland) held that position, I am sure that he remembers the grant letter that the former Secretary of State sent out in December 2009 to the Higher Education Funding 16. Ann McKechin (Glasgow North) (Lab): What Council, which involved a reduction in the number of recent assessment he has made of the future prospects students. We have delivered the pledge that we made to of the video games industry in Scotland; and if he will our party conference, and which is in the coalition make a statement. [000783] agreement, of 10,000 extra places. That is why the amount of money going to universities in teaching The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, grant this year is £50 million higher than the figure set Innovation and Skills (Mr Edward Vaizey): No formal out in the December 2009 letter. assessment has yet been made since we came into office, only about three weeks ago. However, I can say that the prospects for the Scottish video games industry are Royal Mail excellent, particularly with the centre of excellence for games at the university of Abertay in Dundee. 14. Mr Adrian Sanders (Torbay) (LD): If he will take steps to increase the use of Royal Mail by public sector Ann McKechin: As the Minister will be aware, the bodies. [000780] video games industry is increasingly successful in the UK and particularly in Scotland. The Labour Government The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, indicated that they would give a specific tax relief to the Innovation and Skills (Mr Edward Davey): It is for industry, which faces huge competition internationally, individual Government Departments and public bodies particularly from the USA and Canada. Will he provide to decide which mail carrier to use, having regard for reassurance that that tax relief plan will continue under the most efficient and cost-effective ways of sending his Administration? their mail. Given the public sector deficit that the Government inherited, that must be the right way forward. Mr Vaizey: As the hon. Lady knows, we are currently in Budget purdah, but in opposition, I was on the Mr Sanders: Several Departments do not use Royal record as supporting a video games tax break long Mail, but outsource to firms such as DX Group, which, before the Labour party converted to that. Indeed, for of course, means that the public purse is not recompensed. most of the last 13 years, the only time the Labour Surely if we are to safeguard Royal Mail and the Post party ever talked about video games was when the right Office, we ought to do more to help them. hon. Member for Leicester East (Keith Vaz) condemned them for all sorts of misdemeanours. Mr Davey: I am sorry to disappoint my hon. Friend, but it is very important that we use the competitive mail Stewart Hosie (Dundee East) (SNP): I am glad the market to get the best value for the taxpayer. It is crucial Minister mentioned Abertay in Dundee, as the video that we abide by public procurement rules, and the games sector is hugely important there. Although it was Department for Business, Innovation and Skills will not disappointing that the last Labour Budget contained tell other Departments and public bodies how to procure nothing on tax breaks for the games industry in this their mail services. financial year, and although he is in Budget purdah, will he and his colleagues take excellent representations John Mann (Bassetlaw) (Lab): I received 12 mailings from TIGA, the games trade body, to understand precisely from one organisation that has had a lot of state money why tax breaks are required to fend off the competition in recent years, and some of my constituents received from jurisdictions where tax breaks are already in place? up to 30 mailings. Will the Minister have a word with some of his colleagues, because they all love to talk Mr Vaizey: When I was the Opposition spokesman, I about how they support the Post Office, but when the had a close relationship with TIGA, which is an excellent Tory party and Lord Ashcroft funded those direct trade body representing the video games industry—it mailings, none was delivered through the Royal Mail? put together an excellent submission on games tax relief Will he have a word with those hypocrites, and every and many other video games sector issues—and I am time they talk about the Post Office, remind them of very happy to continue to meet TIGA representatives to that? discuss this important matter. Mr Davey rose— Train to Gain Mr Speaker: Order. Just before the hon. Gentleman replies from the Dispatch Box, I should say that I know 17. Mr Adrian Bailey (West Bromwich West) (Lab/Co- he will want to keep his answer within order, and that as op): How many employers used the Train to Gain far as I am aware, the Conservative party is not a public programme in 2009-10; and how many people were sector body. trained under that programme. [000784] 569 Oral Answers3 JUNE 2010 Oral Answers 570
The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation Mr Hayes: There is no uncertainty. Let me be clear and Skills (Mr John Hayes): By July 2009, around about this Government’s commitment to apprenticeships. 200,000 employers had staff involved in training through Even in the short time that we have been in office, we the programme. In the 2008-09 academic year, learners have transferred money into the apprenticeship programme started 817,400 Train to Gain courses. that will allow the creation of 50,000 more apprenticeships. That is just the start. My ambition is no less than to Mr Bailey: I thank the Minister for his reply and build a system that facilitates more apprenticeships in welcome him to his portfolio. The figures he gave Britain than we have ever seen before. demonstrate that the programme is very successful. Local manufacturers in the west midlands have recognised Topical Questions and welcomed it in the past. Can he give assurances that the programme will be continued, particularly as it was used effectively during the global recession, for companies T1. [000791] Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): If he will on short-time working? In the event that we relaxed make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. back into a double-dip recession, it could be there for them to use again. The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (Vince Cable): My Department’s responsibilities Mr Hayes: The hon. Gentleman will know that the include helping to drive growth, including rebalancing problem with Train to Gain is its deadweight cost—a the economy; building on the strengths of manufacturing, fact that the last Administration were unwilling to face the knowledge industries and the science and research up to. The evaluations of Train to Gain suggest that it is base; helping businesses grow by getting rid of excessive used to support all kinds of training that employers regulation and ensuring that they can access credit; would have funded anyway and to accredit skills that being open to trade and foreign investment; and already exist— encouraging the development of a skilled and educated labour force. Mr Bailey indicated dissent. Mr Hayes: Well, that is not just my view; it was the Bob Russell: I trust that, within that roll-call, the view of the National Audit Office, which looked at the Secretary of State can persuade his Department or scheme and said that it has not provided good value for other relevant bodies to look into the debacle of Vergo money. Retail Ltd, now in administration, and its acquisition—less than a year ago—of the non-food outlets of the East of Apprenticeships England Co-operative Society, with the pending loss of up to 300 jobs, given up by the caring, sharing Co-op 18. Mr Robert Buckland (South Swindon) (Con): across the east of England. What steps his Department plans to take to support businesses seeking to offer apprenticeships. [000785] Vince Cable: I very much welcome back my colleague, the voice of Colchester, and I know that he will continue The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation to fight assiduously for his constituency. I do not know and Skills (Mr John Hayes): I refer the hon. Gentleman the facts of this takeover and closure, but I will be to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary happy to investigate if he writes to me or meets me to of State a short time ago. discuss it.
Mr Buckland: What steps will be taken to ensure that Ian Lavery (Wansbeck) (Lab): Does the Secretary of the new system of apprenticeships reaches out to the State acknowledge that cutting the higher education very smallest businesses in my constituency and elsewhere? budget will place pressure on Lord Browne to conclude All too often in the past the very smallest businesses that student fees need to rise? Is it not the ultimate have had great difficulty in getting the information that cop-out for the Secretary of State to cut the higher they need to engage apprentices. education budget and then abstain on student fees legislation? Mr Hayes: My hon. Friend is right. The apprenticeships system needs to be built from the bottom up, which is why the Government are determined, as the Secretary The Minister for Universities and Science (Mr David of State said earlier, that small and medium enterprises Willetts): Of course, Lord Browne’s report was should be supported in securing apprenticeships. We commissioned by the previous Government, on a cross- intend to introduce an apprenticeship bonus, which will party basis, so those on both sides of the House will help those small businesses to participate. We want to agree that it is right to wait for his report. As I explained look at supply-side barriers and at root training to the House earlier, compared with the plans announced organisations that will help small businesses to take on in December 2009, we have increased our contribution more apprenticeships. We are committed to apprenticeships to student teaching so that we can deliver our pledge of in a way that has not been seen for years, perhaps not extra student places. ever. T2. [000792] David Tredinnick (Bosworth) (Con): Does Andrew Miller (Ellesmere Port and Neston) (Lab): the Secretary of State have any plans for departmental That is breathtaking. How can businesses in the supply reorganisation? Does he recall that his predecessor, chain in my area be expected to take on apprenticeships Lord Mandelson, went on an empire-building spree as while there is so much uncertainty surrounding the a price for supporting the former Prime Minister, and reviews being undertaken on Vauxhall Motors and will he be moving back innovation and skills to the Airbus? Department for Education? 571 Oral Answers3 JUNE 2010 Oral Answers 572
Vince Cable: There are no plans to reorganise the T6. [000796] Ann McKechin (Glasgow North) (Lab): I Department, and in any event, it is a matter for the Prime note that this week the Secretary of State visited Minister. Actually, one of the strengths of the new Glasgow university in my constituency, according to Government is that we have maintained continuity and The Scotsman, although unfortunately I did not receive are concentrating on policy and economic recovery, not prior notice of his visit. He will be aware of the on moving around the furniture in Whitehall. significant spin-off industries in life science from Glasgow university and other universities in Scotland. T3. [000793] Phil Wilson (Sedgefield) (Lab): Nissan is Does he agree that a patent box, which the previous investing £400 million in its Sunderland plant, and the Labour Government talked about, is essential if we are previous Government awarded it a £20 million grant to grow and increase the life science industry in this for that, to help to secure thousands of jobs in the country? supply chain. Can the Secretary of State tell me whether that grant is still secure, considering that, if he Vince Cable: I apologise to the hon. Lady if she did answers no, thousands of jobs will be put at risk? not get advance notice of my visit, but it was a very successful one. There is an outstanding project based on Vince Cable: No, I cannot tell the hon. Gentleman grants from the Medical Research Council, among others, now, because as I explained earlier, all these projects are with very good commercial spin-off. That is exactly being reviewed. I know perfectly well that there is a what the Government want to encourage. strong case in this instance, but we have to review value for money and affordability in every case. Michael Fallon (Sevenoaks) (Con): Can the Secretary of State reassure us that any changes to the capital T5. [000795] Sir Alan Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed) gains tax regime will not reduce investment in business, (LD): Will the Government’s apprenticeship initiative particularly in new start-up businesses, and will not provide scope for the training of blacksmiths and other undermine schemes of employee share ownership? heritage crafts, bearing in mind the concerns of blacksmiths in my constituency that the new entrants training scheme for blacksmith training seems to have Vince Cable: As the hon. Gentleman knows perfectly been closed down following the decisions of the well, the coalition agreement envisages the reform of previous Government? capital gains tax as a way of making the tax system fairer and, among other things, creating revenue to help Mr Willetts: I know that my right hon. Friend has a lift the tax threshold and lift very large numbers of low strong interest in this subject, and I assure him that the earners out of tax. We are conscious of the impact of Department is committed to improving the apprenticeship capital gains tax on business, and we want to make it regime for craft skills. I have also already had a meeting clear that any reforms will acknowledge the role of on how we can improve the qualification regime so that entrepreneurship, and not damage it. specific qualifications in craft skills are properly recognised and funded—something that disappeared under the T7. [000798] Mr Stephen Hepburn (Jarrow) (Lab): The previous Government. Minister will be aware that I have already been in contact with his office about Trench UK and Siemens’ T4. [000794] Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/ proposals to close this very profitable plant and Co-op): Why is this new Front-Bench team so reluctant transfer production to France and Germany. Will he to talk about manufacturing? Can we not start tying up give an undertaking to meet Siemens at the highest the start-up of new businesses making things with our possible level to avert this closure, and will he also meet university sector? Is it not about time that there was yet a delegation from the plant so that we can discuss how another inquiry into doing something about expanding we can save this jewel of British manufacturing? our manufacturing exports? The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation Vince Cable: This Government are very fixed on the and Skills (Mr Mark Prisk): I know that the hon. issue of rebalancing the economy. Manufacturing has Gentleman takes a keen interest in his local businesses declined continually over the past few decades, particularly and jobs, and I am concerned about the issue that he in the past decade. It now has the advantage of a more has raised. I am aware that Siemens is about to commence competitive exchange rate, and it will be given support a 30-day consultation period for employees. Clearly that from the Government, particularly through the development is a commercial matter for the company, but in response of apprenticeships, as I indicated earlier. to his inquiry, I would be happy to receive further representations if he would like to contact my office. Greg Mulholland (Leeds North West) (LD): After vigorous lobbying, including by the all-party “Save the Andrew George (St Ives) (LD): Yesterday, the Under- pub” group, the last Government confirmed plans to Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, relax the beer tie and to set a timetable to act if the my hon. Friend the Member for Kingston and Surbiton industry did not reform itself. Can we get an assurance (Mr Davey), confirmed in response to a question of from the Minister that this Government will stick to mine that the Government are committed to introducing that plan and timetable? “an ombudsman, in the Office of Fair Trading, to enforce the Grocery Supply Code of Practice…and curb abuses of power The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, which undermine…farmers”.—[Official Report, 2 June 2010; Vol.510, Innovation and Skills (Mr Edward Davey): Yes. c. 44W.] 573 Oral Answers3 JUNE 2010 Oral Answers 574
Can he confirm that that is a reference to the physical from his Department in the north-east this year, and location of the ombudsman, and that it does not mean how it will increase over time? Further, as he has already that the ombudsman will be operating under the executive accepted £836 million of cuts to his important Department, power of the OFT? will he acknowledge that any further cuts would undermine our future economic recovery? Mr Davey: I am grateful for that question. I pay tribute to my hon. Friend, who has led the debate on the Mr Speaker: The Secretary of State will provide one new proposal. He and other colleagues on the coalition brief reply. Benches helped to persuade the previous Government to adopt the idea, for which he did so much work. He Vince Cable: We have indeed made large economies, will be aware that the previous Government undertook along with the rest of Government, and we had to do a consultation, which ended at the end of April. We are so. Had we not met the nature of the economic crisis looking at all the submissions to that consultation and that we now face across Europe, the cost of capital we will report back to the House when we have had a would have risen, causing even further difficulties for chance to analyse them, dealing with the sorts of issues business. I have already told the hon. Lady about the that he has raised. increase in apprenticeships, and high-value engineering is clearly a major target for that. T8. [000799] Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): Earlier, in response to three identical planted questions about T9. [000800] Alison McGovern (Wirral South) (Lab): regulation, the Minister gave us a whole load of Businesses both small and large in Wirral are showing sanctimonious poppycock about his views on great faith in our young people and their future by regulation, saying that there should be much less of it. investing in apprenticeships. However, that work has May I urge the Secretary of State to keep his Ministers the potential to be undermined by the great many in tow and to ensure a proper sense of regulation, reviews that the Government are now carrying out. especially in the financial services industry, in which Will the Minister confirm that if those reviews are there are still many predatory practices? In truly necessary, they will be carried out swiftly and in constituencies such as mine, loan sharks as well as liaison with businesses, so that their support for reputable financial services organisations are still apprenticeships will not be undermined? preying on vulnerable families. Mr Hayes: It may be that I have not made the Vince Cable: The ministerial team is completely united position sufficiently clear, so let me do so now. No in its approach to regulation. There are clearly areas review that is taking place would impact in a negative where regulation is necessary, not least for consumer way on apprenticeships. The hon. Lady can go back to protection, to which the hon. Gentleman referred, but it her constituents with pride and say that this Government must be proportionate and cost-effective, and it must are committed to apprenticeships there and across Britain. not obstruct genuine business growth. She can also come back to the House and challenge me on that if I do not deliver. Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): Just before BIS questions, I received a phone call from the chief Mr Graham Allen (Nottingham North) (Lab): I executive of a leading company in my constituency who congratulate the Secretary of State on his appointment. is keen on apprenticeships and welcomes what the new May I also congratulate him on what he said before the Government are going to do. However, the company is election about ensuring that bank lending would be just bigger than a small or medium-sized enterprise, improved, so that cities that are in recovery from the and he does not feel that it gets the help and encouragement recession, such as the city of Nottingham, can see the that it needs. Are we taking such companies into account cash flow coming into businesses to ensure that they go as well? from recovery to prosperity?
The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation Vince Cable: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his and Skills (Mr John Hayes): Yes, we are indeed. I am welcome, and I am grateful to him for allowing this having a dialogue with all the representative organisations crucial subject to surface at last. The major factor in of small businesses, and I am of course speaking to the inhibiting the growth of business, particularly among sector skills councils, which play a key role in that small and medium-sized enterprises, is the lack of access regard, in building apprenticeship frameworks that are to credit. It is the firm intention of this Government to pertinent. However, as I said earlier, we need to look at ensure, through a combination of loan agreements, the supply-side barriers and bureaucratic burdens that guarantees and other mechanisms, that that credit will discourage small businesses, and we also need to offset indeed flow. I shall be working with the Chancellor on some of the costs through our apprenticeship bonus this. scheme, and we will do that. We will build apprenticeships from the bottom up, for firms such as that which my Ms Angela Eagle (Wallasey) (Lab): In what way will hon. Friend has so nobly represented in the House the Secretary of State ensure that bank credit flows? today and the many others like it. How is he going to keep the House informed of how successful his pious hopes turn out to be in practice? Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central) (Lab): Business, innovation and skills are the engine that will Vince Cable: I look forward to keeping the House drive forward our economic recovery. Given that, could informed of progress. One of my criticisms of the last the Secretary of State tell me the number of high-value Government, which I made from the Opposition Benches, engineering apprenticeships that he intends to fund was that despite their successful intervention in the 575 Oral Answers3 JUNE 2010 Oral Answers 576 latter part of 2008, the banks then ran rings around Caroline Flint (Don Valley) (Lab): Does the ministerial them. The lending agreements were never enforced, and team acknowledge that the sacking of 1,200 Jarvis the semi-nationalised banks simply did not act on the workers in March by a company that did not manage its instructions that they were given. We in this Government affairs properly was unacceptable? May I ask for a intend to do a lot better. meeting, with the MPs who represent those experienced rail engineers, to see what work could be done on Natascha Engel (North East Derbyshire) (Lab): On contracts that Network Rail needs to meet, to ensure the coalition Government’s rather simplistic policy on that they find employment? regulation of “one in, one out”, will the Minister confirm that the one regulation coming in will be cost-equivalent to the one going out? If so, which regulation will go out Vince Cable: I do not know the background to the when the agency workers directive comes in? right hon. Lady’s question, but I would certainly be happy to meet her if she thinks that my Department can Mr Prisk: It is very simple: if a Minister wishes to help to alleviate those difficulties. bring forward a new regulation, they must show that they have removed a regulation and that that will reduce Several hon. Members rose— the overall burden of regulation, ensuring that businesses see a net reduction. That is an important change. It is something that the hon. Lady’s Government failed to Mr Speaker: Order. I am sorry, but we must now deliver, but it is something that we will deliver on. move on. 577 3 JUNE 2010 Business of the House 578
Business of the House Government had announced. However, he did say he would get back to us on what was happening to the Regional Grand Committees. Can he tell us the latest 11.33 am information on those Committees? Ms Rosie Winterton (Doncaster Central) (Lab): Will I ask that question particularly because on Friday, the Leader of the House give us the business for the the Prime Minister went to Yorkshire to tell us how he forthcoming week? wanted to develop regional economies. He set out a series of priorities, which sounded remarkably like the The Leader of the House of Commons (Sir George priorities we had identified when in government, but Young): The business for the week commencing 7 June without the investment, because of the £336 million cut will include: from the Business Department revealed at Business, MONDAY 7JUNE—Continuation of the debate on the Innovation and Skills questions today, and without the Queen’s Speech. Constitution and home affairs will be strategy to make it happen, because of confusion over debated. the future of the regional development agencies. We heard further comments this morning from the Business TUESDAY 8JUNE—Conclusion of the debate on the Queen’s Speech. Economic affairs and work and pensions Secretary, but I have to say that they shed very little will be debated. light on the issue. I think he said that the RDAs would be changed fundamentally, but might actually look the WEDNESDAY 9JUNE— Second Reading on the Identity same at the end of the process. That reminded us of last Documents Bill. week’s comment from the Leader of the House that the THURSDAY 10 JUNE—General debate on poverty. child trust fund would not be abolished, but would be The provisional business for the week commencing phased out—we were a bit puzzled as to the difference. 14 June will include: The Leader of the House will have noted the anxiety MONDAY 14 JUNE—General debate on emerging arising from this morning’s contributions and yesterday’s economies, followed by general debate on the middle Prime Minister’s questions about the uncertainty the east. Government are creating for businesses in our regions. Surely Regional Grand Committees could help to throw TUESDAY 15 JUNE—Proceedings on House business. some light on what on earth is going on in terms of WEDNESDAY 16 JUNE—Opposition day [1st allotted regional policy. Should not the Government also rethink day]. There will be a debate on an Opposition motion: their policy on Regional Select Committees? subject to be announced. To add to the general air of confusion, the Prime THURSDAY 17 JUNE—General debate: subject to be Minister also announced in his speech that he would be announced. “assigning” Ministers and “senior MPs” to some of our I should also like to inform the House that the biggest cities, so what does this mean for smaller cities business in Westminster Hall for 10 and 17 June will be: and towns, and what does it mean for rural areas, THURSDAY 10 JUNE—A debate entitled “Volcanic ash— villages and seaside towns? In Yorkshire, for example, impact on passengers and the aviation industry”. because of the effect of agriculture and tourism on their economies, rural areas have benefited from having a THURSDAY 17 JUNE— A debate entitled “Alternatives to child detention” regional strategy and a regional body to help development, so why should they not get a Minister? Under the Ms Winterton: I thank the Leader of the House for Labour Government, regional Ministers were able to giving us the forthcoming business and I am also grateful speak for the whole region, but that just cannot happen for the statement on Gaza yesterday and for the planned under the current proposals. Will the city Ministers or statement today on the terrible tragedy in Cumbria. The senior MPs report to the House? Is their work to be thoughts of the House are with the families, friends and scrutinised by members of some new City committees relatives of those killed or injured, and with the communities that the Government might have in mind? It really does so devastatingly affected by what happened. look like the Government are making it up as they go along with a kind of botched DIY regional strategy, but Last week, the Leader of the House agreed with me what is really happening, as we saw this morning, is that that it was “deplorable” that the Queen’s Speech had key commitments made by the last Government are been leaked. He said that it was being put at risk. “a discourtesy to the House and to Her Majesty” I also ask the Leader of the House if we can have an and that early statement to clarify the position on Building Schools “steps will be taken to minimise the risk of such leaks occurring for the Future. After yesterday’s exchanges at Prime again.”—[Official Report, 27 May 2010; Vol. 510, c. 285.] Minister’s Questions and after the education debate, I Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us what steps have really think we are none the wiser about the future of actually been taken; what will be done differently; and the programme. The Prime Minister said he was absolutely what his current assessment is of the likelihood of a clear about it, but I have to say that I would hate to hear repeat of the leaking of information that we saw two him if he were being abstruse. Could the Leader of the weeks ago? House ask the Education Secretary to give the House a The right hon. Gentleman also said last week that the straight answer to a straight question? Is the Building Government had no intention of reintroducing Regional Schools for the Future budget protected or not? Select Committees, despite the concern expressed by Opposition Members that their abolition would remove Sir George Young: I am grateful to the right hon. one of the ways for the House to scrutinise the effects of Lady for what she said at the beginning. The whole the £6 billion cuts that the Conservative-Liberal Democrat House shares the grief of the families and friends of 579 Business of the House3 JUNE 2010 Business of the House 580 those who lost their lives in Cumbria. However, I note Sir George Young: I take that issue very seriously. As what the local Member of Parliament said about the I said last week, I think that the House made the right resilience and cohesion of the area. I am sure that that is strategic decision in the last Parliament when it decided absolutely true. to contract out responsibility for the fixing and paying I am happy to say that there has been no further leak of our allowances. We know of the difficulties that we since I made my announcement last week. As I said got into during the last Parliament in that regard. then, the Cabinet Secretary is taking steps to ensure Having said that, however, I should add that the whole that there is no repetition of the discourtesy that occurred purpose of the allowances regime is to enable Members over the Queen’s Speech. of Parliament to do their job: to represent their constituents, and to hold the Government to account. I am seriously I make no apologies for not re-establishing the Regional concerned by the growing number of stories from Members Select Committees. They were forced through on the on both sides of the House about the difficulties that casting vote of the former Leader of the House, and they are experiencing in accessing the system. were narrowly approved in the last Parliament after a Immediately after business questions I shall meet huge rebellion on the Labour Benches. They turned out representatives of all the political parties, and shortly to be a total waste of money, and, as I have said, I make thereafter I shall have a second meeting with the chief no apologies for not reintroducing them. We will make executive and the chairman of IPSA, to whom I shall an announcement in due course about the future of convey the strong feelings which I know are widely Regional Grand Committees. shared. I shall also do all that I can to ensure that the The right hon. Lady asked about the schools budget. technical problems to which the hon. Gentleman has The Chief Secretary made clear that the in-year reductions referred are addressed as quickly as possible. to which he referred in his statement last week would not affect schools. As for child trust funds, I understand Dr John Pugh (Southport) (LD): I am being besieged that they will not end immediately, but will be phased by requests to join all-party parliamentary groups. Surely out over a period. I will ensure that the right hon. Lady there are now too many of them to be viable. Can the is given the right answer on that. She also asked whether Leader of the House do anything to encourage a merger the Secretary of State for education would give a straight or coalition between APPGs? answer. I am sure that he will on the next occasion when he appears at the Dispatch Box to answer questions. Sir George Young: The solution rests in the hands of We have just had a lively exchange in Business, Innovation hon. Members. An all-party parliamentary group can and Skills questions, in which many of the issues raised only get going if enough Members agree to sponsor it; by the right hon. Lady were dealt with more than otherwise, it will not get off the ground. However, I adequately by my ministerial colleagues. agree that there are a large number of APPGs, many of which overlap. David T. C. Davies (Monmouth) (Con): Can the Let me, at the beginning of a new Parliament, urge all Leader of the House tell us whether there is any possibility colleagues to consider before automatically—to do a of a debate—or an explanation—on Severn bridge tolls, favour to a friend—signing up to an APPG whose which have continued to rise for people travelling into meetings they have no intention of attending. Although Wales, but were frozen in marginal seats by the last APPGs have an important role to play, we need to be Government? Will he ask someone to explain to us why more selective about which ones we have, and to decide the last Government appeared to discriminate against our priorities in a better way. the people of Wales in that fashion? Liz Kendall (Leicester West) (Lab): Will the Leader of Sir George Young: My hon. Friend has asked a robust the House make time for a debate on the review of question. I am sure that oral questions will give him an paediatric cardiac surgery that is currently under way, opportunity to elicit an answer and to find out exactly and which is due to report in September? I recently why certain seats were spared the increases in the last visited Glenfield hospital in my constituency, and the Parliament, and also to set out this Government’s patients and staff at its outstanding paediatric cardiac philosophy on the important issues surrounding access unit are very concerned about the implications of the to Wales. review for the future of the unit. I am sure that the right hon. Gentleman will wish those concerns to be fully debated in the House. Mr Kevan Jones (North Durham) (Lab): Will the Leader of the House find time for a debate on the ability of Members of Parliament to do their job following Sir George Young: The hon. Lady makes a forceful the inception of the Independent Parliamentary Standards case, and I can only suggest that she puts in for an Authority? I should like a debate not on the incoherent Adjournment debate so that her anxieties can be shared and ill-thought-out rules that have been introduced, but and she can get a response from the Minister responsible. on such matters as the operation of the online system, which often crashes, is incoherent and does not work, Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con): May we and the fact that Members of Parliament cannot talk have a full day’s debate prior to the strategic defence directly to IPSA’s staff. That has led to new Members’ review on the adequacy of our strategy for Afghanistan? being in debt to the tune of several thousand pounds, That would enable us to examine whether a policy of and being unable to set up offices at an early stage in short-term surging, medium-term withdrawal and no order to provide the service to their constituents that apparent long-term plan for security whatever is the they were elected to provide. best way to proceed. 581 Business of the House3 JUNE 2010 Business of the House 582
Sir George Young: As my hon. Friend will know, we and I suggest to him that a Joint Committee would had a debate last week in which the Secretary of State be more appropriate than a single Committee of this for Defence and the Foreign Secretary both spoke and House alone. issues relating to Afghanistan were raised. None the less, I agree that this country is at war and it is important Sir George Young: My hon. Friend makes a good that the House has an opportunity to debate the important point. We have put down a motion on today’s Order issues my hon. Friend raises and to put them in the Paper to set up the Political and Constitutional Reform context of a strategic defence review. I would therefore Select Committee because we thought it would be helpful certainly hope that before too long we have a debate to the House for that Select Committee to be elected at along the lines that my hon. Friend suggests. the same time as all the other Select Committees and to get it up and running quickly. My hon. Friend will Sir Gerald Kaufman (Manchester, Gorton) (Lab): In know better than anyone else in this House that if he is thanking the right hon. Gentleman for arranging a here at six o’clock this evening and makes a noise, the debate on the middle east, may I ask him whether he has matter will be adjourned and we will then have to find seen early-day motion 120, standing in my name? time for a debate. He is perfectly entitled to do that. The [That this House advocates and supports a warm and consequence would be that we would lose a bit of time close relationship between the United Kingdom and the in establishing this new Select Committee, but it would Republic of India; notes the two countries’ historical ties; not be the end of the world if that happened—and my further notes that India is the world’s largest democracy; hon. Friend could, indeed, raise in that subsequent recognises that such a relationship can help resolve the debate the broader questions about how this proposed vexing issue of Jammu and Kashmir; believes that the new Select Committee would interface with, for example, Indian High Commission in London has a vital role to the Public Administration and the Justice Select play in fostering this friendship; regrets that the conduct Committees. of the Indian High Commissioner, Nalin Surie, is causing serious damage to that friendship; condemns the failure Luciana Berger (Liverpool, Wavertree) (Lab/Co-op): of the Indian High Commissioner to respond to letters Last year, in Liverpool, Wavertree we saw the savage from the right hon. Member from Manchester, Gorton death of John Paul Massey, who was savagely attacked stretching back to January 2010, in which the right hon. by a pit bull. A review of the dangerous dogs legislation Member has requested that the visa application of one of was initiated in March, under the last Government. his constituents initially made many months ago and for Will the Leader of the House urge the Home Secretary which the constituent has paid £113.86 has still not been to update the House on the progress being made with granted; is concerned that the efforts of a right hon. this review? Member of this House to help have been rudely ignored; further believes that Nalin Surie is not fit to hold such an Sir George Young: I am grateful to the hon. Lady for important and influential post; and calls for his removal that question, and I understand the concern felt in her to India by the Indian government and his replacement by constituency. On Monday, we have the Queen’s Speech a diplomat who will commit himself or herself to fostering debate on home affairs, and I will make sure that the good relations between the two countries.] Minister replying to that debate takes her point on The early-day motion draws attention to the failure of board and updates the House on the review to which the Indian high commission to grant a constituent of she refers. mine—a British national—a visa six months after he applied, while keeping more than £100 of his money. If Mark Lancaster (Milton Keynes North) (Con): I pay the right hon. Gentleman cannot arrange for a debate tribute to the courage and dedication of firefighters up on the matter, will he ask the Foreign Secretary to and down the land. May we have a debate on funding intervene? for fire authorities because under the previous comprehensive spending review, shire authorities, such Sir George Young: I am very sorry to hear of what as your own, Mr Speaker, received on average an allocation has happened and of the discourtesy that was extended. of just 2%, whereas many urban authorities received up I will, of course, pass the right hon. Gentleman’s to 18%. Although we all understand the financial constraints representations on to the Foreign Secretary and see if that we are under at the moment, can the funding under he can take the matter up with the Indian high commission. the next review at least be fair across the land? Sir George Young: There are oral questions to the Mr Christopher Chope (Christchurch) (Con): Will it relevant Department a week today, so I hope that my be possible to have a debate next week on my right hon. hon. Friend will have the opportunity to share his Friend’s proposal to set up the Political and Constitutional concern with Ministers and get a robust response. Reform Committee, rather than having it go through on the nod later this evening? If we had a debate on it, we would be able to consider early-day motion 79. Geraint Davies (Swansea West) (Lab/Co-op): When will the Leader of the House timetable a debate on the [That this House calls on the Government to ensure provision of respite care homes and, in particular, on that any Bill to establish a fixed-term Parliament and to their closure when there is an urgent need for them and change arrangements for Dissolution is published first in no alternative provision? I am thinking, in particular, of draft and then subjected to pre-legislative scrutiny.] the possible closure of Earlsmoor respite care home in Moreover, we would be able to consider whether the my constituency. Does he agree that such homes should Committee should be a Joint Committee of both Houses. not be closed when no alternative provision has been My right hon. Friend and I both served on a Joint made, given what is, in many cases, a thankless task Committee on constitutional reform in the last Parliament, carried out by thousands of carers? 583 Business of the House3 JUNE 2010 Business of the House 584
Sir George Young: I join the hon. Gentleman in Members raised the issue in Business, Innovation and paying tribute to the job done by those who work in Skills questions earlier. My personal interest arises because respite care homes. I do not know whether it would be of the centre of creative excellence south of Seaham, appropriate for him to have an Adjournment debate on part of the funding for which comes from One NorthEast, the specific subject that he raises and, thus, get an the regional development agency, and from Northern answer from the responsible Minister. Film and Media. We understand that One NorthEast faces a cut of 40% in its budget this year. This is a Lorely Burt (Solihull) (LD): Further to this week’s matter of concern, because of the potential for jobs and letter written by the Secretary of State for Communities training opportunities. Those on both sides of the House and Local Government regarding regional spatial strategy might find it instructive if we were to have a debate on and specifying recommendations for Gypsy and Traveller this issue. site numbers per region, could we have a debate on how local authorities can protect themselves from Gypsy Sir George Young: The UK film industry is an important and Traveller encampments riding roughshod over planning export earner for this country, and we are proud of it. law in green belt areas? We must ensure that we have a Culture, Media and Sport questions will take place on fair system of proper provision of legal campsites for 21 June, and I shall bear in mind the hon. Gentleman’s Gypsies and Travellers. request for a debate on the film industry.
Sir George Young: I understand the anxiety that the Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con): May we have a full hon. Lady expresses and I know that at the previous debate on the implications of the Government’s excellent general election my party put forward proposals to give proposals to get rid of the previous Government’s planning local authorities greater powers to deal with these targets? Two beautiful pieces of countryside in my unauthorised encampments. She may have an opportunity constituency, which are at Micklethwaite and in Menston, a week today at Communities and Local Government face unnecessary and unwanted proposed developments. questions to develop her concerns with the appropriate Our holding a full debate may allow residents in those Ministers—perhaps she will be able to do so during areas, who are campaigning against the developments, topical questions. to see a route map towards having these pieces of land taken out of the unitary development plan altogether. Albert Owen (Ynys Môn) (Lab): May we have a Sir George Young: My hon. Friend reminds the House debate on domestic energy prices and, in particular, on that the letter from the Secretary of State abandoning the fact that many of my constituents are still being the regional spatial strategies has been greeted with ripped off? That applies particularly to those who live acclaim by those on this side of the House and, I in rural areas that do not have a connection to the gas suspect, secretly by those on the other side of the House mains. Those people’s unit prices are increasing every too. My hon. Friend will have an opportunity to cross- quarter and people living on some small estates are question planning Ministers a week today, and I will see paying different prices. Can we ensure that the market that they are forearmed with an answer to his question helps these people, because at the moment it is not about the sites in his constituency. working? Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) (Lab): Funding Sir George Young: The hon. Gentleman speaks with for the Manchester Metrolink extensions is being reviewed feeling on behalf of those who live in rural constituencies by this Government, despite the fact that advanced and are exposed to those higher prices. I shall share his works and track laying are taking place. Can the Leader concern with the Secretary of State for Energy and of the House use his good offices to urge the Secretary Climate Change and see that he receives a reply. of State for Transport to come to this House to give assurances to Greater Manchester transport planners Mr Nigel Evans (Ribble Valley) (Con): Yesterday, the and my constituents on this important matter? Prime Minister said that community hospitals could “breathe easily”, which is great news for those of us Sir George Young: I am sympathetic to what the hon. who have such hospitals in our constituencies, as we Gentleman says, because in a previous capacity I authorised know how important they are. Could we have an early the extension of the Metrolink. All the questions from debate on community hospitals so that I and others can Labour Members are requests for more public money, raise issues of importance to us? For example, people in at a time when they have left us with a deficit of Clitheroe were promised a new hospital to replace the £160 billion. It would be helpful if, at some point, we old community hospital, but the project was frozen last heard, alongside the suggestions to spend more money, year—the people of Clitheroe should not have to wait. one or two suggestions as to how we might save some of the money and get the public accounts back in balance. Sir George Young: My hon. Friend makes a forceful To return to his specific question, I should say to him case. He will know that we exempted health expenditure that Transport questions will take place on 17 June, and from the difficult decisions that an incoming Government that will give him the chance to press the case for the will have to take. He may wish to apply for a debate in Metrolink in his constituency. Westminster Hall on community hospitals, and I am sure that if he does so, the debate will be well attended Andrew George (St Ives) (LD): I understand that the by Members from both sides of the House. Government intend to press ahead with using valuable parliamentary time to debate a Government motion on Grahame M. Morris (Easington) (Lab): Would it be hunting. If that is the case, may I urge the Leader of the possible for the Leader of the House to make time for a House to ensure that that debate is as quick as possible debate on support for the UK film industry? Labour and takes place as soon as possible? 585 Business of the House3 JUNE 2010 Business of the House 586
Sir George Young: My hon. Friend is right, because Sir George Young: Yes, I will. I take very seriously any the Queen’s Speech contains a commitment to have a breach of confidentiality, particularly on the sensitive debate on hunting and for the House to resolve whether matter of Members’ expenses, against the background or not the Hunting Act 2004 should stay. I note his of all the problems that we had in the last Parliament. I request for such a debate to take place sooner rather will therefore take up the whole issue of security at the than later, but it will have to take its place against bids meeting that I will have shortly with the acting chief for debates on other subjects that are equally or perhaps executive and the chairman. I will ask whether they will more important. consider, even at this late stage, an alternative regime for those who are not comfortable with claiming online. Mr Nigel Dodds (Belfast North) (DUP): In the previous Parliament and in the run-up to the general election, Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): Will the Leader of the right hon. Member for North Shropshire (Mr Paterson), the House find time for a debate to follow up the who is now the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, important issue of business rates and major regeneration made it very clear that one of the first priorities would schemes? In the Gracious Speech, we saw our first be to remove allowances from Members of Parliament glimpse of the excellent Bill for decentralisation and who are elected to this House but who do not take their localism, which promises to give local communities a seats and do not fulfil the range of duties that people real share in local growth. In my constituency of Harlow, expect of a Member of Parliament, and thus to resolve the regeneration of the town centre would be hugely an iniquitous situation. Given the great public concern supported if a greater share of the new business rates about the abuse of expenses and allowances in the could be kept in the local community. previous Parliament, when can we expect a motion to come before the House to remove those allowances Sir George Young: My hon. Friend makes a forceful from Members of Parliament who do not do their jobs point. There will be CLG questions a week today, when here? he will be able to press the Ministers on that, but I agree Sir George Young: I understand the concern that the that it is important that those who pay business rates hon. Gentleman raises. I hope that he will understand should have access to the relief that they are entitled to my saying that I will need to consult colleagues in automatically, and that there should be opportunities to government and perhaps the authorities in the House recycle the business rates within the local community. before we go down the particular route that he has outlined. Ann Clwyd (Cynon Valley) (Lab): I entirely agree with the comments made by colleagues on both sides of Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): Yesterday, the House on the workings of IPSA. I did not come to the Prime Minister confirmed that nobody in the public this Parliament to be an accountant, and yet I find that sector will be allowed to earn 20 times more than what I spend an inordinate amount of time now trying to the people at the bottom earn. I calculate that no sort out all the demands of IPSA. I wonder whether manager in the NHS will, thus, be able to earn more there might be confusion in the Government on this, as than £189,321.60. Can the Secretary of State for Health the written answer from the Leader of the House published make a statement as to when that limit will be imposed? in Hansard today in response to a series of questions from my hon. Friend the Member for Walsall North Sir George Young: I commend my hon. Friend on his (Mr Winnick) states: mental arithmetic in coming up with that figure. Clearly, “There is no ministerial responsibility for the Independent this involves issues relating to those who are already Parliamentary Standards Authority.”—[Official Report,2June getting paid salaries that exceed the differential, so the 2010; Vol. 510, c. 45W.] policy is easier to implement in respect of new recruits On another page, however, a written answer from the as opposed to existing staff. None the less, I shall raise Prime Minister states: this issue with the appropriate Minister, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health, and see that “The Deputy Prime Minister will also have policy responsibility for the Electoral Commission, Boundary Commission, and my hon. Friend is given an appropriate answer. Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority.”—[Official Report, Mr Dennis Skinner (Bolsover) (Lab): This follows on 2 June 2010; Vol. 510, c. 23WS.] from our initial discussion about IPSA. If the Leader of So who is responsible for what, and is the Deputy Prime the House has any discussions with Sir Ian Kennedy, Minister actually a Minister? will he remind him that a lot of people in this House are concerned about the safety of the online system? Is the Sir George Young: Yes, he is. I understand the concern Leader of the House aware, for instance, that this email that the right hon. Lady has raised, and let me explain that I have here has been sent to me when it should have the thinking behind this. The Bill setting up IPSA was gone to another Member of Parliament? It has names sponsored by the Ministry of Justice, and any legislation and everything on it—I am not disclosing the name that dealt with IPSA would have to have a Government now, but he is welcome to see it if he wants. He should Department sponsoring it. To that extent, therefore, it is draw this to the attention of Mr Kennedy and tell him true to say that responsibility for IPSA and all the other that a system that allows this to happen within the space bodies falls under the umbrella of the Deputy Prime of a few weeks—according to my information, this Minister. However, it is also the case that at the moment has also happened to another Member of Parliament—has IPSA is an independent body, so questions about how to stop. Therefore, when the Leader of the House has much people get paid and how it operates are not ones these discussions he should consider the question of not that Ministers can answer—hence the reply to the hon. merely sticking to the online system. While he is at it, Member for Walsall North. Against that background, will he ask Mr Kennedy whether his expenses details are however, I hope that she will accept that those two online? And what are they? apparently conflicting statements can actually be reconciled. 587 Business of the House3 JUNE 2010 Business of the House 588
Several hon. Members rose— of the House for a debate in Government time on this important issue, so that we can reassure people that the Mr Speaker: Order. I remind the House that there is a use of independent sector treatment centres is both safe statement to follow, and a heavily subscribed debate and appropriate for the NHS? thereafter. If I am to have any chance of accommodating remaining Members, therefore, I need short questions Sir George Young: I was sorry to hear about the death and short answers. of the hon. Member’s constituent. I see no reason why he should not get an answer from the Secretary of State David Tredinnick (Bosworth) (Con): Will my right for Health giving him an assurance that, where health hon. Friend make further representations about the authorities contract out and use the independent sector, demonstration in Parliament square? The current they first of all assure themselves that all the appropriate demonstration is completely different from the one in safeguards are in place to ensure that patient health is the last Parliament. That focused on one individual, but not prejudiced. this morning there were 20 tents in Parliament square. Does he think that this is a satisfactory situation? Mr Andrew Love (Edmonton) (Lab/Co-op): According to the Bank of England’s annual report, which was Sir George Young: I understand that the Mayor of published today, the Governor was paid £305,000 last London is going to the High Court today to get an year. However, that pales into insignificance when compared injunction in order to make progress on clearing Parliament to the salaries of the chief executives of major—and square. indeed minor—financial organisations. They are regularly paid more than £1 million a year, and sometimes £10 million Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab): Will the Leader of or even £20 million. The hon. Member for Wellingborough the House assist me in getting a response from the (Mr Bone) would like a debate on public sector salaries, Department of Health on a matter that I first raised in but will the Leader of the House find time for a debate February, prompted by consultants at Wexham Park in Government time on all high salaries? That would hospital in my constituency? They feared that the hospital allow the House to be aware of the vast disparity that had fiddled the books to acquire foundation status. I obtains in this country. got replies from the former Secretary of State for Health every month, telling me that the Department was still Sir George Young: I understand the hon. Gentleman’s looking at the question. I have been in direct touch with point. I think that I am right in saying that Will Hutton the current Secretary of State’s office but have still has been invited to do a study into pay differentials in heard nothing. Will the Leader of the House ask the this country, and I hope that that will inform the Secretary of State to reply to me on this important question that the hon. Gentleman has asked. issue? Christopher Leslie (Nottingham East) (Lab/Co-op): Sir George Young: Yes. Will the Leader of the House find time for a debate on pensions and on encouraging the general public to save Nadhim Zahawi (Stratford-on-Avon) (Con): Will the for their old age? That is especially important given the Leader of the House consider having a debate on the report in today’s Financial Times that suggests that the badger cull, which is a real and present danger to coalition Government are planning to scrap from 2012 farmers in my constituency? An infected heifer must be the requirement on employers to enrol employees put down immediately, whereas an infected badger has automatically in pension schemes. to be let go, as putting it down is a criminal offence. Sir George Young: I would counsel the hon. Gentleman Sir George Young: I will share my hon. Friend’s against believing absolutely everything that he reads in concerns with the Minister in the Department for the papers, even the Financial Times. However, there Environment, Food and Rural Affairs who has will be opportunities to put questions to the Chancellor responsibility for this matter. I know that there is concern of the Exchequer, and the hon. Gentleman will, of in rural constituencies about the current regime, which course, be able to share his anxieties with ministerial precludes badger culls. colleagues during the debate on the Budget statement, when that comes. Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): Will the Leader of the House find time for a debate next week on reducing Paul Goggins (Wythenshawe and Sale East) (Lab): Humber bridge tolls, or maintaining the current freeze The Leader of the House will be aware of the plight of on them, so that they are no longer a tax on local people people with haemophilia who were infected with HIV and businesses in my area? and hepatitis C as a result of their NHS treatment with contaminated blood products. Given the confirmation Sir George Young: I would be misleading the hon. yesterday that Ministers do not intend to challenge the Gentleman if I said that I could find time for a debate High Court ruling in the case of March, will he arrange on that next week. However, may I suggest that he for the Secretary of State for Health to come urgently to applies for a debate in Westminster Hall or for one on this House to set out the Government’s approach to the Adjournment? supporting that very needy group, bearing in mind that nearly 2,000 haemophiliacs have died so far? Greg Mulholland (Leeds North West) (LD): In the last Parliament, I asked the previous Leader of the Sir George Young: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman, House for a debate on the NHS’s use of independent and I remember the campaign in the last Parliament, sector treatment centres, following the tragic and which had support from both sides of the House. Of unnecessary death of a constituent of mine at the course I will arrange for the Secretary of State for Eccleshill facility in Bradford. May I ask the new Leader Health to answer the question that he has raised. 589 Business of the House3 JUNE 2010 Business of the House 590
Mr Ian Davidson (Glasgow South West) (Lab/Co-op): points similar to the one that the hon. Gentleman has Can the dear Leader tell us when he might find time for raised, so that Members are not separated from their a debate on the future of the aircraft carriers? Before families for large lengths of time. the election, we were promised that we would have an examination of the break clauses on day one of the new Mr Wayne David (Caerphilly) (Lab): I am aware that Government. However, day one, week one and almost the Government have so far announced in just two month one have gone and there has been no announcement. weeks some 24 reviews; there may well be many more. Any public expenditure could be found by cutting the May we have a debate in the House on the number of grants that we provide to the EU. consultants who will be employed to conduct these reviews—and, possibly, the Leader of the House might Sir George Young: I am grateful for that helpful be agreeable to having a debate on whether we need a suggestion—the only suggestion that we have had so far review to look at the number of reviews? from the Opposition—as to how money might possibly be saved. As the hon. Gentleman knows, we have announced Sir George Young: I am sure that that was meant in a strategic defence and security review, which will examine an entirely helpful way. I see nothing wrong in having a the issues that he has raised, and he will have an review on a serious and complex issue, in order to opportunity at Defence questions to press Ministers on ensure that Governments come to the right conclusion, the specific projects that he has outlined. and the last Labour Government announced a long series of reviews. At the same time, we are taking steps Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South) (Lab): May I to cut costs in-year on IT and the use of consultants, ask the Leader of the House when we are going to have and I see no conflict between having some serious a debate on what the Government call quangos, because reviews on constitutional issues, economically conducted, there are 700 jobs at stake in Coventry? More importantly, and at the same time reviewing the use of consultants do the Government consider regional development agencies more widely within Whitehall. such as Advantage West Midlands to be quangos? Do they also understand that major problems are now John Cryer (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab): Further to building up in the civil service itself—amongst the lower- a number of questions asked during BIS questions, may paid, not the higher-paid? If the definition of quango we have a debate, or at least a clear statement, on the includes them, should we not have a major debate on future of the agency workers directive, which would this? affect beneficially and give minimal protection to millions of workers in many constituencies, including my own? Sir George Young: On the specific issue of the west Before the election there was a clear commitment to midlands regional development agency, we have just enforce the agency workers directive. There seems to be had an hour’s questions to the Department for Business, some confusion in the new Government; that may be Innovation and Skills, which included, I understand, a the product of having Ministers from different parties question on the west midlands RDA. On the issue of in the Department, but we need a clear statement so quangos generally, quangos cover a wide range of that we know where we are. Government Departments, and it may be better to look at the quangos within the context of each individual Sir George Young: I have to say to the hon. Gentleman Department and see how they fit in, rather than have a that there was sometimes confusion between Ministers wide-ranging debate on quangos spanning every when they all came from the same party. On the serious Department. issue that he raises, I understand that it was touched on during BIS questions, but I will ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills to write to Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): I him, dealing with the specific question that he asks welcome the Leader of the House to the Dispatch Box. about the agency workers directive. Thinking back to when he and I, and the Speaker, entered the House, one of the toughest parts of the job Paul Blomfield (Sheffield Central) (Lab): Given the was if someone had a young family and represented a contradictory answers given to me and to the shadow constituency some way from the House. It was tough Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills times, and I do not want us to go back to the days when by the Secretary of State, I wonder whether we could I very rarely saw my wife and children because they have a debate on the loan facility for Sheffield Forgemasters, lived 200 miles away. Is it not the case that IPSA almost given that it is not only of importance to Sheffield but seems to be at war with new young Members who have of strategic national importance for manufacturing. family responsibilities some distance from this House, and without consultation has changed the transport Sir George Young: That sounds an excellent candidate arrangements for families and is making it more and for an Adjournment debate, and I hope that the hon. more difficult for families to stay together when we are Gentleman is successful in the ballot. doing the difficult job that we do in this House? Andrew Miller (Ellesmere Port and Neston) (Lab): Sir George Young: I believe people of all incomes, all For the convenience of the House, will the right hon. ages and all types of family arrangements should be Gentleman publish in a single document a list of all the eligible to become Members of Parliament, and the reviews that the Government are undertaking, their allowance regime should not penalise any particular purpose and their time scale? group or deter any particular group from becoming MPs. IPSA has said that it will conduct a review of the Sir George Young: If the hon. Gentleman tables a regime. I believe that that is an important step, and I question for written answer along those lines, I am sure know that other hon. Members will feed into the review that he will get a full reply. 591 Business of the House 3 JUNE 2010 592
Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Selly Oak) (Lab): Is it Cumbrian Shooting Incident true that the Lib Dem part of the coalition is continuing to claim state funding, despite not being in opposition, 12.16 pm and if so, should we not have an urgent debate on that obvious way to save the Leader of the House some The Secretary of State for the Home Department money? (Mrs Theresa May): With permission, Mr. Speaker, I would like to make a statement on the shootings that Sir George Young: Short money is available to Opposition took place yesterday in Cumbria. My right hon. and parties; it is not available to Government parties. On the noble Friend Baroness Neville-Jones will make this more general question, we are committed to a reform of statement in the other place. party funding, and that was announced in the Queen’s I know that the whole House will want to join me in Speech. sending our heartfelt condolences to everybody touched by yesterday’s tragic events. In particular, our thoughts Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): May we have a debate and prayers are with the families and friends of those in Government time—a full day debate, on the Floor of who were so senselessly killed and injured in the shootings. the House—on human rights around the world, in We also send our thoughts to the hon. Member for which we might discuss, for instance, the problem in Copeland (Mr Reed), who is in Cumbria today, in his Russia and the Government’s change of policy in relation constituency. He represents communities that have been to Russia, which is cutting all the programmes that touched by tragedy too many times in recent months—but engage with civil society in Russia and that make it they are strong communities and I know they will bear possible for people to defend their rights against a very these sad events with dignity and fortitude. difficult regime, in a situation where very few people I would also like to pay tribute to the police and have an opportunity to put forward their legitimate emergency services. In my short time as Home Secretary rights and few people have an opportunity to assemble? I have been struck by the bravery, professionalism and Will he ensure that Ministers come to that debate and sense of duty that police officers demonstrate every explain their change of policy on Russia? single day. Yesterday, the men and women of Cumbria constabulary—aided by the civil nuclear constabulary, Sir George Young: It sounds to me an ideal question neighbouring police forces and the other emergency to put to Foreign and Commonwealth Office Ministers services—showed these qualities in abundance. They when that time arises. have the support and admiration of the whole House as they go about rebuilding the lives of the people of Cumbria. I spoke yesterday to Chief Constable Craig Mackey, and we talked again this morning. He has told me that his force is now conducting a full and thorough investigation to find out exactly what happened, how and why. More than 100 detectives have been assigned to the task. Their investigation will look into Derrick Bird’s history, his access to firearms and the motivations for his actions. As I said yesterday, while the police investigation is ongoing, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on any details beyond what has been released by Cumbria constabulary, but I would like to tell the House what I can. Twelve people were killed yesterday, in addition to Derrick Bird. There were 11 casualties who were being or have been treated in hospitals in Whitehaven, Carlisle and Newcastle. Of those, four are stable, four are comfortable and three have been discharged. The police are confirming the identity of those who died, and names are being released by Cumbria constabulary as and when formal identification is confirmed and immediate family have been informed. More than 30 family liaison officers have been working throughout the night to identify formally the 12 people who were killed and notify their relatives. The police investigation is being led by a major incident group from the police headquarters in Penrith, and there are 30 different crime scenes. Derrick Bird’s body was located in woodland near Boot at around 1.40 pm yesterday. No shots were fired by police officers. At this stage, the police believe that he took his own life. Two weapons were recovered by police and are being examined by forensic experts. They are a shotgun and a .22 inch rifle fitted with a telescopic sight. Derrick Bird was a licensed firearms holder. He had held a shotgun licence since 1995 and a firearms 593 Cumbrian Shooting Incident3 JUNE 2010 Cumbrian Shooting Incident 594
[Mrs Theresa May] concentrate attention. As the Home Secretary said, my hon. Friend the Member for Copeland (Mr Reed) is licence for a .22 inch rifle since 2007. I can now tell the quite rightly with his constituents and cannot be with us House that the police have confirmed to me that his in the House. I spoke to him yesterday and again this licences covered the firearms seized yesterday. morning, and he makes the point that while we should I will visit Cumbria tomorrow, together with the not rush to change firearm laws, we should at least Prime Minister, so that I can meet Chief Constable review them in the light of this case. Does the Home Mackey and other senior officers in person and make Secretary agree? sure that they have all the support that they need to In particular, we may need to focus on the question of complete their important work. I can also announce follow-up checks. Does the Home Secretary think that today that I will, if necessary, provide additional funding they are adequate, and does she agree that there may be for Cumbria constabulary through the police special a need for a greater role for GPs and the NHS? She will grant facility. know that while there is a role for the applicant’s family I spoke this morning to my right hon. Friend the doctor before a firearms certificate is issued, there seems Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, to be little involvement thereafter to ensure that the who has asked his Department’s emergencies management certificate holder’s mental health, in particular, is not team to contact the local authorities involved to see deteriorating. what support and assistance they need. The Minister Cumbria constabulary is, I know, an excellent force with responsibility for civil society, my hon. Friend the achieving excellent results. I am sure that it will be Member for Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner (Mr Hurd), examining the whole question of response times and will talk to charities working in Cumbria and is looking whether there was anything more that it could have at ways to provide them with extra support at a time done in the dreadful circumstances with which it was when their work will be vital in helping the community presented yesterday. As the Home Secretary says, such to recover. incidents are thankfully rare, but she will know that Undoubtedly, yesterday’s killings will prompt a debate since the Mumbai massacre, our counter-terrorism about our country’s gun laws. That is understandable capability has put in place strategies to deal with such and, indeed, right and proper, but it would be wrong to an eventuality. Is she happy that the expertise and react before we know the full facts. Today we must knowledge being assembled in this area is being remember the innocent people who were taken from us disseminated across all forces, so that it can apply as they went about their lives. Then we must allow the equally in a non-terrorist related incident, which is what police time to complete their investigations. When the the incident in west Cumbria appears to be? Does she police have reported, the Government will enter into, think that a small, rural force such as Cumbria is and lead, that debate. We will engage with all interested properly equipped to deal with events that are more parties and consider all the options, and we will make often predicted to happen in urban areas? sure that hon. Members have the opportunity to contribute. I was pleased to hear the Prime Minister’s comments I will talk to my right hon. Friend the Leader of the yesterday about doing anything that he could to help House about the best way to ensure that Members have Cumbria police, who have had to deal with a series of such an opportunity before the summer recess. tragic events. The House will recall the death of PC Bill Mass killings such as those that we saw yesterday are Barker last year in the dreadful floods that badly hit the fortunately extremely rare in our country, but that does area. I am pleased to hear about the help that the Home not make them any less painful, and it does not mean Secretary will provide through the special grant facility; that we should not do everything that we can to stop that is indeed good news. Presumably, she is confident them happening again, so where there are lessons to be that it will cover all that Cumbria police need for the learned, we will learn them, and where there are changes ongoing investigations, and indeed what they may need to be made, we will make them. But for now, let us wish for counselling for those officers directly affected. the injured victims a speedy recovery, remember the The Prime Minister also rightly praised the work of 12 innocent lives that were taken, and pray for the the NHS, and in particular West Cumberland hospital. families and friends left behind. My hon. Friends the Members for Copeland and for Workington (Tony Cunningham) have today written to Alan Johnson (Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle) the Secretary of State for Health—who, I am pleased to (Lab): It seems perverse to welcome the Home Secretary see, is present—about the uncertainty over future funding to her first outing at the Dispatch Box, given the awful for that hospital. That needs to be resolved quickly; the and tragic circumstances that have led to this unscheduled hospital’s work is difficult enough at this time without appearance, but we wish her well in her demanding job, those continuing problems. and I thank her for providing me with a copy of her Finally, my hon. Friend the Member for Copeland statement in advance. I join her in sending condolences has asked me to express his thanks, on behalf of the to the families and friends of those killed yesterday, and community that he represents, for all the expressions of we send our heartfelt hope that those who have been support that he has received from across the House. wounded recover from their injuries. As she says, the These are dark times for a strong and close-knit community, police and the emergency services have performed renowned for the beauty of its surroundings and the magnificently, and on behalf of those on the Labour warmth and friendliness of its people. They will recover Benches, I, too, pay tribute to the dedication and skill of from these recent tragedies, but the help and support of those involved. everyone in this House and of those whom we represent I appreciate that the Home Secretary’s ability to will be essential to that process. The Home Secretary answer questions at this stage will be limited, given the can certainly be assured of our support as she seeks to ongoing police inquiries, so I will limit my remarks to a find answers to the questions raised by these tragic few areas on which I believe it may be fruitful to events. 595 Cumbrian Shooting Incident3 JUNE 2010 Cumbrian Shooting Incident 596
Mrs May: May I first thank the right hon. Gentleman here in the House and elsewhere quite rightly express for his kind words of welcome to me in my new position, shock, but that in Cumbria this is something that touches and for his closing remarks about the willingness of the every life? I also thank my right hon. Friend for the Opposition to provide support as we take these difficult steps that she is taking. She speaks and acts for all of us. matters through the House? We will all be searching for answers that will help to ensure that such incidents Mrs May: I thank my hon. Friend for those remarks. cannot happen again, but as I said, and as he acknowledged, That part of the country has been sorely hit by incidents in the current circumstances there is a limit to the extent in the past few months, but its people are people of to which I can answer questions, and the extent to fortitude who will, I am sure, come through, with their which any of us should jump to conclusions about what strength. However, they will need support, and we stand is necessary. However, as I said, that does not mean that ready, through various Departments, to provide that once the full facts are available to us, we should not look support. Our thoughts are with all the people of Cumbria, at them and see what action can be taken. That covers a who will have been deeply touched by those events. number of the issues that the right hon. Gentleman raised. Tony Cunningham (Workington) (Lab): After what The right hon. Gentleman asked specifically about has been described as the blackest day in Cumbria’s follow-up checks. As he acknowledged, there is involvement history, now is the time for people to grieve. However, of GPs and, further, there is the issue of individuals will the Home Secretary assure me that everything that who have particular medical conditions applying for a can be done will be done to help and support those firearms licence. He raised a number of other issues, communities affected, and that in time there will be the and asked about ensuring that police forces learn from fullest inquiry? the expertise that is being built up in the centre as a result of counter-terrorism work. Of course, there is Mrs May: The hon. Gentleman is correct about the always room for ensuring that good practice is spread impact on Cumbria. As I indicated in my statement, a across our police forces and for ensuring that they learn number of Departments stand ready to provide extra from experiences elsewhere. support to Cumbria constabulary, local authorities and As regards the proper equipment for the Cumbria local charities, because the police investigation is not force, I spoke to the chief constable on a number of the only necessary process in this incident; many people occasions yesterday and this morning, and he has assured who, as my hon. Friend the Member for Penrith and me that although there were issues with the force not The Border (Rory Stewart) said, have been touched by having equipment available—it did not have a helicopter, the incident will require and look for support and help. for example—it was able to use a helicopter from the We are making every effort to ensure that that is available Lancashire force that was made available to it. It had through local authorities and other bodies that can be offers of help from a number of forces, including Lancashire, of genuine assistance to people. Northumbria, North Yorkshire, and Dumfries and Galloway, and from the civil nuclear constabulary, to Mr Ben Wallace (Wyre and Preston North) (Con): which I referred in my statement, and which is based at The Labour Government in 2005 rather clumsily tried Sellafield. From what I have heard from the chief constable, to force police forces together. However, Lancashire I am confident that the force has had resources available and Cumbria constabularies were willing to work together, to it, and indeed other forces are continuing to make in particular because of the difficulties in delivering resources available to it for the ongoing investigation. protective services throughout the vast spaces of Cumbria and north Lancashire. Will the Home Secretary look This is, of course, an event the like of which Cumbria again at merging protective services, or offer some support force has never seen before. The force has very low levels to allow that to happen, so that in future Cumbria and of crime and, obviously, a largely rural area to police, Lancashire can ensure that they get the best value and but I am confident that support has been provided by deliver the right policing to the right parts of the neighbouring forces, where they are able to help, and country? that will be ongoing. The right hon. Gentleman mentioned West Cumberland Mrs May: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising hospital, and my right hon. Friend the Health Secretary, that issue. I am currently looking into those matters, who is present, has heard the points that were made, and there is considerable benefit in greater collaboration and is indeed aware of that hospital, having visited it between forces on protective services. As I said earlier, himself. forces have been willing to support Cumbria constabulary, I spoke to the hon. Member for Copeland yesterday. but there is a longer-term issue concerning protective He has obviously been considerably shaken by the services. My hon. Friend spoke of force mergers, and events in his constituency, as any Member would be, we were quite clear about opposing the attempts to particularly in a tight-knit rural community such as he merge forces. Some forces might look for voluntary represents—and we should all pay tribute to the calm mergers, and I would be willing to look at that, provided and measured way in which he has dealt with the that it is the will of the local community. That is incidents in interviews and in the other remarks that he absolutely crucial. has made. John Woodcock (Barrow and Furness) (Lab/Co-op): Rory Stewart (Penrith and The Border) (Con): The I thank the right hon. Lady for her tribute to the hon. Member for Copeland (Mr Reed), with whom I Cumbrian people. Speaking as a new Cumbrian MP, have been in touch, is of course in his constituency, but and as a constituency neighbour of my hon. Friend the speaking on behalf of a neighbouring Cumbrian Member for Copeland (Mr Reed), I must say that her constituency, may I tell my right hon. Friend that we words will be very much appreciated up there. I also 597 Cumbrian Shooting Incident3 JUNE 2010 Cumbrian Shooting Incident 598
[John Woodcock] recommendation by the Home Affairs Committee in the previous Parliament on minimum sentences for associate myself with her tribute, and that of my right those who possess firearms? I am sure that she will look hon. Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull West at all the legislation and review everything, but in the and Hessle (Alan Johnson), to the work of emergency meantime can she assure us that when we have the full services. facts she will return to the House with a full statement? At a time like this, and after seeing the tragedy that unfolded, we in the House feel the acute limitations of Mrs May: I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his government, and the right hon. Lady is absolutely right question, and I do intend to keep the House informed that there must be a period of reflection, and indeed as further information becomes available and we have grief. However, will she assure us that in the Government’s the full facts. As part of the coalition agreement, my consideration of the issue they will look not only at right hon. and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor and firearms legislation but at the capacity, such as there is, Secretary of State for Justice will undertake a review of to review community mental health services in order to sentencing policy, and I am sure that in that review the understand how an apparently reserved member of the Committee’s report will be brought to his attention. community suddenly snapped and became capable of such evil deeds? Sir John Stanley (Tonbridge and Malling) (Con): Mrs May: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his Will my right hon. Friend ensure that, should lessons remarks. The issue of mental health capacity might need to be learned from this terrible tragedy about the come out more fully as a result of the investigation, but adequate response times of armed rapid-reaction forces, as yet we cannot say exactly what caused that individual they will be learned and implemented forthwith, not to undertake those actions. We must ensure that we only in Cumbria but throughout the country? know the full facts before we jump to conclusions. All I would say is that all parts of the House have for some Mrs May: I assure my right hon. Friend that when we time recognised the necessity for a wider debate about have had an opportunity to look at the full facts of this mental health in our society. As for the actions that case, we intend to learn any lessons that come out of it. could or should be taken as a result of what has On the issue to which he alludes, I have spoken to the happened, when we know the full facts we will genuinely chief constable about the reaction times that were available. look at this issue with a view to taking what action is My right hon. Friend, and others, will be aware that necessary. there are particular circumstances in Cumbria involving its geography, and the knowledge of the local area of Dr John Pugh (Southport) (LD): May I, on behalf of the individual concerned in this incident, Derrick Bird. my party and all elected representatives from the north-west, Of course operational matters are for the police, but I associate myself with all the condolences and expressions assure my right hon. Friend that if there are any lessons of support for all those affected by these tragic events? to be learned, they will be. That beautiful part of the country has been disfigured by inexplicable, senseless and horrible violence. Death has rarely seemed so arbitrary. I welcome the assurances Kate Hoey (Vauxhall) (Lab): I thank the Home Secretary and positive help from the Secretary of State, and I for her very measured statement. I do not think that praise the actions of the emergency services and the words can really describe the horror of what happened many formal and informal networks that will surely be yesterday. Does she agree that we already have the most needed—but will the Secretary of State explain how a stringent gun control laws in Europe, and that before simple taxi driver could possibly justify the apparently making any changes, or doing anything that she thinks lawful possession of such a formidable and devastating may be done, we should consider this in the widest and arsenal for such a time? What, if anything, can prevent most measured way possible so that we do not stop such things from happening again? people who legitimately use weapons for sport and in other legitimate ways, and do not have an automatic Mrs May: I simply say to the hon. Gentleman that he knee-jerk response? I very much welcome the fact that invites me to go into details, and down a road, that at she wants to see all the facts before we make any this stage I do not feel able to embark on. Indeed, it decisions or even start to discuss this. would not be right for me to do so. He raises a question that will doubtlessly be in the minds of many people Mrs May: The hon. Lady is right that we have among who look at those events, but it is right for us to wait for the most stringent gun regulations in Europe. We must the police investigation and for their presentation of the not respond immediately by taking a decision as to full facts. Then it will be possible for us to debate the what necessary, but wait until we know the full facts and issues that he raised in his question. then take the opportunity to look at the results of the police investigation, to consider what has happened in Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): I thank the Home this incident and to ask ourselves whether there are Secretary for coming to the House so soon to give us lessons to be learned and whether we need to take her statement, and I, like the hon. Member for Penrith further action. I am very clear that we must not have a and The Border (Rory Stewart), other local MPs and knee-jerk reaction to this incident, but it is right to look the right hon. Lady, acknowledge how vital it is to at it properly in due course and take any decisions that establish the facts before we rush to judgment. However, are necessary. As I say, it would be my intention, subject while the police investigation is ongoing, will she look at to others, to provide an opportunity for Members of one particular aspect of the matter, which may be this House to debate these issues before the summer unrelated to the circumstances but is related to firearms—the recess. 599 Cumbrian Shooting Incident 3 JUNE 2010 600
Mr John Whittingdale (Maldon) (Con): Does the European Affairs Home Secretary accept that the vast majority of those in this country who enjoy shooting will share her dismay 12.45 pm at the events in Cumbria and will want to send their The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth condolences, too? I very much welcome her statement Affairs (Mr William Hague): I beg to move, that she will resist calls for a knee-jerk response to these That this House has considered the matter of European affairs. incidents and will bear in mind the interests of the many It is a great pleasure to have the honour of opening thoroughly responsible shooters who wish to continue the first European affairs debate of this new Parliament. to enjoy their sport. These debates not only provide the House with the opportunity to consider developments in the European Mrs May: I do indeed accept that, as my hon. Friend Union in general but, more immediately, allow the says, there are many responsible shooters in the UK House to give its thoughts on the forthcoming meeting who will have been as appalled by these events in of the European Council. In the past these debates have Cumbria yesterday as everybody else was. As I indicated been held so shortly before the European Council in my previous answer, it is right that we should have an meeting—sometimes only hours before, or the day before, opportunity to consider these issues, but we should do or two days before—that the House has had no real so only when we have the full facts—when the police chance to ensure that its thinking is in any way absorbed have been able to investigate and we know as much as by the Government in their approach. We believe, in the we can about the events that took place in Cumbria. We new Government, that we can do better than that. This must not leap to conclusions before we have those facts. debate is taking place two weeks ahead of the European Council meeting, and before the Foreign Affairs Council Mr Nigel Dodds (Belfast North) (DUP): The Home meeting in Luxembourg on 14 June. Secretary is absolutely right to say that today is a day The new Government will bring a fresh approach to for remembering the innocent victims. May I, on behalf Britain’s involvement in the EU. I said in opposition—to of my party colleagues, extend our deepest sympathies some scepticism on the Labour Benches, it has to be to the families and friends of those who have been said—that we would be active and activist, positive and murdered, and to the wider community in Cumbria as energetic, from day one. We have been exactly that. The well? May I support the remarks of the hon. Member Prime Minister’s first visits to foreign capitals were to for Workington (Tony Cunningham), and other local Paris and Berlin, where he had highly successful meetings Members, about the need for continuing help for the with President Sarkozy and Chancellor Merkel. My area to assist the police, statutory agencies and charities ministerial team has been extremely busy. The Minister as they continue with their important work in helping of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, my hon. the communities through this awful time? Friend the Member for Taunton Deane (Mr Browne), attended the EU-Latin American and Caribbean meeting Mrs May: Indeed. I think we all recognise in this a fortnight ago in Madrid, and the EU-Association of House that there are two jobs to be done: one is the Southeast Asian Nations summit in Madrid. I was able police investigation, but the other is the need to provide to meet many of my European counterparts at the support to the local communities in Cumbria so that Latin American meeting. I was in Sarajevo yesterday they can recover from the terrible tragedy that has for the EU-Western Balkans meeting, which I shall occurred. It is right that we recognise that there is a role come to later. In the next seven days I intend to visit my for central Government and for local government in counterparts in Paris, Berlin, Warsaw and Rome. The that, but there is also a role for others, including charities, Minister for Europe attended the informal ministerial many of which will be best positioned and best able to meeting on the eastern partnership in Poland last week, offer the sort of support, counselling, advice and practical and has met in Brussels Members of the European help that people will need. Parliament and the European Commission. We said that we would be active from day one, and we have Chris Williamson (Derby North) (Lab): Notwithstanding indeed been so. the strong legislation surrounding firearms at the moment, This Government strongly believe that the European will the Home Secretary give an undertaking that she Union has a crucial role in enabling the countries of will not rule out the possibility of the complete prohibition Europe to work together to face the vast challenges of of the private ownership of firearms as the best way of this century: the maintenance of our global competitiveness, preventing such atrocities in future? the problem of climate change, the grim facts of global poverty, and the need for the nations of Europe to use Mrs May: The hon. Gentleman is inviting me to do their collective weight in the world to deal with foreign precisely what I have said that I will not do, and leap to policy issues. All are better dealt with if the nations of conclusions. As I said, we will aim to give the House an Europe can bring together common solutions—and opportunity to debate these issues, and I am sure that above all, the right solutions. when that time comes the hon. Gentleman will want to We will, where necessary, be more robust in defending make his views known to the House in rather fuller Britain’s national interests than the previous Government detail. At the moment, however, it is right, before we were. We will not repeat their wretched handling of the jump to conclusions, to wait until we know the full facts negotiations on the current financial perspective, which and can learn from what has happened. saw them accept a cut of £7 billion in our rebate while obtaining nothing of substance in return. Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North) (Lab): Will the Foreign Secretary, here and now, congratulate the previous Prime Minister on his great wisdom in keeping Britain out of the eurozone? 601 European Affairs3 JUNE 2010 European Affairs 602
Mr Hague: I do congratulate the previous Prime said that his party would not leave the European Minister. I am not in the habit of doing that, but on this conservative grouping, which, of course, it did. I have subject I am very happy to do so. What a good job it proved to be wrong on occasions. Returning to his point was that the former Prime Minister, Sir John Major, about greater co-ordination, will he say how he will ensured that we had an opt-out so that the most recent arrive at a view about whether the Government agree Prime Minister could keep us out of the eurozone. with the proposals for a new European single credit agency operator? Will he explain how that will work? Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab) rose— Mr Hague: I give way to a former Minister for Mr Hague: I am grateful to the hon. Lady for reminding Europe. me of our wager. Without giving too much away, I should say that I am looking forward to drinking with Keith Vaz: I am most grateful to the Foreign Secretary; her the proceeds that she owes me. The wager was made I am actually going to be very nice to him. I congratulate on the understanding that I would join her so that we him on his appointment and remind him that I gave him could consume the proceeds together. I am looking his first job in the Commons, as secretary of the all-party forward to doing that. [Interruption.] No, it is not beer footwear and leather industries group. I am glad that he on this occasion; it is something that we will drink is going to be active; we would expect nothing less from together. him. On enlargement, will he continue the previous She asked how we would arrive at the decision. Well, Government’s policy of ensuring that countries that are that is exactly what the new European Affairs Committee capable of joining will be allowed to join? Leaving aside of the Cabinet is there to do, supported by officials transitional arrangements such as whether people will from both the Foreign Office and the Cabinet Office. be able to work, particularly in relation to the Croatia There will be greater Foreign Office involvement and file, which must be on his desk, will he confirm that we co-ordination of European affairs than has been the believe in a Europe that is wider and stronger? case for a long time. That is part of the more central role in government for the Foreign Office that I have Mr Hague: I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman always envisaged and am trying to bring about. That for his intervention. The role that we played together on Committee will examine such issues, including the one the leather and footwear industries all-party group 20 to which the hon. Lady referred. years ago will for ever be somewhere in the recesses of my mind. I am very grateful for that reminder; the memory has just been retrieved from somewhere. He is Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) absolutely right: there is a strong cross-party commitment (LD): I warmly welcome the Foreign Secretary to his on EU enlargement, to which I want to turn later in my new job, and I am encouraged by what he has said speech. I want to talk specifically about Croatia later. about the new European Affairs Cabinet Committee. He used an important phrase about countries joining Can he assure me that the Committee will pull together when they have met the conditions. It is important that issues of climate change and climate crisis across the they meet the conditions for membership, rather than whole of Government, because those matters are relevant the conditions being changed to suit a particular country. to the Ministry of Defence, for example, and clearly to I very much agree with what he said. business, too? If Britain can be seen to be leading the new green agenda in Europe, there is a real chance that It is also our intention to approach European issues we can influence the world. To put it bluntly, if Europe in a more coherent way across Whitehall than has does not lead, the Americans, the Chinese and others sometimes been the case. In the three weeks for which I are not likely to follow. have held the office of Foreign Secretary, it has been apparent to my colleagues and me that under the previous Government, Departments could have worked together Mr Hague: I very much take that point. The hon. better, particularly more strategically. That point might Gentleman can see how seriously we take the matter also be relevant to previous Governments, and we intend from the fact that his right hon. Friend the Secretary of to put it right. We are establishing a new Cabinet State for Energy and Climate Change is the deputy Committee on European affairs that I will chair, with chair of the Committee. I shall talk about climate the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change change during my speech. It was noticeable in the final as the deputy chair. [Interruption.] It is another example stages of the Copenhagen meeting that the European of a good coalition in practice. Union was not at the final table—in the final discussions— and we have to put that right for the future. That will be That Committee will allow the new Government to part of the approach that we are trying to put together take a more holistic approach to EU issues than was in the European Affairs Cabinet Committee. sometimes the case in the past, and I hope it will achieve better results for Britain. We must ensure that we are The main issue before the forthcoming European always ahead of the game in Brussels, unlike the previous Council is, of course, the current economic situation. A Government, of whom that could not always be said; number of member states face severe fiscal difficulties, the position in which they left us in relation to the hedge and growth across Europe is anaemic. The priority for funds directive is a particular example. In doing so, we all of us is to rectify our budgetary problems and deal will be aided by achieving a more collegiate feeling in a with the fundamental underlying problem of weak two-party Cabinet than in the previous Cabinet of one economic growth. The Government have made it clear party. that we will stay out of the euro, but at the same time, we must acknowledge that the EU is our single biggest Ms Gisela Stuart (Birmingham, Edgbaston) (Lab): I trading partner. Problems in one member state affect us welcome the Foreign Secretary to his post and remind all, whether we are single currency members or not. him that I still owe him the proceeds of a wager, when I Recent developments in the eurozone have exemplified 603 European Affairs3 JUNE 2010 European Affairs 604 the need for fiscal consolidation, which is the No. 1 Mr Hague: It is in the nature of trade that we all priority across Europe. We have made an urgent start benefit from each other. The hon. Gentleman is right: if on dealing with the deficit, and those actions will be 49% of our exports go to the eurozone, the other half crucial for the stability of our public finances, after do not. However, I would not want to do without the those who are now on the Opposition Front Bench 49% that go to the eurozone. All trade is very important bequeathed the country the worst peacetime deficit in to the future of the country. modern times. Several hon. Members rose— The major issue dominating discussion of European affairs is the difficulty facing the eurozone. A strong Mr Hague: A lot of hon. Members want to intervene, and healthy eurozone is, of course, in this country’s so I will try to fit them in. We will go to Glasgow first, interests. That is a view held even by those of us who because the hon. Member for Glasgow South West have always opposed Britain joining the euro. Much of (Mr Davidson) has made great contributions to such our prosperity depends on our neighbours’ prosperity: debates in the past. 49% of our exports go to the eurozone. Mr Ian Davidson (Glasgow South West) (Lab/Co-op): Mr William Cash (Stone) (Con): My right hon. Friend I congratulate the Foreign Secretary on his new is making an incredibly important point about the appointment. There is undoubtedly a crisis within the eurozone and our trade with it. We acknowledge that eurozone, but does he not agree that there is a danger there is significant trade, but would he also accept that that those in Brussels will simply see this as an opportunity one of the reasons why the eurozone is imploding is the to accrete more power to themselves, centralise still vast amount of social and employment legislation––the further, and that their analysis will be that the solution over-regulation and burdens on business not only in to the problem is more Europe, not less. What steps will Europe but imposed on this country as a result of the Government take to ensure that that does not European directives and regulations? Will he therefore happen, and that Britain is not sucked into the black accept that the Prime Minister’s commitment to repatriate hole of the eurozone? those powers is essential not only for us but for negotiations in the European Union? If that does not happen we will Mr Hague: The hon. Gentleman is right about that. I not have jobs, growth or enterprise, nor will we be able am about to come to that point in my speech, so I will to reduce the debt or pay for public services where address the matter in a moment. necessary. Mr Nigel Dodds (Belfast North) (DUP): I too welcome the Foreign Secretary to his post. He has a reputation Mr Hague: There are several parts to my hon. Friend’s for blunt speaking, so will he tell the House whether he question about the reasons for low economic growth in regrets his and his party’s decision not to proceed with a the European Union. One of those reasons is the extent referendum on the Lisbon treaty, which was something of regulation, inflexibility and bureaucratic burdens. I that the people of Britain and the United Kingdom think that is true in most, if not all, the countries of the desperately wanted? EU, for a mixture of reasons. Some of that regulation is at EU level and some is at national level. I was going to Mr Hague: I shall also deal with referendums later in deal with that issue. my speech. I explained yesterday that the edge is taken Winning the argument for appropriate regulation is a off blunt speaking by becoming Foreign Secretary of very important part of the plans that we have put the United Kingdom, and it is probably in our national forward to revive economic growth in the EU, and interest that the edge is taken off. Of course, I regret sometimes that will mean having lighter regulation. that there was no referendum on the Lisbon treaty—I That can be addressed partly through the European campaigned for one for years—but the treaty was ratified. Union regulating more effectively and in a less burdensome As the Prime Minister and I explained in opposition a way, and partly by nations doing so individually. The few months ago, we cannot make up a referendum. The extent to which we can deal with the issue by changing Lisbon treaty is now one of the treaties of the European the balance of competencies between the EU and member Union. However, we will provide for referendums in states is something that we now have to examine as a future—I will deal with that point shortly. coalition. My hon. Friend has a long-held view on the subject, and I have expressed views about it. We are a John Mann (Bassetlaw) (Lab): I was listening carefully coalition Government, and he and I must accept that to the Foreign Secretary’s comments on labour market there is not necessarily a majority in the House of flexibility. May I give him the chance to elaborate Commons for every single thing that we would have slightly on that? Does he have any proposals to avoid wanted to do. We must examine the issue as a coalition, the situation that arose at East Lindsey and Staythorpe, and we are now doing so. whereby, in the case of Staythorpe, skilled British workers were unable to apply for jobs to build new power stations precisely because of the lack of regulation in Kelvin Hopkins: The Foreign Secretary speaks Europe? How will he address the Staythorpe situation? warmly—as so many Europe Ministers and Foreign Secretaries have—about our trade with the European Mr Hague: I do not have proposals at this moment to Union. Is not the reality that we have a massive trade address that, but the hon. Gentleman raises a legitimate deficit with the European Union, and we do much point, so I will note it as something that the new better with trade outside the European Union? We do Government will look at. From what I remember, it is not benefit from that trade; Europe benefits from us not an easy problem to solve, but the point is legitimate and our market. and we can have further discussions about it. 605 European Affairs3 JUNE 2010 European Affairs 606
[Mr Hague] are coming forward, will be subject to majority voting? If and when he is outvoted in that context, what is his The hon. Member for Glasgow South West has gone—I fall-back position? Will he introduce and enact a sovereignty was about to address his point. So much for his enthusiasm Bill so that he can underpin those negotiations with a for an answer! As I was explaining, the major issue is firm opportunity for the House to override European the difficulties facing the eurozone. Given the extent of regulation in our vital national interests? our exports to the eurozone, of course we will support our partners in their efforts to deal with the current Mr Hague: My hon. Friend has a long-standing difficulties, but without being drawn further into the campaign for such a measure. We are examining the eurozone. For example, while we recognise the importance case for a sovereignty Bill in the coalition, for the of maintaining a dialogue on deficit reduction across reasons that I explained to him earlier. It was part of the eurozone and the wider EU, we are firm in our view the Conservative party’s election manifesto, but not that our national budget must always be presented first part of the Liberal Democrats’ manifesto. We must to our national Parliament. therefore examine that together, and that examination has already begun. Of course, we will come back to the We are listening to member states that are discussing House with our conclusions. institutional reforms to the eurozone—that is an ongoing debate—but I assure the House that the Government I was making a point about the importance of extending will maintain our position that there should be no the single market, where we think there are real further transfer of sovereignty or powers from Britain opportunities to boost growth by further opening up to the EU over the course of the Parliament. Sanctions energy and services sectors and moving forward on for breaches of the stability and growth pact may be the patents. There are many helpful proposals in Mario right way forward for our partners in the euro area, but Monti’s recent report about relaunching the single market, they should never apply to countries that retain their on which we want to build. All that is germane to the own currencies, and this country will retain its currency. Europe 2020 strategy, which will be the main formal item of discussion at the forthcoming European Council. The next question for all members of the European It is the successor to the Lisbon strategy, which is widely Union is, “From where will the growth that we need acknowledged to have been well intentioned but come?” The Government, working with our European disappointing in its results. partners, mean to address that question with vigour. We know that spending our way further into dangerous The current crisis in the eurozone demonstrates that levels of debt is not the answer. We need to get Europe it is vital that the EU has a coherent strategy for growth back to work, create jobs, attract investment and deal and jobs, but it must fully respect the balance of competence with the erosion of our long-term competitiveness. Those between member states and Community action. We will issues concern every member of the European Union, work with our partners on the Commission’s proposals not just the eurozone. We will urgently make the case for a Europe 2020 strategy to promote growth. The for the extension of the single market, better regulation strategy is intended to drive growth in the next decade that can lighten the burdens on businesses, and seizing and secure jobs, and those are, of course, the right opportunities to create freer and fairer trade between objectives, but we will want to pay close attention to the the European Union and third countries. In that context, detail. we will particularly encourage greater economic engagement At the spring European Council, five EU-level target between the European Union and new, rising economic areas were identified: employment; research and powers. development; energy and climate change; education, and social inclusion. We are concerned that some, while Kelvin Hopkins rose— not legally binding, may stray into the competences of member states. Some are inappropriate for the different Mr Hague: The hon. Gentleman wants to intervene systems and models that various member states use. for a third time. I will let him do so once again. That variety must be respected in creating a meaningful strategy that addresses the economic issues faced across Kelvin Hopkins: I will try to make this the last Europe. intervention, but it is on an important point. Squeezing deficits and introducing labour regulation, which would We are clear that the EU has a role to play, for depress wages, will simply drive the European Union example, through providing a deeper and stronger single further into depression and deflation. Is not that the market, with smarter regulation, a more strategic approach real danger that we face? to trade and a framework for innovation. The 2020 strategy faces two other immediate problems that need resolution. Mr Hague: I do not think that that is the danger that First, the next financial perspective—the seven-year EU we face. Deficits unaddressed or regulation that prices budgetary framework—needs to cohere with it. In our people out of work in some European nations are the view, its priorities should be aligned with the strategy. It real dangers to economic growth in the long term. is deeply unfortunate that the budget review has been so When we consider the position of the countries in the long delayed that linking the two is more difficult than eurozone that face the most severe fiscal difficulties, it should be. Secondly, the 2020 strategy is a long-term their problem is not insufficient state spending or insufficient strategy—it is meant to be—but recent events require a regulation, but very much the opposite. I am sorry—the more immediate response to drive growth now. As I hon. Gentleman and I agree on so many aspects of said, that response will be the Government’s priority. If European policy, but we will have to disagree on that one. we can get the 2020 strategy to be more coherent with the financial framework, and link its long-term nature Mr Cash: Does my right hon. Friend accept that the with the immediate action that is needed, perhaps we objectives that he would try to achieve by negotiation, can avoid the risk of a strategy again proving disappointing in particular on some of the economic proposals that in the benefits that it brings to European nations. 607 European Affairs3 JUNE 2010 European Affairs 608
Mr Davidson: Will the Foreign Secretary give way? on the millennium development goals in September, which will take place just before the UN General Assembly. Mr Hague: The hon. Gentleman has returned. I will The Government will encourage other member states to give way to him so that he can nip out again while I fulfil their aid commitments. I am pleased to report that answer his question. the United Kingdom is on track to meet both its 2010 target of 0.56% of overseas development assistance Mr Davidson: In my defence, I came back. I had to and its 2013 target of 0.7%. We can be proud that that is leave because I had visitors—I apologise to the right a point of consensus in the House between all three hon. Gentleman for that. I explained to them that the main parties, and I pay tribute to the work of the joys of listening to him were greater than those of previous Labour Government. meeting them. They are not voters in my constituency, However, collectively, the EU is not on track to meet which makes it a great deal easier to say that. its commitments, and we will encourage all member On the coherence of Government policy on Europe, states to reinvigorate their commitments to that end. given that financial cuts are being made across the Tackling global poverty is one of the great causes of Government’s budget, will the Foreign Secretary give us our age, and one in which the nations of Europe should a guarantee that a cut will also be applied to the play their full part. contribution that the EU receives from this country? Otherwise, there will be inconsistency. Mike Gapes (Ilford South) (Lab/Co-op): Has the Foreign Secretary had any recent discussions with his Mr Hague: There may well be inconsistency. The Italian counterpart on the deplorable position of the hon. Gentleman knows that I cannot give him such a Italian Government on international development guarantee, which is why he enjoyed coming back into assistance? the Chamber to ask the question. The contribution is not immediately under the Government’s control, but is Mr Hague: I have not, but I will be visiting my Italian the product of differences in agricultural payments, counterpart on Monday in Rome. While I am having an VAT payments and so on. It is regrettable, as I said otherwise enjoyable meeting with him, I will drop that earlier, that the Government whom he largely supported— point in. Indeed, I will now be able to say that the his Front Benchers do not recognise that description of matter has been brought up in the House of Commons. him; perhaps I should say, “the Government he was It is a valid point, so I will certainly pursue the matter. elected to support in the past”—gave away £7 billion of The Commission will present a communication on our rebate while securing nothing in return. He can be the EU’s ambitions for a 30% carbon emissions reduction assured that we will not do that, and that will help keep target, including an analysis of the costs and benefits to the payments down, but it is not possible to vary them the EU economy, and of the impact on energy security, by unilateral Executive action. exports and job creation. The Government want the EU to show leadership in tackling international climate Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con): Following the very change and will support an increase in the EU’s emissions good point made by the hon. Member for Glasgow reduction target once that has been addressed with South West (Mr Davidson), who asked why people in proper thoroughness. this country should take the pain when more and more Looking ahead, we recognise that there is a serious money is going into the EU, will my right hon. Friend problem with the lack of proper democratic control in say why the Government think it right that this country this country over the way in which the EU develops—I should give increasing amounts of money to the EU have already been asked about our position on the when it does not have its accounts signed off? If the referendum. Beyond this Council meeting, the new Government are serious about getting the EU to reform Government will introduce a Bill to amend the European its budget, why does he not go there and say, “We’re not Communities Act 1972. We are agreed that there is a prepared to give any more money to the EU until it gets profound disconnection between the British people and its accounts properly audited and signed off, which is what has been done in their name by British Governments what we would expect from any other organisation to in the European Union. In the past 13 years under the which we give money”? Labour Government, the percentage of the British public who believe that our membership of the EU is a good Mr Hague: My hon. Friend makes a very powerful thing has, according to surveys, fallen to 31%. That is point. Like him, I have often complained vociferously the previous Government’s legacy on Europe: public about our inability to sign off the accounts of the disenchantment after years of arrogance from Ministers, European Commission. It is true that most of the who did not listen to the people. That lesson should be problems that arise are now within member states rather borne in mind by the shadow Foreign Secretary as he than with the Commission, but nevertheless, the new seeks to learn lessons about his party’s election defeat. Government will certainly re-examine that and want to Both parties that form the coalition are determined put some energy into sorting that out. I feel very strongly to make the Government more accountable to the British about it, as does my hon. Friend. people for how the EU develops, so that Bill will be The Council will also set the Union’s position for the introduced later this year. It will enlarge democratic and G20 Toronto summit at the end of June, and the parliamentary scrutiny, accountability and control over Government want to ensure that the position agreed at the decisions that we make in the EU. As the House will the Council reflects our views on fiscal consolidation, know, it will include a referendum lock, so that no and on strengthening standards on financial regulations future treaty may pass areas of power or competences and bank levies. It is hoped that the Council will sign off from the UK to the EU without the British people’s the EU position for the UN high-level plenary meeting consent in a referendum. The Government have already 609 European Affairs3 JUNE 2010 European Affairs 610
[Mr Hague] Michael Connarty (Linlithgow and East Falkirk) (Lab): I may be anticipating what the Foreign Secretary will agreed that there will be no further transfer of sovereignty say, but at the moment, many items are available as or powers in this Parliament in any case. The lock will opt-ins, particularly on criminal law and so on. There also cover any proposal for Britain to join the euro. We will be many cases over the next few years in which the regard that measure as essential in ensuring that the EU choice will be either to opt-in or to withdraw from a develops in a way that has the British people’s consent. whole section of a treaty. Will those be dealt with so We are also clear that the referendum lock will apply that the House is given a vote on whether the Government only to any proposed future treaty transfers of power or should opt in or opt out? competences from Britain to the EU. It will not apply to treaties that do not do that, such as treaties that make Mr Hague: They will certainly demand a lot of technical changes or accession treaties. We are now examination in the House. In the coalition agreement, working on that legislation. we have committed to approaching further criminal justice legislation on a case-by-case basis. The UK has Emma Reynolds (Wolverhampton North East) (Lab): the right to decide whether to participate in new EU I note the Foreign Secretary’s renewed enthusiasm for justice and home affairs measures, so we will give careful referendums. The Maastricht treaty is second only to consideration to whether to opt-in to new measures in the Single European Act in terms of the amount of those areas while at the same time ensuring that the power transferred to the EU. Will he explain why he UK’s security is maintained and our civil liberties are voted against a referendum on that? protected, and that the integrity of our criminal justice system is preserved. Mr Hague: There is nothing “renewed” about my We recognise the importance of Parliament having enthusiasm for referendums—I am simply setting out adequate time to scrutinise those opt-in decisions. In all exactly what I said in the last Parliament and in the but the most exceptional cases, that means that we will general election campaign. There is great merit in a not opt-in to any new measure in the first eight weeks Minister doing what he said he was going to do before following its publication, to give Parliament time to give the general election. I voted against a referendum at the a considered opinion. The hon. Gentleman will know time of the Maastricht treaty because I was a member that we are looking at how to improve parliamentary of the Government—[HON.MEMBERS: “Ah!”] The scrutiny of decision-making in Europe, and the positions Government had the absolutely correct policy on that. that this Government or any future Government take at We secured the opt-outs on the euro, for instance, of European councils. Indeed, we would welcome his views, which we spoke earlier, and built in the commitment to as a distinguished former Chairman of the European a referendum on the euro if ever there was a proposal to Scrutiny Committee, on how those procedures can be join it, which is exactly the policy that will be encapsulated improved. I know that my right hon. Friend the Leader and legislated for in the Bill that we will introduce. of the House would welcome hearing from the hon. Gentleman. Mr Cash: I am listening with great interest to my right hon. Friend on this hugely important matter. He Simon Hughes: It is important that what the Foreign referred to the question of further treaty transfers of Secretary has just said is given maximum publicity. One powers, and as he will know, the coalition agreement of the aspects of the disempowerment felt by the British states: public is the perception that European legislation has “We agree that there should be no further transfer of sovereignty been forced on them. We should have a real debate or powers over the course of the next Parliament” about the merits of issues such as the working time directive, and what he has just said will be warmly before referring to the working time directive. Will he welcomed not only by his party, but by mine. concede—I am sure this is the case in a legal and constitutional sense—that “powers”in that context includes the extension of powers under the Lisbon treaty and the Mr Hague: That is further evidence—to the deep introduction of directives? disappointment of Opposition Members—of how well coalition government is now proceeding. Mr Hague: I was just coming to that point. The Bill I will attend the Foreign Affairs Council on 14 June will ensure that primary legislation will be required in Luxembourg. As I have long said, it is strongly my before the British Government may authorise the use view that the nations of Europe should do more to use of ratchet clauses in treaties—as some of us have their collective weight in the world to advance shared called them—some of which result from the Lisbon values and interests. The problems have not been treaty. Such clauses allow for a modification of institutional, but political, including a lack of will and treaties or provide options for existing EU powers to consistency. That is the spirit in which we will approach expand, which is my hon. Friend’s point. The proposed these matters. use of a major ratchet clause—for example, the abolition I mentioned last week in the debate on the Queen’s of vetoes over foreign policy—would also be subject to Speech that this Government will give greater weight to a referendum. That will be built into our legislation. elevating our relationships with emerging powers across Taken together, those measures will ensure that unlike the world, and that policy will, I hope, be complemented under the Labour Government, the European Union by other European nations doing the same. Indeed, can increase its powers vis-à-vis the United some of them are further ahead than us in doing this, Kingdom only with the agreement of the British people. and it will form part of our collective work in the EU. That is a major step towards rebuilding popular trust in The Council’s agenda will include Iran and the western the EU. Balkans. It will also be important to discuss recent 611 European Affairs3 JUNE 2010 European Affairs 612 developments in Gaza, how the European Union can placed on Iran must be peaceful, multilateral and legitimate, give fresh momentum to the middle east peace process but unless it is intensified, the opportunity to change and what role we can play in helping to address the Iranian behaviour on this issue may be lost. crisis in Gaza. The Government have also made it clear that we believe that the European Union must sharpen its focus Mr Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East) (Con): I on the western Balkans—as my hon. Friend the Member understand that my right hon. Friend has recently visited for Bournemouth East (Mr Ellwood) said—until all the Bosnia, a part of Europe that is often overshadowed by countries of the region are irreversibly on the path to other international events, but tensions there remain EU membership. Achieving this and helping to turn the high. There are frictions over the constitution, and I page decisively on the painful chapters of the region’s wonder whether he agrees that the EU and the UN past will be a major test of what the EU can accomplish would be wrong to dismiss Bosnia. We need to invest in world affairs. An EU without the western Balkans time and energy to ensure that the cycle of violence that would for ever have a disenchanted and disillusioned we have seen in the past 10 years does not restart. hole near its centre. The western Balkans matter to stability and prosperity in Europe, and we cannot afford Mr Hague: My hon. Friend makes a powerful point. to ignore developments there, especially the current Bosnia is one of the major issues that I will discuss with lack of progress in Bosnia, which demands sustained the European High Representative, Baroness Ashton, international attention. I yesterday attended the high-level this evening. I will say more on the issue in a moment. meeting of EU and western Balkan Foreign Ministers, and set out our support for a clear strategy of firm I wish to update the House on the British nationals action from European countries, as well as concrete caught up in the incident in Gaza and improve on the steps by the countries of the region. We will work information that was given yesterday.The latest information actively and intensively with our European partners, the I have is that 34 British nationals were involved, not High Representative and the Governments of the region 37 as I informed the House yesterday. Two of those who to take this work forward in the coming months. were reported as missing do not appear to have been in the flotilla, and we are seeking to confirm that. Another The issue brings me to enlargement more generally. was a duplicated name with different spellings. All the In Britain, we have had a strong consensus on the remaining 34 are now accounted for. One British national principle that widening the European Union is a good was deported directly earlier in the week, 32 have arrived thing, and I hope that that will continue. Widening of in Turkey and one, who is a dual national, has been the European Union must go along with the rigorous released and is in Israel with family. Of the 32 who have application of the entry criteria. The Government will arrived in Turkey, one has returned to the UK and continue to champion the European Union’s enlargement, 31 remain there. We are offering assistance through our including to the western Balkans and Turkey. We will be consulate general to British nationals who seek it. assiduous in working with Ankara and other member states to resolve outstanding issues. As I said, Iran will be on the Foreign Affairs Council’s agenda. We remain extremely concerned about Iran’s Sir John Stanley (Tonbridge and Malling) (Con): nuclear programme. Iran has failed to suspend its nuclear Does my right hon. Friend agree that continuing peace activities in line with UN Security Council resolutions, and stability in the western Balkans cannot be taken for has shown no serious intent to discuss its programme granted, and does he also agree that the constitutional with the international community and has failed to changes necessary in Bosnia and Herzegovina are critically address the outstanding concerns of the International important to enable that country to progress its accession Atomic Energy Agency. For those reasons, we are to the EU? pursuing—as we speak—new sanctions, and a draft resolution is now being discussed at the UN Security Mr Hague: I very much agree. It cannot be taken for Council. The EU has agreed to take measures to accompany granted that the problems have been solved. The this process and we will work hard with our EU partners 5+2 conditions necessary for the closure of the office of to ensure that we take strong measures that have an the High Representative have not yet been satisfied. As impact on Iran’s decision making. The House will be I have often said, I believe that European nations will aware that on 17 May Iran, Brazil and Turkey announced have to be more forceful about this, and we will have to that Iran had agreed a deal to supply fuel for the Tehran be prepared to push as well as pull some people in the research reactor. While that deal, if implemented, could western Balkans towards EU membership. still help to build confidence in Iran’s intentions, it cannot do so while Iran’s other actions show a complete Michael Connarty: Will the Foreign Secretary give disregard for efforts to engage it in serious negotiation, way? such as continuing to enrich uranium up to 20% despite having no apparent civilian use for that material. Mr Hague: I have given way for the last time: I owe it to the House to allow the shadow Foreign Secretary A comprehensive diplomatic offer has been made to and others to speak. Iran and remains on the table. The EU High Representative, Cathy Ashton, made it clear in her statement of 21 May We continue to support the negotiations to re-unify that we stand ready to meet Iran at any time to discuss the island of Cyprus—I am pleased that they restarted its nuclear programme. The onus is on Iran to assure the last week. Although we do not underestimate the difficulties, international community of its peaceful intentions and it would be very greatly in the interest of both communities to enter into negotiations. Until it does so, we have no on the island for those talks to succeed. choice but to continue to pursue the path of sanctions. The House will also want to know about the institutional The House will need no reminding of the risks associated aspect of the EU’s external relations, the establishment with nuclear proliferation in the middle east. The pressure of the European External Action Service. As the House 613 European Affairs3 JUNE 2010 European Affairs 614
[Mr Hague] We congratulate him on moving from unenlightened to enlightened self-interest—it is a step forward—but I will know, my party did not support the creation of the hope that he will allow me, in the nicest possible way, to External Action Service, but it is now a fact. We warned remind him of Harold Macmillan’s point that a Foreign that its creation would not necessarily lead to greater Secretary is always caught somewhere between a cliché inter-institutional harmony in Brussels and that has and an indiscretion. I hope that his repetition of his unfortunately proved to be the case so far. It is now our commitment to enlightened self-interest will not capture task to ensure that the service is both useful to the him in that trap. nations of Europe and respects the role of national It is not enough to say that one is enlightened. The diplomatic services. The European Parliament has made Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary need to show its suggestions on how the service is to be organised, it, and show it quickly, on the big issues facing Europe. and there are discussions on the matter with the High They must put to one side institutional squabbles and Representative and the Spanish presidency. I hope that focus on the substantive issues facing the European the European Parliament will recognise that the service Union: a steady process of building economic growth will be a success only if it commands the confidence of alongside deficit reduction; developing the EU as a member states. That is a crucial consideration. low-carbon economic zone of the future able to lead the The High Representative has made a good start to international green economy; and supporting a strong her very challenging role. We wished her well when she European foreign policy that uses our weight in Europe embarked on the task, and we look forward to working to advance British interests. The Prime Minister’s press with her closely in the future. conference with Chancellor Merkel last month—his The last Conservative Government left a considerable first foray into European politics as Prime Minister—was legacy in the European Union: the creation of the single not encouraging. We are told that the Prime Minister is market; the enlargement from nine to 15 members; and a fan of Disraeli, who said that the setting in train of further eastwards enlargement. I “petulance is not sarcasm, and insolence is not invective”. will not take away from the last Government their The Prime Minister’s remarks in Berlin verged on both achievement in helping to complete that enlargement, petulance and insolence. but in other respects their legacy is to be regretted: the alienation of the British public from the EU; the failure I will focus on the Council’s agenda, but first I must to stand up for Britain’s interests on the budget, and so pick the Foreign Secretary up on one thing. These on. The new Government have started as we mean to debates are not traditionally partisan affairs, and my continue—with activity and energy in European affairs. remarks will not be dedicated in that dimension. Pre- We will play our role with enthusiasm, while vigorously European Council debates—not European debates in advancing our country’s interests and never taking the general—have generally been focused on the agenda of British people for granted. the European Council. The shadow Foreign Secretary said—[HON.MEMBERS: “You’re the shadow Foreign Several hon. Members rose— Secretary!”]I mean the Foreign Secretary. It sticks in the gullet, Mr Deputy Speaker; I am happy to admit it. Mr Deputy Speaker (Sir Alan Haselhurst): Before I However, in a few weeks, I hope I will get used to call the shadow Foreign Secretary, I say to the House referring to the right hon. Gentleman as the Foreign that there has been some comings and goings on the Secretary. numbers wishing to speak in the debate. I propose, I think I quote the Foreign Secretary correctly. He therefore, to alter the nine-minute time limit to 10 minutes. said that the United Kingdom got “nothing in return” I do not automatically expect every hon. Member to for the 2004-05 budget deal. He also said that he was a expand their speech by one minute. It is just to ease the long-standing supporter of enlargement, and he pressures that might otherwise exist during the debate. congratulated the previous Government on achieving enlargement. He knows that the budget deal agreed was 1.31 pm necessary to make enlargement possible, and I say to him in the nicest possible way—well sort of—that he David Miliband (South Shields) (Lab): Thank you, cannot keep on attacking the 2004-05 budget deal while Mr Deputy Speaker. It is unusual in the House for the professing his loyalty to the project of European Foreign Secretary—at least it was under his previous enlargement. That project requires commitments in roles—to lose an audience during a speech, but I will substance, and sometimes in budgets, as well as in seek to address many of his points, focusing my remarks words, and it simply is not good enough for him to keep on the agenda for the European Council in two weeks. on saying that we gave away the house in 2004-05 when Of course, this quarter’s pre-European Council debate it is not true. The EU achieved a historic agreement to is unusual in that it is scheduled in the middle of the expand, which he says he supports. Queen’s Speech debates, but it comes at an important time for Europe. Kelvin Hopkins: If all budget contributions by nations I am grateful to the Foreign Secretary for his explanation were proportionate to their living standards, it would be of the Government’s approach. We want the Prime fair, but they are not, so it will always cause problems, Minister, when he attends the European Council, to especially for Britain. represent the interests of the country in a strong, outward- looking European Union, supporting an agenda of economic reform and social justice at home, and hard- David Miliband: The rebate, which now applies to headed internationalism abroad. The Foreign Secretary four countries, not just to the United Kingdom, is there bravely said, in the Queen’s Speech debate last week, because of the pattern of spending in the EU, and it is that he now favoured a policy of enlightened self-interest. the pattern of spending that distorts the net contributions. 615 European Affairs3 JUNE 2010 European Affairs 616
Chris Heaton-Harris (Daventry) (Con): Reduce them. I shall focus on the June Council agenda, which is understandably dedicated to addressing first the economic David Miliband: The hon. Gentleman says, from a situation. The difficulties are well known, but the extent sedentary position, that we should reduce them, but he and possible permutations of the solutions are still will know that the 2004-05 budget deal agreed for the relatively unknown, causing some instability in European first time that British and French net contributions and global markets. Concerns about Greece’s sovereign should be more or less equal. That had never been debt have led to market concern about other southern achieved before under any previous Government. European economies. Eurozone growth figures are due to be released tomorrow—one disadvantage of having Michael Connarty: Is it not true that not only did it this debate before the European Council—and they will allow the accession of the A8 countries, plus Malta and obviously provide a useful indicator for Council action. Cyprus, because they had problems with the budget proposed before that, but it changed fundamentally the All that matters to Britain, as the Foreign Secretary basis of the common agricultural policy, so that we did suggested, because 55% of our exports go to the EU. not continue to plough money into the agricultural We are part of the largest single market in the world, surpluses, but put the money into development in the along with our European partners. Half of UK inward countries joining? It was a fundamental change that investment comes from the EU. Out of the euro, we was necessary for Europe, and one that was beneficial in should still want the euro to succeed. In the light of the long run to the UK. those problems, the European Council needs to be clear about what needs to be done. The instability in the David Miliband: My hon. Friend speaks with all the global economy as a result of Greece’s problems emphasises authority of a former Chair of the European Scrutiny the need for effective and co-ordinated European action, Committee. Of course, the change was twofold: first, as well as certainty for financial markets. A clear resolution the shift in industrial and infrastructure support into framework is needed, and the eurozone countries must the A8 countries and, secondly, the creation for the first reach agreement between their members on the way time of the second pillar of the CAP—the pillar devoted forward. not to agricultural subsidy, but to rural development. However, this Council must be about growth, too, The previous Government set out a clear plan for how and it should look at the European economy as a whole. the CAP should be reformed, so that there was spending Competitive austerity, blind to the need to secure growth, on rural development and rural support, notably with will secure neither deficit reduction nor economic growth an environmental, green and climate change focus. The that improves living standards. In Europe and at the market-distorting aspects of the CAP—the so-called G20 meeting in Toronto, it is vital that the Government first pillar—were reduced. So I am grateful to my hon. make that argument. As the US Treasury Secretary Tim Friend for his intervention. Geithner said only yesterday: Mr Davidson: I am grateful to the shadow Foreign “we want…fiscal reforms to happen in a way that’s growth Secretary for giving way. However, does he not agree friendly.” that Britain actually struck a very bad deal during the That must surely be the right approach for any sensible last budget negotiations? We did not get nearly as much Government. We on the Opposition Benches certainly as we ought to have, we gave up far more than we share that view, for Europe and the global economy should have, and essentially the EU took advantage of going into the G20. Deficits need to be brought down, us and our commitment to enlargement to strike a far but Europe also needs to think about generating growth, better deal than we should have conceded. In fact, the not simply stymieing demand through cutting too fast deal that we conceded on enlargement was one of the and too far. We urge the Government to push that things that lost us the election, not because people were argument, as well as that expressed by President Obama’s hostile to enlargement, but because they were hostile to Administration. the uncontrolled immigration that resulted and to the The European Council has an extremely important feeling that the pervious Government were more interested role in agreeing ways of supporting European economic in listening to Brussels than to their own people. growth and better governance, and in fostering understanding between some of the strongest economies David Miliband: The Foreign Secretary and I jested in the world. The last European Council meeting in earlier, when he said that my hon. Friend had always March agreed, at the instigation of the then Prime been a staunch supporter of the former Government, Minister, a series of propositions on competitiveness, but I worry that he has been reading something left by the prospects for European growth and the state of the previous Opposition Whips Office, before the general preparedness for the G20 summit. election, setting our its view of what happened in 2004-05. I will make one important point to him: he will remember that six months before the budget deal was agreed, the Mr Cash: In the context of what the right hon. then Government were denounced by the then Opposition Gentleman has just said, will he concede what Lord for their failure to agree a deal. In June that year, there Mandelson said about the extent of over-regulation was a failure to agree a deal, and only under the British that comes from European directives and the like, which presidency, in December, did we get an agreement on is that 4% of the European Union’s GDP is absorbed in the budget deal. So I do not accept his description. unnecessary and burdensome regulation? That is the real reason why the eurozone is imploding. It simply Mr Cash: Will the right hon. Gentleman give way? does not have the capacity to produce enterprise and jobs. Indeed, enlargement, to include Bulgaria and David Miliband: No, I will make some progress, and if Romania, is extremely suspect, because those countries I may, I will come back to the hon. Gentleman later. He have acted as a drag on the opportunity for the rest of made at least two interventions on the Foreign Secretary. Europe to prosper. 617 European Affairs3 JUNE 2010 European Affairs 618
David Miliband: The hon. Gentleman asked almost The then Opposition supported the Government in exactly the same question of the Foreign Secretary. the measures that we took in respect of Russia. However, Difficult as it is for me to say it, the Foreign Secretary when it comes to helping the modernisation of Russia, gave him rather a good answer, which is that a lot of the the European Union should be our best instrument. regulation to which he referred is, in fact, national That is why we agreed to the opening of the so-called regulation, not simply European regulation. partnership and co-operation agreement negotiations—I think against the advice of the then Opposition. I hope Mr Cash: Four per cent. of GDP. that the Foreign Secretary will seek to use those discussions to help the process of engagement with Russia. We have David Miliband: I am sorry that the hon. Gentleman a lot to gain, not least on issues to do with energy was unable to listen properly to what his right hon. supply, on which the whole of the EU is a significant Friend the Foreign Secretary said, but in this case what partner for Russia. he said was actually true. The European Union also has an important human Mr Deputy Speaker: Order. I am sorry to interrupt rights dimension to its work in Russia. Indeed, it is the shadow Foreign Secretary, but let me just say to the appropriate that the Secretary of State for International hon. Member for Stone (Mr Cash) that he is setting an Development should be in the Chamber now—he missed awfully bad example to hon. Members who are waiting the Foreign Secretary’s speech, but I am glad that he has to make their first speeches by conducting a sedentary come in at this moment. He made great play during the commentary, which he knows the Chair strongly deplores. election campaign of what he called the absurdity of the Department for International Development funding David Miliband: I am sure that my hon. Friends will work in China or Russia. Let us leave China to one side. come to learn that the contributions—not sedentary, The work that the Department for International but standing—of the hon. Member for Stone (Mr Cash) Development was funding in Russia was vital human are an important feature of these debates. The consistency rights work in Chechnya and Ingushetia, parts of Russia of his remarks is at least one model for us all to follow, that are extremely poor and extremely riven with human even if that cannot always be said of their content. rights abuses. I hope that the Foreign Secretary will talk to his right Mr John Spellar (Warley) (Lab): Or their length. hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International David Miliband: Indeed, as my right hon. Friend also Development, because the important work that was says from a sedentary position. being done with DFID money—relatively small amounts of money, compared with the multi-billion pound DFID We look to the new Prime Minister to continue to budget—was supporting human rights issues that the show the level of engagement seen in the past on Foreign Secretary said in his speech in the Loyal Address European economic issues. Of the many hard lessons will be a vital part of his Department’s work. We have that Europe has learnt, the most significant is the heard a lot of words about joined-up government from importance of collaboration in the global economy. the new Administration, and this is one area where the The “Europe 2020” growth strategy will be formally price of a campaign commitment to an across-the-board adopted at the Council. It was the previous Government cut in the work done in Russia will be borne by people who led on the development of those proposals, during trying to do brave and important work, in an important the financial crisis that Europe faced last year, and who country in an important part of the world. pushed for many of the positive solutions. We support a strong external dimension, to ensure that the EU is Mr Robert Walter (North Dorset) (Con): I am pleased promoted on the global scene, notably through engagement to hear what the shadow Foreign Secretary is saying, with the so-called BRIC economies—those of Brazil, but could he explain to the House why under his Russia, India and China. Administration the funding for the Council of Europe— We also support the expansion of research and and, implicitly, for the European Court of Human development, increasing the share of renewables in final Rights—was basically frozen, while he allowed the energy consumption to 20% and moving towards a European Union to spend hundreds of millions of 20% increase in energy efficiency. We also look to the pounds creating a fundamental rights agency that has Prime Minister to make the case for longer-term reform nothing whatever to do with human rights in Russia or in the European Union, particularly in areas such as anywhere else? energy liberalisation and the completion of the single market in areas relatively untouched, such as e-commerce. David Miliband: I am sorry that the hon. Gentleman’s There was one country that the Foreign Secretary did intervention had so little to do with what I was talking not mention, but which it is appropriate to do so. He about, which was a serious point about the development rightly talked of the importance of the rising powers, of human rights support in Russia. As he knows, the but he did not mention Russia. The EU is by far Council of Europe continues to receive generous support Russia’s largest trading partner, with three quarters of from the United Kingdom. The fact that we froze our all Russia’s direct foreign investment coming from EU budget is an example of the sort of efficiency and drive member states. The EU-Russia summit—the first since that he has often preached about. However, there is an Lisbon came into force—took place on Tuesday, I think. important point there for the Foreign Secretary to I look forward to hearing further from the Foreign address. Secretary about how he sees Europe’s relationship with Russia. He will know—he referred to this in the debate Keith Vaz: “Europe 2020” is the successor to the on the Gracious Speech—that Britain’s relations with Lisbon agenda. What went wrong with the Lisbon Russia over the past three years have been extremely agenda was that European countries did not acknowledge testing. and achieve their benchmarks on certain aspects of 619 European Affairs3 JUNE 2010 European Affairs 620 policy. Before the shadow Foreign Secretary finishes the The Government have our full support in this area, and economic section of his speech, will he say whether he we are proud of our record on international development, agrees that, as we focus on the new European Council, to which the Foreign Secretary referred. The outlook it is extremely important that there should be credible for the goals is mixed. The right hon. Gentleman was benchmarks? There has to be a proper understanding poetic about his Government’s commitments, but he from European countries that those benchmarks are also pointed out that some other European countries not pie in the sky; rather, they actually have to meet were falling back in their commitments. For example, them if Europe is to become truly competitive. the proportion of children under five who are undernourished has declined from 33 % in 1990, but it David Miliband: I fear that there is a rather more remained at 26 % when the last figures were taken. fundamental problem than the one that my right hon. According to the UN’s figures, the number of children Friend has addressed. Although it is right to have a in developing countries who were underweight still exceeded single European growth strategy, there is not a single 140 million. There has been success in tackling hunger European Government, nor is there a single European in parts of east Asia, but in sub-Saharan Africa, the economic policy. We have nation states of Europe that poverty rate has remained constant at approximately pursue their own policies, and the vast majority of right 50 %. These are issues on which Europe’s development hon. and hon. Members across the House would support budget, and its development work, have an important that. The benchmarks that he talks about could not be role to play, and I hope that we shall get a report back enforced by the European Commission, or by anyone from the right hon. Gentleman, or from the Prime else, in those areas that were not within the competence Minister when he returns from the European Council. of the European Union. I do not think the lesson from On climate change, which the Foreign Secretary that is that we should centralise all work on universities mentioned in passing, the Commission report presented or other supply-side issues. However, the structural by new Commissioner, Mrs Hedegaard, was important. problem remains, whereby the European Union operates We on this side of the House are committed to increasing by agreement, but implementation in significant areas is the EU’s target on emissions cuts as we move forward to carried out by nation states. a more comprehensive global agreement for the period beyond 2012. Figures released yesterday show that EU Mr Ellwood rose— member states are halfway to cutting their emissions by 20 % by 2020, which shows good progress, but that David Miliband: I want to make some progress, but I represents progress over a 20-year period, and we have will see whether I can squeeze the hon. Gentleman in a only 10 years to go. We also need to ensure that the bit later. targets are not shirked, and that loopholes are closed. I want to cover the important issue of the banking In the light of the discussion yesterday, and of the levy, which the Foreign Secretary did not mention. The terrible events that took place on Monday, it is right last European Council’s conclusions noted that I should dwell for a moment on the situation in the “possible innovative sources of financing such as a global levy on middle east. The European Heads of Government decided financial transactions”. last year to devote one meeting a year to foreign policy, We have consistently been in favour of such a banking but that cannot lead to the exclusion of foreign policy levy. The UK was the first major country to push for from every other meeting. The Foreign Secretary spoke, such a levy, at the G20 Finance Ministers’ meeting in quite legitimately, about the next meeting of the Foreign St Andrew’s last November. We have also been clear Affairs Council, but the European Council has especial about the need for such a levy to be agreed internationally. weight when it comes to choosing some foreign policy The former shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury—now issues and dedicating time to them. I would not support the Secretary of State for Transport, the right hon. Member the development of a Christmas tree approach, whereby for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond)—agreed every foreign policy issue was discussed at every European with that, saying: Council, but I do believe that the crisis in the middle “We’re very interested in the levy idea and we said so. We like east that was catalysed by the events on Monday deserves what President Obama has announced but it’s got to be done on the attention of the Heads of Government. an international basis.” We know that the EU is a big funder of humanitarian Now is the time for the Prime Minister to follow through work on the west bank and in Gaza. We also know that on that commitment. it funds work for the Palestinian security forces on the We urge the Government to concentrate of finding west bank. Those are two ways in which the European consensus for a global levy. The G20 summit will provide Union makes like better for people in the occupied another opportunity to build such agreement. I hope Palestinian territories. In political terms, however, Europe that the Minister for Europe will address that issue has not been a player of equivalent strength. The tragic when he replies to the debate, as it was not addressed by events of this week bring into stark relief the consequences the Foreign Secretary. He might also like to confirm of stasis on the political track. These include limited that there is cross-party agreement on the suggestion progress on the implementation of resolution 1860, that a banking levy should operate as some form of stalled proximity talks, and EU relations with Syria that insurance fund. We have some concerns about that. We are going backwards after the outreach early last year. believe that the way in which any proceeds from a levy Discussion has also been diverted from the important are spent should be a matter for individual countries to Iranian nuclear issue. decide. International engagement in this arena is not blocked The European Council also has on its agenda the by a lack of consensus; in fact, there has rarely been important preparations for the United Nations high-level consensus on the long-term solution to the Israel-Palestine plenary meeting on the millennium development goals. issue. However, the engagement has not been turned 621 European Affairs3 JUNE 2010 European Affairs 622
[David Miliband] European Union. That changed the fundamental structure in which people now operate in the EU. It was not the into action on the ground. This is a massive test for the Labour Government who decided that; it was decided foreign policy of all four members of the Quartet, but long before we came to power. we on this side support a stronger role for the Quartet as a representative of the international community, and David Miliband: My hon. Friend makes an important more structured links with the Arab Quartet, which point. I want to refer back to the exchange between my needs to be part of any drive to reverse the slide in hon. Friend the Member for Wolverhampton North confidence and commitment that has been evident for East (Emma Reynolds) and the Foreign Secretary. It is some time, and which will be accelerated by this week’s not often that he is stalled in his stride, but my hon. events. The Foreign Secretary talked yesterday about Friend managed to stall him by pointing out that his making his and Britain’s voice heard. The European new-found enthusiasm for referendums on any transfer Council offers a chance for Europe’s voice to be heard, of competence, however small, stands in stark contrast and I hope that the Prime Minister will take it. Europe to his loyal vote for the Maastricht treaty under his then needs a strong Britain, and we need a strong and Government. It also stands in stark contrast to all those successful Europe. Conservative Members who were in the House during the passage of the Single European Act and who loyally Mr Davidson: Given that the role of an Opposition is stuck to British parliamentary convention. That is, that to oppose, is it the intention of the comrade leader we are a parliamentary democracy and that when there aspirant that we should attack the Government for are fundamental transfers of power around the euro, being insufficiently pro-Brussels? That was the position for example, there should, of course, be a referendum, traditionally adopted by the Liberals, and it did not do as all parties have agreed. It is the job of this Parliament, them any good at the last election. I wonder whether we however, to scrutinise, debate and to vote on any other ought to learn the lessons of the general election and matters. adopt a somewhat different position. For example, perhaps Although I shall not devote a long section of my we should say that, if there is to be any more accession, speech to this subject today, we look forward to long there should be an end to unfettered immigration from debates about how the Foreign Secretary will justify the EU. spending £80 million to £100 million on referendums, David Miliband: First, we will attack the Government for example, on a change in the organisation of the for being insufficiently pro-British, and not for being pension committee of the European Parliament, which insufficiently pro-Brussels. When they are insufficiently is one consequence of the new-found policy adopted by strong in their defence of the national interest, in regard the Government. We will have particular fun in asking to any aspect of European policy, we will attack them the hon. Member for Bermondsey and Old Southwark for that. Let me address my hon. Friend’s last point. His (Simon Hughes), who has long stood for a high degree new ally, the Prime Minister, repeated in each of the of European integration, to explain why that is a good prime ministerial debates that Britain needed a policy in use of taxpayers’ money. which new entrants to the European Union had transitional Ms Gisela Stuart: Will my right hon. Friend give arrangements for labour market access. That exists today way? for Romania and Bulgaria, precisely because we are learning the lessons of the past 10 years. I would say to David Miliband: My comrade friend from Birmingham, my hon. Friend that, when our comrade party has done Edgbaston is always too tempting for me not to give something right, it would be worth his while to recognise way to her. that. In this case, we have got it right. Keith Vaz: Please could the shadow Foreign Secretary Ms Stuart: Although this grieves me, let me put on explain to our comrade from Glasgow—this now seems the record that when it comes to referendums, all three to be the parlance on these Benches—that this is not parties have nothing to be proud of. We all went into the actually immigration? Once the treaty has been signed, 2005 election promising one: Conservative Members people from the European Union have a right to come kept saying “Oh, well, if it is passed, we cannot have and work here unless there are transitional arrangements. one”, but they could perfectly well have had one; the Furthermore, there are 1 million British citizens working Lib-Dems said, “Oh, we change the question; it should in mainland Europe in exactly the same way. be in or out”; while we said that the document was different from the treaty. None of us came out of this David Miliband: It is important to point out that with glory, and I think that we should recognise it. there is now a net outflow of European workers from the UK, according to the latest figures, which were David Miliband: I want to put on record the fact that published at the end of last month. That reflects quite a my hon. Friend did cover herself with glory in respect lot about our economy. It is also important to say that of the consistency of the positions she took on European other European citizens are required to work and pay issues and—[Interruption.] I have to say to the Foreign taxes for 12 months in the UK before they are entitled Secretary that we have been working on that through to claim benefits. That is an important part of the separate channels. My hon. Friend achieved a remarkable compact. I accept that there are rights, but it is important result in the general election and her result was testimony not to forget that there are also responsibilities attendant to what independent-minded and strong constituency on migration within the European Union. MPs can achieve in this country. I am very pleased that she will be applying her independent mind not only to Michael Connarty: It is also worth putting on record everything that I say, but to everything that the Government that the Single European Act, signed by Margaret Thatcher, say on European issues as well, pointing out the gave people the right to travel and work within the inconsistencies as they develop. 623 European Affairs3 JUNE 2010 European Affairs 624
Many of our European partners will be looking democratic deficit in common security and defence forward to the appearance of the Prime Minister at the policy in the EU. There are a lot of good words on the new European Council. They will be scratching their role of national Parliaments in the Lisbon treaty, but heads about some of the policies that the new Government there is little substance or structure on that subject. will develop. It is not that they find coalition Governments Sadly, one of the last dying acts of the previous alien—there are, of course, coalition Governments all Government—on the last day that this House sat before over Europe—but they often assume that members of the general election was declared—was the announcement the Government will agree with each other on key that they were signing the death warrant of an organisation foreign policy issues. The other leaders will know that called the Western European Union, and with it the Conservative party has spent a large part of the last parliamentary scrutiny of European security and defence decade campaigning to “save the pound”, as they would policy and common foreign and security policy. put it, and that the Liberal Democrats have been Let me take a few moments to explain to colleagues campaigning for the last 10 years to ditch the pound. what the Western European Union was, as it was the That is why the Foreign Secretary said that there was no forerunner of the European Union. Its history dates more “fanatically federalist party” in Britain than the back to 1948. The Brussels treaty was modified in 1954 Liberal Democrats. That was before his new-found to make the WEU an effective defence pact, and it enthusiasm for their support on the Government Benches. participated in the early stages of the Balkans and Gulf wars. Then, 10 years ago, the European Union decided Simon Hughes rose— that it would transfer the functions of the WEU to the David Miliband: No, I have taken enough interventions. European Union, including the transfer of its military [Interruption.] The hon. Gentleman can make a speech staff and its satellite centre, and the Western European later rather than intervene on mine. Armaments Group effectively became the European Defence Agency. That is not what I want to talk about, We say to the Foreign Secretary that the one person however. he should listen to is the former Member for Bath and Commissioner, Lord Patten, who was both a mentor to Michael Connarty: I thought that the hon. Gentleman the current Prime Minister and also, I think, an employer might move on to make the simple suggestion that the of the current Deputy Prime Minister when he was a scrutiny process carried out by the Western European Commissioner. Lord Patten said recently that the sensible Union should be remitted to the European Scrutiny thing would be for the Conservative party to move back Committee of this House, because at this moment to centre where big players sit around the table and decisions on those matters are not subject to scrutiny by make the big decisions affecting Europe. We do not that Committee. want the British Prime Minister going to the European Council to represent the whole of the UK and be sitting in the corridor while the European Peoples party and Mr Walter: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats intervention, and I shall come on to the role of European Heads of Government make the real decisions and scrutiny committees in that respect. He may know that invite him—the only Head of Government not to attend his colleagues in the French Parliament have already either of those meetings—along afterwards only for a suggested that something similar to COSAC—the toast. There are big decisions to be made in Europe: Conference of European Affairs Committees—of which they need leadership and good judgment. That is the the hon. Gentleman has been a member, should be basis on which we will hold the Government to account. involved in the process. The Assembly of the WEU has brought together Several hon. Members rose— members of national Parliaments from across the European Union and also involved the non-European Union NATO Mr Deputy Speaker: Order. I remind the House that members. Two years ago, the Assembly formally changed the 10-minute limit on Back-Bench speeches will come its charter to make all 27 national Parliaments and the into operation from now. now five non-EU members of NATO members of its Assembly. The WEU has been providing parliamentary 2.4 pm oversight of European security and defence policy as Mr Robert Walter (North Dorset) (Con): I welcome well as wider European defence issues and, more the Foreign Secretary and the Minister for Europe to particularly, the use of taxpayers’ money on European the Front Bench. I think that I speak for the whole collective defence procurement. House—or certainly for this side of the House—in As I said, in a written statement on 30 March, the saying that we now have a very strong team at the former Foreign Secretary announced that the UK was Foreign Office which will stand up for the United intending to give 12 months’ notice that it wanted to Kingdom’s interest in Europe as well as the UK’s withdraw from the organisation. The following day, all interest in the wider world. It is with some sadness that the other signatory states to treaty announced that they I say I am speaking probably for the last time with you would do likewise on the basis of what can only be in the Chair, Sir Alan. We will miss you in that described as a cost-cutting exercise. We all want to save particular position, but I am sure that we will none the money, of course, but there is a danger when it comes to less see a lot of you around the House, which we look democracy of throwing the baby out with the bathwater. forward to in the future. As seen in the Government’s statement, the statement The Foreign Secretary spoke at some length about of the WEU Permanent Council—the ambassadors in democracy and what could be described as a democratic Brussels—and the recent motion in the French Parliament, deficit in European affairs, particularly in the European to which I referred in my response to the intervention, Union. I want to speak a little about what I see as a and at the recent meeting of EU Speakers and at the 625 European Affairs3 JUNE 2010 European Affairs 626
[Mr Walter] forward. Otherwise, I fear that there will be another centralising drift in the European Union, which none of EU Foreign Affairs Council in April, scrutiny is a role us wants. for national Parliaments and not for the European Parliament. They all made that clear. 2.14 pm The European Parliament, however, is ready, willing and able to step into the gap. In a resolution passed Michael Connarty (Linlithgow and East Falkirk) (Lab): back in March, it claimed that the Assembly of the I am pleased to follow the hon. Member for North WEU—the European security and defence Assembly—had Dorset (Mr Walter), and to make some comments that misappropriated its role in acting on behalf of national are relevant to what he had to say. First, however, let me Parliaments, and that the European Parliament was welcome the Foreign Secretary to his post. He need not the only competent body. That flies in the face of the stay; he can do a Member for Glasgow South West on Lisbon treaty, which states that this area of policy is me if he wishes. I welcome the Minister for Europe to intergovernmental and should remain so, and that his post as well. there will be no further competences for the European Let me begin with a quotation from an article in Parliament. yesterday’s Financial Times by Charles Kupchan, professor It is national Parliaments and national Governments of international affairs at Georgetown university. It is who authorise the use of our armed forces, whether it entitled “Britain is no longer America’s bridge to Europe”. takes place on a European Union mission or on any Professor Kupchan writes that the present Government other type of collective mission. It is national Parliaments “seems bent on pursuing a traditional Conservative foreign policy: and national Governments who pay for those deployments. cosy up to the US while giving Europe short shrift.” It is national Parliaments and national Governments In his view, that would who pay for the equipment used by those armed forces, “leave Britain in a geopolitical no-man’s land and marginalise its and it is national Parliaments and national Governments international influence.” who decide on the terms of engagement. The House of Commons Library contains an excellent He gives three reasons. The first is that the United research paper, which is currently sitting in the international States does not require us to do that any more. The affairs section, entitled “Parliamentary approval for second is that the United States has shifted its focus deploying the armed forces: an introduction to the from the Atlantic zone to the middle east and Asia, Issues”. Nowhere does that document, which makes “leaving Washington keenly sensitive to Europe’s ability to share very good reading, mention that the European Parliament global burdens.” has any armed forces whatsoever to deploy, or that it The third is that should in any way be involved in decisions about the “Europe needs Britain as much as Britain needs Europe… British deployment of our armed forces. leadership is sorely needed to help lead the EU out of its doldrums.” The decision made by the last Government—who I entirely agree with that analysis. have now been joined by other Governments—to abolish The United Kingdom needs a strong eurozone. Members the Western European Union and wind up the treaty of should be deeply concerned by the concerted attacks on Brussels abolishes parliamentary democracy, and nothing the euro by the speculators in the money markets, who has been provided to replace that parliamentary democracy make nothing but trouble. As the Foreign Secretary and oversight. Those Governments have provided no generously pointed out, all that that does is weaken our mechanism to implement all the rhetoric that they have market—the important market that is the European produced in the Foreign Affairs Council and in their Union. own statements by creating a new structure that would bring together national Parliaments to perform that The process of fiscal consolidation and deficit reduction role. is very important. It is nonsensical for some Members There are a number of options on the table. The in other parties, and the public press, to compare the simplest is for the current Assembly to transfer itself in situation in Greece to that in the United Kingdom, or order to become a European Union body. Plenty of to compare the troubles of Portugal and Spain to the precedents are provided by previous structures. The situation facing the UK. The UK concentrated on Foreign Affairs Council, which will meet in a week or so building its supply side, and on education, training and and which the Foreign Secretary will attend, may have research and development. As Chair of the European an opportunity to move the discussion forward. What is Scrutiny Committee for the past four years, I went to proposed is a steering group that could draw up plans Portugal and Spain, and noted that they concentrated over the next six months or so, so that before the end of on major infrastructure projects rather than building up the life of the WEU and its Assembly we would have a the talents of their young people or their manufacturing structure that could exercise parliamentary democracy bases. Unemployment in Spain is nearly 40% among on behalf of all our national Parliaments and Governments. those aged 25 and under, and its national unemployment I believe there is a real danger that if there is inactivity—if is 18%. We do not have those problems. we all say that that is a good idea, but do nothing I welcome the paper by Mario Monti. It is important about it—the European Parliament will move into to focus on the new Lisbon 2020 strategy. It is true that the void immediately. It has the money, the resources growth is anaemic in the European Union, and it is not and the time to act in that way. We must now look to helped by currency speculation. We should recall the that Foreign Affairs Council meeting, and hopefully damage done repeatedly to our country and to sterling even the European Council meeting, to put some meat in past decades by currency speculators, and realise that on the bones of the declaration of the last Foreign what the eurozone countries have—whether they wanted Affairs Council and start to create the structures it or not—is a commitment to stand together or fall that can take this form of parliamentary democracy together. Sadly, if we were attacked alone again, we 627 European Affairs3 JUNE 2010 European Affairs 628 would have to turn to those countries for support, and mirrors from the Government, therefore. I do not because we do not have the strength that they have know whether that is because they are influenced by through their unanimity. their new Liberal Democrat partners, or perhaps the We need a strong EU climate change and energy major Government party have chosen to do that themselves. programme. The UK’s 2% contribution can make little We have been told about the use of the Passerelle difference to the carbon footprint of the world without clause, which can change the voting method on any an EU programme. We—the UK and the world—need issue from unanimity to qualified majority voting. If a focused EU international aid strategy. I pay tribute to the UK Government decide in Council to give up their Lady Kinnock for working so hard in the EU, when she veto, the Passerelle clause will be subject to a referendum was a Member of the European Parliament, to secure a or primary legislation, but the Government have to strategy that focused on countries and Governments decide in the Council to give that up, because they rather than project-by-project commitments. As we heard already have a veto in Council. Therefore, the idea that from my hon. Friend the Member for Ilford South we will be asked about that after the event is very (Mike Gapes), the former Chair of the Foreign Affairs worrying, as the Government will already have decided— Committee, it is all too easy for national Governments and, I presume, will have discussed the matter with the to cut their international development budgets, and it is coalition partners—that they will give up the veto before important that the stability and growth pact is not used they put it to the House. They will then, of course, whip by countries to abandon the poor of the world. in Members in order to effect the dumping of the veto. Let me now turn to a matter that concerns me Again, therefore, this is smoke and mirrors. particularly. Members have mentioned the European I asked about the opt-ins. We currently have opt-outs Council that will take place in two weeks’ time, but in many areas. If measures are amended, we can decide some may not be aware that five European subject to opt in or opt out completely. In the European Scrutiny Councils have taken place since the Government came Committee, there was in the past unanimous concern to office. Those who take an interest in what is happening that this process was not open enough for Parliament to in Europe should note that the activities of two of them have a say, and that many things were going through were reported in yesterday’s Hansard. There was a meeting because that was suitable to the Government of the of ECOFIN on 9 May, after the Government had come time. That is not what the Government that is now in to power but before the current Parliament was formed, power promised us. There has been mention of the issue but there has been no scrutiny of that or of the subject of sovereignty or powers being transferred, and I wish Councils, because no European Scrutiny Committee is to hear how they will deal with that. up and running. There has been no written ministerial Although its publications are not usually my favourite statement on the 9 May ECOFIN meeting, to which reading, Open Europe has a very good briefing on these there was a reference in the ECOFIN statement of subjects, which people might want to take a look at. I 18 May, although it dealt with some extremely important see that the former shadow Minister for Europe, the matters. There has been a press release from the European hon. Member for Rayleigh and Wickford (Mr Francois), Council and a communication from the European is smiling from the Government Front Bench. It is Commission, but nothing from our own Government. important that I pay tribute to him for the role he Very important matters that we should be concerned played on the Opposition Benches during the last about were discussed. Those are to do with the consolidation Government’s term in office. I have always said I am not of the financial markets, but there was no scrutiny of a Eurosceptic, but I am a Government sceptic, regardless that, and no report. The follow-up report of which Government. “underlined the need to make rapid progress on financial market Many parts of the Lisbon treaty are now being regulation and supervision, in particular with regard to derivative interpreted as denying the right of scrutiny to markets” Parliaments—this Parliament and other Parliaments. and the role of credit rating agencies, and went on to We must try to deal with these matters sensibly. There discuss the excessive deficit procedure for Spain and are many articles in the Lisbon treaty that say they are Portugal. That was widely reported in the press, but not legislative Acts, and therefore, as such, the European nothing came through the processes of this Parliament. institutions have said they are not subject to protocol 1, On the Government’s approach and commitments, in which gives Parliaments eight weeks in which to look at what is now the coalition agreement there is the clear them, and protocol 2, under which they can be challenged statement that using the orange and yellow cards or challenged in the courts. It is also very important that the draft conclusion “there should be no further transfer of sovereignty or powers”— of the Council is tabled, so that it can be dealt with in I stress “or powers”— the ESC before going on to the Council. I hope the “over the course of the next Parliament.” Government will allow that to happen. We have heard from the Foreign Secretary about the methods by which that can be done. One of them, 2.24 pm obviously, is treaties, but if I heard the Foreign Secretary correctly—perhaps the Minister for Europe can confirm Mark Garnier (Wyre Forest) (Con): I thank you, this—he said that that excluded accession treaties: they Mr. Deputy Speaker, for this opportunity to make my would not be subject to a referendum, therefore. People maiden speech as the new MP for Wyre Forest, and I will be concerned about the accession of other countries, also thank the hon. Member for Linlithgow and East and we know that there will be amendments attached to Falkirk (Michael Connarty) for his contribution. those accession treaties clarifying matters in respect of As I look around the House, I am very much aware of the Lisbon treaty, yet we have just been told that there the fact that Members will have just come back from will be no referendums on them. There is already smoke tough election campaigns, where candidates will have 629 European Affairs3 JUNE 2010 European Affairs 630
[Mark Garnier] that the local newspaper, The Shuttle, was named after the shuttle that forms an integral part of the looms used been getting stuck into each other in order to get in the weaving of carpets. elected, yet in Wyre Forest the campaign could not have The modern economy is more diverse, however, with been more gentlemanly. It steadfastly adhered to a manufacturing ranging from design and building the political version of the Queensbury rules, and that is undercarriage for heavy earth-moving equipment entirely due to the nature of my predecessor, Dr Richard to—slightly surprisingly for land-locked Worcestershire— Taylor. Richard was famously elected as an independent the manufacture of luxury ocean-going yachts, and in 2001, trying to save Kidderminster hospital from from forging parts for motor car components to the down-scaling and the closure of the accident and emergency cutting-edge design and manufacture of rocket motors. department. Although he may not have achieved everything Taking advantage of the outstanding local beauty that he and his party set out to do all those years ago, and our fascinating local history is the impressive local his political achievements have become a byword for tourist industry, which includes both the West Midlands people power. The term the “Kidderminster effect” is safari park and one of Europe’s finest heritage steam now used to describe political curiosities, and he is railways, the Severn Valley railway.Both represent significant already described in modern political textbooks as an tourist draws for the west midlands, and provide important example of how the traditional party system can be diversions for my three children. broken when constituents feel strongly enough about a specific local issue. While Richard’s local achievements More recently, Wyre Forest has undertaken a may not have been as huge as hoped for in 2001, he has comprehensive review of all the schools in the district, proved two things for modern politics: that Governments as a result of which the former three-tier system has ignore the views of the electorate on local issues at their changed to a two-tier system. That process has included peril, and that when it comes to important local issues, a major rebuild and investment from Worcestershire people are a lot more politically minded than we imagine. county council. Worcestershire is a wave 6a Building Schools for the Future authority, and the proposals are Richard follows in a long line of interesting politicians to rebuild four of our secondary schools: Stourport in Wyre Forest, including former Conservative Prime high school; Wolverley Church of England secondary Minister Stanley Baldwin and the hugely charismatic school; Baxter business and enterprise college; and King Gerald Nabarro, but Wyre Forest also has many other Charles I school. The proposals also include the provision interesting sons, including the 17th-century Puritan preacher of a new special school for two to 19-year-olds and the Richard Baxter, who set up his ministry in Kidderminster refurbishment of Bewdley school and sixth form centre. in 1641. Also from Kidderminster was Sir Rowland The BSF programme has been signed off this year by Hill, the inventor of the modern postal system—someone the Treasury, so although I have no reason to believe whose legacy Members are reminded of every day as that the rebuild will not go ahead as planned, I cannot they collect their post bags from the House of Commons understate the importance that this investment will have post office. More recently, and no doubt of interest to in Wyre Forest, where there is a need to deal with issues Members who grew up in the ’60s and ’70s, Led Zeppelin relating to certain pockets of local deprivation. These front man Robert Plant is still an active member of the areas will benefit immeasurably from this investment. local community. On the wider issue of per pupil funding, Wyre Forest, Comprising the three towns of Kidderminster, as part of the Worcestershire education authority area, Stourport-on-Severn and Bewdley, as well as the outlying suffers from being near the bottom of the per pupil rural communities, Wyre Forest is a community that is funding league table. That means that a school the same both historical and fascinating. Straddling the river size as Kidderminster’s Baxter college would receive Severn, its earlier history is based on trade along the more than £3 million per year more to do the same job river. The town of Bewdley used to be an important if it were located down the road from here, in Tower trading port, part of which is mentioned in the Domesday Hamlets. Of course we recognise the increased costs Book, while the main town received borough status associated with being in the centre of London, but are from Edward IV in 1472. This, of course, is the town they really that much higher? I hope that the proposed that Stanley Baldwin lived in and from which he chose pupil premium for disadvantaged pupils will help to his title: Earl Baldwin of Bewdley. Downstream from redress the imbalance, but I seek a move towards a Bewdley lies the Georgian town of Stourport-on-Severn, fairer funding formula for Worcestershire schools. created as a port where the river Stour joins the Severn, I was keen to speak in this debate on Europe because but made much more prosperous by the building of the I feel that we can learn many positive things from our Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal. The canal basins European partners, including lessons from Sweden on and locks now form a stunning central focus for the school provision. I am frequently asked where I stand town. on the issue of Europe, and my answer is that I am The biggest town in Wyre Forest is Kidderminster. neither a Europhile nor a Europhobe, but a Euro-realist: Also mentioned in the Domesday Book, Kidderminster I feel that we are where we are on Europe. As someone was granted a borough charter in 1636 by King Charles newly elected to Parliament, I deplore the creeping I—a former, and unfortunate, visitor to this House. nature of legislation that comes not from this place but Kidderminster is, of course, known for its carpet industry, from Brussels. I welcome the coalition’s proposed which was started by the Brinton family in 1785. This referendum lock, and I will always stand firm against has been the main driver for the local economy until joining the euro. recent times, and indeed there are still a number of When I consider whether we should be in or out of successful carpet manufacturers based in Kidderminster Europe, my first instinct is to examine how it will affect and Stourport. So significant to the local economy the people of Wyre Forest, and whether my constituency was—and to a lesser extent still is—the carpet industry, would be better off if we came out of Europe. I remain 631 European Affairs3 JUNE 2010 European Affairs 632 open-minded and could be persuaded otherwise, but IMF package, which usually involves raising taxes and my instinct is that Wyre Forest’s economy stands a far cutting public expenditure. However, the third and crucial better chance in the future if we stay in Europe, taking element that always comes with recovery is depreciation advantage of the trading opportunities available, which of the currency, and that adjustment is not happening. we talked about earlier. What the European monetary union calls “internal I look forward to serving the good people of Wyre depreciation” has to replace a currency depreciation, Forest not just in this place but locally in the community, but that is nothing other than a polite phrase for debt where I intend to spend my time working with the deflation. The programme currently recommended for business community, trying to attract more opportunities Greece will crush output and increase both unemployment locally and tackling low local wages and rising and private sector default. It will reduce Government unemployment. The man of the moment back in 2001, revenues still further, and make public sector default when the hospital was threatened, was always going to and national bankruptcy even more likely. be a doctor, but in 2010, when we have rising unemployment Some people in countries such as Germany think that and a doubtful economic outlook, I look forward to every country in Europe should behave like the Germans. using my experience of business, investment and economics As someone born in that country, I think that that is a to work hard for the people of Wyre Forest to tackle the perfectly reasonable expectation—but it is not the answer, crucial issues facing us all. as we cannot answer our economic problems by requiring every country to run a trade surplus. To be fair to Germany, it got out of its own economic crisis of the 2.31 pm late 1990s and the first years of this century only at the Ms Gisela Stuart (Birmingham, Edgbaston) (Lab): It expense of some of the other countries in the EMU. is a great pleasure to follow the maiden speech of the So what are we going to do? Two solutions offer hon. Member for Wyre Forest (Mark Garnier), not themselves. One is to transfer funds from countries with least because I still fondly remember having a photograph a current account surplus—in effect, those in the German taken in 1997 with David Lock, the then Labour Member bloc—but that assumes that a one-off payment is the for Wyre Forest. We all had red balloons and we travelled answer. It is not. What is really required are year-on-year down to Westminster together. I am glad to say that, transfers, equivalent to what West Germany paid to the apart from David Lock, all of those in the photograph old East Germany. Let us be clear about this, however. are still in the House. I wish the hon. Gentleman well. I Just for Greece, such a year-on-year transfer would am sure that people in his local carpet industry would amount to something like ¤35 billion to ¤40 billion a have had one or two things to say if it had been forced year. If we were talking about the default for Spain and to “go metric” on the weaving shuttles; I am sure that he Portugal, we would be looking at something like ¤100 will have one or two particular points that he wishes to billion a year, and that would wreck not only the bring to the House. German economy but its public finances as well. I wanted to speak today because Europe is facing a The second solution would involve a massive devaluation political and economic crisis which, although it has of the euro. been brewing for a considerable time, is, in some ways, Michael Connarty: I hope that my hon. Friend does being denied both here and abroad. It is a political elite not mind me intervening, but it seems that, having put that is in denial, and in some sense that does not down a set of rails, she is going to go all the way along surprise me, because I still bear the scars of spending 18 until she crashes. Is there not a possibility that the months in Brussels attempting to write a European fundamental flaws lie in the how the failed economies constitution. The democratic mandate was ignored then, acted? For example, Spain and Portugal put money into too, and a political elite essentially rode roughshod over infrastructure and not education, with the result that the wishes of the electorate. people left school and built houses instead of educating Frankly, no party here has much to be proud of on themselves and creating a new economy. In Greece, the the issue of referendums, nor do the Governments in question centres on how much of the tax take that is the countries across Europe whose people said no when due has been paid. Should we not concentrate on changing asked—and were simply ignored, as happened in Holland those economies so that they are stronger? Should we and France. Ireland’s people were simply asked twice; not use the 2020 strategy to rebuild growing economies, they were asked until they came up with the right and not just bail them out? answer. So there is something wrong going on in the Ms Gisela Stuart: That is a perfectly fair point, but house of Europe, and at the moment, that shows itself there are two problems. The first goes back to the claim in terms of economics and the single currency. that we would have trade surpluses if only every country Those who have warned against some of the problems were like Germany, but things do not work that way. of the single currency take little pleasure in being tempted The second problem is how such a strategy would be to say, “I told you so”. People need to face up to what is policed. happening at the moment, because this is not a question There is a third difficulty, too. Every successful single of one member of the eurozone having a financial crisis currency requires significant transfers from the centre from which they can simply be bailed out. A bail-out is to deal with asymmetric economic shocks, and those not the answer to the problem, nor is it in the current transfers would be of the order of between 20% and treaty provisions. The central issue in Greece is not 30% of the overall tax take. In Europe, that would associated with the pubic finances, although those are a require a European economic and political Government. problem. The real question is what happens when a The approach could not work in any other way, because country in the current monetary union loses competitiveness we cannot expect countries to behave like that in the and cannot regain it. In essence, we are asking Greece absence of any mechanisms for policing or transfer that to implement what amounts to two thirds of a traditional would compensate them for their loss of competitiveness. 633 European Affairs3 JUNE 2010 European Affairs 634
[Ms Gisela Stuart] a way through this,” encouraged by our very able diplomats—who, I remind the House, are always in The problem in Greece is that it could become government, irrespective of which side of the House competitive again by devaluing its currency, but it is not hon. Members are sitting, so it is in their interests to allowed to do so. As a result, the approach outlined by find these rather smooth solutions. my hon. Friend the Member for Linlithgow and East We are coming to a point where, to get out of serious Falkirk (Michael Connarty) does not address the problem. economic difficulties, Britain will have, on occasions, to say no. When it comes to threats to our financial Kelvin Hopkins: Exactly. industries and our financial sector, it is no good protecting our negotiating capital. It is time to say no, just as the Ms Stuart: Thank you. French would say no if we attacked their wine industry, The second solution is a massive devaluation of the or the Germans if we attacked their car industry. The euro—a devaluation that some people say would have price that will have to be paid if we do not become to amount to something like 50 cents against the dollar. competitive again, if we do not protect our own currency, A small devaluation would not be enough for Greece, will not be paid by Members in the House, or by the and a large devaluation would be disastrous for the Commission in Brussels. The political elite and the other countries in the EMU. For a country like Germany, nomenklatura are always protected. The price will be a small devaluation would help competiveness, but a paid by the old and the young, by the people who have large devaluation would lead to incredibly high inflation no jobs, the people who lose their savings and the that would ruin the economy again. people who lose their pensions. The political elite have Again, what should we do? There is a least bad not been prepared to listen to them. It has been driving solution, although it is not a happy one. People argue through a political project that was underpinned by bad that Greece should leave the euro, but I think that the economics. I hope that the people on the Government least bad solution would be for the German bloc to Benches will now show that when in government, they leave the euro. That would, in a sense, allow for are able to act with the mettle that they pretended to competitiveness to develop. Germany’s banks would have when they were in opposition. still have to recapitalise, but it would be less costly to do this directly than it would be to do it indirectly by trying 2.43 pm to rescue Greece. Simon Kirby (Brighton, Kemptown) (Con): I shall be The simple truth is that neither the eurozone countries brief, in the hope that I might catch your eye again in nor any countries around the eurozone will get out of the near future, Mr. Deputy Speaker. this mess without some very serious decisions being made, and there will be consequences for us all. As I I am delighted to rise to speak today as the new understand it, the Prime Minister says that it is in Member for Brighton, Kemptown, the sixth in the Britain’s interests for there to be a stable and strong 60 years that the seat has existed. Brighton, Kemptown, euro. If he says that out of diplomatic politeness, I as we know, is very close to Europe, and I have to tell understand and accept that, but with the current structure the House that in 1514 the French invaded the town of there is no way that he can have a stable euro and a Brighton at the time and razed it to the ground. I am strong euro. It will be weak in its basic economic not surprised that even 500 years later, many of my fundamentals, and that is what has been wrong with constituents are still suspicious of our relationship with something that was driven by political will but underpinned Europe. by excessively bad economics. The euro has always been Tradition dictates that I should thank my predecessor, a political project, and people keep assuming that given Des Turner of the Labour party. For 13 years, he was sufficient determination by the politicians, this structure the MP for Brighton, Kemptown, and I have to say that will work. But it is fundamentally flawed. he did a good job. He worked hard and was an excellent It is then argued that the answer is more central constituency MP. In this House, his experience as a control from Brussels, with its already incredible intrusion scientist was put very much to use, and I hope, as a into countries’ sovereignty. Look at what has been mathematician, that I might follow him in that regard. happening to Greece, and what has been happening to I should also like to pay tribute to his predecessor—not Spanish Ministers and what they were told to do. Essentially, Dennis Hobden, who was the first Labour MP in Sussex, Brussels is now running Greece as if it were a protectorate. having won by seven votes, nor David James, the man Is that the answer? I do not think it is. I do not think it is who pursued the Loch Ness monster, but Sir Andrew acceptable. That is the real difficulty—that nobody is Bowden, the MP for Brighton, Kemptown, from 1970 facing up to the fact that the structure is so fundamentally to 1997, a friend of mine and an excellent constituency economically flawed that it will not work. MP. That is why, when the Foreign Secretary and the Let me tell hon. Members about Brighton, Kemptown. Prime Minister go for the first time to European Union It is without doubt one of the best seaside destinations meetings in their new roles, I urge them to stop using not only in this country, but in Europe. It attracts 8 phrases such as “having to protect our negotiating million visitors and many conferences. Many of us in capital.” I think they have to face the fact that that is this House will have enjoyed the hospitality that Brighton simply a polite phrase for not being prepared to say no has to offer. The constituency runs from the Palace pier when on occasions you need to say no. Again I have to Peacehaven, and from Moulsecoomb to the marina. seen it, and the Foreign Secretary himself acknowledged It is, in my opinion, the best part of Brighton and Hove that once people join the Government again, the tones city, and the best part of East Sussex. Whitehawk has get slightly softened. When a problem arises, the Brits had human inhabitants for thousands of years. My will, as always, within a few hours say, “I’m sure there’s hon. Friend the Member for Wyre Forest (Mark Garnier) 635 European Affairs3 JUNE 2010 European Affairs 636 mentioned the Domesday Book; Brighton appears in it, have achieved a great reduction in clinically unnecessary and there is a fantastic Norman church in the village of waiting times, and that in the Clatterbridge Centre for Ovingdean. I have mentioned the French invaders, so Oncology we have a world-beating treatment centre for we will move on. those with cancer. Along with our marvellous NHS Brighton has a large lesbian, gay, bisexual, and staff and Ben Chapman’s hard endeavour in standing transgender community, and I am proud and honoured up for local health services, we also have Labour Health to have the opportunity to represent it and the constituency Secretaries to thank for that. in Parliament. It has a race course and the leafy suburbs I am deeply proud to originate from the constituency of Woodingdean, Rottingdean, Saltdean, Telscombe that I now represent, but I cannot claim to be the first Cliffs, and Peacehaven. It has older people and younger local resident of Wirral South to become involved in people. It has two universities. It has a hospital—designed, Labour politics. In 1932 a Mr Wilson, an industrial incidentally, by Charles Barry, the architect of the building chemist, on being made redundant from his job in in which we stand. It has a grade II listed lido in Huddersfield, moved to Spital in my constituency. His Saltdean, and one of the largest marinas in Europe, son joined the local grammar school and became its which I very much hope will remain a marina. head boy. YoungHarold was clearly made for leadership I am honoured, humbled and privileged to represent roles, and, although he went on to represent constituencies Brighton, Kemptown. It is an exciting, diverse and over the water in Huyton and in Ormskirk, Wirral has happening place, and I hope to do my very best. never forgotten him. Wirral is a geographically wonderful place—especially 2.47 pm the southern part, which I represent. From the banks of the Mersey overlooking the Liverpool skyline to the Alison McGovern (Wirral South) (Lab): May I first banks of the Dee where one can see the heights of offer my thanks to you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, for this Snowdonia, we Wirralians are thankful for our good opportunity to make my first contribution to a debate fortune to reside in one of the most visually stunning in this House, and for the kindness that you and other parts of Britain. experienced Members of all parties have shown me in recent weeks? I should also like to congratulate the hon. However, it is our people, our culture and our heritage Members for Wyre Forest (Mark Garnier) and for that truly makes us. We are an internationally minded Brighton, Kemptown (Simon Kirby), on their excellent and cultured people in Wirral South. We are the traditional maiden speeches. home of Unilever, and many of my constituents work I intend to be brief, but I hope that the House will for nearby Vauxhall Motors and Airbus, as well as for permit me the time to say a few words about my other international companies in manufacturing and constituency and the issues that are important there. I other sectors—companies that trade on the European considered it a very great honour to have been selected and world stages and worked with the Labour Government as a candidate to represent the place where I was born, and the trade unions to carry British industry through and that I call home. To represent here those with whom difficult times over the past year. Britain’s role in leading I grew up in Wirral South, my family and my oldest Europe over the past decade has benefited Wirral and friends, is a responsibility that is sincerely humbling, north-west England, and I trust that all members of the and one that I can barely find the words to describe. new Government will be able to maintain our influence. As a Wirral South person, I have had the pleasure of For us Merseysiders, our culture and heritage is at the my predecessor’s acquaintance for many years. Mr Ben heart of who we are. According to Impacts 08, the Chapman is a very amiable man, and I have been struck report on Liverpool’s year as European capital of culture, by how many Members of this House have taken the we are more likely than others in the UK to go to a time to speak to me about him in recent weeks. They museum of gallery, and I like to think that that is not have stopped me and asked me to take with me to much of a surprise, given that my constituency boasts Wirral their best wishes for him. I am sure that that the treasures of the Lady Lever art gallery in the does not happen to every new Member of Parliament, Victorian model village of Port Sunlight and a wealth and it is a sign of how highly he is regarded here. He of community organisations dedicated to involving people worked hard to foster better relationships between our in music, dance and drama. I, myself, am the granddaughter country and others, most especially China, and his of local songwriter and folk singer Pete McGovern, and legacy to this House will be in those relationships. I grew up spending many hours in the Philharmonic Today’s debate is about Europe, and I believe that hall in Liverpool, wrapped in its peerless acoustics. politics is more internationally minded because of Ben’s As such, I should like to say a few more words, if time work. In a globalised world, nothing could be more permits me, about culture. The passion for culture is important. especially strong in young people in my constituency, I note that my predecessor made his first contribution and I cannot imagine that there are any more talented to this House during a debate on the National Health young people in any other constituency. Local schools Service (Primary Care) Bill. He explained that some of use children’s creative talents on stage in order to build our constituency’s most pressing problems related to their confidence and, during the recent election, I was health services. He spoke of 6,000—more than one in lucky enough to visit several schools to see their pupils’ 10—of our residents being on waiting lists, and those in performances. That work has a really positive effect on hospital having long waits on trolleys, and not swift the rest of a child’s education, and my constituency, like effective treatment. many others, has seen schools make great strides in In the coming months, I wonder whether some might educational achievement. We should not forget how attempt to rewrite the history of the recent Labour far very able head teachers have taken us in the past Government, but I can report that in Wirral South we 13 years. 637 European Affairs3 JUNE 2010 European Affairs 638
[Alison McGovern] Representing a new seat means that I have a number of distinguished predecessors to whom I should like to We also recognise culture as a driver of economic pay tribute, two of whom are still serving in the House growth. For example, the recent increased promotion and two who have retired. I start in no particular order, of culture in Merseyside resulted in the north-west with the former Member for Ryedale. John Greenway being seen as a better place to do business. The same is was a very hardworking, extremely well-liked Member true of other places in the UK, from Folkestone to of Parliament who started his political career as a local Newcastle, and at a time when we run the risk of sliding councillor in North Yorkshire county council. He had a back into recession that lesson can surely be applied fantastic grasp of local issues affecting Ryedale. I have more widely. been knocking on doors campaigning for the past four Our culture is an asset. Although we should never years, and this phrase greeted me on many occasions stop celebrating it for its own sake, we should not be when discussing local issues: “The support we’ve received blind to the benefits it brings to our economy. In the from John on this issue has been fantastic.” He will be coalition agreement, the Government made great play sorely missed in the House. of returning to the original four good causes of national I also have the great privilege of having my hon. lottery funding. We will have a debate in due course Friend the newly elected Member for Thirsk and Malton about whether that is the right approach, but lottery (Miss McIntosh) as one of my predecessors. Anne gave funding for capital projects is no substitute for core me tremendous support during my time as a local public funds, on which the arts in this country are built. councillor in the old Vale of York constituency. As a Yes, lottery and private funds play a vital role, but they local farmer, I pay tribute to her tireless work and cannot be sought without the foundation of public support for local rural communities and agriculture. I funds on which to build. I recall that the first chair of know that that work will continue over the years, and I the Arts Council was John Maynard Keynes, a great am delighted to see her back in the House. economist who understood this very well, as do the The former Member for Selby represented the southern people of Merseyside. area of my new constituency from 1997. John Grogan Wirral South is a constituency whose people, throughout and I have a number of things in common. First, we are the recent election, showed me and the other candidates both born-and-bred Yorkshiremen, and exceptionally very great kindness; especially to me, they showed proud of it. Secondly, there is our support for Yorkshire friendliness as one of their very own seeking to represent county cricket. I must pay tribute to all the work that them. I hope that I can do so, living up to their expectations, John did to try to keep test match cricket on terrestrial and provide Wirral South with the strongest possible TV. Thirdly, there is his great dedication to his local voice in the coming years. community and constituents, highlighted by the number of committed Conservative voters who would tell me, Several hon. Members rose— “I’ve never voted for John, but he’s been a brilliant MP.” I hope that over time committed Labour voters Mr Deputy Speaker (Hugh Bayley): It is a pleasure for will say the same about me, or might even vote for me. me now to call Julian Sturdy. This is probably where the similarities end. However, John’s independent spirit, friendly approach and support in the House for our great county of Yorkshire will be 2.55 pm sadly missed. Julian Sturdy (York Outer) (Con): I start by paying Last, but by no means least, I must pay tribute to the tribute to the hon. Member for Wirral South (Alison hon. Member for York Central (Hugh Bayley), who is McGovern) for her excellent contribution, and to my now representing the centre of the York Outer seat. It is hon. Friends the Members Brighton, Kemptown (Simon a great privilege for me to be making my maiden speech Kirby) and for Wyre Forest (Mark Garnier) for their with you in the Chair, Mr Deputy Speaker—thank you excellent maiden speeches. very much. Hugh represented City of York from 1992, I am grateful to you, Mr Deputy Speaker, for giving taking over from Conal Gregory. Hugh’s respect and me this opportunity to take part in today’s debate, as I experience in the House, and in York, has been built stand here making my maiden speech on my 39th birthday. through his dedication and work for his constituents. [HON.MEMBERS: “Hear, hear!”] I had to think about He has championed several causes over the past 18 years, that this morning—exactly how old I was. I am filled serving on the International Development Committee with a great sense of honour and pride but, most and being the chair and founding member of the all-party importantly, a feeling of determination to ensure that I Africa group. I am delighted to see him appointed as do not let down the residents of York Outer, who have Deputy Speaker, albeit on a temporary basis; the fact put their trust in me, and that I represent them to best of that he has got this position certainly underlines the my ability over the coming years. high esteem in which he is held in the House. Given the York Outer is not the catchiest name for a new links between our two seats, it is important that, on constituency. However, one thing that the name cannot certain issues, politics is put to one side and we work take away is the huge privilege that I have in being the together by putting the issues of our great city above first MP to represent this new seat. York Outer is a ring party politics. I know we will be able to do that. around the city of York, taking in all the villages and York is undoubtedly one of the most inspiring cities communities on the edge of our great Yorkshire city; in of our country. It is steeped in history, has stunning essence, it is a doughnut seat, I think the only one in the architecture, is surrounded by beautiful countryside country. I realise that I am going to have to watch my and offers a charming and wholehearted Yorkshire weight over the coming years, as the connotations could welcome. I know that I sound like a representative of be a problem. the York tourist board, but I count myself extremely 639 European Affairs3 JUNE 2010 European Affairs 640 privileged to live on the edge of such a great city. I share my concerns about the recent transfer of power cannot think of a better place to bring up my young from Westminster to Brussels. To put it simply, I firmly family and it is a great honour that I now have the believe that we cannot allow any further erosion of opportunity to put something back into my local powers from this Parliament without allowing the public community. to directly express their will on such important constitutional From the urban fringes, such as Dringhouses, amendments. Woodthorpe and Rawcliffe, to the more rural towns, As such, I welcome the European Union Bill that was such as Haxby, to the villages, such as Strensall in set out in the Queen’s Speech last week. The Prime the north and Elvington in the south, Dunnington in Minister is right to ensure that the people of this the east and Rufforth in the west, one thing that all the country are granted a referendum before any future different communities have in common is that they treaties that hand over powers to the European Union make up this new seat and they all see York as their are approved by Government. The Government should main centre and a provider of essential facilities. seek to be a proactive, positive and friendly partner in Europe, particularly when it comes to promoting British With that in mind, I would like to raise a number of business and trade. In other key areas, too, the EU has issues that impact on my constituency. Investment in the potential to be a force for good as we tackle global local infrastructure in and around York is crucial to its poverty and the rise in global competitiveness, and get long-term success. Local transport is a classic example to grips with global climate change. of that, from a poor road network and the infamous York northern ring-road, which is becoming permanently Britain should play a full role in ensuring that the gridlocked and slowly strangling our city and is affecting EU’s voice is heard loud and clear on an increasingly future business investment and putting current businesses diverse global stage. However, we will not be able to under threat, to our disjointed rural bus services and play such a role unless the boundaries and limitations of the need to access future rail halts. the EU are clearly drawn. The public need to believe in the worth of the EU and, in my view, that will happen Sadly, for too long the previous Government have only when we strengthen and protect further our own short-changed our region on transport funding and our democracy here in Westminster. local council has not had the vision to put forward a long-term plan that can take our city forward. It has Mr Deputy Speaker: I am grateful to the hon. Member opted for short-term solutions to an ever-worsening for his kind remarks. problem. Such a situation has to change and I will pursue the matter in Parliament over the next few years. 3.5 pm A further issue is the threat to the green belt around Catherine McKinnell (Newcastle upon Tyne North) York, which has been brought about by the top-down (Lab): I am grateful for the opportunity to make my approach of planning targets imposed on this House maiden speech in the debate on Europe. Our membership and on the City of York council. I am delighted to see of the European Union has brought significant benefits that Her Majesty’s great speech included a Bill to devolve to my constituency, particularly through investment in a large number of powers to councils and neighbourhoods, businesses and jobs. and to give local communities control over housing and I congratulate those who have also made their maiden planning decisions, therefore enabling York’s green belt speeches today: my hon. Friend the Member for Wirral to be protected for future generations. South (Alison McGovern) and the hon. Member for With respect to today’s debate on European affairs, I York Outer (Julian Sturdy). Both speeches were excellent. must confess that I have a rather personal connection to I pay tribute to Doug Henderson, my predecessor as all things Europe. My father, Robert Sturdy, is a Member for Newcastle upon Tyne North from 1987. As Conservative MEP and, given that it was under his a former Minister of State for Defence, and for Foreign watchful eye that my passion for politics flourished, I Affairs, particularly Europe, he would approve, I am shall always have a keen interest in European matters, if sure, of my making my maiden speech during today’s only to allow me to hold my own at the dinner table, debate. He was renowned for his athletics— he was a where things can get quite heated from time to time. marathon runner, who ran about 50 miles a week. On a more serious note, I am grateful to have the However, one of his proudest achievements in the House opportunity to speak in this debate and raise one of the was Royal Assent for the Access to Health Records key issues that was constantly brought up on the doorstep Act 1990. As someone who has personally benefited during the election campaign. That issue is, of course, from the protection that that Act affords, I thank him the previous Government’s abject failure to fulfil their today for that and for his unfailing support. I pledge long-standing pledge to hold a referendum on the Lisbon that I, too, will make a positive difference to people’s treaty. The previous Administration’s decision to deny lives through the work that I undertake in the House. the people of this country such a vote was, frankly, a I am incredibly proud to have been elected to represent devastating blow to those who care passionately about Newcastle upon Tyne North, the constituency in which the sovereignty of this House. Indeed, I feel the decision I was born and continue to live with my own young not to fulfil the promise of a referendum further damaged family and my extremely large extended family. I thank public trust in our politics and politicians. I therefore the people of Newcastle upon Tyne North for electing welcome the new Government’s determination to improve me. It is a part of the country that I truly love and will political accountability, openness and transparency. do my best to serve. Europe has always been a contentious issue and I am Newcastle upon Tyne North is home to a vibrant and sure that will continue to be the case here in Westminster. diverse community.We house the award-winning Newcastle However, I can assure the House that, back in York airport, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, Outer, a sizeable majority of my constituents seem to and, since 1881, Newcastle race course. The constituency 641 European Affairs3 JUNE 2010 European Affairs 642
[Catherine McKinnell] time again before One NorthEast was created, and we will not stand by and watch our region go backwards is home to Sanofi Aventis pharmaceuticals, the factory because of an ideological opposition to an interventionist that created Andrews Liver Salts and, next door, Nestlé, economic approach. home of the famous Rolo. I must also pay tribute to our excellent regional press, The constituency has a proud industrial history, from in particular to the Journal, which has championed its extracting coal from the banks of the Tyne to manufactured case for the north-east and one strong regional voice. engineering and glass and steel products exported all The threat to ERDF is just one of many concerns for over the world. However, by the time my predecessor the people of the north-east, who are staunch defenders took on the honour and responsibility of representing of our RDA. As a region, we stand stronger together, the people of Newcastle upon Tyne North in 1987, the and we will not accept the Government dismantling our majority of industry was gone. I read Doug Henderson’s strength by withdrawing regional support and leaving maiden speech with a sinking feeling. I will take the us an underfunded toothless tiger to represent us on the liberty of sharing a quote from it. He said: national, European and international stages. I pledge “The people of the north know… that unless the manufacturing today to fight my hardest to ensure that that is not our base of our city is rebuilt and we begin to attract and create new fate. high-tech jobs, no amount of special assistance will tackle the real problems that our cities face… They know that it is sheer hypocrisy 3.11 pm for the”— Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) then Conservative— (LD): It is a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for “Government to claim that they can stimulate an enterprise Newcastle upon Tyne North (Catherine McKinnell), culture when they… reject the establishment of a northern who made a very feisty and savvy contribution. She was development agency.”—[Official Report, 2 July 1987; Vol. 118, clear on the importance of Newcastle and the support c.674.] that the north-east and its great capital city need. Today, we have our much valued regional development I made a mistake in the last year. I thought that my agency, One NorthEast, which is based in Newburn in colleagues were talking about amending regional my constituency. It is itself a shining example of major development agencies, but I had had clear instructions investment as it sits on disused industrial wasteland, for months that One NorthEast should continue. I which has been redeveloped to create a vibrant home heard from my right hon. Friend the Business, Innovation for businesses. Across the political spectrum, One NorthEast and Skills Secretary today that One NorthEast will is heralded as a success for the region. It has been a continue, and I hope the hon. Lady will be reassured by vehicle for major investment and has played a key role that—[Interruption.] RDAs may be different in structure, in developing a low carbon economy in the region. It but the message is clear. My right hon. Friend the has also changed the face of our regional economy and Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed (Sir Alan Beith) has through its Passionate People, Passionate Places campaign, also been very clear on that. Through the pages of the helped position the north-east and my constituency as a Newcastle Journal or otherwise, I hope there can be prime destination for tourists and businesses. collaboration on ensuring that Newcastle continues to That brings me back to the subject of the debate. The do well. I know that my colleagues who run the council regional development agencies are responsible for are equally determined to ensure that every possible administering the European regional development fund, opportunity is given to the hon. Lady’s great city, and I significant amounts of which have been invested in my will give it my support. I have been there often and love constituency and across the north-east. There are examples it much, even though those of us who ended up in the of ERDF investment throughout the region, from the south have to put more clothes on all year round than Printable Electronics Technology Centre in Sedgefield people in Newcastle. and the New and Renewable Energy Centre in Blyth, to I also congratulate the hon. Member for Wirral South the Newcastle enterprise scheme, which benefits Newbiggin (Alison McGovern). We have two things in common. Hall in my constituency, which has received £1.56 million As she knows, we were both born in Cheshire— ERDF to increase enterprise in the most deprived communities. Alison McGovern indicated dissent. Across the north-east, we have benefited from a Simon Hughes: Well, the Wirral is in Cheshire. strong regional voice that is able to attract national, Alison McGovern indicated dissent. European and international funding to our economy and to job creation. However, the EU does not give Simon Hughes: Well, it was in Cheshire, and some of handouts. ERDF expenditure is dependent on the local us think it always has been and always will be. We may economy finding match funding. Such funding can disagree on that, but we both come from that part of come from a variety of sources, including private and the world, and we both ended up being politicians in Government investment, and the complex arrangements Southwark. I pay tribute to her for the four years she that are in place are currently co-ordinated by One served on Southwark council for the Brunswick Park NorthEast. That is all under threat following the 40% cuts ward and for being deputy leader of her group in that outlined by the coalition Government and the threatened period. We are glad to see her here, whatever our party senseless dismantling of a highly successful, much needed differences. RDA. I welcome the new Minister for Europe, the Foreign All ERDF is time-limited, and expenditure delayed and Commonwealth Office Minister, my hon. Friend because of uncertainty around administrative arrangements the Member for Taunton Deane (Mr. Browne), and the or the inability to raise match funding will almost Foreign Secretary to their briefs. We hope that they do certainly be lost. The north-east missed out time and well in their representation of us in the European Union 643 European Affairs3 JUNE 2010 European Affairs 644 and more widely in Europe, but we also hope that powers—it depends on the power. I do not take the view Baroness Ashton continues to have the support and that we should only ever have one-way traffic of power good wishes of Ministers and the Government. We wish from member states to the European Union, but we her well in her responsibilities. have to be careful that we make the right judgment. I started my intervention on the Foreign Secretary by Some things clearly need European responsibility—aviation, making it clear that one of the great reasons why the for example, which cannot be dealt with on a purely European Union and wider international organisations national basis as the boundaries do not permit that. are needed is that many issues do not stop at boundaries— Environmental issues are another example. There are and the threat to our climate is one of those. I hope that many issues on which the European Union is a better the Minister for Europe and his colleagues will be sized organisation to compete in the world. It is better forward-looking and robust on the challenges of the that we have a common market when it comes to taking international climate crisis to which Europe can positively on China, India and the US. So there are advantages to respond. If we are really clear about the science, we the European Union, but I am not against the repatriation should seek to limit the temperature rise to 1.7° Celsius, of individual issues and subject areas. I hope that we not 2°. We should also ensure that the European Union—as can consider that sensibly and with as little partisanship per the agenda for the European Council this month— as possible. moves to a 30% reduction in emissions as our target. I The one big point of difference between us and the regret that that was not achieved in Copenhagen. If we Tories during the election campaign, Europe, has been are to be really robust in our leadership, we will also resolved in the coalition agreement, which is testimony ensure that we have strategies not just for European to intelligent draftsmanship and savvy political work. economic recovery and dealing with the world economic In passing, I pay tribute to my right hon. Friend the crisis as it affects our continent, but for the environmental Member for Yeovil (Mr Laws), who was one of the crisis. authors of the agreement, and whose service to our We should do better at promoting the fact the European party and—already—Government I hope will be continued Union has as its agenda the things that matter most to before too long, following his recent difficulties. The this continent. The main item on the agenda later this Liberal Democrats made it clear that we need Europe to month will be the strategy for jobs and growth, and how ensure that we deal with criminals better, and the European we come out of the recession stronger and better, in arrest warrant and other mechanisms are important spite of the huge difficulties. Other agenda items include parts of a wider European collaboration. preparing for the G20 summit, ensuring that we focus There are organisational matters to deal with too. We much more on achieving our millennium development must keep on the agenda the fact that it is a nonsense goals, and dealing with the climate threat. We have for the European Parliament to meet sometimes in heard some excellent contributions on the interrelated Brussels and sometimes in Strasbourg. That has to be economic issues. It is clear that, as a continent, we need sorted. I understand why we are where we are, but it is strategies for addressing the financial and banking sectors. right that it should be on the agenda, and it is also right Although any levy raised may be spent nationally, we that we continue to look at the EU budget. It is unacceptable must have a more effective Europe-wide strategy to that it has never been adequately audited, and we need ensure that bankers do not play with people’s money to ensure that the rules are complied with. There is also and take the profits. a continuing issue about agricultural subsidies, but that For the avoidance of doubt, although my party has does not stop us being proactive and helpful to rural said that there may be a time when it is right to join the communities that need us to support people moving on euro, I have never campaigned for us to join. Nor has to the land and being able to inherit tenancies. my party, and we are clear that the time is not right. I am therefore happy to sign up to the agreement, as part I am clear, too, that we now have a clear, popular and of the coalition, that the pound should remain for the reasonable position on future referendums: we will not whole of the coalition agreement for this Parliament, have one if, for example, Croatia wants to join, but we and that no attempt will be made to change that position. will have one if there is a major political change. I I am also clear, however, that we need to revisit some welcome the fact that both coalition parties have said decisions, such as the working time directive, where the that they believe in the expansion of the EU, but European Union made mistakes. My great enthusiasm expansion should come with a transition period for for the European Union and better collaboration across every country, as in the agreement, in relation to the Europe does not make me blind to those things that right to move freely around the EU—the Bulgaria and have not gone well or where we need to do better. Romania example. I have always been suspicious, privately Overly prescriptive regulation, such as the working time and publicly, about whether we should have opened the directive, is one such example. doors immediately to all the previous accession states, at the time that Poland was given free access. The right Mr Cash: I am greatly encouraged by the line that the hon. Member for Sheffield, Brightside and Hillsborough hon. Gentleman is taking on this issue. In the spirit of (Mr Blunkett), the then Home Secretary, argued for good fellowship, does he agree that in negotiations to immediate access, and on the basis of the figures projected, change the working time directive—or any of the other we went along with that, but I was clear that it was a massive burdens on business that Lord Mandelson risk. A phased admission of people from new countries suggested were costing 4% of GDP—we would need to would be a much better process and reduce the fears be able to repatriate those powers? Otherwise we would about immigration and migration that the public naturally end up with a European Union that did not work express. because we would not be able to trade effectively. I would like to raise a few issues about individual Simon Hughes: That opens some big questions. I do countries. It would be helpful if the Minister could tell not oppose the considering the repatriation of some us the latest news on the conversations with Iceland, 645 European Affairs3 JUNE 2010 European Affairs 646
[Simon Hughes] continue to contribute to debate outside this place through his writing. He has also given me enormous which is now an applicant country, and with Turkey. I support and advice since I was selected, something welcome very much the fact that Turkey should be seen invaluable, and for which I thank him. to be an important part of the EU. I ask him to give our Sunderland is a city on the north-east coast of England. condolences, concern and support to the Government Its industrial history is one to be proud of. At one point and people of Poland after their terrible national tragedy in the previous century, Sunderland was home to the of the air crash only a few weeks ago. I also encourage most productive shipyards not just in Europe, but in the him to do what his predecessor as Minister for Europe world. Ships were built on the River Wear that sailed did: understand that sorting out the Cyprus problem is the world, thanks to the work of men dedicated to their a big priority. It is a nonsense that the EU has not yet craft—skilled men who took huge pride in the ships been able to resolve that issue. that they produced. Sadly, in the late 1980s the major I ask the Minister publicly, as I have done in private, shipyards on the Wear closed, with the loss of many to pay attention to Russia and the Russian issues that thousands of jobs. have been raised on the Floor of the House. The relationship Coal mining was the other major industry to dominate with Russia is important, but so too is that with Ukraine, Sunderland in the previous century. Part of the Durham which is an important European country that has not coalfield, the area produced good quality coal for many fulfilled its potential. There are economic issues, as well years. The last deep coal mine in Sunderland, Wearmouth as human rights issues, in relation to both. Finally, the colliery, closed in 1993 with the loss of many jobs, wider European concerns must be that the EU is proactive bringing to an end an industry that still had life left in it. in the world in leading on conflict prevention; in dealing with the situation in the middle east, which is a crisis For me, those two events were tragedies for my city, and a tragedy; in continuing to sort out the legacy of the result of what I firmly believe were political decisions the civil war in Sri Lanka; and in promoting human by Governments of the day, not economic decisions. rights in Africa, Iran and China. I welcome this debate Although I was already involved in local politics, living and wish Ministers well. through the demise of those two industries—industries that I feel passionately should have continued—and 3.24 pm witnessing the impact that that had on Sunderland and the communities in which I lived was an experience that Julie Elliott (Sunderland Central) (Lab): Thank you, galvanised my increasing involvement in politics. I felt Mr Deputy Speaker, for allowing me the time to make that I had to try to fight injustice where I saw it and do my maiden speech. I, too, congratulate the hon. Members whatever I could to ensure that my city was never hit for Wyre Forest (Mark Garnier) and for Brighton, like that again. Kemptown (Simon Kirby), my hon. Friends the Members We have come a long way in Sunderland since those for Wirral South (Alison McGovern) and for Newcastle dark days of the late ’80s and early ’90s. There has been upon Tyne North (Catherine McKinnell), and the hon. regeneration in Sunderland, but there is still much more Member for York Outer (Julian Sturdy) on their excellent to do. New jobs have been created, but more are needed. contributions. However, I beg to differ with the hon. We still have relatively high unemployment and too Member for Bermondsey and Old Southwark (Simon many areas of deprivation—things that I am totally Hughes): I was not aware that the north-east had a committed to trying to improve. capital city, and coming from Sunderland, the largest city in the north-east, I disagree with his comments. Sunderland is a city of contrasts. It has one of the most beautiful coastlines in the country. Whatever the It is a great honour to be here today, having been weather, the beaches of Roker and Seaburn are always elected a few weeks ago by the people of the community beautiful. We also have the National Glass Centre on that I have lived in and around all my life—Sunderland. the banks of the Wear, a fitting place for it to be, for Sunderland Central, the constituency that I represent, Sunderland has a long history of glass production. is a new constituency, taking in parts of three previous Next door to the National Glass Centre is the St Peter’s constituencies. The first was Sunderland North, which campus of Sunderland university. The university is a was represented from 1992 by Billy Etherington, who real good-news story, employing many people and attracting served at the Council of Europe for many years. I wish students not just from Sunderland and the north-east, him a long and happy retirement. The second constituency but from all over the country and around the world. was Houghton and Washington East, which was represented from 1997 by Fraser Kemp. Fraser is someone We also have—how could I not mention it?—the with whom I worked before he entered the House and magnificent Stadium of Light, the home of Sunderland for whom I have the greatest respect. A more shrewd football club and one of the most important places, political brain I have not come across. He was a tenacious probably in the world, to fans of the team and to my advocate for his constituency and the north-east region, city. Built on the site of the former Wearmouth colliery, and will, I am sure, be missed in this place. a miner’s lamp at its entrance, the stadium is a celebration The third constituency was Sunderland South, which of our past and our future. Hon. Members should never was represented from 1987 by Chris Mullin. Before underestimate the impact that the football club doing announcing his intention to retire, Chris was selected as well will have on the people of Sunderland. the candidate for the constituency that I now represent. Looking forward, Sunderland has a huge opportunity Although not from Sunderland, Chris has made it his to take advantage of the jobs being created through the home. He had a long and distinguished career in Parliament, green jobs programme. We have the Nissan plant in as a Back Bencher, a Minister and the Chairman of the Sunderland, although it is not in my constituency. It Select Committee on Home Affairs, a role that I know employs thousands of people directly, and many more he found particularly rewarding. I am sure that he will indirectly. It is excellent news that the battery plant and 647 European Affairs3 JUNE 2010 European Affairs 648 the recently announced production of the Leaf electric I would like to start by expressing my deep gratitude car will be coming to Sunderland. These are forward- to the people of North Warwickshire and Bedworth, looking developments that will benefit Sunderland, the who have entrusted me with the honour of representing north-east and the country. I am concerned, however, them here in Westminster—a task that I take very by the Prime Minister’s refusal yesterday to confirm seriously and will seek to undertake with enthusiasm that the £21.7 million grant already promised to Nissan and energy. Having lived and gone to school in by the last Government to enable these developments to Warwickshire, now to represent a Warwickshire seat in happen will still be available. That is very worrying, and Parliament is truly an honour. the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and North Warwickshire has a broken history as a Skills also refused to confirm it this morning. That parliamentary constituency, having once been abolished money is essential to secure Sunderland as the plant of under the Redistribution of Seats Act 1885—something choice for Nissan in Europe. The consequences of its I sincerely hope will not be repeated any time soon! But not coming are unthinkable. North Warwickshire was not to be erased so easily, and, In Sunderland, we also have a huge opportunity to some 98 years later, the seat was resurrected in time for play our part in the development of offshore wind farm the 1983 general election, when it was won by my right production. The skills needed to develop this area of hon. Friend the Member for Horsham (Mr Maude), work are the same as those required in our historic who held the seat for two terms. He is remembered with industries. Turbines and offshore windmills are going to great warmth and affection in North Warwickshire and be built somewhere. There is a huge market for them, Bedworth, and kindly visited on a number of occasions not only in the UK but throughout Europe. In areas during my campaign to offer avuncular advice and such as Sunderland, where jobs are needed, it is important support. that we attract new industries such as these. They will Let me also pay tribute to my immediate predecessor, sustain economic growth in my city in the years ahead. Mike O’Brien, who was elected as Member of Parliament We have the natural resources of a port, a river and in 1992 and represented the seat for 18 years. Since May direct access to the North sea, and I genuinely believe 1997, Mike O’Brien held an unbroken string of some that if we are to start to tackle climate change through eight junior ministerial positions. He was once described the supply of our energy, offshore wind farms have a by Matthew Parris as part to play. “a dapper fellow, the sort of junior Minister every mother would The opportunity for the north-east to become the want her daughter to marry”. centre of excellence for this industry—not just in this country but in Europe—is real and there to be taken Mike worked hard as a constituency MP and always advantage of, with Sunderland playing its part. We fought for what he believed in. During my time as the already have a testing facility at Blyth, which has benefited parliamentary candidate, we had our political differences from European funding. For Sunderland and the north-east and our ding-dongs in the press, but we could always to become the centre of excellence, we need the Government shake hands and we never lost sight of the fact that we to support the development of this industry. both wanted what was best for North Warwickshire and Bedworth. I wish Mike all the best for the future. I should like to say what an honour it is for me to be given the opportunity to serve in this House. It is My constituency is large and has a diverse economy. something that very few people have the opportunity to Historically a coal mining area, the last working mine in do. I want to thank the voters of Sunderland Central the west midlands, Daw Mill colliery, sits on our border for giving me this opportunity. As I said throughout my with Nuneaton, and 2008 saw a record year of production. campaign, I will stand up for Sunderland with Much of the constituency remains rural, with significant determination and vigour. Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, areas of green belt land and farming remains a strong for allowing me to speak today. part of the local economy. Our superb road links make North Warwickshire a hub for distribution and transport, 3.32 pm and giants such as UPS and TNT have flagship facilities Dan Byles (North Warwickshire) (Con): I am grateful in the constituency. As in much of the west midlands, to you, Mr Deputy Speaker, for giving me the opportunity manufacturing remains vital to the local economy and to make my maiden speech today. It is a real pleasure to to local jobs. An estimated 8,000 jobs in the constituency follow the hon. Members for Sunderland Central (Julie are linked to manufacturing, ranging from the BMW Elliott) and for Newcastle upon Tyne North (Catherine engine plant at Hams Hall in Coleshill to highly specialised McKinnell), and all the new Members on both sides of niche engineering companies such as Powerkut Ltd in the House who have spoken so eloquently. I hope that I Bedworth, which, among many other activities, exports will do justice with my own speech. precision components for nuclear power stations as far I am conscious of the apocryphal story of the newly afield as China and around the world. elected Member many years ago who, after making his Culturally, North Warwickshire retains many old maiden speech to the House, was delighted when a and cherished traditions. In Bedworth, a great benefactor senior and highly respected grandee—a gentleman with was the fondly remembered Nicholas Chamberlaine, a great deal of “bottom”—approached him in the Tea who was rector for 51 years from 1664 until his death. Room later and patted him on the shoulder, muttering, In his will, he provided for a school for local children “Rolls-Royce of a speech, old boy, Rolls-Royce of a and almshouses for the poor. Today, four local schools speech.” The delighted Member later recounted this to and the Nicholas Chamberlaine almshouses continue to a colleague, and was most disappointed by the response: receive support from his legacy. Indeed, last Friday, I “Ah yes, he always says that to the new boys. It means was privileged to attend founder’s day—or “bun day” as you were well oiled, almost inaudible and went on for a it is known locally—in his honour, and to continue the very long time.” I am aware that time is precious today, tradition of handing out currant buns to pupils from and I will try not to run on. the schools that enjoy support from the trust. 649 European Affairs3 JUNE 2010 European Affairs 650
[Dan Byles] There will doubtless be much debate over the coming months about the value of some major defence projects In Atherstone, the famous “Atherstone ball game” is costing billions of pounds, but please let us get the an ancient Shrove Tuesday tradition, which dates back fundamentals right too. Let us not forget the poor some 900 years and continues to raise money for charity— bloody soldier and his family—the soldier on whom we and indeed continues to send one or two people to call to do so much in our name, and who deserves our hospital every year. There is only one rule—that the ball support when he has been wounded, when he has been must not be taken outside of Atherstone. Whoever is traumatised, and when he is back home, out of uniform, holding the ball at 5 pm is declared the winner. Beyond and the medal parades are over. that, anything goes. I am delighted that for 900 years, Thank you for indulging me, Mr. Deputy Speaker. the ball game has avoided the attentions of the “health Those are concerns that I know are shared by hon. and safety police”—and long may it continue to do so! Members in all parts of the House, but they are also North Warwickshire has a number of difficult issues, issues on which we can and must do so much better. which are of deep concern to local people. As MP, I will 3.40 pm do all I can to fight for my constituents’ interests in these matters. The proposed rail route for High Speed 2 Lilian Greenwood (Nottingham South) (Lab): Thank will potentially devastate the villages of Gilson, Water you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, for calling me to deliver my Orton and Middleton. Bedworth is at risk of losing the maiden speech during today’s debate on Europe. I local fire station as a result of a proposed reorganisation congratulate the hon. Members for Wyre Forest (Mark of the Warwickshire fire and rescue service, and I have Garnier) and for Brighton, Kemptown (Simon Kirby), been part of a local campaign for some time to fight a my hon. Friend the Member for Wirral South (Alison large, unsustainable and unwanted housing development McGovern), the hon. Member for York Outer (Julian on green belt land close to the villages of Keresley and Sturdy), my hon. Friends the Members for Newcastle Ash Green, near Bedworth. upon Tyne North (Catherine McKinnell) and for Sunderland Central (Julie Elliott), and the hon. Member In addition, there are a number of national issues for North Warwickshire (Dan Byles) on their fine speeches. that I plan to champion during my time in the House— It is an honour and a privilege to be in this Chamber issues on which I know from the doorsteps I have the representing the people of Nottingham South. I am support of my constituents. One such issue is the welfare particularly proud to be the first woman to represent of our soldiers and their families, and in particular the our city in Parliament. When I was a little girl, my dad issue of mental health care and rehabilitation for veterans often talked about his mother, whom I never met but and reservists. whose name I share. He told me that although she was I am aware that we are not discussing defence here bright and won a place at grammar school, she was today, but, as an old soldier, I hope that the House will unable to take up the place because my great-grandfather indulge me for a moment. I had the privilege of serving thought that education was wasted on girls. A generation for some nine years with the Royal Army Medical later, my own mother, the daughter of a Lancashire Corps as a medical support officer. Indeed, I served on clog-maker, also had limited educational opportunities. operations in Bosnia under the command of the EU Her teachers at secondary school asked her to help with military headquarters, when I served with HQ EUFOR the younger pupils, but there was no opportunity for in Banja Luka. her to take public exams, and she left school without a single qualification. Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): God help you! The fact that the abilities of those two women had been squandered or ignored on the basis of their sex or Dan Byles: I will leave my thoughts on that for a later their class infuriated and inspired me as a child. It made speech. me determined to grasp every opportunity I had, but it I left the Army to enter politics because I became also made me want to fight to ensure that every girl and deeply concerned about the support that we as a nation young woman—many of whom did not have the support give to our wounded soldiers. That the British people and encouragement that my parents gave me—could hold our servicemen and women in the highest regard is fulfil their potential. I am therefore delighted to be here beyond doubt; the success of fantastic charities such as to speak for the men and the women of Nottingham Help for Heroes and Combat Stress ably demonstrates South. that. But these are charities that should not need to I hope that many hon. Members have already had an exist. I still do not believe that we, as a nation and as a opportunity to visit the queen of the midlands, as Government, give our soldiers and their families the Nottingham is sometimes known. If they have, they will support they deserve when they are damaged on operations know that it is a fine city with a long and fascinating fighting for our country. As the Prime Minister noted history, but as it is represented by three Members of yesterday, the sad fact is that we have now lost more Parliament, they may be wondering which of its delights veterans of the Falkands conflict to suicide than we did are in my own constituency. I hope that my hon. Friends during the conflict itself. Specialist programmes such as the Members for Nottingham North (Mr Allen) and for the veterans medical assessment and reservist mental Nottingham East (Christopher Leslie) will forgive me if health programmes rely on referrals from civilian GPs. I claim to have more than my share of the best bits, They are excellent programmes for those who make it particularly those that demonstrate the innovation on that far, but study after study has shown that only a which our city prides itself. small minority of civilian GPs are even aware that they Nottingham South is home to the oldest inn in England, exist. In theory, veterans are entitled to priority treatment Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, carved into the sandstone on the national health service, but in practice, for too caves at the base of Castle Rock. The camellia house at many that entitlement simply is not there. Wollaton Hall is the oldest cast-iron glasshouse in Europe, 651 European Affairs3 JUNE 2010 European Affairs 652 and we have, in Notts County, the world’s oldest professional Nottingham South, for their families and for our city, to association football club. But Nottingham is not just a ensure that the things that have changed their lives for historic place; it is an industrial city. While the lace the better are preserved and built upon, to fight for workshops may have disappeared, as sadly, has the effective action to free them from poverty and inequality, factory producing thousands of Raleigh bicycles, and to strive for a better future for every one of them. Nottingham has shown its resilience, and other enterprises Unfortunately, I fear that the so-called new politics have sprung up to take their place. We are a modern that Members on the Government Benches are so keen European city, home to many thriving businesses employing to talk about may provide a pleasing soundbite but be cutting-edge science and technology to produce products of no use to the people I seek to represent. I fear that and services for the 21st century. Our employers include the drive for efficiencies and cutting waste that the Boots, Experian and Speedo. Moreover, it is no coincidence Chancellor’s team is so intent upon will actually take us that Nottingham is developing as a science city, given back to a time as bad as the one that I remember in the that it has not one but two world-class universities. 1980s—a time when millions faced the misery of My immediate predecessor, Alan Simpson, is a graduate unemployment with no prospect of real help or support, of Nottingham Trent university, and was a student at a when public housing was either sold off or allowed to time when the cost of study was borne by the public deteriorate so that only those in desperate need would purse. I know that the taxpayers of Nottingham have want to live there, and when it was normal to wait for had great value for money from Alan, because he has months, and even years, for hospital treatment. My been an outstanding representative of our city. Everyone constituents do not want a return to those times, and it who I have spoken to in the past few weeks, whether is my duty and responsibility to ensure that their voice Members or staff in the House, has told me how much is heard, their questions are answered, and their hopes they liked Alan and how much he will be missed. I say and aspirations are met. “everyone”, but I must confess that when I visited the Among the most pressing of my constituents’ concerns Whips Office I did detect some relief, for Alan was is the future of several capital investment projects planned fiercely independent and never afraid to stand up for for the city, such as the widening of the A453, a vital the things he believed in, even when that incurred the link between Nottingham and the M1, which is of huge wrath of his colleagues. Perhaps his greatest achievement importance to the local economy, to local businesses has been to secure recognition that climate change and to local people coping with the danger and poses an immense and immediate threat to our planet inconvenience that heavy congestion brings. They want and that we must take action urgently to address it. to know why this has been deferred, and for how long, Although Alan has retired from Parliament, I know and whether the new Government appreciate the cost of that he will continue to enjoy being a thorn in the side of delay. any Government or Opposition who fail to grasp the My constituents are also concerned about phase 2 of importance of protecting the environment for future Nottingham’s tram network. Last summer, the previous generations. Government committed £530 million to help build two I have never asked Alan why he decided to stand for additional lines. This development will regenerate parts Parliament, but I had only one reason for becoming an of the city, further develop our excellent public transport MP: to make a difference. I know that sounds rather infrastructure, and encourage more people to leave their grand, but let me explain. I have spent my whole working cars at home, choosing instead this clean green alternative. life representing working people, many of them low It will also provide between 4,000 and 10,000 new paid or part time and most of them women, and 18 of jobs—but is the funding secure? those years have been spent in Nottingham as a trade During the election I was asked about the new school union organiser for Unison. My first few years were building for Farnborough school in Clifton, and whether depressing times for anyone seeking to defend public it would go ahead if Labour was re-elected. I was happy services and the people who provide them—hard-working, to be able to assure the chair of governors that it would, committed and caring people who have often sacrificed but what shall I tell him now? And what can I tell the pay and perks to do those jobs, which are not just other heads, governors, parents and pupils whose schools socially useful, but vital to every one of us. were due to be rebuilt or refurbished under Building In the early 1990s when I started, local government, Schools for the Future? What, too, can I tell council the health service and higher education lacked the tenants waiting for new kitchens, bathrooms, windows investment they required—but what a difference a Labour and doors under the decent homes programme? Government made! For many low-paid workers in Over the coming months I shall be raising those Nottingham, from care workers to bar staff, the introduction concerns, and I apologise now if Members tire of them, of the national minimum wage meant a pay rise. For my but I am here to press the Government on the issues own children, and those of many constituents, Labour’s that matter to my constituents. investment in education meant that they were taught in I am delighted to conclude my first speech to the brand-new classrooms, with state-of-the-art IT facilities, House, and pleased that in a while I can head back to rather than in leaky portakabins. For young people with my constituency and my family. It is a journey that I little prospect of work or an education, a Labour will make often, so hon. Members should not be Government brought new jobs, apprenticeships and surprised when I press the Government on the electrification university places, and the winter fuel allowance meant of the line to Nottingham, and on a high-speed rail link that thousands of Nottingham’s pensioners no longer to bring our city closer to the heart of Europe. I will do had to worry about switching on the heating in the so not just because I understand the need for great colder months. transport links and the vital importance of staying I am proud of Labour’s achievements, but I want close to those whom I represent, but because I must more, and so do the people I represent. As we begin a always try to get home before my three daughters’ period in opposition, I will stand up for the people of bedtime on a Thursday night. 653 European Affairs3 JUNE 2010 European Affairs 654
3.50 pm containing the villages of—I shall name but a few—Castle Donington, Kegworth, Moira, Measham, Ibstock, and Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con): Swannington, which is in the middle, and is where I live Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, for giving me this with my wife and children. opportunity to give my maiden speech. In this debate we have heard many fine maiden speeches, all of which However, that description belies a constituency of were well crafted and delivered. In particular, I must extremes. My late predecessor experienced many of compliment the hon. Member for Nottingham South those extremes. Imagine his surprise in 1992 when, (Lilian Greenwood) on her speech, and declare a vested despite polling more than 28,000 votes, he lost the interest: I am a graduate of one of her area’s great election. North West Leicestershire had the highest universities, the university of Nottingham. I must also turnout that year, with more than 85% of the electorate admit to having sampled the hospitality of Ye Olde Trip going to vote. However, David got the rewards for all his to Jerusalem inn on more than one occasion. hard work in 1997, when he gained the biggest swing against the Conservatives in that election. I took advice on what the contents of a maiden speech should be, and I was surprised by some of what I In 2007 the pendulum swung again, this time back heard. I was told that my speech should have all the towards the Conservatives. We had the biggest swing attributes of a lady’s well-cut dress, meaning that it against Labour in the district council elections that should be long enough to cover all the important points year, and on 6 May this year we again witnessed another but still short enough to be interesting. I will try to 12% swing back to the Conservatives. Indeed, the chimes comply with those criteria. of the mediaeval church at Breedon on the Hill symbolised Hon. Members will know that this is the first time for the bellwether nature of our constituency, which has more than five months that this Chamber has been always gone with the Government. I believe that when addressed by an hon. Member for North West the people of North West Leicestershire have had enough Leicestershire, following the tragic and untimely death of you, they come out and vote and let you know. of my immediate predecessor, David Taylor, who, very History proves it. That was always very heartening in sadly, passed away on Boxing day last year. I have opposition, but I assure the House that it is slightly become aware that tributes to one’s predecessor are more worrying when I am standing in this position—which sometimes given through gritted teeth, especially when brings me back to today’s debate. the previous Member had sat on the opposite side of We are here to debate Europe, and I am delighted to the House, but that is not the case on this occasion. be speaking on that subject because I love Europe. I Although David Taylor and I often disagreed on what have travelled extensively through it, at my own expense. he did, I have always been a great admirer of the way in Indeed, East Midlands airport in my constituency is which he did it. At this time, when we are so keen to our border with Europe and the world. I adore much rebuild the public’s faith in our Parliament and our European cuisine. I admire much of its culture, and I parliamentarians, we could find few better examples or revel in its diversity, but I am not a supporter of role models than David Taylor. When David and I European union. I was an active member of Business agreed, we fought together for the benefit of our for Sterling in the no campaigns. I strongly support the constituency—defending Moira fire station from closure, Government’s policy of placing a referendum lock on opposing open-cast mining at Measham, and trying to new European treaties, and indeed on anything that protect the green wedge from overdevelopment. would give more powers away to Brussels. David Taylor was born in North West Leicestershire, The events in Greece, which spread quickly to Spain and he lived and worked there. He was unflinchingly and elsewhere, demonstrate the danger inherent in trying loyal to his constituency, and as a result was extremely to pull together a disparate group of economies and well regarded by his supporters and political opponents cultures. We need to learn from their misfortunes and alike. His dedication to his work was unparalleled both hold on to our triple A rating at all costs. I am particularly in this House, where he was voted Back Bencher of the pleased that all hon. Members on this side of the Year in 2007, and in his constituency. Given all his work House, our Liberal allies included, now appreciate that against smoking and the dreaded weed, I know that he we need early deficit reduction to protect our credit would be delighted that his successor is a reformed rating. In my first three weeks in politics I believe that I smoker. Our constituency is a far lesser place for his have seen something I never thought I would see—a passing, and it is a privilege to be here in his stead. miracle. I think that we should call it “The Conversion Hon. Members will recall many column inches being of St. Vince on the Road to Whitehall”. filled in April with speculation about the voting intentions The consequences of not holding on to our credit of “middle England”, but there was often confusion rating are extremely frightening. Our economy has been about exactly who that referred to. From my perspective, run on to the rocks. Had we joined the euro, we would it referred to the people of North West Leicestershire, not just be holed below the waterline, we would also be who are literally based in the very centre of our country; without lifeboats. We have a huge task ahead to rescue mine is possibly the most landlocked constituency in our economy and solve the problems of 21st-century the country, surrounded as it is by eight other constituencies. Britain. Sadly, we Members of this House, with a few North West Leicestershire is at the heart of the new notable exceptions—or should I say exemptions; I am national forest, where many millions of trees have been thinking of my hon. Friend the Father of the House—are planted over the past 15 years. That fabulous countryside merely “here today, gone tomorrow” politicians. As a sits alongside the traditional and gritty mining town of result, we must not consider ourselves to be the owners Coalville and the historic market town of Ashby de la of sovereign powers. We are merely the custodians of Zouch. My constituency’s gently undulating countryside power and sovereignty for future generations. Sovereignty is both quaint and picturesque, spanning Newton Burgoland is not ours to give away; it belongs to the people who in the south and Cavendish Bridge in the north, and elected us, and to their heirs and successors. 655 European Affairs3 JUNE 2010 European Affairs 656
On that basis, I am very pleased to be one of the I believe I am not the first member of my family to many Members of this House who fought and argued make a speech in this Chamber. My granddad was an over many years to prevent the UK from joining the electrician, and after the war he worked on the rebuilding euro. We Eurosceptics have often suffered the disdain of of this Chamber. A number of the Polish workers who the Europhiles: at times—heaven help us—we have had served in the forces were also employed on the same been called “little Englanders”. As an Englishman of work, and when the British workers, who were all strong below average height, representing a constituency in the trade unionists, discovered that the Polish workers were centre of our great country, that is an accusation that I being paid less, they organised a meeting in this very personally find difficult to refute. Chamber. My granddad, as the shop steward, made the My background is in business. I firmly believe that first speech in the newly refurbished Chamber. Unlike our country’s small and medium-sized enterprises provide in the case of my granddad, there are Clerks here to the backbone of our economy. If we help them, they record my speech, but I am happy to claim that my will help to get us out of the current predicament that granddad’s story is right, and that he gave his maiden we find ourselves in. It is not just as a politician but also speech here some 64 years before I did. from a business perspective that my views on Europe Of course, the story of east European workers being have developed over the last 20 years. In 1997 we were paid less than British workers has relevance today. Like the fourth most competitive place in the world in which many other hon. Members, I have heard countless tales to do business, but now we are a lowly 84th. Much of of east European workers being paid less than the that is due to regulation from Europe. This cannot minimum wage, taking jobs that British workers would continue. otherwise have been employed to do. I therefore hope My business has been a major employer in North that the Government will confirm that the law is enforced, West Leicestershire for many years, and I want to be a and that foreign nationals are not exploited in this way champion of business and enterprise. I shall support to their cost or to the cost of British workers. It was the creation of an environment in which public spending wrong when my granddad was here in 1946 and it is is managed more efficiently and the private sector is wrong now. unshackled from the weight of burdensome EU regulation. The hon. Member for Brighton, Kemptown (Simon I want an environment in which our country can move Kirby) gave his maiden speech and recalled what an free from the lodestone of needless red tape, and where excellent seaside constituency he represents. Sefton Central we can build for our future by correcting so many of the is another excellent seaside constituency. It is between mistakes of the recent past. Bootle and Southport, and has many outstanding features. It is a privilege to stand in this House, and to serve Its sandy beaches stretch from Waterloo to Formby, the people of North West Leicestershire. I will do my and form part of the 20-mile stretch of sand dunes that very best not to let them down, and if at the end of my characterises the Sefton coastline—the longest stretch time in this place, however that may come, I am thought of sand dunes in the country. Crosby beach is decorated of anywhere near as well as my predecessor David by the Gormley statues, which are named Another Taylor, I will class myself as having done a very good Place—a much-admired tourist attraction—and there job indeed. are red squirrels to be found at Formby, looked after by the National Trust. 4pm Sefton Central is also home to the Grand National, Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) (Lab): Thank you, and to Aintree race course, and I hope that the Government Mr. Deputy Speaker, for inviting me to make my maiden do not carry out their threat to take the world’s top speech today. First, I congratulate hon. Members who horse race off terrestrial TV and sell it to Sky. have made their maiden speeches today, including my hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham South (Lilian Many people in Sefton Central believe it has the Greenwood) and the hon. Member for North West highest number of Premiership footballers of any Leicestershire (Andrew Bridgen). Those two highly constituency in the country. That may well be true. I contrasting speeches sum up many of the differences would like to congratulate two of my constituents, between the two sides. Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, on their selection My constituency of Sefton Central is made up of for the England World cup squad this week. Wayne parts of the old Crosby constituency and parts of the Rooney also used to live in Sefton Central, and I am old Knowsley, North and Sefton, East constituency. sure that Members on both sides of the House will want Crosby was represented by Claire Curtis-Thomas, who to wish them, and the whole England World cup squad, served here from 1997 until this year. She served her well. My hon. Friend the Member for Wirral South constituents diligently, and many of them have expressed (Alison McGovern) mentioned Harold Wilson, who their gratitude to me for the support that they received represented the Ormskirk constituency in 1945. Parts of from her. She was also one of the few qualified engineers that constituency are now in Sefton Central. to serve in this House, and spoke with great authority I hope that the coalition Government go ahead with on the subject during her time here. Knowsley, North a number of important projects in my constituency that and Sefton, East was represented by my right hon. were given the go-ahead by the Labour Government. Friend who is now the Member for Knowsley One is the Thornton relief road. I mentioned the importance (Mr Howarth). He has been good enough to introduce of tourism to my constituency; the Thornton relief me to many people in his former constituency who are road is much needed to reduce congestion from Switch now constituents of mine. I believe he has served the Island, which is at the junction of the M57 and the House and the people of Knowsley, North and Sefton, M58, to Thornton. The route is a bottleneck for people East with distinction, and he will do the same for the trying to reach Crosby, Formby and Southport, and the people of his new constituency. He is deserving of the new road would have a significant economic benefit for support of Members in his bid to be Deputy Speaker. tourism and other business. People in Sefton Central 657 European Affairs3 JUNE 2010 European Affairs 658
[Bill Esterson] I pay tribute to the work of my predecessor, Celia Barlow. She worked tirelessly during her five-year term remember when a previous Tory Government neglected on local and national matters. She was just as formidable them and thousands more across Merseyside. I will in the House as she was on the doorstep, and I wish her press Ministers to make sure that this vital project and well in whatever career path she pursues. I should like to others are not axed, and to ensure that the road’s mention another former Member for Hove, Sir Tim importance is finally recognised. Sainsbury, whose advice and support over the years According to many people in Sefton, the road was have been invaluable to me. first proposed in 1934. Surely that is too much delay for Brighton and Hove does, of course, take its name any new road. At the election, candidates in Sefton from two neighbouring historical towns, situated on a Central from all parties pledged to make sure that the delightfully sunny, and sometimes windy, spot on the road was built, and I hope that Ministers from both south coast. From the inclusion of Hove in the name of coalition parties will note the promises made on their the city, it might rightly be assumed that those living in behalf by Tory and Liberal Democrat candidates. my constituency are mindful of its unique identity, Sefton has many fine schools, and my wife and I have separate from our larger neighbour, Brighton. We Hove been hugely impressed by the primary school that our residents are often asked whether we live in Brighton, children attend. I have also visited a number of excellent and our defensive response gives rise to the well-known secondary schools in Maghull, Formby and Crosby, phrase “Hove, actually.” and will argue with Ministers to make sure that Building I will be keeping a close eye on Hove’s individuality—that Schools for the Future is not a victim of Government is, on its regency and Victorian architecture, wide boulevards cuts. Chesterfield High and Crosby High are good and colourful beach huts. I shall keep an even closer eye schools, and are due to be rebuilt on a joint site. on the individuality of Portslade. Its history, and indeed Brand-new facilities do not guarantee success, but having its contribution to local affairs generally, is just as rich 21st-century buildings certainly makes a difference if as Hove’s. I am so keen to see that fact recognised that I we want 21st-century learning and standards. shall campaign to change the name of the constituency The constituency has four Sure Start children’s to Hove and Portslade. centres—at Holy Rosary Catholic primary school in The bedrock of our community has always been our Aintree, at Hudson primary school in Maghull, at Freshfield elderly population, although demographically Hove has and at Thornton. My son attended a nursery at a Sure changed a lot in recent years. It is a friendly place, with Start centre, and the support that my family had was many different cultures represented, and I pay particular outstanding. Many of the other parents told me that tribute to my friends the Coptic Christians from Sudan they noticed the difference that Sure Start had made to and Egypt, a thriving Muslim community, which includes them, their families and their children. They noticed a a number of entrepreneurial Iranians, and a well-established marked improvement in support once the children’s Jewish community, whose roots go back to the 18th century. centre opened, and have noticed the impact that it has I, like my hon. Friend the Member for Brighton, had on their families, and on the progress made by their Kemptown, am also proud to represent the LGBT children. I welcome the coalition’s commitment to Sure community in the city. Start, and I hope fervently that it is a promise that is I come to politics from a background in film and kept. music, and I shall channel my passion for each into People in my constituency were horrified to learn of supporting local talent. It is no secret that Hove is home the £4-million cut in the Merseyside police budget that to a great number of musicians, some of whom are was announced by the coalition last week. I urge the internationally famous, but it is home also to the excellent Government to reconsider such a cut, and to think Brighton institute of modern music. Hove’s cinematic about the likely impact of such drastic action on front-line past, however, is often overlooked, and it is frequently policing. More importantly, the Government should forgotten that, at the end of the Victorian era, the consider the impact on our communities and on the pioneers of Hove developed techniques that are still in people of Merseyside. I said earlier that I hoped that we use throughout the world today. would not see a re-run of the neglect of previous Tory The distinctive beaches and buildings of Brighton Governments. Sadly, the police cuts, and the threats to and Hove translate extremely well on to film, and that is the Thornton relief road, to Chesterfield High and why they have featured in countless films over the years. Crosby High schools, and to the Royal Liverpool University Classics include “Brighton Rock”, “Oh! What a Lovely hospital, do not bode well for the economy or my War”, “Carry On At Your Convenience”, “Carry On constituents. Girls” and “Quadrophenia”; and in recent years there has been “The End of the Affair”, “Circus”, “London 4.8 pm to Brighton” and the rather curiously named “Brighton Mike Weatherley (Hove) (Con): Thank you, Mr. Deputy Wok: The Legend of Ganja Boxing”. Speaker, for giving me the opportunity to deliver my Promoting the city as a location for filming and, maiden speech to the House as the newly elected indeed, as a place for the media business to thrive must representative of the good people of Hove and Portslade. be done in partnership with my council colleagues, and I also thank the previous speakers for their excellent that will be just one area where we are able to work contributions, including my hon. Friend the Member together. Another area is the promotion of local businesses. for Brighton, Kemptown (Simon Kirby), and the hon. As a qualified management accountant, and as a past Members for Sunderland Central (Julie Elliott), and for owner of one of the area’s largest manufacturers, winning Sefton Central (Bill Esterson), who all claim to have the two Queen’s awards and the Sussex company of the best seaside town in the country in their constituency; I year award, I shall make supporting small and medium-sized will try to persuade them otherwise later. enterprises one of my biggest priorities. 659 European Affairs3 JUNE 2010 European Affairs 660
All councils should take back some powers from interested in his support for music. As a former musician London, and as an example I note that Brighton and and a lifetime lover of music, I think that he will make a Hove city council has limited powers to pursue the very valuable contribution. owners of neglected listed buildings for the reimbursement of costly emergency repairs. I have therefore written to Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): You like jazz. my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport to see whether more powers Kelvin Hopkins: Indeed, that is true, but I have a wide might be handed to councils so that they can deal with range of tastes in music, including opera and classical. such irresponsible people. My son is even educating me in heavy metal, but that is a rather new field for me, I am afraid. I was very On sport, Hove is home to the well-established and interested in what the hon. Member for Hove said, and successful Sussex county cricket club, the winners of I congratulate him; I am sure that he will make a fine last year’s Twenty20 cup, which they successfully started contribution to the House over the years. defending this week. On football, I have been a supporter of the Seagulls, Brighton and Hove Albion, and during I want to speak about the eurozone and its current my teenage years I used to go and watch them when problems and to reflect some of the points made by my they actually played in Hove. We should soon have our hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Edgbaston new stadium in Falmer—and a deserved promotion in (Ms Stuart). The eurozone is facing disaster at the due course. Brighton and Hove do not do everything moment—a disaster that some of us predicted some together, however, and Hove has the more successful time ago. However, the eurozone is not the European rugby club, which won the Sussex cup just last month. Union, and it is quite possible to imagine the European Union without a eurozone. Indeed, I think that that is Secondary education in my constituency has been a likely to be the future provided that the EU itself does hot topic in recent years, and I have deliberately avoided not start to fragment as a result of the eurozone’s putting a partisan twist on to my maiden speech, but troubles. I also want to emphasise, as I have time and Hove and Portslade are just the sorts of places that will again in the past, that Europe is not the European benefit greatly from the policies of my right hon. Friend Union, or the European Union is not Europe; eliding the Secretary of State for Education. I look forward to the two terms is a mistake. The European Union is a being involved in any way that I can, and that includes political construct that has been composed, or adopted, supporting the award of academy status to Portslade by several of the nations of Europe, but it is not Europe. community college. Europe is a place that, like the hon. Member for North Hove needs a new primary school, and I am working West Leicestershire (Andrew Bridgen), I love very much. with parents and councillors to see what the best options In a few weeks’ time, I shall be surrounded by the are. The process has just taken an interesting twist, with vineyards of Provence, no doubt listening to Mozart the news that the much-loved Connaught centre has and drinking something very decent. I love Europe in been vacated as an adult education base. It began as a every sense, even in struggling to speak French, but I school in 1884, and I am keen to ensure that a return to am deeply critical of the European Union and think its original purpose is investigated in full. I could refer that the eurozone is a terrible mistake, as is proving to to many local heroes who have put their lives into be the case. educating our children, but I should like to mention one The eurozone is in crisis, and a very predictable one. man, Bob Wall, who runs an extremely tight ship at Some 20 years ago, I wrote a paper—I used to write Hillside special school in Portslade. When I think of a many papers on the EU and its economy—predicting model head teacher, I think of that man. the exchange rate mechanism debacle before we actually I should also like to single out several charities. There joined, and I proved to be exactly right. People thought are so many worth mentioning that I could fill my I was prophetic, but anyone with a moderate knowledge whole speech with them, but I shall name just a few. The of economics and a little foresight would have seen that Martlets hospice, Impact Initiatives, Off the Fence, the the ERM was going to bring about a disaster. In fact, it Alzheimer’s Society, Macmillan and Emmaus all stand led to the defeat of the Conservatives in 1997 and the out as beacons of excellence in my constituency. election of a Labour Government, so for the Government Returning to music, I perhaps bring something new side of the House it was indeed a disaster, but, unusually to the House in the form of my huge passion for rock and unexpectedly, it brought benefits in terms of a and heavy metal. A few years ago I rashly pledged that I Labour Government. would be the first Member to wear an Iron Maiden Strong currencies derive from strong economies, not T-shirt in the Chamber, so, Mr Deputy Speaker, I may the other way round. If one tries to impose a strong be in touch soon to see how I can deliver that promise currency on a weak economy, it will not survive. There without breaking too many rules. The benefit of this are great examples of this around the world. The best country’s musical success to our economy is often one in recent years is perhaps Argentina, where people understated. In 2008, for example, overseas earnings linked the peso directly and rigidly to the dollar for a rose by 15% to £140 million. I was particularly delighted, period, which caused terrible mayhem inside their economy. therefore, to see a commitment to live music in the Eventually, after some 10 years, when the economy was coalition policy document. On that musical note, almost wrecked, they were forced to devalue to break Mr Deputy Speaker, I thank you again for the honour that link. As a result of that devaluation, Argentina is of letting me make my maiden speech today. now bouncing back, no doubt helped by its splendid wine industry. I am sure that the competitive edge that 4.15 pm the wine industry has had because of devaluation has Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North) (Lab): Let me first say helped the Argentine economy to recover. what a splendid speech we have just heard from the hon. Weak economies within the eurozone will have exactly Member for Hove (Mike Weatherley). I am particularly the same problem, and we will not solve it without those 661 European Affairs3 JUNE 2010 European Affairs 662
[Kelvin Hopkins] their economies much poorer and weaker, increase unemployment and be no good at all. The logical thing countries departing from the eurozone. The first would for those countries to do would be to withdraw from the be Greece, but others would follow. I will come to some eurozone, start to direct demand towards their own of the problems with that in a moment. From time to economies and spend time behind the effective barrier time, I have met Irish politicians and suggested that of a depreciated currency, rebuilding the strength of their only solution is to recreate the punt, devalue and their economies in a realistic way. rejoin the sterling zone instead of the eurozone, because That is what is needed in the eurozone and that is why we are Ireland’s major trading partner—it is essentially the eurozone is deeply flawed. It has to be dismantled part of the larger economy of the British Isles. Ireland and we have to build a Europe based on economies that would benefit greatly from such a decision. have separate currencies, which are like shock absorbers Some people think that it is unrealistic to expect between economies––they have to be able to adjust. If countries to leave the eurozone, although Angela Merkel they cannot do so, those economies will be in serious suggested, some eight or nine weeks ago, that it should trouble for a very long time. Indeed, there could be not be impossible for countries to do so. She was then serious social unrest, the like of which we have not seen roundly condemned with a fierce reaction from the for a long time. French, who thought that that was an appalling thing to In a sense, I agree with what my hon. Friend the say, and she has now drawn back from it. However, Member for Birmingham, Edgbaston (Ms Stuart) was there are those who believe that in the long run the saying. We ought to look forward practically. Rather Deutschmark will be recreated, or that there could be a than indulging in Schadenfreude—pleasure in the pain Deutschmark zone that might include Holland and of others—and saying, “I told you so,” we should take Luxembourg, but not much more. practical steps to persuade those countries to think The problem is that if Greece goes, the other PIGS about dismantling the eurozone, recreating their separate countries––Portugal, Ireland and Spain––will also eventually currencies and progressing from there onwards in a depart the euro. The problem that the French and much more practical and sensible way. German Governments have is that their banks are heavily exposed in lending to those countries, which 4.23 pm would immediately devalue and start to become very competitive with stronger nations in northern Europe, Mr William Cash (Stone) (Con): I had the pleasure of particularly with the French. The French would immediately being able to refer to some of the matters I wish to have a problem competing with Italy and Spain—their mention in the Queen’s Speech debate. I am grateful to next-door neighbours––and would then eventually leave you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, for giving me another the eurozone and devalue. That would leave the German opportunity to carry the matter forward, particularly in economy on its own, effectively with a currency that in the light of some absolutely superb speeches from Back real terms was much more highly valued because the Benchers on our own side on the question of the others would have been devalued. European Union as a whole and also in the light of the That takes us back to what Keynes suggested in contribution of the hon. Member for Bermondsey and Bretton Woods. He wanted a world in which there Old Southwark (Simon Hughes), who began to move would be stable but separate currencies and said that quite perceptibly towards the centre of gravity of where those countries that get into a big deficit should be able we are now in the coalition Government. to devalue and, indeed, those countries that run big It is no secret that my concern about any coalition surpluses should be required to revalue. Indeed, the Government remains that we must keep to our principles German economy was built for decades on an and our manifesto promises. It is essential that we stick undervaluation of the Deutschmark, which is, in a to our template and manifesto commitments on sense, what has given it its strength and has enabled it to sovereignty—I originally proposed a sovereignty Bill become effectively overvalued within the eurozone. Other some five to seven years ago—and human rights, with countries cannot compete with Germany—indeed, we which I will deal shortly, and the associated charter of cannot compete with it, which is why, I think, we fundamental rights, for a simple reason. There are three devalued. Despite the devaluation, we still have a massive categories of activity in coalitions: the easy stuff, the trade deficit with Germany, but we are starting to difficult stuff and the red lines stuff. As I said repeatedly improve and recover, because we had that opportunity. on radio and television in the aftermath of the coalition Because we are outside the eurozone, we have the announcement, we must stick to the red lines because ability to devalue—depreciate—our currency as appropriate they are about who governs us and how. I do not need and to choose our own monetary and fiscal policy. to elaborate, but a sovereignty Bill and the repeal of the Those policies are interrelated—we have relations with Human Rights Act 1998 are central to that. the countries in the eurozone—but, nevertheless, we As hon. Members who spoke this afternoon have have a degree of freedom in managing our economy strongly emphasised, we have a responsibility and an that countries inside the eurozone do not. If we try to obligation to put the sovereignty of Parliament at the impose strong currencies on weak economies, such a top of our agenda because, as I have often said, it is not problem occurs. our Parliament but that of the people who elect us. The If we do not allow those countries to leave and question, “Who governs the United Kingdom?”is therefore dismantle the eurozone, we will see massive deflation. central and we have no right to make any concessions One cannot just expect countries such as Greece and on that. Spain to cut their deficits and deflate their economies Like the hon. Member for Luton North (Kelvin massively and, indeed, get rid of protection for workers, Hopkins), I pay tribute to the hon. Member for so that wages are driven down. That would merely make Birmingham, Edgbaston (Ms Stuart) for her speech. By 663 European Affairs3 JUNE 2010 European Affairs 664 the mettle of her arguments and the manner in which The whole European system must be radically and she addressed the questions that I asked in several drastically reformed, precisely because it is impossible interventions on the Foreign Secretary and the shadow to repatriate powers without a sovereignty Act—I repeat Foreign Secretary about the burdens on business and my call for that to be introduced as urgently as possible— deregulation, she gave the impression that she had and we need that to underpin the negotiations on somehow been liberated. economic recovery. We must have economic recovery With great respect, it is not good enough to imply because otherwise, we cannot reduce the debt or pay for that gold-plating and national over-regulation is the the necessary public services. We are living in a fool’s real problem, when the problem is the extent of the paradise if we think otherwise. That is fundamental. acquis communautaire. It has an enormous impact on I am concerned about further enlargement, and my burdens on business—£88 billion according to the British earlier exchanges with the shadow Foreign Secretary Chambers of Commerce recently. I pay tribute to Tim are on the record—I was slightly pulled up for following Ambler and Francis Chittenden for their remarkable my point up. The European Scrutiny Committee asked analytical work, from which I drew the figure of 4% of very serious questions about the accession of Bulgaria GDP, to which Lord Mandelson referred when he was a and Romania. Those countries are reasons why we Commissioner. Mr Verheugen gave similar figures about should not enlarge any more, to include, for example, the over-regulation of European business. Albania, Croatia, Macedonia and Turkey. I do not have The eurozone does not function properly because of time to go into those arguments now, but the bottom the economic model of the Lisbon agenda—my hon. line is that the European Union is more than large Friend the Member for North West Leicestershire (Andrew enough, and unfortunately, it does not work, and must Bridgen) admitted that it had not been working. For be reformed drastically. years, the European Scrutiny Committee has shown If there is no way of reforming the EU from within that it has not worked properly. That is all part and because of the acquis communautaire and the role of parcel of the reason for the widening of our trade the European Court of Justice, and because other member deficit with Europe. We cannot manage to trade with an states are simply not prepared to negotiate sensibly on imploding eurozone, part of which is affected by profligate legislation that requires unanimity to repeal, we are public expenditure, as in the case of Greece, and part of going to be stuck by the majority vote. All the protestations, which is affected by the deeply flawed statistical base of hopes, aspirations, and perhaps some rather over- the EUROSTAT system. People are allowed to engage enthusiastic promises, will come to nothing, because it in what would be regarded as false accounting in any is impossible to change the system under majority voting company. when there is no will to do so on the other side, which We are in a European Union that simply cannot work takes us back to repatriation and the sovereignty Act. as it is. It is imploding. It cannot compete with China The human rights question is enormously important. and India because it is inherently ossified. It is a great The necessity for the repeal of the Human Rights concrete jungle of over-regulation. One cannot change Act 1998 runs in tandem with the charter of fundamental the nature of employment, yet the whole social and rights. In a recent speech to judges, the Lord Chief employment base must be changed. To my mind, whether Justice stated: we transfer further powers is neither here nor there. It “The primary responsibility for saving the common law system would be wonderful if we had a referendum on the of proceeding by precedent is primarily a matter for us as judges…Are European question, but the notion that we would be we becoming so focused on Strasbourg and the Convention that committed to it only when a further transfer of powers instead of incorporating Convention principles within and developing occurred is wrong. I have heard it all before. I heard it the common law accordingly as a single coherent unit, we are when Lord Hurd was Foreign Secretary during the allowing the Convention to assume an unspoken priority over the debates on the Maastricht treaty. I stood in this very common law?…We must beware.” place, inveighing against it. As the hon. Member for We must take such things very seriously. Luton North said, we got so much about that right at Lord Hoffman has said that the European Court of the time. The late Peter Shore and I found an amity Human Rights in Strasbourg based on a common understanding that that system “has been unable to resist the temptation to aggrandise its jurisdiction was not going to work, and so it has proved. and to impose uniform rules on Member States. It considers itself the equivalent of the Supreme Court of the United States, laying Kelvin Hopkins: The hon. Gentleman may know that down a federal law of Europe.” Lord Hurd, a euro enthusiast, said last week that it The same applies to the charter of fundamental rights. would now be difficult to find more than one in 10 people We must stop that process. in Britain who are prepared to contemplate the single currency. 4.35 pm Mr Cash: I certainly do, and I say without any sense Grahame M. Morris (Easington) (Lab): I am grateful of self-congratulation that when we said such things in for the honour and the opportunity to make my first the Maastricht debates, we were vehemently criticised contribution to this House and I congratulate other by the then Government. We were rubbished, if I may hon. Members who have done so today. If I may be use that expression, for daring to suggest that the single forgiven for being partisan, I especially enjoyed the currency would not work. The same goes for the contribution from my hon. Friends the Members for paraphernalia that followed in a succession of treaties. I Newcastle upon Tyne North (Catherine McKinnell), must have tabled at least 150 or 200 amendments—I for Sunderland Central (Julie Elliott), for Wirral South cannot remember exactly how many—to each of the (Alison McGovern) and for Nottingham South (Lilian treaties from Maastricht onwards, including the Lisbon Greenwood). I also wish to compliment the hon. Members treaty, which we simply must not implement. for Hove (Mike Weatherley), for North West Leicestershire 665 European Affairs3 JUNE 2010 European Affairs 666
[Grahame M. Morris] communities. The House should understand the importance of this proud history but also the lasting legacy of coal (Andrew Bridgen), for York Outer (Julian Sturdy) and mining. Easington’s pits produced the nation’s wealth, for Brighton, Kemptown (Simon Kirby). its communities were created and built around a life in As several of my colleagues have said, to represent coal mining. Areas like Easington were a microcosm of the people of your home constituency—in my case, the welfare state before any national Government had Easington—is a great privilege. It is all the more special the foresight to implement it. Part of Easington’s proud for me as I represent the constituency in which I was tradition was its self-reliance and its widespread socialised born and where I have lived, brought up my family and community provision, which included socialised medicine, worked all my life. As hon. Members may be aware—or health care, pensioner housing and even funeral perhaps not—Easington has an illustrious list of former arrangements. Members of Parliament and a proud tradition of trade The lasting legacy of coal mining in Easington, however, union and Labour party representation. The area that I is tarnished by the joblessness and economic activity now represent has returned Labour Members of Parliament that followed the reckless actions of previous Tory since 1921, when the great socialist Sidney Webb was Administrations. Easington has prospered and seen first elected. He was a leading member of the Fabian significant improvements over the past decade, but more Society, one of the founders of the London School of recently it has been at the forefront of job losses and Economics, and author of the Labour party’s original economic decline, due to the global financial crisis and clause IV. recession, which is why the successes of Caterpillar in Labour’s Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald was Peterlee and the automotive industry—directly related one of my predecessors. The House would do well to to the success of Nissan in Sunderland—are so important. take note of his experience of peacetime coalition The achievements of the last Labour Government Government. When he split with the Labour party, his are exemplified by the physical regeneration of large 1931 coalition leading the Tory and Liberal Democrat— parts of Easington and the laying of the foundations sorry, I mean Tory and Liberal—parties, with an agenda for economic revival. Our new restaurants, cafes and of severe cuts in public spending, was opposed by the retail outlets, such as Dalton Park—the biggest outlet Labour Party. At that time the Labour Opposition shopping centre in the north-east—have brought jobs developed a progressive socialist alternative and opposed and a new dynamism to east Durham, its surrounding the cuts that were to hurt ordinary working people and areas and the whole of the north-east. We have new the unemployed. The following election saw Labour Sure Start centres, new primary schools, such as Trinity gain 102 seats, and the election after that was a Labour primary school in Seaham, and new secondary school landslide. buildings, such as Shotton Hall community school. The eminent Manny Shinwell served the people of They have given hope, optimism and a sense of purpose Easington for more than 35 years. As Minister for fuel to the people of Easington, especially young people. and power he achieved the nationalisation of the coal Most of all, the last Labour Government protected industry in 1947. It is recorded in Hansard that following the elderly people of Easington. The winter fuel allowance angry exchanges in this House, Shinwell crossed the and cold weather payments stopped pensioners having Floor, not in the usual fashion, but instead to strike a to choose between heating and eating; a rising state blow at the face of a Conservative MP. More recently, pension, the pensioner guarantee and help with paying the popular Jack Dormond represented his local seat of council tax gave them financial security; and the free Easington and served as chairman of the parliamentary bus pass gave them their independence. Easington, in its Labour party for several years. transition from its coal mining legacy, was always going However, it is my direct predecessor John Cummings to need the support of the Government to assist in about whom I can talk without reference to history building a new economic infrastructure. It is a shame books or the parliamentary archives. Like me, John was that the people of Easington had to wait until 1997 for born in Murton, a small village in Easington, and he that support to come, when a generation had already worked in the coalmines from the age of 15. He was a been lost to unemployment and ill health. However, political activist in the Durham Colliery Mechanics significant progress has been made and the face of Association and the Labour party. He was later elected Easington is changing. to the Easington district council and became its leader. I have been elected to serve the people of Easington In 1987, he was elected to this House and he has served at a time when the coalition Government have committed the people of Easington with passion and diligence for to cut spending, to cut the support to business through 23 years. Indeed, I had the privilege of working for John the regional development agencies, to cut support for and witnessing his extraordinary commitment on behalf jobs through the future jobs fund and to cut support for of the people of Easington during his 23 years of public education by jeopardising the flagship Building Schools service. The whole House can be proud to serve in a for the Future programme and through unidentified democracy where a boy who went down the pit aged cuts to the education budget. The work of the RDA, 15 could rise up to serve as a distinguished Member of One NorthEast, which was highlighted by my hon. this House. John is a friend who has been an inspiration Friends the Members for Newcastle upon Tyne North to me, and I wish him well in his retirement. and for Sunderland Central, has been pivotal in encouraging Easington consists of a series of small villages and new businesses and jobs, not only in Sunderland and the larger towns of Peterlee and Seaham. It has natural Newcastle but in areas such as Easington. beauty in abundance. Our east Durham heritage coast The House has only to look at GT Group in Peterlee, is an undiscovered masterpiece which enticed Lord in my constituency—a cutting-edge manufacturing Byron and Lewis Carroll to the area two centuries ago. company specialising in environmental engineering—which, The communities of Easington are former coal mining with the support of One NorthEast, has safeguarded 667 European Affairs3 JUNE 2010 European Affairs 668
200 jobs and guaranteed 200 new jobs. That is not just Dartford is also the seat that Lady Thatcher contested my perception. In the words of GT Group managing twice and the place where she met her husband Denis. director, Geoff Turnbull, “The major investment To this day, she is referred to as Margaret Roberts by programme” in GT Group some of my more senior local party members. “would have been very difficult without the assistance of One It is traditional for new Members of Parliament to North East and Durham County Council, both of which have say something complimentary about their constituency. shown a real commitment to ensuring our business has the For me, that is easy. Dartford is my home, my background support it requires to be a pioneer in this important technology.” and my life. I grew up locally. I helped my father to I hope this coalition Government will consider seriously deliver milk to the local area on his milk round, and I the policies of the previous Labour Government, which attended Dartford grammar school. Although I probably harnessed the resources of the state to encourage the spent more time in the headmaster’s study than he did, I creation of new businesses and the expansion of businesses still gained a great deal from my education, and I doubt such as GT Group. whether I would be here today if it were not for that The European consensus on renewables, green technology experience. and combating climate change, which was referred to by Dartford is a diverse constituency, with rural villages my right hon. Friend the Member for South Shields and an urban town centre. It is a commuter town, with a (David Miliband), the shadow Foreign Secretary, is a heavy reliance on the rail network. As part of the prime example of the need for co-ordinated Government Thames Gateway, we have seen a large number of new policies that cultivate a positive response from private houses built in the area. Thousands more houses are business in these sectors. One NorthEast was created by planned that could threaten the stability of the local the previous Government and was funded to deliver its area if we do not properly prepare for them. However, ambitious plans for regeneration. We now understand they could also create a wonderful opportunity, if we that it faces cuts of up to 40%, which will effectively cut can ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place the legs from beneath it. We have also lost our north-east to cope with the influx of new residents. The more Minister, my right hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle established areas, such as Joyden’s Wood, Longfield and upon Tyne East (Mr Brown), who provided leadership Hawley, are popular villages for local families to live in. and a coherent strategy across a range of issues in our Areas such as Greenhithe are once again flourishing, region, not least in his support for the Centre for after declining with the loss of manufacturing in the Creative Excellence south of Seaham. area. I am most grateful to you for permitting me to make Dartford also has a rich vein of history. The Roman my maiden speech, Mr Deputy Speaker, and I am most road of Watling street was built through Dartford, thankful to the House for its courtesy and attention. I going under the site of the town’s church, via a ford look forward to more robust exchanges in future and to over the river Darent, thus giving the town its name. many more opportunities to represent the views and Wat Tyler’s revolt began in Dartford, which was where interests of my constituents in this Chamber. he lived and where the peasants congregated before marching towards this House. I am pleased to say that 4.45 pm the residents of Dartford still like to lobby their representatives in a forthright manner, but thankfully Gareth Johnson (Dartford) (Con): Thank you, for me in a less blood-thirsty way these days. Mr Deputy Speaker, for allowing me to make my maiden In the 16th century, Henry VIII’s fourth wife, Anne speech to the House. I commend the speech that the of Cleeves, lived in Dartford, and shortly afterwards the hon. Member for Easington (Grahame M. Morris) gave school that I attended was founded in the town centre. in such an eloquent and powerful manner. Thus began a tradition of good quality education in On the subject of the debate, I agree not only that Dartford that still exists today. Although we have four Britain can benefit from its membership of the European excellent grammar schools in Dartford, we also have Union, but that Europe benefits from Britain’s membership flourishing academies, such as the Leigh technology of the union. We should resist unnecessary interference academy, which attracts pupils from a wide area—so from the European Union, which should not seek to much so that Dartford now needs more school capacity interfere with every facet of our lives. We need individuals to provide sufficient places for local school children. to have greater freedoms over their lives and for this Dartford has other challenges ahead. Our town centre House to have the freedom to operate without further is desperately in need of regeneration. The recent recession subservience to the European Union. has prevented a development project from taking place, This House benefits from the expertise that different and local traders are suffering the consequence of that. Members bring to it. I pay tribute to my predecessor, Another thing that affects traders and local residents Dr Howard Stoate, who brought to the House an is the continuation of the tolls on the Dartford crossing. in-depth knowledge of medical issues, which I am sure The tolls remain in force despite previous assurances, the House appreciated. He served the residents of Dartford and they create congestion and misery across the entire for well over a decade and worked hard for them. area. They act as a literal road block to the opening up Dartford has a tradition of not changing its Member of the Thames Gateway. Any Member who has found of Parliament very often; indeed, I am only the sixth themselves stuck in traffic at the Dartford crossing will Member for Dartford since the second world war. That confirm that, instead of opening up the area, the crossing is a tradition that I would like Dartford to continue. actually stifles it. It also creates pollution, which has a Dartford is also the longest serving bellwether seat in detrimental effect on the health of my constituents. For the entire country, with the Member of Parliament all those reasons, and many more, I will never stop reflecting the Government party for nearly 50 years. campaigning for the tolls on the Dartford crossing to be Again, that is a tradition that I would like to keep. scrapped. 669 European Affairs3 JUNE 2010 European Affairs 670
[Gareth Johnson] Union. Perhaps that explains their reluctance in this new coalition, when Members such as the hon. Member Dartford also has much to be optimistic about. Too for Stone (Mr Cash) can congratulate them on their often, we hear reports in the media about religious speeches on Europe and tell them how far they have tensions, but our Baptist church sits right next door to moved in three weeks. our Sikh temple without a murmur of difficulty, something This fragile coalition will, I predict, be still more of which both congregations are rightly proud. Bluewater fragile on the issue of Europe in times to come. One shopping centre provides fantastic employment thing I can assure the Liberals of is that they are going opportunities and a model apprenticeship scheme—not to have to provide, as a coalition Government, sufficient to mention the shopping opportunities that are keenly Members at any one time—or they will be challenged, experienced by my wife. A lot of work has gone into whatever day and whatever time of day it is. That is improving Dartford. It has a first-class new judo centre particularly so when the new Government want to at Stone, as well as a brand new football stadium and a reduce the number of Members—by 65, I believe. Well, forward-thinking local authority. My constituency is that is a legitimate debating point and we will no doubt also the home of Ebbsfleet International train station, vote on it at some stage in the future, but if we are going which lies on the new high-speed rail line between to reduce the number of Members, we have to have London and Paris. These increased transportation links— those who are Members here in the Chamber in the first rather than increased political links—with the European place. That is the first duty of Government. We, of Union represent the direction in which I believe we course, have less onerous duties in terms of—[Interruption.] should be moving. Oh, I see that a Liberal is belatedly emerging, which I am the first ever Member of Parliament to live in gives me the opportunity to reinforce my point, and the the beautiful rural village of Hartley in my constituency. Liberals will be particularly keen to understand and Villages such as New Barn, Wilmington and Southfleet contemplate it, given their role in the coalition. add to the pleasant country feel of much of the area. It seems to me that politicians across the world and Although it is just 16 miles from this Chamber, Dartford within Europe, however it is defined, are not addressing has a very Kentish character and culture. It is proud to the two biggest issues in the world. The first is population. be distinct from London, and I am very proud to be It is not sustainable for the world population to continue able to represent it. to increase in the way it has. Politicians across the world, including in Europe and in this House, have 4.52 pm virtually nothing to say on that key issue. The second John Mann (Bassetlaw) (Lab): I congratulate the hon. issue that goes alongside the growth of population and Member for Dartford (Gareth Johnson) on his excellent exacerbates it is the problem of migration. maiden speech, and all the other hon. Members who Peoples have always migrated, but when the number have made their maiden speeches today. I particularly of people migrating and the volumes and speed of welcome the fact that we have had four superb speeches migration are increasing as fast as they are today, conflict from new women Members on the Labour Benches. will emerge in all parts of the world. Some of those That demonstrates the fact that, although it is still conflicts will be based on resources, some on climate, happening too slowly, the more representative the some on wars—in fact, some will create wars—and parliamentary Labour party becomes, the more effective some on economic migration, but conflict is fundamental. we will be. As an Opposition, we will be far more Given the size of the world population, it seems to me effective as a result of their contributions and those of that the levels and speed of migration are not sustainable. others that we shall hear. That was ably demonstrated A quarter of the world’s countries have had food riots during the debate. in the past 18 months. Many of the mass migrations I also note that, during the past three hours since the outside the European Union in recent years have led to Front-Bench speeches, the notional quorum of 40 has major conflict, leading to multiple deaths because of not been reached in the House. There are no specific war. business votes today, but this situation will need to be One of the dilemmas and problems that this coalition challenged—perhaps not today, but in the next few will have to face over the EU is that although the Prime weeks. It is neither fair nor reasonable that we should Minister makes great play of how tough he is on have a coalition Government with only half the coalition immigration, on all occasions when he refers to immigration, present. I apologise if there are Members whom I do he means immigration from outside the EU. Thus doctors not recognise because they are new, but I do not spot from India cannot get into this country, even when our any Liberals here. I have spotted some documents that hospitals want them, because the Government—it was have arrived, however: the Liberal party, in government the same under the Labour Government—are “toughening for the first time in 80 years, is represented here today their stance” on immigration. As I say, that means by a pile of papers. For the past two hours, there have immigration from outside the EU. been no Liberals present in the Chamber. They have a Earlier today, however, we heard a leading Liberal, responsibility, when in government, to be here to listen the hon. Member for Bermondsey and Old Southwark and to argue their case. (Simon Hughes), when he had bothered to attend, say I commend the Minister for Europe, and welcome that the new coalition was potentially in favour of him to his job. I believe that he has been present Turkey acceding to the European Union. We have also throughout the debate. That is appropriate Front-Bench heard the new Foreign Secretary outlining how there activity for any party, but where is his Liberal deputy, or will be no referendums on accession. He was prepared any Liberal? Not so long ago, the Liberals would have to name Croatia, but how many more countries are crawled across broken glass to attend a debate on there? With accession, of course, comes free movement Europe to show their enthusiasm for the European of labour. The Maastricht treaty, as voted through by 671 European Affairs3 JUNE 2010 European Affairs 672 the Foreign Secretary and his colleagues in 1992, created working-class communities in schools, in health and in the format, using the treaty of Rome as its basis, but infrastructure. It is those communities who are losing going much further on the free movement of labour. out, and the middle classes who are benefiting. We have heard speech after speech, including those I hope that the spokesmen on my party’s Front Bench from the Eurosceptics on the Conservative Benches, are listening, because this issue is fundamental to the saying unequivocally that what they want is more people whom we represent. The social model within flexibility—in other words, a cheap labour pool for Europe that allows this mass migration—the free movement business. That is what flexibility is about for them. For a of labour to whatever destination—is not sustainable, power worker at Staythorpe power station or for a and the European Union is not sustainable with it. worker at the East Lindsey oil refinery, or at many other There must be a restriction to protect the position of places, as new migrants have come in, the agencies have those working-class communities, not least mine. squeezed wage levels and reduced the opportunities for jobs. In my area, the agencies recruit in Polish from Poland and then employ those people in factories on a 5.3 pm casual basis, day by day. The fact that workers in my Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con): Thank you, Mr. Deputy constituency and surrounding constituencies cannot Speaker, for the opportunity to make my maiden speech, compete with those wage levels is causing fundamental and to speak up for the people of Dover and of Deal. I problems which this dishonest coalition is refusing to congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Dartford address. (Gareth Johnson) on his excellent maiden speech, and on his passionate and trenchant defence of the Dartford Chris Heaton-Harris: During their 13 years in office, crossing. He and I share an interest in, and a concern how did the last Labour Government manage to address about, the selling off of our nation’s assets. I also the problem that the hon. Gentleman has described—of congratulate Members on both sides of the House who “British jobs for British workers”? have made their maiden speeches today. The list has grown too long for me to name all those Members, but John Mann: The hon. Gentleman has not had the all their speeches were excellent, and I believe that they privilege and joy of listening to my speeches about the all have a great future in this place. issue in the past, but I will give him an opportunity to It is traditional to congratulate and celebrate one’s do so now. I have made the same criticism of the predecessor in the constituency. I pay great tribute to Labour Government, who made a fundamental error in Gwyn Prosser, who was an excellent hard-working Member failing to address the problem of agency workers and of Parliament, well known by Labour Members. He the programme of migration. was also a very loyal and diligent Member of Parliament, This issue will not go away. We cannot go on expanding who took up the causes and concerns of the people of the European Union and allowing more cheaper-wage Dover and Deal. When what I used to think were simple economies to move in, because that is not sustainable. problems, easily solved, suddenly landed in my lap, I There is a deeper unsustainability when we see people found that they were less simple and less easily solved migrating to where social conditions are better. The than might have seemed the case outside this great and Germans have a solution with their Gastarbeiter—there august House. He was a very fine Member of Parliament, are 20 million Turks living in Germany who are not and he will be a hard act to follow. official citizens—but it cannot be applied within the I understand that it is also traditional to talk about European Union. one’s constituency and its history. We in Dover are, of People migrate here quite legitimately, realising that course, used to visitors. One of our earliest recorded they can work here and then retire here, benefiting from visits was in 55 BC by Julius Caesar; he caught an early health and education services that are significantly better ferry from France and came to Dover. In those days than those in the potential new accession countries. In border security was quite good—would that were still their position, I would think it rational to move. I would the case—and he was unable to make a landing at think it rational to get my children into good British Dover because warlike tribesmen were going to see him schools. I would think it rational to use the British off. Instead he went down the coast a few miles—to health service, because investment has made it far better Deal and Walmer, it is said—where he landed and did than others. The people who lose out, however, are not the customary European thing in those days: proceeded the middle classes, who are happy to enjoy a plethora of with an invasion. Having made some progress with his new restaurants in London and happy to benefit from invasion, he then dispatched a communiqué back to the au pairs, gardeners and other advantages of cheap Rome. This is what he said: labour, but working-class communities. That is where “By far the most civilised inhabitants are those living in Kent, the new migrant labour lives. The pressure on health a purely maritime district”. and schools has a disproportionate impact on the very Well, Dover maritime is very maritime—and, we like to people who do not gain the benefits of that migrant think, very, very civilised. While we are disappointed labour, and who are competing with it for jobs. That is that Julius Caesar made war upon us, we forgive him a not a sustainable social model. bit because of his very communautaire approach in A major change will be necessary at the heart of the talking so nicely about us to his capital city. treaty of Rome. Currently, under that treaty, the Maastricht European relations have continued in this vein ever treaty and the various accession Acts that have been since, in war and in peace. In Napoleonic times the passed by successive Governments, workers and family channel fleet was stationed off the coast of Deal. The members must not become a burden on the social long historical link between Deal and the Royal Marines assistance system. Well, they are not, but that is to do was forged, too. As Members will know, we are celebrating with the benefits system. The real cost is the cost to the the 70th anniversary of Operation Dynamo, the glorious 673 European Affairs3 JUNE 2010 European Affairs 674
[Charlie Elphicke] House’s attention the case of Major Bill Shaw, MBE. He is a man who was commissioned from the ranks. He retreat from Dunkirk. Our white cliffs came to symbolise was a regimental sergeant major and was awarded an a nation’s struggle to survive—a nation’s struggle for MBE for his excellent services to the armed forces. He sovereignty and the values of liberty, democracy and was promoted to the rank of major and subsequently freedom that our nation upholds. As Member of Parliament retired having served in Bosnia and Iraq, having been for Dover, I know that I carry a heavy responsibility to decorated and having instructed at Sandhurst. uphold those vital values. He has served our country well, but today he finds Dover paid a heavy price for being in Hellfire Corner. himself in an Afghan jail facing a two-year sentence as We lost a beautiful regency town, and we are still a result of allegations of “corruption”; there seems to waiting for regeneration to this day. I have said to my have been a misunderstanding as to what constitutes electors that my hope is that with investment, jobs and corruption and what constitutes a payment to release money, the gateway to England can once again become one’s car from the pound. I am concerned about this a jewel in the crown of our nation. This is my hope. I matter, as is his family, and we want to see that justice is want it to be my life’s work, and I hope we will achieve it done. There are questions as to whether due procedure and succeed. was followed, and whether he received justice. I ask my Other things come out of our history of being the colleagues on the Front Bench to examine this case and gateway to England and the border of our nation. The see what can be done for this man. He defended us for first of them is concern: concern that the previous most of his life, and it is therefore right that we should Government conceived a plan to sack our experienced defend him in his hour of need and ensure that his case immigration officers. We are concerned because we do is properly looked at and his interests properly defended not want porous borders, nor do we want more human by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. trafficking, more gun running or more drug smuggling. I thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, for giving me this We want to ensure that we have proper border security opportunity to make my maiden speech; I am very and national security. We want to ensure that the “jungle” grateful. in Calais is dealt with, not simply because we are concerned about the number of people there, but because we are concerned about the children there, who are 5.11 pm living in terrible conditions. We want them to be looked Brandon Lewis (Great Yarmouth) (Con): Thank you, after properly in a proper European settled way. We Mr Deputy Speaker, for giving me the opportunity to must co-operate with our friends, allies and community make my maiden speech as the new Member of Parliament partners to get a lasting solution to this concern that for Great Yarmouth. I congratulate my hon. Friend the many hold. Member for Dover (Charlie Elphicke) and all the hon. The previous Government also conceived a plan to Members who have made their maiden speeches today. sell off our port. We do not want our nation’s borders to So excellent have they been that there is great pressure be sold. The people of Dover are trenchantly opposed on those who rise to speak at this stage of the day, to that idea. I come here planning to do all in my power because we are very aware of what has come before. to find a better way forward than simply to sell it off at I am also conscious of Great Yarmouth’s history, and the bottom of the market, possibly to a foreign power. it seems, in an ironic way, fitting that I should make my That would be the wrong thing to do for our nation’s maiden speech in a debate on Europe, given some of the security. political controversy that Great Yarmouth has enjoyed The people of Dover also want to have a proper over the years. That dates back to the fact that some hospital back in Dover. The previous Government offered Members of Parliament of the time signed the death us a polyclinic, having run down our hospital. We say warrant for King Charles I in Great Yarmouth—I we want a proper hospital, with care beds and doctor-led commend the museum there to any hon. Member who emergency services. These things are important to us wishes to find out more about that—and carried on because the nearest acute hospitals are 40 minutes down through to its dissolution as a constituency in the the road by car and four hours by public transport. mid-1900s for electoral questions and corruption, only That is bad for old people, and those who are badly off for the constituency subsequently to rise again. and cannot afford a car and do not have access to one. I am the third Member of Parliament to represent We want a fair share of health care; we feel that is very Great Yarmouth in its new formation. The first was important. Michael Carttiss, which is why I mentioned the irony of People in Dover have also told me time and again, the fact that I am speaking in a European debate. “When you come to the House, Charlie, tell them we Michael’s views, actions and speeches on Europe and want a George cross, too.” That might be a bit much to on the Maastricht treaty are still notorious in Great ask, but our area paid a heavy price in the war, and Yarmouth and Norfolk, as they doubtless are with people might compare the price we paid with the price some hon. Members. He gave years of public service that Malta paid. This case should be examined, and I and still serves as a Norfolk county councillor in the hope that it will be, in due course. Great Yarmouth area. He was followed by my direct Finally, I should say that the liberty of the subject is predecessor, Mr Anthony Wright, who has also given a one of the most important calls on any Member of huge amount of public service and who deserves a great Parliament, and as the Member of Parliament for Dover, deal of thanks from me and from all the constituents of I especially feel that responsibility, given my constituency’s Great Yarmouth. We should recognise the amount of history in defending our nation’s freedom and liberty. time that he put in as a councillor and council leader, The honouring of the military covenant is also important and as the Member of Parliament for Great Yarmouth. to people in Dover and Deal. I therefore bring to the He built a great reputation among all its residents for 675 European Affairs3 JUNE 2010 European Affairs 676 being a genuine, straight and friendly man to deal with, bringing that about. I have already talked to Ministers and he did so much to represent many charities across to ensure that Great Yarmouth gets a really good shot the constituency. at delivering on some of the opportunities arising from There are a great many things to do in my constituency, the new energy industry. I want to protect and grow our and it is fitting that I am speaking on a day when so economy, and to protect and grow energy for our country many hon. Members representing seaside and coastal in the future. resorts have spoken. There has been a form of competition We have a wide diversity of business in Great Yarmouth. as to who represents the best coastal town, and I shall The Government’s plans to free up business and put my pitch in for Great Yarmouth, the second largest entrepreneurs are very exciting. The tourism industry is seaside town in the country. Tourism is a hugely important the essence of our entrepreneurship, but among our industry for my area, as it is worth getting on for businesses are also companies that supply potatoes for £500 million a year to its economy. That makes it crisps and chips. Other firms supply microchips for important to Great Yarmouth, to Norfolk and to East NASA and the Ministry of Defence, and still others Anglia. Our area contains more than most people realise. provide broadband services and other facilities. It contains a large chunk of the Norfolk broads, rural Mine is a diverse and exciting constituency. I have a villages to enjoy, architecture that dates back to the phenomenal job ahead of me in making sure that I ruins of Roman forts, places with links to Nelson, some deliver on the trust and faith that the people of Great fabulous museums, a race track, a dog track and a Yarmouth have placed in me. I want to follow those that wonderful shoreline. have gone before in making sure that we take advantage However, part of that shoreline is under threat from of the opportunities that exist for the area. I intend to coastal erosion. Our coast stretches from Winterton, play my part in making sure that we grip with them with through Hemsby, Scratby, Great Yarmouth itself, Gorleston both hands. I hope that I can play a small part in and Hopton. I will have work to do as a Member of moving Great Yarmouth forward, thereby helping our Parliament to support the new Government on this country to grow in the years ahead. issue, when, as I hope, we move away from the bureaucracy and red tape that has led to report after report on 5.17 pm coastal erosion, and get down to doing some work to protect our coastline and safeguard some of the Chris Heaton-Harris (Daventry) (Con): Thank you, communities in Great Yarmouth. I will work with my Mr. Deputy Speaker, for giving me my second opportunity hon. Friend and ally the Member for North Norfolk to speak in what is only my third week in this place. I (Norman Lamb) to make sure that we protect the look forward to goading my hon. Friend the Member coastline to the east of Norfolk more generally. for Rhondda (Chris Bryant), the former Minister for Europe, into answering some of my questions in a few We must also remember that tourism is an important moments. industry for our country. I hope to play my part in arguing the case for it, as it is one of our most cost-effective I come to this place after 10 years of experience in the industries in creating jobs. That is something that we in European Parliament. Throughout that time, the hon. Great Yarmouth need, as at certain times of the year Member for Rhondda was ever present in European our unemployment is way above average. circles. He first came to us as a lobbyist, talking to us in BBC-speak about the audio-visual media services directive The town has one of the most deprived wards in the and such like, but his later guise was as the Minister for country, and there is much work to do to improve our Europe. infrastructure. One of my predecessors often joked that the nearest motorway was on mainland Europe, and However, first I want to address the current Minister not too much has changed. We have work to do in that for Europe. There are a number of tricks of the trade—I regard, but it is worth doing. know that my hon. Friend will learn them very quickly—but I do not think that they were completely grasped by his Earlier, I was pleased to hear my right hon. Friend predecessor in the role. the Foreign Secretary mention the green agenda, climate change and the need for new energy sources in the First, I do not think that we have ever used all the future, because all that represents an opportunity for power that we should be able to wield in European Great Yarmouth. Just as the hon. Member for Sunderland institutions. We are, and have been for a number of Central (Julie Elliott) noted with regard to her constituency, years, the second largest net contributor to the EU Great Yarmouth can benefit from renewable energy. I budget. We all know, because it is often talked about in believe that I can work with my hon. Friend the Member this place, that for the past 15 years the European for Waveney (Peter Aldous) to make Lowestoft and Commission’s accounts have not been signed off—in Great Yarmouth an epicentre for renewable energy in the technical language, given a “positive statement of our region, as well as in our country and in Europe. assurance”—by the European Court of Auditors. We in Great Yarmouth already have the experience of That state of affairs has continued since 1994. During working with the offshore oil and gas industries, and all 13 years of the previous Labour Government, not the offshore wind farm at Scroby Sands used to be the one Treasury Minister visiting Brussels queried whether largest in Europe. A new wind farm is coming, and we were getting value for money. Not only that, but no there is the local potential to exploit marine energy and one asked whether so much money should be spent on other renewables because we have the necessary experience projects that were well known to be affected by fraud and expertise. Most importantly, our phenomenal new and mismanagement. outer harbour has created a deep-water port that will If we were to punch above our weight—or at least at allow us to service the industry, not just through facilitating our weight—in Europe, I would suggest that we honour, its supply chain when it is built, but by acting as its almost, what French, German and Spanish colleagues construction base. I intend to play my part, loudly, in do. They would stop at absolutely nothing to get their 677 European Affairs3 JUNE 2010 European Affairs 678
[Chris Heaton-Harris] Ms Gisela Stuart: The hon. Gentleman is a former Member of the European Parliament and before he gets way in those institutions. They would drag the budget too sanctimonious, I remind him that during the Convention process to a halt. They would drag a former British on the Future of Europe the European Parliament Prime Minister to talk about trumpets at the gate and refused to agree on one seat because the default position say that he is actually just about to give away a huge in the treaty is that the Parliament sits in Strasbourg. amount of British money to keep them quiet—to stop Without French agreement, it would have had to give them moaning at him for some other engagements that up its seat in Brussels. he might be doing around the world. We must absolutely remind our European partners that yes, we do want to Chris Heaton-Harris: There are many other examples, play a full part in European institutions with our European from debates held over the years in all institutions in friends, in whatever future Europe has, but that actually Europe—and from debates that I have read in this we want to be regarded as a fair partner as well. We House—of wonderful ideas on what we could do with have been playing—and paying—their game for too long. the buildings of Strasbourg or Brussels. The fact is that I suggest to my hon. Friend the Minister that we we are talking about a huge, expensive white elephant should be arguing for more repeal of European that the people of Britain think is yet another waste of legislation—something that just does not happen any taxpayers’ money. more. We want sunset clauses in all new directives I know that this will not make my hon. Friend the passing through the European Commission, as I hope Minister particularly popular when he is in negotiations we would expect in any new legislation that passes on the other side of the channel, but I just ask him to through this place, so that if a directive does not work, mention, every now and again when the French delegation there is an opportunity for it to fall. gets a bit excited about reformulation of the common I would advise my hon. Friend about EU-creep. No, I agricultural policy or something else—the French get am not like Nigel Farage, the former UK Independence excited about all sorts of things—that we have been party leader, referring to the Presidents of the European very generous in allowing them to maintain the seat of Council. I am talking about where Europe gradually the European Parliament in Strasbourg, because it is extends its field. Six years ago, as a Member of the unpalatable to most of our electorates. European Parliament, I went to a meeting where I was I wish my hon. Friend the greatest of luck in his new advised that the External Action Service—which we role. There are great difficulties across the continent at commented on earlier today—was simply not going to the moment. There is the crisis of the huge debt that happen. On the way to that meeting, I met a friend of many countries have, and the incongruous way in which mine who had just had a job interview for a position that debt may have to be serviced by other members of with that External Action Service. I told the gentleman the eurozone—I like to think that it would not be from the Foreign Office who had told me that the serviced by British taxpayers. There are other pressures, service would not happen, that I had this friend and too. The hon. Member for Bassetlaw (John Mann) that jobs were available, and he said that no, he must made the point that we cannot have British jobs for have got that absolutely wrong. For years, those who British workers, and talked about the pressures that now sit on the Opposition Benches have said that there future accessions might bring. I know from my time in would be no such thing—that it would not happen—and the European Parliament, and from going round schools now we have a full-blown External Action Service. We in what was my region and is now my constituency, how are going to have European Commission offices acting deeply unpopular among the British people the possible like embassies across the globe, diminishing the role of accession of Turkey could be. If we press forward with those of member states. it, we will have a great deal of work to do in explaining I am deeply concerned about the passerelle clause to our electorate that it is the right thing for Britain and that came into being in the Lisbon treaty—the constitution: British workers. it was and is the same thing. I believe that that clause will be actioned on many occasions, and probably is being actioned at this moment. I am equally concerned John Mann: Can the hon. Gentleman explain why the about the growth in the European Union’s budget. All new coalition Government will potentially have referendums these things are not negatives taken on their own, but on all sorts of things to do with the European Union, together they add up to what I call Euro-creep: a but not on the question of any accession? Does he not growing tendency for powers and money to gravitate see that as rather a contradiction? towards the centre, which is Brussels—and, of course, Strasbourg. Chris Heaton-Harris: I thank the hon. Gentleman for I opened my maiden speech by saying that it was a asking me a question way above the pay grade of such a great shame that we have to have Strasbourg as a home cub Member; I refuse to answer it because I haven’t got for the European Parliament. Ministers, the current a clue what the answer is. That is the blunt honesty that Deputy Prime Minister and I set up a campaign in the will, I hope, become associated with me. If we go down European Parliament. We had a petition that got 1 the line of accession, we should look not only at Croatia, million signatures online—including that of the now but at countries such as Macedonia, which has been European Commissioner from Sweden—to try to get held back because of its problems with Greece over so only one seat for the European Parliament. I know the simple a thing as its name and history. problems that go with it, but I emphasise to hon. There are many items on which there are problems Members that surely the current arrangement is one ahead, but I would like to think that my hon. Friend, example of a member state punching way above its the Minister for Europe, has it all completely under weight. control. 679 European Affairs3 JUNE 2010 European Affairs 680
5.28 pm most winning teams on “University Challenge”, and we look forward to his intelligence, which I am sure he will Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): It is an enormous deploy throughout Europe over the coming months. pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Daventry (Chris Heaton-Harris), who referred to me as his hon. Friend; We heard a great number of maiden speeches, and coalitions are building, but I do not think that they are that makes this debate rather different from any other, going quite that far. It is a delight to see him, because because remarkably few Members said anything about despite his absolutely ludicrous, nonsensical opinions Europe. But, that is in the way of things, and there have on Europe—and nearly everything else under the sun—he been some excellent speeches. It is a shame— is quite a nice guy. Indeed, we have shared many a pint, Ms Gisela Stuart: Will my hon. Friend give way? and several bottles of wine, which I think I always paid for, in Les Aviateurs in Strasbourg. I wish him well. The Chris Bryant: Yes, of course. hon. Gentleman follows on from a very fine Member of Parliament, who was much respected across the House; Ms Stuart: I was just wondering: is there any room he had much more sensible views than the hon. Gentleman, for women in “Dad’s Army”? I fear. I should explain to new hon. Members that the Chris Bryant: I was about to make exactly that point. normal course of an EU debate is that we have exactly It is so rare for my hon. Friend to help me in any the same people along to every single one for about debates on Europe, but it is a great pleasure. It might 15 years, and they deliver their single transferrable just be a facet of today’s debate, but, as I was just about speech, which they have delivered at every previous such to say, it is an enormous shame that, while we have had debate. It sometimes reminds one a bit of a sitcom—“Dad’s several maiden speeches from women Opposition Members, Army” springs to mind. There is always somebody— we did not have a single one from a woman Government normally it is the hon. Member for Stone (Mr Cash), Member. I do not want to make a big partisan point who does not seem to be in the Chamber at the moment— about that, but we must achieve a House that is more who is rather irritating, and just ever so slightly pompous, representative of the whole of Britain. but whose heart, we know, is really in the right place: There have been some excellent speeches. The hon. the Captain Mainwaring of the House. We always have Member for Wyre Forest (Mark Garnier)— the immensely suave Sergeant Wilson, who is of course the hon. Member for North Dorset (Mr Walter). I am Mr Cash rose— not suggesting that he resembles Sergeant Wilson in any other regard, incidentally. Chris Bryant: Ah! Captain Mainwaring himself. We always have someone who has to say, “Don’t Mr Cash: I cannot resist it. Does the hon. Gentleman panic, Mr Mainwaring! Don’t panic! It’s all going to be take upon himself the mantle of Godfrey? okay!”, and that is normally my hon. Friend the Member for Luton North (Kelvin Hopkins), who on these matters, Chris Bryant: Far be it from me to take any mantles unfortunately, never agrees with me about anything. upon myself at all, although I thought that I might be Warden Hodges, who was always the nemesis of Captain Mr Davidson: Get on with it, Pike! Mainwaring. Anyway, we had a splendid speech from the hon. Chris Bryant: I am glad that my hon. Friend is piping Member for Wyre Forest—[Interruption.] He has moved! up, because we always have Private Frazer, “We’re doomed, He gave us some wonderful geographical outlines of his Captain Mainwaring! We’re doomed!”, and he is always constituency, and I thought that I could just hear Elgar played by my hon. Friend. playing in the background. Then, of course, we always have someone who is We also had a splendid speech from the hon. Member immensely sanctimonious—[Interruption.] And lo and for Brighton, Kemptown (Simon Kirby), who talked behold, the hon. Member for Bermondsey and Old about how the French razed Brighton at some point. He Southwark (Simon Hughes) has arrived in the Chamber. thought that the people of Brighton were rather troubled Such sanctimony, I hope, will be a thing of the past by the French, but then he went on to praise the from the Liberal Democrats. If there is one thing that Norman church. I think that at some point the Normans they must have learned on becoming members of the were the French, were they not? So there seemed to be a coalition, it is that sanctimony must be a thing of the bit of inconsistency there, but he made a splendidly past for the Liberal Democrats. I can see that several short speech, and brevity is the soul of wit in this Conservatives who were Members in the previous Chamber. [Interruption.] That does not apply to me. Parliament agree, and the hon. Gentleman is surely the [Interruption.] Neither brevity nor wit. vicar from “Dad’s Army”. We had a splendid speech from my hon. Friend the At this point I should like to welcome the Minister Member for Wirral South (Alison McGovern), who for Europe, the hon. Member for Aylesbury (Mr Lidington) gave us a great sense of a passion for culture, which is to his post. He is a splendid man; I know him well; and not just an add-on to political life, but absolutely intrinsic he has very good intentions. Again, doubtless, he is to the life of her constituency. She also referred to our about to show us that he has ludicrous politics, but he is former leader, Harold Wilson, and his time in the a nice man. He is sometimes perhaps a little too precise constituency. in his politics, and that might render him the verger We had a splendid contribution from the hon. Member from “Dad’s Army”, who was just always a little too for York Outer (Julian Sturdy)—a peculiarly named precise for his own good. However, the hon. Gentleman and, perhaps, constructed constituency. He referred to is an extremely intelligent man, who I think has led the it as a doughnut constituency and he did, indeed, sound 681 European Affairs3 JUNE 2010 European Affairs 682
[Chris Bryant] he intends to wear his T-shirt in here at some point. He mentioned various films because he has a history of his like the representative of the York tourist board, as of own in that line of work. course all hon. Members do at some point—well, not My hon. Friend the Member for Easington (Grahame for York, obviously. He said that it is his 39th birthday, M. Morris) made an extremely passionate speech referring so we wish him well. He does not look 39 yet, but I can to the problems that mining constituencies have had— assure him, given the way that IPSA is treating us all, something that I know about from my constituency in that within a year he will look considerably more than Rhondda, where we still have to overcome some of the 40. I also note that he looks a little like his father, the problems that were given to us from the past. Member of the European Parliament. The hon. Member for Dartford (Gareth Johnson) We heard a splendid speech from my hon. Friend the mentioned Wat Tyler’s revolt. I thought that we were Member for Newcastle upon Tyne North (Catherine about to hear a radical, left-wing speech and that he McKinnell), who referred to Doug Henderson. I hope was going to give us Wat Tyler’s lines, “When Adam that she will be running marathons as well. He was, I delved and Eve span, who was then the gentleman?”—but think, the third fastest marathon runner in the House; then we know, of course, that it is every single member there is a tradition that several are run every year. She of the new Cabinet. referred to Rolos—I never liked Rolos very much—and Andrews Liver Salts, which did not seem like a particularly The hon. Member for Dover (Charlie Elphicke) went interesting combination of food. She is a very astute right back in history to the time of Julius Caesar and woman, because she praised the local media assiduously; said that the border controls were rather good in those I am sure that that will get her a fine headline in her days; well, they were not, really, because we were entirely local newspaper. invaded. He described Dover as the gateway to England, whereas I think of Bristol as the gateway to England My hon. Friend the Member for Sunderland Central from Wales—a far more important avenue. (Julie Elliott) made a fine speech. I did not understand The hon. Member for Great Yarmouth (Brandon any of the stuff about football, because I have never Lewis) started by talking about the death warrant for understood football; I look forward to switching off all Charles I. I was a little bewildered at that point, because the televisions over the next month. She referred to I thought that he was going to blame that on the Chris Mullin, a Member who was respected across all European Union. parts of the House for his work—and feared, in equal measure, because of his diaries. There are more instalments to come, I fear. Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): indicated assent. The hon. Member for North Warwickshire (Dan Byles) kindly referred to Mike O’Brien, who was, again, Chris Bryant: I see the hon. Gentleman nodding. He respected by many people. He mentioned the bun day at thinks that everything bad that has ever happened is his local school, with the giving out of buns. It sounded basically down to the European Union, the Labour as though that was happening during the general election, Government or, for all I know, me personally. which I thought counted as “treating”, but there we are. He referred to his time in the Royal Army Medical There were also important contributions that were Corps and in Banja Luka in what was, I think, normally actually about Europe. In particular, the hon. Member referred to as the mental factory rather than the metal for North Dorset (Mr Walter) referred to the issues factory. It is good to have such a mix of people who relating to the Western European Union, in which he have served in the armed forces in this House, especially has played a significant part. I hope that the new when we are still at war. Minister for Europe will be able to answer some of those questions, particularly about what his plans are My hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham South for making sure there is a replacement, so that the (Lilian Greenwood) made a very good speech. For me, important job of scrutinising European foreign and the most moving point was when she referred to the defence policy is not just assumed by the European squandering of the talents of so many women. She has Parliament. That would not be the right place for that experienced that in her own family’s history, but it is to be done. also true in very many walks of life, and it is something that we still need significantly to address. My hon. Friend the Member for Linlithgow and East Falkirk (Michael Connarty), who I hope is not only the The hon. Member for North West Leicestershire past Chairman of the European Scrutiny Committee, (Andrew Bridgen) started with a risqué joke. I myself but the future Chairman, made some important points have never used a risqué joke, or tried to be risqué, in about how we conduct scrutiny in the House. I have the past. He said that he loved Europe, but of course we always thought that we have not done it very well and, knew what was coming—he does not really like Europe during my time as a Minister, I tried to improve that. I very much, or any of its institutions, and certainly not hope that the Minister will able to say whether he will the single European currency. table a new scrutiny reserve resolution for that Committee My hon. Friend the Member for Sefton Central (Bill as soon as possible. That was very much in the pipeline Esterson) made an important speech, particularly in before the general election and I hope it can be arranged relation to the need for 21st-century buildings if we are as soon as possible. to provide 21st-century educational standards. He talked I celebrate the presence of my hon. Friend the Member about the exploitation of foreign workers, with a very for Birmingham, Edgbaston (Ms Stuart) in the Chamber. interesting story from his own family. Even if she can sometimes slightly irritate me, I am The hon. Member for Hove (Mike Weatherley) said delighted she is here. The doughtiness of her campaign that he is an Iron Maiden fan, or supporter; in any case, in her constituency stood her in good stead in the 683 European Affairs3 JUNE 2010 European Affairs 684 general election and, even though we sometimes disagree The European Union has got close to signing up to a with her, I am sure that we all accept that the doughtiness free trade agreement with Peru and Colombia. When I of her argument is well put. She made some important was in post, I was keen to try to ensure that that would points this afternoon about the euro and the genuine have to be ratified in the Parliaments of every member crisis in Europe, as did my hon. Friend the Member for state. I hope that the Minister for Europe will ensure Luton North (Kelvin Hopkins). However, he did say that it must be ratified in this Parliament. something rather odd about Argentina’s economy, which The hon. Member for Bermondsey and Old Southwark I would suggest is nowhere near as prosperous as he (Simon Hughes) said that the Liberal Democrats had seems to think. never argued for the euro. Perhaps the party did not all The speeches of the hon. Member for Stone (Mr Cash) the time, but the new Chief Secretary, the Deputy Prime speak for themselves and I cannot add to them. He put Minister and the Secretary of State for Energy and his Front Benchers on the spot a bit about whether Climate Change did. It is good to see them on the road there should be a referendum, which was an important to Damascus, but it would sometimes be nice to hear a point also well made by my hon. Friend the Member for little less sanctimony from them. Bassetlaw (John Mann). One of the most controversial European issues––it certainly has been over the past six months in British politics, although it is rarely expressed 5.45 pm in public––is that of migration within the European The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington): I Union, and I do not understand why accession treaties thank the hon. Member for Rhondda (Chris Bryant) should not, under the logic being advanced by the new for his welcome to me on my first appearance in my new Government, be subject to a referendum as well. It is ministerial capacity in a European Union debate. If he one of the issues that will most materially affect member looks at the repeated comments of my right hon. Friend states. the Foreign Secretary in opposition and since we came to office, he will see that, although we have said that we Mr Cash: As I am sure the right hon. Gentleman hope for a better relationship with Russia than has been knows, the problem specifically arises in relation to the case in recent years, we do not regard it as something Croatian accession, particularly the linking of that to to be entered into lightly. We certainly expect Russia to the Irish guarantees. That takes us back to the constitution abide by her international obligations, and events such under the Lisbon treaty. as the occupation of territory, which is legitimately part of Georgia, are unacceptable. We are all too aware of Chris Bryant: The hon. Gentleman makes a point to the implications of the Litvinenko case and Moscow’s which I hope the Minister will be able to reply. refusal so far to respond. Although our approach to Moscow will be positive—we hope for Russia’s co-operation Mr Davidson: Will my hon. Friend give way? on important global issues, such as counter-terrorist efforts and countering the threat of nuclear proliferation Chris Bryant: Yeah, go on. from Iran and other countries—it will also be cautious. The hon. Gentleman will be all too aware of the Mr Davidson: I am grateful to Private Pike for giving complexities of the dispute in Cyprus, but the Government way. Can I take it from his criticisms of the Government are intent on being energetic in supporting the relevant Front Benchers that it is the Opposition’s policy that parties in seeking an agreement leading to the reunification there should be a referendum before any other accession of the island. That would be the best thing for both treaty? communities.
Chris Bryant: No, of course my hon. Friend cannot! Ms Gisela Stuart: What is the British Government’s He knows perfectly well he cannot––he is a mischievous position if the United Nations says that Cyprus is a lad. The point I am trying to make is that there is an European problem and we need to sort it out? illogicality about the Government’s position. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman––sorry, I mean my hon. Friend, Mr Lidington: With respect to the hon. Lady, we are I sometimes forget––will at some point want to make not in that position yet. Talks have resumed between the that point to the Government, rather than always doing Government in Nicosia and the representatives of the so to us. Turkish Cypriots, and I greatly hope that they have a May I just ask the Minister some very quick questions? more positive outcome than has been the case in the First, I urge him to be extremely careful about trying to past couple of years. reset the relationship with Russia. There are very big I am with the hon. Member for Rhondda on Macedonia. problems in relation to Russia, not only in its attitude It is important that we get a resolution to the dispute towards the Ukraine and Georgia, but with internal between Skopje and Athens. From our point of view, democracy and human rights––those who seek the bear’s the sooner that Macedonia can be seen to be clearly on embrace all too often get hugged to death. On Cyprus, I the path towards full EU membership, the better. hope that he will push forward as much as he possibly The hon. Gentleman needs to be careful when giving can. We can stand ready to help if there is anything that lectures about referendums and seeking popular consent. we can do. Britain obviously plays a key role in trying to It is fair knockabout for him to say when responding to develop a peace in Cyprus. the hon. Member for Glasgow South West (Mr Davidson) Likewise, Britain has over the past couple of years that he detected some illogicality in the Government’s played a strong role in relation to Greece and Macedonia, approach. There is complete logic in his approach to trying to resolve something that to many people outside referendums: he does not want any, in any shape or those countries seems completely illogical. form, on anything to do with the European Union’s 685 European Affairs3 JUNE 2010 European Affairs 686
[Mr Lidington] The hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne North (Catherine McKinnell) spoke of the need for jobs and future powers. That makes his position different from investment in the north-east, and made a very wise that which the two coalition parties have adopted and paean for her local media, which I am sure will ensure embodied in their agreement. We believe that power that her speech gets the coverage in her region that she resides ultimately with the people, who should have the hopes for. final say on any further initiative to transfer powers The hon. Member for Sunderland Central (Julie Elliott) from the House and the British Government to Brussels. spoke about the importance of Nissan, jobs and economic growth in her constituency, but also warmly of Chris Mr Davidson rose— Mullin, a former colleague whom we all miss. He had no airs and graces—probably very few ex-Ministers, Mr Lidington: If the hon. Gentleman will forgive me, when penning their memoirs, would actually write about I must press on. an incident in which officials forgot to remove a post-it note that they had inscribed, “This is a very low priority. There were 15 maiden speeches and I compliment all Perhaps we could pass it to Chris Mullin.” those colleagues and Opposition Members who spoke for the first time today. My hon. Friend the Member for North Warwickshire (Dan Byles) spoke about the diverse community in his My hon. Friend the Member for Wyre Forest (Mark constituency and the diverse recreations in which they Garnier) demonstrated early on that he aims to copy take part. However, if I may say, I thought he was the independent streak of his immediate predecessor. hiding his light under a bushel. I feel that a man who He will be a doughty champion for his constituents, but has rowed the Atlantic could surely emerge in next he also spoke wisely about the economic advantages year’s Atherstone ball game at 5 pm holding the ball—he that he sees his constituents gaining from this country’s will probably be the only one remaining upright in continued membership of the EU. Atherstone village. I look forward to him telling us of My hon. Friend the Member for Brighton, Kemptown that achievement in future years. (Simon Kirby) spoke about the ups and downs of the The hon. Member for Nottingham South (Lilian Anglo-French relationship over the centuries. Like many Greenwood) spoke with great passion about what led hon. Members on both sides of the House, he gave us a her into politics. I suspect that she and I will have many kind of Cook’s tour of the best tourist sites in his disagreements, but anybody who listened to her speech, constituency.I felt I was getting the benefit of a top-quality whatever their political view, will have felt encouraged travel documentary programme condensed into a and inspired that they too might one day be able to parliamentary debate. make a difference. Her determination and perseverance The hon. Member for Wirral South (Alison McGovern) are things that all of us can admire, and she is very spoke of the importance of European trade to businesses welcome here. in her constituency. What came through above all in her My hon. Friend the Member for North West speech was her sense of pride in, and affection for, the Leicestershire (Andrew Bridgen) spoke of the urgency area where she grew up and that she now represents. I of tackling the United Kingdom’s deficit in public was delighted to hear from her that Harold Wilson finances. The hon. Member for Rhondda was unfair to could be said to have started his career in her constituency. my hon. Friend, because he reminded us that it is Of course, when he became Prime Minister, he fell so in possible for someone to feel that they are culturally part love with Chequers and Buckinghamshire that he ended of Europe—to feel an affinity with everything that up retiring to Great Kingshill just outside my constituency. European civilisation has produced—but also to feel It is something of a habit for former Labour leaders. that they do not want further political integration within Clem Attlee did exactly the same thing—when he accepted the European Union. We need to accept that Europe is an earldom, he took the secondary title of Viscount now united and at peace, but also that it is diverse. The Prestwood, in honour of the village in Buckinghamshire trick for Europe is to recognise that diversity as well as where he lived—and now Mr Tony Blair has also decided its unity. to make his home in that most conservative of counties. The estate agents in my constituency scan the post every The hon. Member for Sefton Central (Bill Esterson) morning for the envelope postmarked Kirkcaldy and spoke in particular about the importance of education Cowdenbeath. to his constituents. My hon. Friend the Member for My hon. Friend the Member for York Outer (Julian Hove (Mike Weatherley) set some sort of record by Sturdy) spoke of the sense of public disaffection from managing to work in references to both Iron Maiden the EU. Awareness of that is very much driving the and the Carry On films in the course of a single speech. Government’s policy towards the Europe Bill, which we The hon. Member for Easington (Grahame M. Morris) hope to introduce later in this Session. He also said that enticed us with visions of the beaches of east Durham, he wanted the Government to be proactive, positive and but spoke seriously about the need for more employment a friendly partner within Europe. With the addition of and investment in the north-east of England. My hon. the words “clear-eyed and hard-headed,” that is exactly Friend the Member for Dartford (Gareth Johnson) how the Government intend our policy to be. It is explained to me finally what lies behind the big brown customary to say that we hope to hear from those who signs that say “Historic Dartford”, which have baffled have made their maiden speeches frequently and in the me every time I have visited friends in his constituency. near future. With the lavish praise that he bestowed When I am commuting between London and Brussels, I upon the hon. Member for York Central (Hugh Bayley), will think of my hon. Friend as the train passes through my hon. Friend can be fairly confident that he will be Ebbsfleet, and I shall know exactly whose constituents I called again before too long. am close to. 687 European Affairs 3 JUNE 2010 688
My hon. Friend the Member for Dover (Charlie Business without Debate Elphicke) spoke about a particular constituency case. I can tell him that consular staff at the Foreign Office have visited his constituent and they have been in touch POLITICAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM with the family. We think that in the first instance it is COMMITTEE for Mr Shaw’s lawyers to come to our officials with the Motion made, evidence that gives rise to their concern that the trial That the following new Standing Order be made, until the end was unfair so that we can consider their case and of the current Parliament:— determine how we might take it forward. It would be (1) There shall be a select committee, called the Political and most appropriate for the judicial proceedings to run Constitutional Reform Committee, to consider political and their course first, and for any direct intervention from constitutional reform. the British Government to follow once those have been (2) The committee shall consist of eleven members. concluded— (3) The committee shall have power— (a) to send for persons, papers and records, to sit notwithstanding Charlie Elphicke rose— any adjournment of the House, to adjourn from place to place, and to report from time to time; and (b) to appoint specialist advisers to supply information which Mr Lidington: I suggest to my hon. Friend that, is not readily available or to elucidate matters of complexity rather than intervene—as I am very short of time—he within the committee’s order of reference. could perhaps have a meeting with me or the Under- (4) Unless the House otherwise orders, each Member nominated Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth to the committee shall continue to be a member of it for the Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for North East remainder of the Parliament. Bedfordshire (Alistair Burt), who is responsible for (5) The committee shall have power to appoint a sub-committee, south Asia, to discuss the case in more detail. We will be which shall have power to send for persons, papers and records, to happy to listen to his concerns. sit notwithstanding any adjournment of the House, to adjourn from place to place, and to report to the committee from time to Finally, but not least, my hon. Friend the Member for time. Great Yarmouth (Brandon Lewis) spoke with great (6) The committee shall have power to report from time to time eloquence and warmth about the glories of his constituency. the evidence taken before the sub-committee.—(Angela Watkinson.) He reminded us that he would not let us get away with ignoring the problem of coastal erosion. I can see that Hon. Members: Object. he, too, will be a formidable champion for his constituents. All 15 maiden speakers are welcome and all have had a SELECT COMMITTEES (ELECTION AND successful first outing today. We look forward to hearing ALLOCATION OF CHAIRS) from them again. Motion made, In view of the lack of time, I propose to write to (1) That Standing Order No. 122B (Election of select committee those hon. Members who have raised specific questions, chairs) be amended by inserting, after line 6: especially the former Chair of the European Scrutiny Committee, and let them have a considered response, ‘(aa) the Political and Constitutional Reform Committee;’ instead of half a sentence now. On the Government’s (2) That the Order of 26 May relating to Select Committees approach to Europe generally, we see no contradiction (Allocation of Chairs) be amended by inserting at the appropriate place in the Table: between being vigorous in defending and asserting the national interests of the United Kingdom, and playing ‘Political and Constitutional Labour’; and an active and activist role within the European Union, Reform in pursuit both of our national interests through the (3) That, notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (7) of institutions of the European Union and the common Standing Order No. 122B, the ballot for the election of the chair advantage of European countries, where our interests of the Political and Constitutional Reform Committee shall take coincide. place on Wednesday 9 June.—(Angela Watkinson.) I believe that part of a successful European policy will be to demonstrate to our own people, here in the Hon. Members: Object. United Kingdom, that the decisions taken on their behalf by British Ministers in the institutions of the PAY FOR CHAIRS OF SELECT COMMITTEES European Union will be more accountable. That is why Motion made, we will press forward with our referendums Bill and look to improve dramatically our efforts to scrutinise That this House expresses the opinion that the Resolution of European legislation in the House. the House of 30 October 2003, relating to Pay for Chairs of Select Committees (No. 2), should be further amended by inserting after Question put and agreed to. “the Committee on Members’ Allowances”, “the Political and Constitutional Reform Committee”.—(Angela Watkinson.) Resolved, That this House has considered the matter of European affairs. Hon. Members: Object. 689 3 JUNE 2010 690
Crossrail The benefit is not limited to boroughs with immediate station access to the network. My borough of Greenwich Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House is projected to benefit in 2026 by £84 million, but other do now adjourn—[Angela Watkinson.] boroughs, such as Barnet—the Minister’s borough—will see projected benefits in excess of £30 million in that 6pm year. Given the importance of the scheme, it might appear surprising that it has taken so long to reach the Mr Nick Raynsford (Greenwich and Woolwich) (Lab): construction phase. The concept has been around for I am grateful, Mr Deputy Speaker, for the opportunity decades, but as the Minister will be aware, the project to raise a matter that is of great importance not only to has had to go through many hoops to get where we are my constituency, but to the whole of London and for today. the future prosperity of our economy. Although I have sought this debate because of its significance to my constituency and to London, I should also draw attention Clive Efford (Eltham) (Lab): Does my right hon. to my interests recorded in the register. Friend share my feeling of déjà vu at being here trying to convince yet another Government of the importance Crossrail is vital to London and the wider economy. of Crossrail, and in particular the extensions to outer If London is to continue to be a world-leading city, it London, which are so vital to the economic viability of needs continuous investment in infrastructure. The tube the areas that we represent? When he develops his network alone will not be able to cope with the projected argument, will he underline the fact that the scheme has increase in passenger numbers over the coming decades, been debated at great length? A great deal of local and investment in cross-city links is imperative. debate has gone into providing the detail that will Crossrail will alleviate the already congested public benefit south-east London and, more widely, London transport service in central London and relieve the as a whole. bottlenecks that are already an issue at national rail termini, particularly at Paddington, with its connections Mr Raynsford: I am grateful for that intervention to Heathrow, and in the east of London, at Liverpool from my hon. Friend, who knows only too well the street. Perhaps most importantly, Crossrail will draw importance of improved transport links to south-east together areas of the city that have the capacity to London. He is also aware of the battles that we have house the work force needed to keep London’s financial had to fight over the years to secure investment in and commercial hubs expanding and at a pace that improved transport linkages, not least at the Crossrail keeps London, and the British economy, competitive on station at Woolwich, to which I shall refer in a moment. a world stage. It will add no less than 10% to London’s existing rail capacity, and bring 1.5 million people within The concept of Crossrail has been around for a long a 60-minute commuting time from the centre of our time, but the scheme has had to go through many capital. hoops. There was a false start under the previous Conservative Government in the 1990s, and the current Estimates of the economic and transport benefits of scheme was subject to lengthy and detailed scrutiny Crossrail are compelling. It is projected that in 2026 alone, during its passage through the last Parliament. Members London as a whole can expect to reap benefits of who were in this place at that time and who followed the £1.24 billion in 2008 prices. Over the next 60 years, the Crossrail Bill will know of the degree of detail entered Mayor of London’s transport strategy estimates some into by those Members who served on the hybrid Bill £36 billion of value would be added to the economy in Committee, and they will appreciate the great endeavour today’s prices. Seen in these terms, it is clear that Crossrail that the Bill demanded of those Members. is an economic imperative from which our capital and our country will derive real benefits for decades to The result was clear, with strong support from the come. Committee for a scheme that would connect east with west and the City with Canary Wharf and Heathrow, as Jim Fitzpatrick (Poplar and Limehouse) (Lab): I well as linking communities both in south and east congratulate my right hon. Friend on securing this London and out along the Thames Gateway to major important debate. I am grateful that he has begun his employers in the centre of London. The Committee was contribution by outlining the importance of Crossrail also clear on the strong case for a station at Woolwich. to the whole of the UK economy, because I was concerned The Woolwich station was incorporated in the Bill at when I read the debate’s title—“Crossrail and its importance the Committee’s instigation, not least because its work to South East London”—on the Order Paper. This is demonstrated both the favourable cost-benefit ratio for not just a south-east London, east London or even the station in transport terms and its huge regeneration London issue; as he has started to argue, this is a matter potential in a deprived area of south-east London. The for the UK economy.London will choke without Crossrail, population in my borough of Greenwich is projected to and I am grateful that he is going to develop his grow by 113,000 by 2031. At the same time, the number argument further. of jobs in the borough is projected to increase by just 8,000; however, just across the river, Canary Wharf will Mr Raynsford: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for require an extra 110,000 workers. Linking the two is that observation, which I entirely support and agree vital, and with just a seven-minute journey time from with, although I am obviously going to focus on some Woolwich to Canary Wharf, Crossrail would meet the of the specific concerns for my constituency in south-east need admirably. London. However, he is right that there are benefits in Demand for transport links is often underestimated. his constituency—Canary Wharf is one of the major When the docklands light railway first came to Woolwich station sites—for London as a whole and, indeed, for 18 months ago, Transport for London estimated that the whole country. 2.4 million journeys would be made annually to or from 691 Crossrail3 JUNE 2010 Crossrail 692
Woolwich Arsenal station. Yet in the first year of the Mr Raynsford: I hear my hon. Friend’s concerns DLR’s operation to Woolwich, actual usage was about HS2, but I shall not be diverted on to that issue, 5 million—more than double the estimated number of because the debate tonight is about Crossrail. However, users. That demonstrates the huge demand for improved I certainly want to see the clarity that he has called for services and the potential for Woolwich to serve as a in his usual trenchant way. strategic transport hub, bringing hundreds of thousands As the hon. Member for Cities of London and of homes within commutable distance of Canary Wharf Westminster (Mr Field) rightly said, business is contributing and the City of London. to the construction of Crossrail through a supplementary The huge benefits to business and the economy from business rate, as well as through direct contributions Crossrail explain how the funding package for the project from the City of London, Canary Wharf and, in the is heavily supported by business contributions. Business case of Woolwich, from Berkeley Homes, which reached organisations such as London First have passionately an agreement in 2008 under which it would take advocated the scheme, and the business community is responsibility for building the station box. It has already supporting Crossrail in two distinct ways. undertaken some £5 million of design work on the station. My understanding is that Berkeley Homes and Mr Mark Field (Cities of London and Westminster) Crossrail are still discussing the precise terms that will (Con): As the right hon. Gentleman is coming to funding, enable the work to be carried through successfully, but does he agree that, although we all appreciate that these that they are near to agreement. are difficult and constrained economic times, in many Against this positive background, it has been a cause ways we are beyond the point of no return? I very much of concern to hear less than wholehearted support for agree with what he and other Opposition Members Crossrail being voiced in recent months by some have said about the benefits that would extend beyond spokespersons for the parties now in government. In a south-east London through to the country, and as he radio interview during the election campaign, the has rightly pointed out, the business rate supplement is Conservative spokeswoman for London, the hon. Member already in place. Huge amounts of money have been for Putney (Justine Greening), repeatedly refused to raised, both from Canary Wharf Group and the City of commit to Crossrail. Since the formation of the coalition London. We always talk about the £16 billion package, Government, there has been repeated media speculation but in fact the central Government sum is considerably that the Government might seek substantial cuts to the smaller, at around £5.5 billion, of which £2.5 billion has Crossrail scheme or delay its implementation. I am well already been spent—I think of the areas in my constituency aware that one should not necessarily believe everything around Tottenham Court road, Hanover square and one reads in the press, but when one of the sources Bond street in Mayfair. Does the right hon. Gentleman expressing concern about the Government’s intentions agree that, in essence, we are beyond the point of is the Conservative Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, it return? Money has already been spent, but the central is hardly surprising that speculation is rife. Government sum to be spent from this point on is very small in the general scheme of things. For that reason, I wrote to the Secretary of State for Transport on 20 May, and I was pleased to receive a Mr Raynsford: I agree very much with the hon. reply this morning—no doubt prompted at least in part Gentleman on both points. First, the funding package by the knowledge that the subject would be raised this involves a range of contributions. Although the contribution evening in the House. I welcome the Secretary of State’s from the Government, and Transport for London and confirmation in his letter of the Government’s support the Mayor is important, the business contribution is for Crossrail, and his recognition of the substantial also critical in supporting the scheme. It would be benefits that will flow from the scheme for the whole of absolutely wrong if the scheme were put in jeopardy by the capital and specifically for south-east London. I the withdrawal of any element from any of the parties. imagine that the Minister will want to re-emphasise Secondly, I agree with the hon. Gentleman that so much some of those points this evening. work has gone into the scheme already that it would be I also welcome the Secretary of State’s acknowledgement a total tragedy if its continuation were to be questioned of the efforts that have been made over the past year to at this stage. make the Woolwich station more affordable to the developer, and the constructive role that the London Stephen Pound (Ealing North) (Lab) rose— borough of Greenwich has played in this process. Nor Mr Raynsford: I shall give way very briefly, as my do I in any way disagree with the Secretary of State’s time is running out. wish to ensure that the scheme is delivered cost-effectively and that it delivers value for money. Rob Holden and Stephen Pound: This is a subject to which my right his team at Crossrail, who I believe have performed hon. Friend brings his usual expertise and passion. I exceptionally in bringing the scheme to its current stage, agree with the hon. Member for Cities of London and are rightly looking at options for value engineering and Westminster (Mr Field) that there is no possibility of a for cost savings through good project management and U-turn on the permanent way. Linked to Crossrail is risk management. High Speed 2, a matter of great importance to those of However, I am concerned that the Secretary of State’s us in west London, and we need clarity on this. We need letter leaves room for uncertainty on a number of counts, the issue to be resolved once and for all, because people and I would welcome clarification from the Minister—either in my part of the world, in Perivale, are terrified about tonight or by letter, if that is easier—on the following what might or might not happen; they just do not know. points. First, are the Government committed to the I urge my right hon. Friend, in pressing the Minister, to whole Crossrail scheme, comprising the central London seek clarity on the funding for Crossrail, because this is line and the links through to Maidenhead in the west, not just about Crossrail; it is also about HS2. Shenfield in the north-east and Abbey Wood in the 693 Crossrail3 JUNE 2010 Crossrail 694
[Mr Raynsford] Crossrail received support from both the coalition partners before the election. That support has been south-east? There has been speculation that those links carried through to the formal coalition agreement setting might be cut off to save money, which would be an out our programme for government, and the new Secretary entirely false economy as the scheme only makes sense of State has made it clear that we are committed to as a whole. Indeed, a former Conservative Transport Crossrail. Crossrail is under way: it is happening, it is Minister, Steve Norris, put it well when he said: being built, spades are in the ground, and no decisions “If you are going to cut Abbey Wood or Maidenhead, you have been taken to change the scope of the project. might as well shelve the whole lot. It only makes sense to dig the Our challenge is to deliver an affordable world-class tunnel if you do the whole scheme. It’s like planning to buy a new railway. I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that the car without an engine”. Department for Transport is working hand in hand Does the Minister agree with her predecessor? with Transport for London, the Mayor and the leaders Secondly, there has been speculation that the Government of the Crossrail project to secure that result. That is why might seek to cut costs by reducing the scope or specification Crossrail Ltd, the company tasked with delivering the of the Crossrail scheme. I hope that the Minister can go project under the leadership of Terry Morgan and Rob further tonight than the Secretary of State, who was Holden, is undertaking the full range of work to ensure able to say in his letter only that that the scheme remains affordable, on budget and on “no decisions have been taken on any such options”. time. As I am sure the Minister will understand, it would give On the right hon. Gentleman’s question about the a great deal more comfort and confidence if we were timetable, I am sure that he would not expect me to take assured that no reductions in the scope or specification the pressure off those delivering the project; it is my job of the scheme were under consideration. to hold their feet to the fire and ensure that they deliver Thirdly, on Woolwich station, will the Minister confirm on time. It is vital to ensure that each element offers that, providing Berkeley Homes and Crossrail reach value for money. Indeed, hon. Members familiar with agreement on the basis for Berkeley to build the station basic project management techniques, as I well know box within the principles agreed in 2008, the Government the right hon. Gentleman will be, will appreciate that will ensure that this station is included in the scheme? this work is essential good practice for all construction schemes—and Crossrail is no exception. Finally, while I understand that there may be a case for re-phasing some of the works within the overall I can assure the House that real progress is being made timeframe for construction, can the Minister assure me on Crossrail. There are already around 2,000 people that the Government remain committed to the working on the project. Last month saw the first anniversary 2017 completion date for the whole scheme and will not of the commencement of construction work on the seek savings by delaying or deferring any parts of the Canary Wharf station, which is now progressing ahead scheme? of schedule. Enabling work, as I think we all know, is very visible at numerous sites around London, including It is in everyone’s interest to see this hugely important at Tottenham Court Road, Paddington, Liverpool Street project delivered as planned, on time and within budget. and Bond Street stations. Further work is about to start I hope that the Minister is able to set our minds at rest on the ticket hall at Farringdon. Much of the land by giving the clear assurance I am seeking that the new needed for construction has already been purchased. Government are as committed as their predecessors Less visible—but, I say to the House, no less important—are were to Crossrail and will work tirelessly with its co-sponsor, the efforts Crossrail Ltd is making to develop detailed the Mayor of London, to secure this outcome. designs and plans for different parts of the project. Work is also under way on how services will be operated 6.15 pm and how best to integrate them with the rest of the The Minister of State, Department for Transport capital’s transport network. (Mrs Theresa Villiers): I congratulate the right hon. In these difficult times it is more important than ever Member for Greenwich and Woolwich (Mr Raynsford) to ensure that every element of the scheme is tested and on securing a debate on this very important topic. I first retested for value for money. To put it simply, we owe it became a supporter of Crossrail around 10 years ago in to all those funding the project, to the business contributors my former role as one of London’s Members of the and taxpayers of today and to the fare payers of tomorrow European Parliament, but my involvement has been to do all we can to keep this project affordable and to brief in comparison with the right hon. Gentleman’s deliver the best value for money. Working closely with long track record. I am sure that everyone will join me the Mayor and the Crossrail team, it is the Government’s in paying tribute this evening to his long and distinguished duty to ensure that every pound invested is well spent record of campaigning for Crossrail in general and for and delivers maximum value. Woolwich station in particular. It is a great honour for me to address the House from Mr Mark Field: I entirely endorse what the Minister the Government Dispatch Box for the very first time. I has said about the need to secure maximum value for also count it an honour that my debut here today gives money—we would all agree with that—but has not one me the opportunity to focus on a project that is so of Crossrail’s difficulties been caused by the publication important not just for south-east London but for the of headlines referring to £15.9 or £16 billion, when in capital as a whole, and, as has already been pointed out, reality the central Government element of the expenditure for the whole of the UK economy. I reiterate, and has been considerably less than that? Earlier in her warmly welcome, the right hon. Gentleman’s statement speech the Minister talked about spades in the ground, on the benefits of Crossrail, which he so eloquently set but as she will recognise, it is rather more than that. out this evening. Over £2.5 billion has been spent on compulsory purchase 695 Crossrail3 JUNE 2010 Crossrail 696 and on works already undertaken. Does she agree that, Energetic work is continuing to find more efficiencies, although this does not detract from her central argument and I am sure all Members will accept that the principles about the need to ensure that there is good value for I have described are basic elements of good project money in the future, we are, in a sense, beyond the point management and simple good housekeeping. of no return? Let me now turn to the important issues raised by the right hon. Member for Greenwich and Woolwich about Mrs Villiers: My hon. Friend has made a strong Woolwich station. I am well aware—as, I am sure, are point. We need to concentrate on the work that is going all who have followed the twists and turns of Crossrail’s on, rather than on the speculation and scare stories that long history—of the pivotal role that he has played. He have appeared in parts of the London media. fought a long and successful campaign to add a station The work under way at Canary Wharf station already at Woolwich to the Crossrail Act 2008. As he said, such provides a clear example of innovative engineering a station could deliver significant regeneration benefits techniques that have offered significant savings without to his constituents and to south-east London more compromising delivery. We need to learn from that widely. example when delivering other key elements of Crossrail. Let me make absolutely clear that I recognise the I know that Crossrail Ltd is committed to the highest importance and magnitude of those benefits, that I standards of procurement practice to bear down on hope we can find a solution, and that the Department costs and ensure that the project remains affordable, and I are working hard with Transport for London in and that must continue to be a key goal for the Crossrail trying to find a way forward. However, a clear agreement team as progress is made towards letting contracts later was reached that the costs of building and fitting out in the year. the station would be borne by the private sector. That agreement limited the taxpayer contribution to the money Jim Fitzpatrick: I welcome the Minister to her new saved because a station at Woolwich would reduce position, and congratulate her on her appointment. costs, given that some of the work originally included in Some of us expected to see her as Secretary of State—but the overall project would no longer be necessary. hey, she has plenty of time, and I am sure she will get there in due course. In short, the plans to include a station at Woolwich have always depended on contributions from the developers The Minister referred to the building of the station at who stand to benefit most from it. That was the case Canary Wharf. My understanding is that Canary Wharf when the last Government took the decision to add the undertook the funding of that development. This reinforces station to the Crossrail Act, and it remains the case the point made by the hon. Member for Cities of under the new Government. It is abundantly clear that London and Westminster (Mr Field). The private sector the debt crisis left by Labour has placed intense pressure has put its money where its mouth is. The question that on the public finances, so we cannot default to a position my right hon. Friend the Member for Greenwich and where a shortfall in the promised private sector funding Woolwich (Mr Raynsford) and other Labour Members for the station simply pushes up the costs for the taxpayer. have been asking is whether the Government are as committed as the private sector. Mr Raynsford: While I understand entirely the basis Mrs Villiers: As I have said, we support Crossrail and on which the agreement was reached in 2008, does the are committed to it. The project is going ahead. It is hon. Lady recognise that what has happened subsequently vital to ensure that all assumptions about the risk that in the housing market has inevitably impacted on Berkeley the scheme involves are tested rigorously by Crossrail Homes, the developer, whose contribution is critical to Ltd to ensure that those risks are properly identified delivering this? While not asking for public contributions, and reflected in cost estimates, and so that sensible steps I did specifically encourage flexibility on the part of the can be taken to reduce them. The latest innovative value Government, to make it possible to reach an agreement engineering techniques have the potential to reduce with Berkeley Homes that is affordable for the company. costs significantly, and Crossrail Ltd has already been The Secretary of State agreed in his letter to me that able to identify 18% savings in overall indirect costs that was the Government’s objective. Will the hon. through measures such as reducing administrative and Lady tonight confirm that they will try to get an agreement staff costs and renegotiating IT contracts. on that basis?
Stephen Pound: I am grateful to the hon. Lady for Mrs Villiers: I want to set this out very clearly. The giving way. She has been extremely generous, and I echo private sector contribution was pivotal to the station others in welcoming her to her post. I think that the getting the go-ahead when the decision was made to least we could do is consider opening a new station add it to the Act, and it remains so. The Government adjacent to Charing Cross, perhaps in Villiers street. cannot offer additional taxpayers’ money over and above Does the hon. Lady agree with one of the central what has been agreed within the current funding programme points made by my right hon. Friend the Member for to replace the shortfall in the private sector contribution Greenwich and Woolwich (Mr Raynsford)—that Crossrail that Berkeley Homes promised to provide. However, we is not just about London but about the south-east, and can seek flexibility in other areas, as the Secretary of the national economy? Does she agree that it is a driver State outlined in his letter. for economic growth and expansion? Both the Department for Transport and Transport for London stand ready to help broker an alternative Mrs Villiers: I entirely agree that Crossrail will be a solution among interested parties to try to address the hugely important driver for economic prosperity, not funding problems. Both the sponsoring bodies have just in the capital but throughout the United Kingdom been in extensive discussions with Berkeley over the economy. past year, to seek a way to enable the company to 697 Crossrail3 JUNE 2010 Crossrail 698
[Mrs Villiers] that it has provided a valuable opportunity to consider important issues around the Crossrail project in general honour its commitments. They have written to me only and its impact on his constituency in south-east London today with more constructive ideas. Naturally, one of in particular. After long years of waiting, the the most significant of those interested parties is the commencement of work on Crossrail was warmly London borough of Greenwich. In this regard, it is welcomed, particularly within the business community, important to assess whether development opportunities where Crossrail has always enjoyed strong support. The around the station and the alternative funding that they CBI recently made it clear to the Secretary of State that might generate have been fully explored. it is pleased to see progress continuing under the new I know that Greenwich council is actively engaged in Government. the issues that we have discussed this evening. It is now I should like to take this opportunity, on behalf of important for all of us who care about Crossrail to the Government, to thank the Canary Wharf Group, assess thoroughly the possible alternative funding sources BAA plc, the Corporation of London and its members that could be available between the interested parties if for the considerable financial contributions that they Berkeley Homes does not step up to the plate and are making. I am sure that we would all like to express deliver what it promised. Therefore, while I cannot the same gratitude to the other businesses in the capital promise additional funding from the Department and whose rate supplements are providing a hugely important the taxpayer, we do stand ready to try to help the element of the funding package. interested parties find a solution to enable Woolwich station to go ahead. The right hon. Gentleman can have This project has the potential to deliver significant my absolute assurance on that. economic, social and environmental benefits for the I would like to mention briefly some of the wider capital and for the country. Those benefits will be felt issues that the right hon. Gentleman raised about transport well beyond the areas directly served by the new line in his constituency. He warmly welcomed a number of and its stations. The challenge facing all of us who are the recent improvements, and it is worth noting that interested in Crossrail is to ensure that costs are kept several important programmes in recent years have down. That means engaging in an active, energetic benefited his constituency, such as the refurbishment of pursuit of best value for money procurement processes, the East London line as part of the London overground urgently seeking ways— network, new interchanges with the tube and bus networks, and the extension of the docklands light railway, which the right hon. Gentleman described with such eloquence. 6.30 pm I thank all Members who have taken part in the House adjourned without Question put (Standing Order debate, especially the right hon. Gentleman. I believe No. 9(7)). 25WS Written Ministerial Statements3 JUNE 2010 Written Ministerial Statements 26WS
As a follow up to the extraordinary meeting, Ministers Written Ministerial took note of additional consolidation measures outlined by Spain and Portugal in their 2010 and 2011 budgets. Statements The Commission will evaluate these measures in June within the framework of the excessive deficit procedure. Alternative Investment Fund Managers (AIFM) Directive Thursday 3 June 2010 ECOFIN reached a political agreement on the AIFM directive to establish a framework for monitoring the risks posed by alternative investment funds while allowing BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS fund managers to market their funds throughout the EU single market. In a statement in the minutes of the Council, the Council notes the concerns expressed by One North East Regional Development Agency some member states on certain aspects of the presidency’s proposed general approach, in particular as regards to the third-country provisions. It invites the presidency The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and to start negotiations with the European Parliament on Skills (Vince Cable): I wish to announce the appointment the basis of this general approach, taking into account of the new chair of the board for One NorthEast the concerns expressed by member states. Regional Development Agency (ONE). Draft 2011 budget I have decided to appoint Paul Callaghan as the chair The Commission presented its draft 2011 budget, of One NorthEast Regional Development Agency. including a total of ¤142.6 billion in commitment Paul Callaghan will commence as chair designate, to appropriations (+0.8% compared with 2010) and ensure continuity from 14 June 2010 and take up post as ¤130.1 billion in payment appropriations (+5.8% compared chair from 16 August 2010. with 2010). For many member states, the EU has agreed The appointment will be until 13 December 2012 that national budgets should be cut to meet consolidation The appointment has been made in accordance with targets and bring deficits under control. The Government the Commissioner For Public Appointments code of believe that the proposed increases in the EU budget practice. must therefore be reduced and a freeze in spending should be considered before the UK can give its agreement. I have placed a copy of Paul Callaghan’s biography in the Libraries of both Houses. Economic policy guidelines ECOFIN debated a draft recommendation on broad guidelines for the economic policies of the whole EU and for member states, aimed at implementing the TREASURY Europe 2020 strategy for jobs and growth. The draft recommendation, together with a draft decision on guidelines for the employment policies of the member ECOFIN states, forms integrated guidelines setting a framework for structural reforms to be carried out by the member states. These will return to ECOFIN in June for agreement The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr George Osborne): before being endorsed by the European Council on The Economic and Financial Affairs Council was held 17 June. in Brussels on 18 May 2010. The following items were discussed: Enhanced economic co-ordination Ministerial dialogue with EU candidate countries Ministers held an exchange of views following a presentation by the Commission on enhanced economic Ministers held their annual economic policy dialogue policy co-ordination in the euro area and the EU as a with the Finance Ministers and Central Bank representatives whole. This formed the basis for further discussions at of the EU candidate countries: Croatia, the former an EU task force chaired by President Van Rompuy on Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Turkey. The 21 May, where representatives from the 27 member Government support the conclusions agreed, which states discussed the measures needed for an improved acknowledge the progress achieved by candidate countries crisis resolution framework and better budgetary discipline in stabilising and transforming their economies. in the EU. Follow up to the 9 May extraordinary ECOFIN The Government agree that one of the key lessons of ECOFIN held an extraordinary meeting on 9 May to the crisis is that ex ante surveillance of economies needs address financial stability in Europe. Ministers from the to be improved at both the domestic and European previous Administration agreed a comprehensive package level. As a single market, co-operation and co-ordination of measures including a European financial stabilisation must be maintained among all member states. The mechanism of up to ¤500 billion with parallel support Government will be an active participant in this debate from the IMF. Ministers also expressed a strong but have made it clear that when it comes to national commitment to ensuring fiscal sustainability and enhanced budgets, the first port of call is not the Commission but economic growth in all member states, and agreed that national Parliaments. plans for fiscal consolidation and structural reforms would be accelerated, where warranted. They underlined Fiscal frameworks the need to make rapid progress on financial market ECOFIN adopted conclusions on fiscal frameworks regulation and supervision, particularly in derivative promoting the strengthening of national fiscal frameworks markets and on the role of credit rating agencies. by sharing best practice, regular assessments, peer review 27WS Written Ministerial Statements3 JUNE 2010 Written Ministerial Statements 28WS and credible fiscal bodies at the national level. The 10 years; and in particular, the employment guidelines Government support the conclusions, which are fully in and social inclusion target. Her Majesty’s Government line with the announcements made on domestic fiscal are still considering the proposals for a Europe 2020 reform, including the creation of the Office of Budgetary strategy but there are some significant reservations about Responsibility. the implications of the proposals, including the balance Financial stability and crisis management of competence between member states and the European Union. On that basis I currently propose to agree to the The Council adopted conclusions on EU crisis target but to maintain a reserve on the guidelines. prevention, management and resolution in the banking sector. The UK supports the conclusions, which outline The presidency will seek political agreement on a a number of short to medium-term priorities for developing proposal for a Council regulation extending the provisions common national tools for use in a cross-border financial of Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 and Regulation (EC) crisis. ECOFIN will continue to discuss these principles No [...] to nationals of third countries who are not in advance of legislative proposals in 2011. already covered by these provisions solely on the ground of their nationality. The UK is not opted in to this Preparation for the G20 Finance Ministers regulation and I do not propose to intervene. The Council discussed the 4-5 June meeting of G20 The presidency also will seek political agreement on a Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors in South proposal for a Council decision on the position to be Korea. It endorsed terms of reference setting out the taken by the Community within the Association Councils EU position for the meeting. established by the agreements with Algeria, Morocco, Commission financial services work programme Tunisia, Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Commissioner Barnier presented the work programme Macedonia and Israel. The UK is not opted in to these for financial services legislation over the coming months. decisions which cover social security provisions with the Lunch six countries. We have significant concerns that the proposal goes beyond the original provisions and extends Ministers held a joint lunch with the Finance Ministers social security coverage in a way we find unacceptable. I of the EU’s Mediterranean partner countries to discuss intend to make a brief intervention at the Council implementation of the Euro-Mediterranean Investment which reiterates the UK concerns. and Partnership Facility (FEMIP), and agreed joint conclusions endorsing ongoing close co-operation between The presidency also will seek four sets of Council the EU and its Mediterranean partners to facilitate conclusions—on adequate pensions and social inclusion; economic growth and stability. new skills for new jobs; advancing Roma inclusion; and active ageing—and a Council resolution on a new European disability framework for adoption. I am prepared to accept these, on the basis that they are all non-binding WORK AND PENSIONS and therefore not contentious. There will be a progress report on the proposal for Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer a Council directive on implementing the principle of Affairs Council equal treatment—anti-discrimination—between persons irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. The Minister of State, Department for Work and Under any other business, there will be information Pensions (Chris Grayling): The Employment, Social Policy, from the presidency on the equal treatment between Health and Consumer Affairs Council will be held on men and women engaged in an activity in a self-employed 7 June 2010 in Luxembourg. I shall represent the United capacity. The Italians will raise also, as an information Kingdom. point, their ideas on simplifying the delivery rules of the The main item of the agenda will be a policy debate European social fund (ESF). There also will be information on the employment and social inclusion aspects of on conferences held under the Spanish presidency and a Europe 2020, the new European agenda for the next presentation by the incoming Belgian presidency. 49W Written Answers3 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 50W
Mr Maude: Passes for access to 10, 11 and 12 Downing Written Answers to street and the Cabinet Office are issued to staff who work in the building and to individuals who require Questions access for business purposes. Departmental Travel Thursday 3 June 2010 Mr Watson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what the (a) name and (b) version is of each HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION computer software package used by his Department to calculate travel costs. [28] Westminster Clock Tower Mr Maude: All travel management companies (TMCs) contracted to the Department are required to provide Mr Knight: To ask the hon. Member for North Devon, management information in Microsoft Office Excel format. representing the House of Commons Commission who The Cabinet Office utilises Microsoft Office Excel for gave authority to the BBC to project an illumination of calculations in relation to its travel costs. the results of the general election onto the clock tower of the Palace of Westminster on 6 and 7 May; and whether the proposal was considered before a Committee Mr Watson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet of the House. [211] Office what budget has been set for international travel by staff of his Department in 2010-11. [29] Sir Stuart Bell: Approval was given by the Speaker after consultation with the chair of the Administration Mr Maude: Cabinet Office budgets for 2010-11 have Committee. The Administration Committee was not not yet been disaggregated to a level which allows able to consider the request before Dissolution. identification of the expected spend for international travel by staff in 2010-11. A budget profiling exercise is currently underway and will be completed shortly.
CABINET OFFICE Electoral Register
Admiralty Arch Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office which five local authority wards had the lowest Mr Watson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet percentage electoral registration rate in each constituency Office which Ministers have been allocated accommodation in each region of the UK in the latest period for which in Admiralty Arch. [22] figures are available. [172]
Mr Maude: No Ministers have been allocated Mr Maude: The information requested falls within accommodation in Admiralty Arch. the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply. Departmental Internet Government Departments: Data Protection Mr Watson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what plans he has for the future of the (a) Number 10 and (b) Cabinet Office website; and if he Mr Watson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet will make a statement. [17] Office what steps he plans to take to maintain the security of Government-held personal data. [19] Mr Maude: The Government believe that departmental websites should be hubs for debate as well as information— Nick Herbert: I have been asked to reply. where people come together to discuss issues and address The security of personal data is of paramount challenges—and that this should be achieved efficiently importance to this Government as is the protection of and, whenever possible using open source software. people’s rights in relation to their personal data through Any future development of websites run by the Cabinet the upholding of the Data Protection Act. Since taking Office will be assessed and reviewed against these criteria. office we have moved responsibility for information security and assurance for Government Departments to Departmental Security the National Security Secretariat, based within the Cabinet Office and reporting to the Security Minister. The Mr Watson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Information Security and Assurance team and the Office Office (1) how many (a) current and (b) former employees of Cyber Security are in the process of merging to lead of (i) the Liberal Democrat Party and (ii) the Conservative a joined-up approach to information assurance and Party have been issued with a (A) Cabinet Office and cyber security strategy and policy. (B) 10 Downing Street security pass; [6] Government Departments are responsible for the (2) which Members of the House of Lords have been protection of personal data that they handle following issued with (a) Cabinet Office passes and (b) Number the rules as set out by the Cabinet Office’s Security 10 Downing Street security passes since 6 May 2010. Policy Framework and the cross-Government requirements [30] on the handling of personal sensitive data. 51W Written Answers3 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 52W
Ministerial Policy Advisers Mr Maude: The National School of Government is a non-ministerial department for which I have responsibility Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet for in Parliament. Consequently, I have asked the chief Office what the nationality is of each special adviser executive for the National School of Government to employed by the Government. [102] respond directly to the hon. Member’s parliamentary questions about ministerial training. Mr Maude: Information relating to the nationality of Letter from Rod Clark, dated June 2010: civil servants, including special advisers, is personal The National School of Government works with the Cabinet information and therefore not normally disclosed. Office to provide the Ministerial programme, details of which are available on the National School’s website at: Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Minister for the www.nationalschool.gov.uk/policy/MinisterialProgramme (23) Cabinet Office how many special advisers have been Working closely with the Cabinet Office, the National School appointed by each Minister in the Government. [479] of Government’s induction workshops for Ministers new to office included: a briefing on the Ministerial Code; a chance to discuss Mr Maude: I refer the hon. Member to the answer the realities of working as a Minister and working with the Civil given today by the Prime Minister to the hon. Member Service; and a briefing on the learning and development opportunities for Bishop Auckland (Helen Goodman). available to Ministers. (24) Ministers Non-departmental Public Bodies
Mr Anderson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Mr Watson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office when he plans to provide to hon. Members a list Office what the address is of the head office of each of Ministerial responsibilities including contact details. non-departmental public body. [84] [521] Mr Maude: This information is published by individual Mr Maude: The ‘List of Ministerial Responsibilities’ Departments. Links to the latest relevant departmental will be published as soon as possible. publications can be found on the civil service website at: www.civilservice.gov.uk/ndpb Ministers: Codes of Practice Purchasing of PR Week Mr Watson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Mr Watson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many Ministers (a) had and (b) had not Office how many copies of PR Week are regularly signed the Ministerial Code on 21 May 2010. [14] purchased for (a) Number 10 Downing Street and (b) Mr Maude: There is no requirement for Ministers to the Cabinet Office. [224] sign the Ministerial Code. Mr Maude: No. 10 Downing street and the Cabinet Ministers: Pay Office do not purchase copies of PR Week. There are no subscriptions in place; however, one complementary Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet copy is sent to the Cabinet Office and No. 10 respectively Office whether the planned five per cent. reduction in as part of individual staff membership to the Chartered ministerial salaries will entail a commensurate Institute of Public Relations (CIPR). reduction in pension contributions. [104] Trade Unions
Mr Maude: Under the rules of the Parliamentary Mr Anderson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Pension Scheme, ministerial pension entitlements are Office what plans he has to consult trade unions in (a) based on the level of salary entitled to rather than his Department and (b) its agency on cost reduction taken. The Government will bring forward an Order in plans. [599] Council this year to reduce ministerial salaries, which will mean that there will be a commensurate reduction Mr Maude: I already do and will continue to consult in pension entitlements. with the trade unions about a wide range of topics of mutual interest. This will include the Department’s Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet contribution to deficit reduction plans. Office how much is planned to be saved in 2010-11 as a result of the five per cent. reduction in ministerial salaries. [105] ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS Mr Maude: The exact amount of savings will depend Bees on the precise composition of the Government over the year. We expect to make savings of over £500,000 per Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for year. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent (a) Ministers: Training discussions her Department has had with the British Beekeepers’ Association and (b) the National Bee Unit on bee health; and if she will make a statement. [333] Mr Watson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office (1) what training his Department has made available Richard Benyon: The Food and Environment Research to Ministers for their continuing development; [23] Agency (FERA) is an Executive Agency of DEFRA. (2) what items are included in the programme for FERA develops and delivers all aspects of bee health the Ministerial induction courses provided by his policy, and engages with relevant organisations on behalf Department. [24] of DEFRA, as well as providing supporting scientific 53W Written Answers3 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 54W expertise. The National Bee Unit (NBU) is part of reared for sporting purposes because I do not consider FERA, facilitating the Agency’s policy unit’s regular that it is entirely based on scientific evidence, particularly discussions with both the NBU and relevant organisations in relation to the housing of breeding birds. I have also on all aspects of bee health. reconvened the working group which drafted the original FERA has regular discussions with the British code, with the intention of amending the code and Beekeepers’ Association (BBKA) both through its re-laying it before Parliament for approval as soon as involvement in the Healthy Bees Plan, in which the possible. BBKA plays an active part, and directly through a range of other activities. Water Charges
Departmental Electronic Equipment Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) whether she Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for has sought the views of Ofwat on the recommendations Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many (a) in Chapter 14 of the Walker Review of water service plasma and (b) LCD televisions there are in ministerial charges; [680] offices in her Department. [389] (2) what assessment she has made of the merits of applying the recommendations of chapter 14 of the Richard Benyon: Each Minister has an LCD TV in his Walker Review of water service charges to South West or her private office. Each room occupied by a ministerial Water; [681] support team also has an LCD TV. There are ten such TVs in total. (3) if she will consider the introduction of a nationally- funded vulnerability tariff for water customers to protect Departmental Manpower those areas with exceptionally high household charges. [689] Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many Richard Benyon: Ministers will examine the conclusions full-time equivalent staff at each Civil Service grade are of the Walker review and respond to them in due employed in the private office of each Minister in her course. Department. [124] Meanwhile, as recommended in the Walker review, Ofwat is looking at the specific recommendations outlined Richard Benyon: The DEFRA ministerial team has in chapter 14 concerning water charges in the south-west. four private offices staffed by a team of 26 full-time We will consider Ofwat’s findings once they are available. staff. The breakdown is set out in the following table. It excludes (a) staff on temporary contracts, (b) the special adviser and (c) staff employed in the Permanent Secretary’s private office and parliamentary branch. JUSTICE
Parliamentary Parliamentary Care Proceedings Under- Under- Secretary Secretary Secretary Minister of State of State Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Grade of State of State (Commons) (Lords) Justice what the average time taken to complete court care proceedings was in each local authority area in SCS 1 each year since 2003-04. [225] G71111 HEO 2 2 2 2 Mr Djanogly: The following table shows the average EO3111number of weeks from the date an application was AO 3 0.5 0.5 1 lodged to the date an order was made for care and SGB1 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 supervision cases in England and Wales. Statistics for 2009-10 are not yet available. Data are presented by Game: Animal Welfare HM Courts Service areas, as a local authority area breakdown is not collected centrally and could be obtained Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for only through the inspection of individual case files at Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she plans disproportionate cost. Data are provided for county to bring the code of practice for the welfare of game courts from 2003-04 to 2008-09. For Family Proceedings birds reared for sporting purposes into force. [350] Courts data are only available for 2008-09 based on the same geographical areas. Completed cases are counted Mr Paice: I have decided to withdraw from Parliament by child for the Family Proceedings Courts and by the Code of Practice for the welfare of game birds orders made for the county courts.
Average number of weeks from application to order for care and supervision cases in England and Wales Family Proceedings HMCS area County courts Courts 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2008-09
Avon and Somerset, 53 55 54 58 62 57 44 Devon and Cornwall, and Gloucestershire 55W Written Answers3 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 56W
Average number of weeks from application to order for care and supervision cases in England and Wales Family Proceedings HMCS area County courts Courts 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2008-09
Bedfordshire, 50 62 52 48 51 58 44 Hertfordshire and Thames Valley Cambridgeshire, Essex, 54 47 46 47 51 54 44 Norfolk and Suffolk Cheshire and 51 51 56 55 58 57 56 Merseyside Cleveland, Durham and 56 56 44 48 57 59 46 Northumbria Cumbria and 48 44 46 51 53 61 44 Lancashire Dorset, Hampshire and 59 54 50 50 58 54 43 Isle of Wight, and Wiltshire East Midlands 59 51 50 48 48 50 44 Greater Manchester 53 51 51 55 57 59 39 Humber and South 48 44 42 41 45 46 39 Yorkshire Kent, Surrey and Sussex 60 56 55 51 57 59 47 London Civil and 42 67 62 56 66 65 50 Family Mid and West Wales 54 53 47 52 53 47 45 North and West 49 41 42 49 48 53 40 Yorkshire North Wales 59 60 56 62 51 58 38 South East Wales 52 49 48 51 60 59 50 Staffordshire and West 65 58 50 47 48 54 47 Mercia West Midlands and 69 67 59 57 63 64 49 Warwickshire National total 55 53 51 52 56 57 45 Notes: 1. The data are taken from the HMCS FamilyMan System and Family Case Tracker. 2. The figures cover cases only where a care order or a supervision order was made. The figures do not include include other care and supervision disposals (e.g order refused, order of no order) and do not include other order types (e.g. emergency protection, secure accommodation). 3. The figures reflect the mean number of weeks from application to order. This means that the numbers of weeks taken for each order have been added up and the total has then been divided by the number of orders. 4. The figures count the number of care and supervision orders disposed in each year. 5. Figures for FPCs prior to 2008-09 are unavailable on the same geographical areas.
Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for in each year from 2005 to 2009 in the Family Proceedings Justice how many care proceedings cases in each local Courts and County Courts of England and Wales. Data authority area are currently open in the family courts; are presented by HM Courts Service areas as a local how many were open in each of the last five years; and authority area breakdown is not collected centrally and how many have reached a conclusion (a) in 2010 to could be obtained only through the inspection of individual date and (b) each of the last five years. [226] case files at disproportionate cost.
Mr Djanogly: Table 1 shows the number of care and supervision cases outstanding as at the end of December
Table 1 Total number of care and supervision outstanding Total number of care and supervision outstanding cases in the Family Proceedings Court cases in the County Courts December December HMCS area 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Avon and Somerset Devon 342 350 348 342 370 260 303 275 310 389 and Cornwall, and Gloucestershire Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire 227 187 216 227 301 188 221 175 179 320 and Thames Valley Cambridgeshire, Essex, 282 264 372 282 371 273 236 241 233 286 Norfolk and Suffolk Cheshire and Merseyside 126 225 210 126 253 240 300 248 261 356 57W Written Answers3 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 58W
Table 1 Total number of care and supervision outstanding Total number of care and supervision outstanding cases in the Family Proceedings Court cases in the County Courts December December HMCS area 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Cleveland, Durham and 484 642 636 484 533 198 270 264 235 317 Northumbria Cumbria and Lancashire 82 115 113 82 101 185 198 218 200 297 Dorset, Hampshire and Isle 162 154 206 162 215 160 151 173 165 233 of Wight and Wiltshire East Midlands 395 444 367 395 560 164 176 176 214 287 Greater Manchester 133 174 140 133 295 361 378 394 353 547 Humber and South Yorkshire 166 183 188 166 201 252 265 239 245 335 Kent Surrey and Sussex 325 340 364 325 512 256 260 287 245 340 London Civil and Family 1,017 1,020 888 1,017 1,426 850 733 724 561 758 Mid and West Wales 94 106 97 94 168 67 43 40 53 115 North and West Yorkshire 185 169 293 185 409 229 258 240 225 294 North Wales 16 25 30 16 57 57 77 67 52 80 South East Wales 157 205 162 157 260 136 133 122 116 156 Staffordshire and West 152 217 219 152 274 104 115 88 88 148 Mercia West Midlands and 303 320 332 303 966 391 340 342 294 464 Warwickshire National total 4,648 5,140 5,181 4,648 7,272 4,371 4,457 4,313 4,029 5,722 Notes: 1. The data are taken from the HMCS FamilyMan System and Family Case Tracker. 2. The figures relate to the new HMCS areas. 3. The total number of outstanding cases show the total number of care and supervisions cases open at the end of December each year.
Table 2 shows the number of care and supervision Table 2 orders made in each calendar year from 2004 to 2008 Care and supervision orders made in the County for County Courts and the High Court. Courts and High Court, England and Wales HMCS area 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Table 2 Care and supervision orders made in the County Kent, Surrey 266 200 418 471 371 Courts and High Court, England and Wales and Sussex HMCS area 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 London Civil 916 846 989 878 868 and Family Avon and 395 355 334 372 450 Mid and 82 113 109 100 71 Somerset, West Wales Devon and North and 516 427 484 552 530 Cornwall West and Yorkshire Gloucestershire North Wales 106 84 92 167 173 Bedfordshire, 386 274 337 310 331 Hertfordshire South East 240 278 262 239 168 and Thames Wales Valley West Mercia 175 195 208 253 186 and Cambridgeshire, 327 325 445 399 350 Staffordshire Essex, Norfolk and West 474 509 588 434 446 Suffolk Midlands and Cheshire and 330 396 393 466 453 Warwickshire Merseyside National 6,596 6,265 7,176 7,211 6,822 Cleveland, 369 403 303 349 464 Total Durham and Northumbria Notes: 1. The data are taken from the HMCS FamilyMan System. Cumbria and 316 257 342 327 283 2. Figures relate to the number of children subject to each Lancashire application. Dorset, 311 255 299 255 272 3. Disposals in each year may relate to applications made in earlier Hampshire years. and IOW 4. Figures are provided for County Courts and the High Court. and Wiltshire East 391 369 299 292 351 Table 3 shows the number of care and supervision Midlands orders made from April 2007 to December 2008 in the Greater 561 490 715 736 579 Family Proceedings Courts; figures for earlier periods Manchester are not available for these areas. Humber and 435 489 559 611 476 South More recent statistics than those shown are not yet Yorkshire available. 59W Written Answers3 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 60W
Table 3 Court Statistics”, copies of which are available in the Care and supervision orders made Library of the House and on the Ministry’s website at: in the Family Proceedings Courts, http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/ England and Wales judicialandcourtstatistics.htm April 2007 to December January 2008 to Section 8 contact orders made in all tiers of court between 2006 and HMCS area 2007 December 2008 2008, by whether public or private law Public Private Total Avon and Somerset, Devon 262 361 and Cornwall and 2008 2,568 76,759 79,327 Gloucestershire 2007 2,471 69,713 72,184 Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire 174 272 2006 2,221 70,608 72,829 and Thames Valley Notes: Cambridgeshire, Essex. 133 202 1. Figures presented are for England and Wales only. Norfolk and Suffolk 2. Figures relate to the number of children subject to each application. Cheshire and Merseyside 139 135 3. Disposals in each year may relate to applications made in earlier Cleveland, Durham and 327 387 years. Northumbria 4. Data for 2006 have been revised. Cumbria and Lancashire 85 84 5. All tiers of court are represented in the answer; specifically the family proceedings court, county court and High Court. Dorset, Hampshire and Isle of 107 121 Source: Wight and Wiltshire Judicial and Court Statistics East Midlands 198 372 Information about the number of contact orders Greater Manchester 76 116 made relating to the movement of children abroad is Humber and South Yorkshire 64 153 not held centrally, and could be obtained through the Kent, Surrey and Sussex 161 258 inspection of individual files only at disproportionate London Crime, Central and 533 543 cost. South It is not possible to know whether a contact order Mid and West Wales 69 56 was breached unless either a new contact order is applied North and West Yorkshire 176 214 for, or an enforcement order is applied for to enforce the North Wales 9 43 original contact order. The enforcement order was South East Wales 149 172 introduced in December 2008. There were 1,081 applications West Mercia and Staffordshire 172 239 for enforcement orders in respect of contact orders, in West Midlands and 93 129 the county courts during calendar year 2009. Information Warwickshire on which parent breached a contact order is not held National total 2,927 3,857 centrally. Notes: 1. The data are taken from the HMCS FamilyMan System and One Performance Truth database. Electoral Register 2. Figures relate to the number of children subject to each application. John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 3. Disposals in 2007 and 2008 may relate to applications made in what estimate he has made of the number of persons earlier years. 4. Figures are provided for Family Proceedings Court. resident in each constituency eligible to vote and not on 5. For Family Proceedings Courts the earliest available data that can the electoral register. [33] be broken down by HMCS area is from April 2007. Therefore figures for 2007 relate to data from April 2007 to December 2007. Mr Maude: I have been asked to reply. Contact Orders The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply. Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) how many (a) mothers and (b) fathers breached Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated May 2010: contact orders in each of the last three years; and what As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I proportion of those breaches resulted in (i) a fine and have been asked to reply to your question asking what estimate has been made of the number of persons resident in each constituency (ii) imprisonment in each such year; [8] eligible to vote and not on the electoral register (33). (2) how many contact orders relating to the ONS does not have the data required to answer your question. movement of children abroad were granted in the last Data are collected on the number of UK citizens resident in three years; [139] Parliamentary Constituencies who are registered to vote, but no (3) how many contact orders were breached in the data are collected on the number of people who are eligible to vote but who choose not to register. last three years; [140] (4) how many contact orders were made in (a) Fines: Surcharges public and (b) private in each of the last three years. [141] Mr Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will make it his policy to abolish the practice Mr Djanogly: The following table shows the number whereby courts add a victim surcharge to penalties of public and private law Section 8 contact orders made imposed for offences in cases where there is no victim. in the family courts in England and Wales between the [266] years of 2006 and 2008. 2008 is the latest year for which data on orders made have been published. Statistics on Mr Blunt: The Government are committed to ensuring contact orders made are published by the Ministry of that offenders pay financial reparation to victims of Justice in the annual Command Paper “Judicial and crime. We firmly believe that offenders should take 61W Written Answers3 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 62W responsibility, regardless of the offence committed, for Mr Blunt: As part of the rehabilitation revolution, we compensating victims and contributing toward the cost will work towards providing a fit for purpose prison of supporting them to overcome the effects of crime. A estate through building new prisons and closing inefficient victim surcharge of £15, used to fund victims’ services, and worn out places. is currently applied to all sentences which include a fine. The National Offender Management Service will deliver In line with our commitments in the coalition agreement over 14,000 prison places under the prison capacity to a sentencing review, we are exploring ways in which programme by 2012. A planning application for a new offenders might contribute to services and support for 1500 place prison at Runwell in Essex has been submitted their victims and victims generally. to Chelmsford borough council. At the same time we are undertaking a review of sentencing and will continue Pleural Plaques: Compensation to keep our prison population and capacity projections under review in the light of this. Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will bring forward proposals for Residence Orders compensation of people with pleural plaques; and if he will make a statement. [247] Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Mr Djanogly: In the light of the medical evidence how many (a) mothers and (b) fathers have applied available on pleural plaques, the Government do not for residency orders; and what proportion of these consider it appropriate to overturn the House of Lords were successful in each of the last three years. [9] 2007 judgment that the condition is not compensatable under the civil law of tort. The Government will proceed Mr Djanogly: The information requested is as follows. with the implementation of the previously announced Tables 1 and 2, show for each of the last three limited extra-statutory scheme to provide one-off payments calendar years, the number of applications made for to individuals who had begun, but not resolved, a legal residence orders where the applicant relationship to claim for compensation for pleural plaques at the time child was recorded as father or mother. of the House of Lords judgment. We hope that the Table 1: Applications for section 8 Residence Orders under the scheme will be in a position to start accepting claims Children Act 1989 by mothers or fathers in private law cases in the from the end of June. High Court or County Court in England and Wales, 2007 to 2009 Private Law Prisoners Other relationship, Total Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice or no residence what estimate he has made of the likely size of the information orders prison population in May 2011; and if he will make a Mother Father recorded applied for statement. [339] 2007 12,597 13,276 4,003 29,876 2008 13,969 13,797 4,494 32,260 Mr Blunt: The Ministry of Justice produces annual 2009 15,456 14,637 4,515 34,608 projections of the prison population in England and Wales, most recently in August 2009. These project the Table 2: Applications for section 8 Residence Orders under the prison population under three different scenarios (high, Children Act 1989 by mothers or fathers in public law cases in the medium and low), based on different assumptions about High Court or County Court in England and Wales, 2007 to 2009 future sentencing trends. In May 2011, the projected Public Law total populations are: 89,200 under the high scenario, Other relationship, Total 87,500 under the medium scenario and 85,600 under or no residence the low scenario. These figures incorporate the impact information orders of the ending of End of Custody Licence (ECL). Mother Father recorded applied for
Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 2007 73 52 691 816 what the prison population was in (a) May 1997, (b) 2008 53 26 440 519 in May 2001, (c) in May 2002 and (d) on the latest 2009 46 22 471 539 date for which figures are available. [403] The figures reflect the number of applications made, counted by child. This means that an application was Mr Blunt: The prison population in England and made in respect of two children will be counted twice. Wales on the last day of May for 1997 was 60,335, last The figures may not exactly match previously published day of May 2001 was 66,012, for the last day of May figures as they were produced using a more recent 2005 was 76,141 and for 21 May 2010 (latest available) extract from the family court administrative data system was 85,201. and reflect any updates to information held in the These figures have been drawn from administrative meantime. IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording The figures exclude applications made in Family system, are subject to possible errors with data entry Proceedings Courts as information on applicant relationship and processing. to child is not held centrally for all Family Proceedings Prisons: Construction Courts. It is not possible to determine the proportion of the Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice applications which were successful as no information is what plans he has for the future of the prison building held centrally on which person in the relevant case programme. [134] receives a residence order. However, the numbers of 63W Written Answers3 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 64W section 8 residence orders made in the County Court or All current contracts are continuously reviewed to High Court in England and Wales during 2007 and ensure that they represent the best value for money and 2008, as published in the annual “Judicial and Court meet business requirements. Statistics” report, are given in Table 3. Statistics on residence orders made in 2009 are not yet available and Euthanasia will be published in the next edition of the Ministry of Justice’s “Judicial and Court Statistics”report in September 2010. Copies of these reports are available in the Library Mr Knight: To ask the Attorney-General if he will of the House and on the Ministry of Justice website at review the appropriateness of the assisted suicide policy http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/ published by the Director of Public Prosecutions in judicialandcourtstatistics.htm February. [525] Table 3: Section 8 Residence Orders made under the Children Act 1989 in the High Court or County Court in England and Wales, The Attorney-General: I do not have any plans to 2007to2008 invite the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to Private Law Public Law review his policy, issued on 25 February 2010, on prosecuting cases of encouraging or assisting suicide. 2007 29,724 379 2008 32,650 514 The DPP published his policy following the judgment of the House of Lords in R (on the application of Purdy) v. DPP on 30 July 2009 which required him to outline the public interest factors, both for and against prosecution, that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) ATTORNEY-GENERAL will take into account in considering such cases. As was outlined at the time of publication, the policy does not Burglary: Self-defence change the law, nor does it sanction the taking of life by another person. The policy should be read in conjunction Mr Buckland: To ask the Attorney-General if he will with the Code for Crown Prosecutors which continues make it his policy to revise the Code for Crown to apply in all cases. Prosecutors, with particular reference to the rights of The policy replaced the DPP Interim Policy, published householders to protect their (a) persons and (b) in September 2009, and followed a period of extensive property. [837] public consultation.
The Solicitor-General: I have been asked to reply. Mr Knight: To ask the Attorney-General how many The Code for Crown Prosecutors is issued by the cases of suspected assisted suicide have been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions under Section 10 of the Crown Prosecution Service in each of the last three Prosecution of Offences Act 1985 and provides guidance years for which figures are available; and how many of to prosecutors on the general principles to be applied in these cases proceeded to court. [526] all prosecutorial decisions. It is kept under regular review to ensure that it remains in line with legislative The Attorney-General: The Crown Prosecution Service and policy changes. It has recently been revised, following (CPS) keeps central records of the numbers of charged public consultation, and was published on 22 February offences reaching a first hearing in magistrates courts 2010. under section 2(1) Suicide Act 1961, that is, cases of The DPP has additional legal guidance on the application assisted suicide. Table 1 outlines the numbers recorded of these broader principles in specific circumstances, over the last three years: including cases involving householders using force on Table 1: Charged offences reaching a first hearing in the magistrates intruders. In the light of the publication of the Coalition courts commitment to ensuring that people have the protection Number of cases that they need when they defend themselves against intruders, consideration will be given to reviewing this 2007-08 4 guidance to prosecutors in due course. 2003-09 2 2009-10 2
Departmental Public Expenditure Cases of assisted suicide have been required to be referred to CPS headquarters only since December Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Attorney-General what 2008 and more detailed records are only available since estimate he has made of the cost to his Department then. Based both on that information and other records of the (a) implementation of penalty clauses and covering the years 2008-09 and 2009-10, the numbers of payments in its contracts and (b) potential legal action cases referred to the CPS in which a decision not to arising from the deferral and cancellation of contracts prosecute has been made over the last three years are and projects under his Department’s plans to achieve outlined in Table 2: cost savings; and whether those estimates are included Table 2: Cases of suspected assisted suicide sent to the CPS in the total cost savings to be achieved by his Number of cases Department. [570] 2007-08 Not available The Attorney-General: The Attorney-General’s office 2008-09 3 has not incurred any additional costs due to the cancellation 2009-10 8 of contracts or projects. 65W Written Answers3 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 66W
These cases may include those in which it was decided Official statistics released by the Department for that the two-stage Full Code Test in the Code for Work and Pensions shows that 420 people began a Crown Prosecutors was not met, and those which resulted Future Jobs Fund placement in the North East region in a different charged offence, for example, murder or between October 2009 and January 2010. manslaughter. These data may not be exhaustive, and do not include those charged offences that reached a State Retirement Pensions: Payments first hearing in the magistrates’ courts outlined in Table 1. In addition, there are currently a number of other Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work cases of suspected assisted suicide in which the investigation and Pensions (1) what his Department’s policy is on and/or charging process is yet to be completed. provision of pensions to pensioners by cheques; and what arrangements his Department is making for pensioners who wish to continue receiving their payments by cheque; [406] WORK AND PENSIONS (2) how many pensioners receive their state pension payments by cheque. [404] Departmental Electronic Equipment Steve Webb: Making payments direct into an account, Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work including a post office card account, is the way the and Pensions how many (a) plasma and (b) LCD Department pays pensions and benefits because it is televisions there are in Ministerial offices in his safe, efficient and fast. Cheque payment is available for Department. [400] those customers who, exceptionally, cannot be paid into an account of any kind. Chris Grayling: The previous Government purchased The Department has begun the process to replace the a total of 9 LCD TVs and no plasma TVs in ministerial current system of cheques. Cheques are more vulnerable offices in the Department. to fraud than payments into an account and the replacement product will better provide the security that is needed to Departmental Public Expenditure protect the taxpayer against fraud and abuse. We have worked with stakeholders to ensure that the new service Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work meets the needs of all customers who are unable to and Pensions when and in what form he plans to operate an account of any kind, including the more publish a list of all items of expenditure by his Department vulnerable. over £25,000. [285] The Department’s statistical information is broken down by benefit or pension account rather than by Chris Grayling: The Department for Work and Pensions individual. As at February 2010, the latest date for will follow the Government policy and processes for which information is available, the number of state publishing expenditure over £25,000 which are currently retirement pension accounts paid by cheque was around being developed by the Office of Government Commerce. 44,000, or 0.4 percent. However, some state pensioners also receive additional benefits or allowances. Overall, Future Jobs Fund: Leeds this means that some 90,000 pensioner accounts, around 0.7 percent, are paid by cheque in respect of state Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Work pension, pension credit or other allowance. Some of and Pensions how many people resident in (a) Leeds these allowances will be combined together and paid as Central constituency and (b) the city of Leeds are one cheque. participating in the Future Jobs Fund. [131]
Chris Grayling: The information requested is not TRANSPORT available. A15 Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in Leeds West constituency Mr Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport have received assistance from the Future Jobs Fund. what representations he has received on funding for (a) [767] safety improvements and (b) carriageway widening on the A15 in the last 24 months; and if he will make a Chris Grayling: The information requested is not statement. [160] available. Norman Baker: The Department for Transport has Future Jobs Fund: North East received no such representations in the past 24 months on either (a) safety improvements or (b) carriageway Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for widening on the A15. Work and Pensions how many people in (a) Hartlepool constituency and (b) the North East region have been Airports: Parking placed into employment as a result of funding from the Future Jobs Fund. [249] Mr Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will consider the merits of taking steps to reduce Chris Grayling: The information is not available by excessive charges for car parking at UK airports; and if parliamentary constituency. he will make a statement. [523] 67W Written Answers3 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 68W
Mrs Villiers: The setting of charges for car parking at Mrs Villiers: Under the Crossrail Project Development UK airports is a commercial matter for the car park Agreement between the Secretary of State for Transport, operators concerned. Airport car parks operate in a Transport for London and Crossrail Limited, the competitive environment, which offers a wide range of Department for Transport has undertaken to make the parking options and tariffs. following funding available:
Aviation: Disabled Amount (£ million) 2010-11 220 Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 2011-12 622 if he will bring forward proposals to require British 2012-13 1,250 aeroplane operators (a) not to charge passengers with medical conditions who require oxygen and (b) to Departmental Manpower allow the use of portable oxygen concentrators during flights. [338] Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many full-time equivalent staff at each Civil Service Mrs Villiers: This issue falls under European Regulation grade are employed in the private office of each Minister 1107/2006 on the rights of disabled persons and persons in his Department. [120] with reduced mobility when travelling by air. The regulation does not impose specific obligations to carry or provide Mr Philip Hammond: The breakdown of staff showing medical oxygen in the cabin. The matter is therefore one full-time equivalents at each grade is in the following for airlines themselves to determine. table. UK airlines have a good record in this respect. Many, including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, EasyJet, Flybe Full-time and Thomson/First Choice, allow passengers to use Minister Staff grades equivalents their own medical oxygen and their own portable oxygen concentrator free of charge. This compares favourably Secretary of State— Senior Civil Servant 1 Philip Hammond with other European airlines. Grade 7 1 Blackpool-Manchester Railway Line: Electrification Higher Executive Officer 2 (Fast Stream) Executive Officer 1 Mr Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when an announcement will be made on whether the planned electrification of the Blackpool to Manchester Minister of State— Grade 7 1 rail line will take place; and if he will make a statement. Theresa Villiers Higher Executive Officer 2 [150] (Fast Stream) Executive Officer 1 Mrs Villiers [holding answer 2 June 2010]: We are in the early stages of the new Government and Ministers Administrative Officer 1 are considering the full range of transport policy. The Government support rail electrification as it helps to Parliamentary Under- Higher Executive Officer 1 reduce carbon emissions and cut running costs. Secretary Norman Baker Bus Services: Regulation Executive Officer 3
Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Parliamentary Under- Higher Executive Officer 1 Transport if he will bring forward proposals for the Secretary Mike (Fast Stream) regulation of the bus network throughout England. Penning [508] Executive Officer 3
Norman Baker: The Coalition Agreement makes clear Levenshulme Station: Disability that we will encourage joint working between bus operators and local authorities. The Local Transport Act 2008 Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for introduced a number of new bus regulations in relation Transport whether the level of use by passengers of to Quality Contract Schemes and Quality Partnerships Levenshulme Station in Manchester makes it eligible Schemes in England and the related guidance has been for funding for disabled access from the Government’s published in full. I intend to wait for the outcome of the Access for All scheme. [466] Competition Commission inquiry into the local bus market in England outside London before deciding on Mrs Villiers: The Access for All programme was the need for any further regulatory reform of bus provision. launched in 2006 and currently includes 148 stations, which are targeted to receive an accessible, step-free Crossrail Line: Finance route to and between platforms. Stations were selected based on footfall, weighted by Dr Pugh: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport the incidence of disability in the local area so as to how much capital funding his Department has prioritise investment where it could deliver the maximum allocated to the Crossrail project for (a) 2010-11 and benefit to disabled people. In addition, approximately a (b) each of the two subsequent financial years. [460] third of the funding was allocated to achieve an equitable 69W Written Answers3 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 70W regional spread, with train operators and others consulted relative cost effectiveness of park and ride schemes and on their priorities. There was not a minimum usage increased town centre parking provision; and if he will threshold for eligibility. make a statement. [527] In addition, the Access for All small schemes programme has made match funding available for smaller enhancements Norman Baker: The Department for Transport has at stations, meeting local needs. Applications to this no plans to undertake such an investigation. The cost fund have been assessed based on indicative value-for-money effectiveness of park and ride schemes will vary considerably criteria of £1 per annual passenger. To date, around according to local circumstances and their interaction £23,500 has been offered to Greater Manchester Passenger with other local transport measures. Local authorities Transport Executive for enhancements at Levenshulme are best placed to determine the relative costs and including hearing induction loops and passenger benefits of park and ride schemes against alternative information systems. measures in their own areas.
Manchester Metrolink Railways: Kent
Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Gordon Henderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether the Manchester Metrolink extensions Transport if he will assess the potential effects on the phases 3a and 3b will be treated as a single contract. level of (a) congestion on the main approach roads [902] into London and (b) carbon dioxide emissions of reducing fares on the North Kent railway line. [850] Norman Baker: Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive, the promoters of the Manchester Metrolink Mrs Villiers: There are no specific plans in place to system, incorporated an option in the procurement assess the potential effects of reducing fares on this contract for Metrolink Phase 3a works to extend the corridor although the Government take fare levels into contracted works to cover Metrolink Phase 3b extensions. account in formulating its overall approach on rail. The Deed of Variation to include Phase 3b extensions was signed on 25 March 2010. Railways: Manpower Network Rail: Finance Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has received from Network Rail on what information Network Rail has provided to his the likely effects on the number of jobs in the rail Department on its plans for cost reductions; and over industry of his Department’s requirement to make what period of time he expects such reductions to be £100 million in savings. [519] achieved. [514] Mrs Villiers: Network Rail has indicated that, subject Mrs Villiers: Network Rail is required by the Periodic to the consent of the Office of Rail Regulation, it will Review settlement to deliver efficiency savings of 24 % reduce its planned spending by £100 million in 2010-11, against its 2008 baseline by the end of March 2014. reducing the company’s requirement for Government In addition, Network Rail has now indicated that, funding by £100 million in the current year. Network subject to the consent of the Office of Rail Regulation, Rail has not indicated that this will have an impact it will reduce its spending by a further £100 million in upon employment levels. 2010-11, reducing the company’s requirement for Government funding by £100 million in the current Roads: Accidents year.
Official Cars Mr Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent estimate his Department has made of the annual cost to the UK economy of road accidents. [208] Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the planned reduction is in the number Mike Penning: The Department for Transport’s latest of (a) cars and (b) employees in the Government Car estimates of the annual cost to the UK economy of Service (GCS); and what the expected reduction in road accidents are published in Reported Road Casualties expenditure on the GCS is. [108] Great Britain (RRCGB): 2008 Annual Report, on page 28, table 2c. Copies of the report have been deposited in the Mike Penning: The plan is to save at least one third House Library and are also available at: from the cost of the Government Car Service. The exact amount will be determined once decisions on the number http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/statistics/datatablespublications/ of cars and drivers required to provide an efficient accidents/casualtiesgbar/ service, in line with the new Ministerial code, have been taken. Roads: Repairs and Maintenance
Park and Ride Schemes Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport from which highway improvement plans in Mr Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport the North East he expects funding reductions to be if he will undertake an investigation into (a) the cost made to contribute to his Department’s £112 million effectiveness of all park and ride schemes and (b) the cost reductions. [228] 71W Written Answers3 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 72W
Norman Baker: The Department for Transport has Mike Penning: Speed limiters are already required on not produced any regional breakdown for our £683 million all goods vehicles of over 3.5 tonnes maximum gross contribution to the £6.2 billion savings announced by weight in the interests of road safety and environmental the Chancellor. None of the three schemes delivered by protection. If there were to be any proposal for limiters the Highways Agency that will be deferred is in the to be required on lighter goods vehicles we would want north-east. The Government will shortly announce in to review the supporting evidence from the EU on costs more detail the implications for individual grants, including and benefits carefully before determining what the UK transport grants, that form the £1.65 billion savings response would be. contribution from local authorities.
Rolling Stock: Procurement FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
Mr Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Pakistan: British Nationals Abroad what original estimate was made of the number of (a) direct and (b) indirect jobs which would be created as a result of train carriage orders which have been recently Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his most cancelled. [149] recent estimate is of the number of UK citizens resident in Pakistan; and what recent assessment he has Mrs Villiers [holding answer 2 June 2010]: The orders made of the security situation in that country. [701] which have been signed for new rolling stock are at various stages of completion. None of these orders Alistair Burt: The number of British Nationals in have been cancelled. No assessment has been made of Pakistan at any one time is estimated to be approximately jobs created as management of resources to build the 80,000. This figure is made up of about 40,000 visitors trains is the responsibility of the train manufacturer. and 40,000 residents. The highest concentration of British Nationals is in Pakistan Administered Kashmir, in particular Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport in Mirpur District. This figure includes those holding which orders for train carriages have been cancelled dual British/Pakistani nationality. consequent on the recently-announced planned spending The Foreign and Commonwealth Office constantly reductions. [518] assess the security situation in Pakistan. These assessments inform our Travel Advice for Pakistan. We currently Mrs Villiers: The orders that have already been signed advise against all travel to several areas, including Federally for new rolling stock are at various stages of completion. Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), and much of Khyber- None of these orders have been cancelled. In terms of Pakhtunkhwa. We advise against all but essential travel further new orders that were being discussed with operators to North and Western Balochistan, and to parts of as part of the HLOS programme, there will be a pause interior Sind. (for financial year 2010-11) to assist the Department in making its contribution to the Government’s in-year savings programme. SCOTLAND Stockport Station Departmental Official Cars Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what timetable has been set for the refurbishment Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland of Stockport station. [903] how many Government (a) cars and (b) drivers are allocated to Ministers in his Department. [302] Mrs Villiers: This is primarily a matter for Network Rail as owner of the station. David Mundell: The current interim arrangement for the SO are (i) one car and (ii) one driver for the The hon. Member should contact Network Rail’s Secretary of State primarily but which may be used by chief executive at the following address for a response the Advocate-General and the Parliamentary Under- to his question: Secretary of State if not required by the Secretary of Iain Coucher State. This arrangement is supplemented by pool cars if Chief Executive needed. Network Rail The new ministerial code, published on 21 May 2010, King’s Place contains changes that affect ministerial entitlement to 90 York Way travel by Government car. It states that London N1 9AG. “the number of Ministers with allocated cars and drivers will be kept to a minimum, taking into account security and other relevant considerations. Other Ministers will be entitled to use Vans: Speed Limits cars from the Government Car Service Pool as needed”. The Department for Transport and its Government Car Mr Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport and Despatch Agency are working with Departments if he will make it his policy to oppose proposals at EU to effect the transition to the new arrangements. level to introduce a mandatory requirement for speed The ministerial code, published on 21 May 2010, is limiters on vans; and if he will make a statement. [210] available on the Cabinet Office website. 73W Written Answers3 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 74W
DEFENCE Mr Robathan: The following table shows the number of service personnel who were discharged in 2009 as a Aircraft Carriers result of being found guilty of an offence at a court martial:
Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Number how much expenditure his Department has incurred to date on the Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carrier Naval Service 9 programme; and what his most recent estimate is of the Army 92 total cost of the programme. [659] Royal Air Force 7
Peter Luff: To the end of April 2010, around £1.2 billion has been spent on the Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Armed Forces: Housing Carriers. Our current estimate of total programme cost is £5.25 billion. Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what recent assessment has been made of the level of Armed Forces: Deployment security for families living on Ministry of Defence housing estates at the Colchester Garrison; and if he John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence will make a statement; [353] how many (a) Army soldiers and (b) families of Army (2) whether additional security measures will be soldiers are stationed at each base in (i) Germany and implemented at Ministry of Defence housing estates at (ii) Cyprus; and what the cost to the public purse was in the Colchester Garrison during the period for which 16 the last 12 months. [51] Air Assault Brigade is deployed to Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement; [355] Mr Robathan [holding answer 2 June 2010]: The (3) what measures have been taken to (a) maintain number of Army personnel stationed in each base in and (b) increase the level of security of families living Germany and Cyprus is shown in the following table. It on Ministry of Defence housing estates at the has not been possible to determine the number of Army Colchester Garrison since the occupation of some of dependants in Cyprus within the time available and so the houses by civilians; and if he will make a statement. the total number of Service dependants (which includes [356] Royal Air Force dependants) has been provided for these locations. Mr Robathan: The policing presence at Colchester Garrison is provided by Ministry of Defence Police, Number of Army Number of with the support of police community support officers Location Personnel Dependants and Essex police. Current arrangements are judged to Cyprus be in line with the current threat assessment. Additional policing will be provided, with the support of the Royal Episkopi 621 1215 Military Police, when 16 Air Assault Brigade is deployed. Akrotiri 185 1220 Ayia Nik 90 497 For the last 10years the Colchester Garrison housing Dhekelia 693 671 estate has consisted of a combination of military and Troodos 8 31 civilian owned homes. This arrangement has so far Nicosia (Op TOSCA) 276 53 worked well. Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Germany what the designated strength was of the Ministry of Rhinedahlen 2,656 3,397 Defence Police at the Colchester Garrison (a) in 1997, Gutersloh 6,520 6,743 (b) in 2007 and (c) on the latest date for which figures Paderborn 4,963 5,032 are available. [354] Bergen-Hohne 5,058 4,912 Mr Robathan: The numbers of Ministry of Defence The cost to the public purse associated with maintaining Police (MDP) officers employed at Colchester Garrison and operating bases over the last financial year was in 1997, 2007, and on the latest date as of the end of £94.958 million for Cyprus and £528.982 million for May 2010 are as follows: Germany. These figures do not include any manpower costs as we would incur the vast majority of these costs Date Total wherever personnel were based. Some of these costs would still be incurred if those May 1997 32 personnel currently based in Germany and Cyprus were May 2007 12 relocated within the UK. Current complement (end May 3 2010) Armed Forces: Discharges The current complement of MDP provides a community policing role at Colchester Garrison. Security is provided Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence by the Ministry of Defence Guard Service, the Military how many people were discharged from each of the Provost Guard Service and members of the Army unit armed services for disciplinary offences in 2009. [411] stationed at the Garrison. 75W Written Answers3 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 76W
Armed Forces: Recruitment considered by the Review; where project decisions are dependent on the Review’s outcome, approval timetables Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence are being adjusted accordingly. This may lead to delays whether new recruits to each of the armed services are in some projects that have not yet been approved. required to undergo Criminal Records Bureau checks. [412] Nuclear Submarines
Mr Robathan: New recruits to each of the armed Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for forces are not required to undergo Criminal Records Defence whether the safety valve faults on HMS Bureau checks as a matter of routine. However, there Tireless and HMS Turbulent have been encountered on are some trades, such as medical and dental personnel, any other vessel in the UK submarine fleet; and which may require them to routinely deal with vulnerable whether the rest of the fleet has been checked for this individuals. For these few specialisations, a Criminal fault. [623] Records Bureau check will be requested as part of the application process. Peter Luff: The problem referred to was the failure to For service personnel who are to be appointed to remove test blanks fitted as part of the Trafalgar class posts that may expose them to vulnerable individuals or maintenance process. The valves themselves were not young adults, for example instructor duties, a Criminal faulty. Records Bureau check will be carried out prior to their These blanks are fitted only to the Trafalgar class appointment in accordance with the Safeguarding of because the equivalent systems on other submarine Vulnerable Groups Act 2006. classes have a different design and do not require them. The remaining Trafalgar class submarines were checked Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence and none of them were found to have blanks still fitted. what the policy of each of the armed services is on recruitment of people with a criminal record; and Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for which criminal offences are a bar to recruitment to Defence where HMS Turbulent was deployed while its each force. [413] safety valves were faulty. [708] Mr Robathan: Applicants for the armed forces are required to declare any unspent convictions, in terms of Peter Luff: The safety valves on HMS Turbulent were the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, as part of the not faulty; the safety blanks fitted as part of the refit application process. The general principle applied by process to the relief system were not removed. This is a each of the services is that any unspent convictions will backup system and other safe guards were operating be a bar to recruitment. However, in some exceptional correctly. cases applicants with unspent convictions are able to I am withholding details of the deployment area in enter service, for example a one-off offence committed which HMS Turbulent was operating for the purpose of as a minor, but this is subject to authorisation from the safeguarding national security. appropriate single service manning authority. There are some offences that will never be spent in Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for terms of the Act and will permanently prevent service Defence when his Department was made aware that the in the armed forces, for example, a custodial sentence of safety valves on (a) HMS Tireless and (b) HMS 30 months or more. Failure to disclose an unspent Turbulent were faulty. [709] conviction represents a breakdown in trust and stating a falsehood on attestation. This will invariably result in Peter Luff: The problem referred to was the failure to dismissal. remove test blanks fitted as part of the Trafalgar class maintenance process. The valves themselves were not Defence Storage and Distribution Agency faulty. The Department was made aware that blanks were Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence incorrectly still fitted to HMS Turbulent on 26 February what plans he has for the future of the Defence Storage 2010, and to HMS Tireless on 27 February 2010. and Distribution Agency; and if he will make a statement. [856] Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for how long he estimates safety valve faults Peter Luff: I refer the hon. Member to the answer with (a) HMS Tireless and (b) HMS Turbulent went I gave on 2 June 2010, Official Report, column 5W. undetected. [710]
Defence: Procurement Peter Luff: The problem referred to was the failure to remove hull valve blanks fitted as part of the Trafalgar Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for class maintenance process. The valves themselves were Defence whether any defence procurement projects not faulty. have been (a) cancelled or (b) postponed pending a The hull valve blanks remained fitted on HMS Tireless Strategic Defence Review. [716] following maintenance that completed in December 2009, and on HMS Turbulent following maintenance Dr Fox: No defence equipment projects have been that completed in September 2008. In both submarines, cancelled pending the Strategic Defence and Security the presence of the blanks was identified in February Review. The whole equipment programme will be 2010. 77W Written Answers3 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 78W
Trident (a) the atomic weapons establishment and the successor submarine programme, (b) the atomic weapons Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for establishment and (c) the successor submarine programme Defence what his most recent estimate is of the cost of in each year from 2008-09 to 2019-20. [713] (a) replacement of the Trident submarine system and (b) the programme for the replacement of the Dr Fox: The expenditure of the nuclear deterrent warheads. [147] programme in the period covered by the 2007 comprehensive spending review is: Dr Fox [holding answer 2 June 2010]: The 2006 White Paper “The Future of the UK’s Nuclear Deterrent” £ million (Cm 6994) stated that the total procurement costs of Actual expenditure Predicted the successor deterrent capability will be in the region of expenditure £15 billion to £20 billion, at 2006-07 prices, for a four-boat Area 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 fleet. This comprises £11 billion to £14 billion for the Future Submarine 140 290 350 submarines, £2 billion to £3 billion for the possible Programme refurbishment or replacement of the warhead and Atomic Weapons 800 870 950 £2 billion to £3 billion for infrastructure. Establishment On current plans, we will be in a position to release more up-to-date costs later this year after the final Spending plans for 2011-12 and beyond will be set as Initial Gate paper has been considered. part of the Government’s spending review process.
Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Defence what recent estimate he has made of (a) the if he will consider the merits of alternatives to a like-for-like total procurement costs associated with implementing replacement for Trident. [720] the proposals in the White Paper on The Future of the United Kingdom’s Nuclear Deterrent, Cm 6994, (b) Dr Fox: The Government are committed to the the cost of four successor submarines, (c) the cost of maintenance of Britain’s nuclear deterrent. We will refurbishing or replacing the Trident warhead, (d) the scrutinise the renewal of Trident to ensure value for infrastructure costs associated with these proposals money. and (e) the cost of replacing the Trident missile system. [711] Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Dr Fox: The 2006 White Paper “The Future of the when the Initial Gate decision for the successor UK’s Nuclear Deterrent” (Cm 6994) stated that the submarine project is due to be made; what reasons were total procurement costs of the successor deterrent capability given by the Defence Board for a postponement of the will be in the region of £15-£20 billion, at 2006-07 Initial Gate decision; and whether he plans to provide prices, for a four-boat fleet. This comprises £11-14 for approval of the proposal by Parliament before the billion for the submarines, £2-3 billion for the possible decision is made. [721] refurbishment or replacement of the warhead and £2-3 billion for infrastructure. Peter Luff: We postponed the Initial Gate decision to On current plans, we will be in a position to release allow more time to review fully the possible design more up-to-date costs later this year after the final options. Initial Gate paper has been considered. It is not normal for Parliament to be involved in In addition, the 2006 White Paper made clear that the Initial Gate decisions for procurement projects. I do Trident D5 missile is expected to last until the 2040s. At however, propose to update Parliament on progress this range, any estimate of the cost of a replacement after Initial Gate. The main investment decision point, missile would be highly speculative: the equivalent cost and the point at which we would issue the main contracts for the Trident D5 missile was some £1.5 billion at to industry for the construction of the new submarines, 2006-07 prices. is still several years away.
Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his most recent estimate is of the annual in-service cost of the nuclear deterrent programme once HOME DEPARTMENT the successor submarine is in service. [712] Durham Constabulary: Cost-effectiveness Dr Fox: As the 2006 White Paper ‘The Future of the United Kingdom’s Nuclear Deterrent’ (Cm6994) makes clear, once the new fleet of ballistic missile submarines Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State come into service we expect that the in-service costs of for the Home Department what savings Durham the UK’s nuclear deterrent, which will include the Atomic Constabulary is expected to make as a contribution to Weapons Establishment’s costs, will be similar to today, the £135 million of police efficiency savings announced around 5 to 6% of the defence budget. on 24 May 2010. [231]
Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Nick Herbert: Revised Force allocations for 2010-11 Defence what recent estimate he has made of expenditure were set out in the written ministerial statement laid on on the UK nuclear deterrent programme, including 27 May 2010. These are subject to parliamentary approval. 79W Written Answers3 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 80W
Knives: Crime Police: Bureaucracy
Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what her policy is on reducing knife Home Department what steps she plans to take to crime; and if she will make a statement. [342] reduce the amount of time spent by police officers on administrative tasks; what recent estimate she has made of the average time spent by police officers on administration James Brokenshire: To free up officer time to be per (a) day, (b) week and (c) month; what recent better able to deal with the crime, including knife crime, representations she has received on police morale; what that blights lives, we will reduce time-wasting bureaucracy response she made to such representations; and if she that hampers police operations and introduce better will make a statement. [184] technology to make policing more effective while saving taxpayers’ money. Nick Herbert: The police should be focusing on police In addition, in the Coalition Government’s programme work, not paperwork. We will introduce better technology, for crime and policing, we have committed to make return charging decisions to the police for minor offences hospitals share non-confidential information with the and look very carefully at the health and safety rules. police so they know where gun and knife crime is I want the service to play its part as well and we will happening and can target stop-and-search in gun and challenge forces to look closely at their internal systems. knife crime hot spots. Police officers must have the professional discretion to make decisions. Police Authorities I have already discussed these issues at the full Police Federation Conference earlier this month and will continue Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the to explore them with the full range of policing partners. Home Department what the cost to the public purse was of Essex Police Authority in the latest year for Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the which information is available; what plans she has to Home Department what steps she is taking to reduce increase the level of cost-effectiveness of police the number of forms police officers are required to authorities in the 12 months; and if she will make a complete in respect of each prosecution; what recent statement. [186] discussions she has had with the Police Federation on that matter; and if she will make a statement. [187]
Nick Herbert: Essex Police Authority estimate they Nick Herbert: We will reduce time-wasting bureaucracy spent £1.6 million specifically on the administration of that hampers police operations, return to common sense the Authority in their Revenue Budget Statement for policing and introduce better technology to make policing 2009-10. Including the force budget, the police authority more effective while saving taxpayers’ money. I want to received a total of £260.3 million in that financial year. make sure that officers can use their professional discretion The Government intend to introduce directly elected without being hindered by excessive bureaucracy and individuals to replace police authorities. I also expect risk assessments. As a priority we will return charging police forces to continue to drive out wasteful spending decisions to the police for minor offences so that frontline on support functions, reduce bureaucracy and increase officers are sufficiently empowered to use their discretion. efficiency in key functions - leaving the frontline of policing strong and secure. I discussed these proposals with the Police Federation at their annual conference earlier this month and will continue to engage with them and other police partners Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the on this issue. Home Department what plans she has for the future of police authorities; and if she will make a statement. Police: Pay [189] Andrew Percy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Nick Herbert: The Government are committed to Home Department how much was spent on police replacing bureaucratic accountability with democratic overtime in each police force in the last 12 months. accountability.We will introduce directly-elected individuals [260] to replace police authorities and hold forces to account on behalf of the public. Nick Herbert: The latest available information is for 2008-09 and is set out in the table. Police Committees: Pay Information about the categories of police service expenditure, including overtime, is available on the website of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance Accountants John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much funding her Department http://www.tisonline.net/ has allocated for payments to members of police Police force overtime (England and Wales) 2008-09 committees in each of the last four years. [1] £ Police force Officer overtime Overtime by other staff
Nick Herbert: The information requested is not held Avon and 6,535,000 1,403,000 centrally. It is a matter for each individual police authority Somerset what payment it makes to its members, from the core Bedfordshire 3,962,000 447,000 funding provided by Government. Cambridgeshire 4,584,000 481,000 81W Written Answers3 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 82W
Police force overtime (England and Wales) 2008-09 Police forces are responsible for managing their own £ recruitment campaigns and process, within a national Police force Officer overtime Overtime by other staff standards framework. Information on those completing the police officer recruitment process and subsequently Cheshire 4,425,000 2,080,000 joining the police force is held by individual recruiting City of 2,141,000 223,000 London departments. Cleveland 3,813,000 340,000 Cumbria 1,712,000 748,000 Derbyshire 4,256,000 761,000 NORTHERN IRELAND Devon and 6,467,000 1,295,000 Cornwall Television Dorset 3,181,000 533,000 Durham 2,702,000 348,000 Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Dyfed-Powys 2,329,000 290,000 Ireland how many (a) plasma and (b) LCD televisions Essex 9,623,000 1,470,000 there are in Ministerial offices in his Department. [395] Gloucestershire 2,662,000 327,000 Greater 23,319,000 3,534,000 Mr Paterson: In Millbank, London, there are (a) no Manchester plasma screens and (b) one LCD television. In Stormont, Gwent 3,548,000 1,277,000 Belfast, there are (a) no plasma screens and (b) two Hampshire 8,871,000 1,575,000 LCD televisions in the two ministerial offices. Hertfordshire 6,159,000 1,124,000 Departmental Public Expenditure Humberside 5,402,000 1,184,000 Kent 10,084,000 2,286,000 Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Lancashire 7,801,000 1,121,000 Ireland when and in what form he plans to publish a list Leicestershire 5,169,000 602,000 of all items of expenditure by his Department over Lincolnshire 2,680,000 368,000 £25,000. [281] Merseyside 10,846,500 1,845,637 Metropolitan 137,876,000 17,396,000 Mr Paterson: In line with the Prime Minister’s letter police to Cabinet Ministers, the Department will publish any Norfolk 3,298,000 540,000 new items of central Government spending over £25,000 North Wales 2,738,000 504,000 from November 2010. Further guidance from Cabinet North 2,477,000 669,000 Office is awaited. Yorkshire Northamptonshire 2,829,000 1,083,000 Official Cars Northumbria 7,424,000 1,178,000 Nottinghamshire 5,469,000 848,000 Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern South Wales 6,449,000 771,000 Ireland how many Government (a) cars and (b) drivers South 8,329,000 2,090,000 are allocated to Ministers in his Department. [301] Yorkshire Staffordshire 4,969,000 582,000 Mr Paterson: The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) has Suffolk 2,856,000 454,000 been allocated two cars and drivers by the Government Surrey 4,643,000 1,962,000 Car and Despatch Service, based in London. Separate Sussex 6,598,000 920,000 arrangements exist for Ministers when travelling in Thames ——Northern Ireland. Valley1 Warwickshire 3,330,000 434,000 West Mercia 5,770,000 742,000 West 21,301,000 2,160,000 HEALTH Midlands Abortion: Advertising West 13,790,000 7,395,000 Yorkshire Wiltshire 3,180,000 568,000 Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if Total 385,597,500 65,958,637 he will make it his policy to monitor the effects of 1 Information not available for Thames Valley police television advertisements for abortion services on the abortion rate; and if he will make a statement. [80]
Police: Training Anne Milton: There are no plans to undertake such specific monitoring. Abortion rates are affected by a number of complex factors. The Department monitors Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for the overall abortion trends and develops policy in the light Home Department how many and what proportion of of these. those completing the recruitment process to join a police force as an officer did not subsequently take up Accident and Emergency Departments: Greater London employment as a police officer; and if she will make a statement. [897] Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent estimate his Department has made of Nick Herbert: This information is not held centrally. average waiting times to be seen at the accident and 83W Written Answers3 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 84W emergency department at (a) Queen Mary’s Hospital, taken forward. However, at the present, no formal Sidcup, (b) Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich, proposals have been brought forward regarding Bassetlaw (c) Princess Royal University Hospital, Orpington and District General hospital accident and emergency (d) Darent Valley Hospital, Dartford. [457] department. Blood: Contamination Mr Simon Burns: Information is not collected in the format requested. Paul Goggins: To ask the Secretary of State for Information is held at the level of trusts and information Health if he will make arrangements to meet representatives is not available for specific hospital sites. The following of people with haemophilia who were infected with table sets out the mean and median time spent between hepatitis C through treatment with contaminated blood arrival and departure in accident and emergency (A and products. [217] E) departments for Queen Mary’s Sidcup NHS Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital NHS Trust, Bromley Hospitals NHS Trust and Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust in Anne Milton: [holding answer 2 June 2010]: We would 2008-09 (latest data available). be willing to meet representatives of people with haemophilia who were infected with hepatitis C through Minutes treatment with contaminated blood products. Mean duration to Median duration to Blood: Donors Hospital provider departure departure
Bromley Hospitals 144 141 Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health NHS Trust what recent representations he has received in favour of Queen Elizabeth 192 166 allowing those classified as men who have sex with men Hospital NHS Trust to donate blood to the National Blood Service; and if Queen Mary’s 1— 1— he will make a statement. [345] Sidcup NHS Trust Dartford and 2— 2— Anne Milton: Since January 2010, the Department Gravesham NHS Trust has received representations from the public on this issue in the form of correspondence and a petition. 1 Data not available 2 Data not submitted The National Blood Service (part of NHS Blood and Notes: Transplant) has a duty to ensure a sufficient supply of 1. Duration to Departure: The time (expressed as a whole number of safe blood for patients in England and North Wales. minutes) between the patient’s arrival and the time the A and E attendance has concluded and the department is no longer Currently, those people in groups shown to have a responsible for the care of the patient. particularly high risk of carrying blood-borne viruses, 2. A and E Data Quality: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) are which includes men who have sex with men, are asked compiled from data sent by a number of NHS providers across not to give blood. This exclusion is based on the increased England. The NHS Information Centre for health and social care liaises closely with these organisations to encourage submission of risk of blood-borne infection from specific sexual behaviour, complete and valid data and seek to minimise inaccuracies and the rather than sexuality. effect of missing and invalid data via HES processes. While this The Advisory Committee on the Safety of Blood, brings about improvement over time, some shortcomings remain. The A and E HES publications addresses some of the key data Tissues and Organs (SaBTO) is currently reviewing the quality and coverage issues. These are available on HESonline at: evidence on which these criteria are based. SaBTO www.hesonline.nhs.uk/Ease/servlet/ expects to report its findings and recommendations in ContentServer?siteID=1937&categoryID=1271 January 2011. Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), The NHS Information Centre for Continuing Care health and social care Bassetlaw Hospital Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what criteria he plans to use to determine the composition of the proposed commission on long-term care; who John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Health will appoint the members of that commission; and if he what his policy is on the (a) continued operation of will make a statement. [889] and (b) service level at Bassetlaw District General Hospital accident and emergency department. [650] Mr Burstow: The Government recognise that urgent reform of the social care system is needed to provide Mr Simon Burns: The Government have pledged much more control to individuals and their carers, and that, in future, all service changes must be led by clinicians to ease the cost burden that they and their families face. and patients, not be driven from the top down. We will establish a commission on funding long-term On 20 May 2010, David Nicholson, the national care, to report within a year. health service chief executive, wrote to all NHS bodies Membership of the Commission and terms of reference involved in service redesign, setting out the expectation will be announced shortly. that decisions on NHS service changes would: focus on improving patient outcomes; reflect current and prospective Departmental Manpower patient choice; have support from general practitioner commissioners; and be based on sound clinical evidence. Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health The local NHS has been asked to consider the impact how many full-time equivalent staff at each Civil of these strengthened criteria in their area and local Service grade are employed in the private office of each communities are establishing how this work will be Minister in his Department. [114] 85W Written Answers3 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 86W
Mr Simon Burns: The information is shown in the Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health following table. how much was spent on NHS homeopathic treatment in (a) England and (b) Sandwell in the last year for Ministerial Office and number of full-time equivalent staff at which information is available. [223] each grade Parliamentary Parliamentary Minister Under- Under- Anne Milton: Information on general national health Minister of State Secretary Secretary service spend on homeopathy is not routinely collected Civil of State for of State of State centrally. Service Secretary for Care for Public for Quality Grade of State Health Services Health (Lords) Marie Stopes International SCS1 1 0 0 0 0 Grade 6 1 0 0 0 0 Grade 7 2 1 1 1 1 Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Fast Stream 2 3 1 2 0 what estimate he has made of the number of NHS Senior 00101patients who had (a) pregnancy counselling followed Executive by an abortion provided by Marie Stopes International Officer (MSI), (b) pregnancy counselling by MSI and chose Higher 01222 Executive an alternative to abortion and (c) had an abortion Officer provided by MSI without having received counselling Executive 41111from that organisation; and what the cost was to the Officer NHS of such services for those patients. [197] Administrative 21111 Officer Anne Milton: This information is not collected centrally. Departmental Official Cars Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (a) (b) Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which clinics and hospitals owned and leased how many Government (a) cars and (b) drivers are by Marie Stopes International provide abortions; how many approved beds each such unit contains; and allocated to Ministers in his Department. [297] whether each such unit is approved for (i) surgical day care abortions with or without general anaesthetic and Mr Simon Burns: There are currently five allocated (ii) late abortions. [200] cars and drivers allocated to Ministers in the Department. In line with the new ministerial code, Ministers at the Department have given up their allocated cars and Anne Milton: There are currently 13 clinics managed drivers. The existing contracts, which were subject to by Marie Stopes International (MSI) which are approved a 90-day contract termination period, end on the by the Secretary of State for Health to perform abortions. 19 August 2010. Information is not held by the Department on whether these clinics are owned or leased by MSI and the Fluoride: Drinking Water conditions of approval no longer cover numbers of approved beds in each clinic. The Secretary of State’s Mr Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Health approval does not specify whether medical, surgical or what advice his Department issues to water authorities late terminations can be performed. Some clinics may which are considering whether to fluoridate water however, under their conditions of registration from the supplies. [209] Care Quality Commission (CQC), be only permitted to perform medical termination of pregnancy up to nine Anne Milton: Section 58 of the Water Act 2003 weeks gestation. The CQC also assess whether clinics empowered strategic health authorities (SHAs) to contract are able to perform termination of pregnancy at gestations with water undertakers to fluoridate a water supply of 20 weeks and over. It is our understanding that four after conducting public consultations. The Chief Dental clinics currently undertake procedures at these gestations. Officer’s guidance to SHAs can be accessed at the following link and a copy has been placed in the Library. Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health No SHAs are currently conducting consultations on how many abortions were performed in clinics and fluoridation. hospitals (a) owned and (b) leased by Marie Stopes www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/ International (i) for each region, (ii) in respect of length Lettersandcirculars/Dearcolleagueletters/DH_082666 of gestation, (iii) in respect of women of each (A) age group and (B) nationality group in each of the last Homeopathy three years for which information is available; how many complaints his Department received about Marie Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Stopes International in that period; and if his will make which NHS trusts provide homeopathic services for a statement. [201] patients. [220] Anne Milton: The information requested is shown in Anne Milton: The Department does not routinely the following table. Information is not held on whether collect this information. However, many issues relating these clinics are owned or leased by Marie Stopes to homeopathy were raised by the Science and Technology International (MSI). Data are also collected by country Committee report “Evidence Check 2: Homeopathy”. of residence not nationality. One complaint has been The Government will be responding to this report in received about MSI by the Department in the past three due course. years. 87W Written Answers3 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 88W
Abortions taking place at Marie Stopes clinics in England, by place of CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT residence, age and gestation, 2007-09 Strategic Health Departmental Electronic Equipment Authority/Country of residence 2007 2008 2009 Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, East of England 6,851 7,133 6,894 Olympics, Media and Sport how many (a) plasma and East Midlands 365 298 236 (b) LCD televisions there are in Ministerial offices in London 29,733 27,959 25,732 his Department. [384] North East 322 216 121 North West 3,883 4,515 5,029 Hugh Robertson: This Department has four LCD South Central 4,218 3,956 3,446 televisions in ministerial offices and no plasma televisions. South East Coast 7,408 6,828 6,674 All were purchased before Parliament was dissolved on 6 April. South West 1,579 2,207 1,882 West Midlands 245 152 171 Departmental Public Appointments Yorkshire and the 3,626 3,562 3,473 Humber Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Wales 572 426 253 Olympics, Media and Sport what the (a) salary and Northern Ireland 704 646 537 (b) other emoluments are of each public appointment Scotland 141 103 94 for which he is responsible; and if he will make a Republic of Ireland 3,331 3,089 2,733 statement. [73] Rest of Europe 173 219 235 Rest of World 111 135 170 Hugh Robertson: This information is not held centrally. Total 63,262 61,444 57,680 Information on board membership and remuneration is Age at Termination published in individual bodies’ annual reports and accounts. under 18 4,520 4,435 3,944 18 and 19 5,927 6,034 5,577 20 to 24 16,845 16,453 15,572 COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT 25 to 29 14,916 14,394 13,457 30 to 34 10,230 9,969 9,558 Anti-Semitism 35+ 10,824 10,159 9,572 Total 63,262 61,444 57,680 John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Gestation weeks Communities and Local Government what plans he has under 10 50,416 49,711 46,662 for the future of the inter-departmental working group 10 to 12 7,550 6,773 6,109 on anti-Semitism. [481] 13 to 23 5,296 4,960 4,909 Total 63,262 61,444 57,680 Andrew Stunell: The Department of Communities and Local Government will continue to chair and support the work of the inter-departmental working group on Medical Records: Databases anti-Semitism. The next meeting of this group will take place in July 2010. Michael Fallon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make it his policy to end uploading of John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for medical data to the Summary Care Record; and if he Communities and Local Government whether he plans will make a statement. [167] to report on the Government’s implementation of the recommendations of the All-Party Inquiry into Anti- Mr Simon Burns: Uploading of information to the Semitism in 2010. [520] summary care record will continue to take place, where the relevant general practitioner (GP) practices and Andrew Stunell: The Department for Communities primary care trusts (PCTs) agree that patients have been and Local Government intends to report on the adequately informed about the process, and properly Government’s implementation of the recommendations enabled to opt out should they wish, and where GP of the All-Party Inquiry into Anti-Semitism by the end practices and PCTs are satisfied that data are of an of 2010. appropriate quality for sharing. Biodiversity Skipton Fund Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government with reference to Paul Goggins: To ask the Secretary of State for page 17 of The Coalition: Our Programme for Government, Health (1) if he will appoint an independent chair to what plans he has to promote green spaces and wildlife review the operation of the Skipton Fund; [218] corridors in order to halt the loss of habitat and restore (2) when he plans to publish terms of reference for a biodiversity. [348] review of the Skipton Fund. [219] Richard Benyon: I have been asked to reply. Anne Milton [holding answer 2 June 2010]: We are We look forward to receiving Sir John Lawton’s report, carefully considering policy in this area, and we will “Making Space for Nature”, later in the summer. Sir John’s announce a decision in due course. update in March reported that to achieve a coherent 89W Written Answers3 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 90W and resilient ecological network we will need to look Planning Permission beyond existing designated sites and take account of landscape designations, local wildlife sites and green Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for spaces. Communities and Local Government if he will bring The Government are also looking forward to the forward proposals to allow local authorities not to completion of work currently being carried out by implement the requirements of Local Development Natural England on the implementation of landscape-scale Frameworks and Supplementary Planning Documents enhancements to benefit wildlife. This will build on and covering land for which detailed planning consents use the lessons learned from existing work such as the have not been granted; and if he will make a statement. Great Fen, a collaboration between Natural England, [351] Environment Agency, the local Wildlife Trust and district council, which is joining up two national nature reserves Robert Neill: The new Government are already taking through creating 3,700 ha of wetland habitat in steps to abolish Regional Strategies and give councils Cambridgeshire, which will deliver benefits not only for more power and discretion to determine their own biodiversity but also for water quality, recreation and planning policies. The Secretary of State has recently local communities. written to local authorities on this issue and a copy of In addition, this Government will deliver a White the letter is available in the Library of the House. A Paper, the first since 1990, that will, finally, take an more detailed planning statement, including addressing integrated approach to the natural environment in all its the issues of the revision of Local Development aspects. By reflecting nature’s real value in our social Frameworks, will be published in due course. and economic decisions we will be able to review and improve the ways in which we both harness and protect Regional Planning and Development it. We are currently considering options and time scales for taking this commitment forward. Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for Home Information Packs Communities and Local Government if he will take steps to remove regional housing targets in advance of the introduction of primary legislation on regional Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State spatial strategies. [839] for Communities and Local Government what written representations he has received from the housing Robert Neill: We are absolutely committed to abolishing industry on home information packs (a) before and Regional Strategies, including regional housing targets. (b) since his announcement on their suspension; and if The Secretary of State has written to all local authority he will place copies in the Library. [874] chief planning officers confirming this. This constitutes a material consideration in planning terms as emerging Andrew Stunell: The decision to suspend home policy. We are keen to move in advance of legislation information packs was announced on 21 May. The and are currently considering revoking Regional Strategies Department received 168 written representations from ahead of taking legislation through Parliament. We will individuals and companies involved with the housing make a statement in due course. industry before this date and 45 representations between 21 May and 28 May. We regarded these representations as “sent in confidence” and copies will not therefore be Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for placed in the Library at the present time. Current policy Communities and Local Government what timetable is that unsolicited correspondence from the public is he has set for the ending of regional spatial strategies; normally treated as confidential, in contrast to responses and if he will make a statement. [860] to public consultations. Robert Neill: We are absolutely committed to abolishing Regional Strategies and are very keen to move in advance Housing and Regeneration: Telford of legislation. The Secretary of State has written to all local authority chief planning officers confirming this. David Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for This constitutes a material consideration in planning Communities and Local Government what his plans terms as emerging policy. We are currently considering are for the future funding of Government housing and revoking Regional Strategies ahead of taking legislation regeneration programmes in Telford. [746] through Parliament.
Andrew Stunell: The Chancellor of the Exchequer Sleeping Rough recently announced the details of £6.2 billion of savings from Government spending in 2010-11 in order to start tackling the unprecedented budget deficit. While Ministers Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for have already announced savings across a number of Communities and Local Government what steps he housing and regeneration programmes to achieve this, plans to take to reduce the number of people sleeping further decisions on the funding of programmes will be rough; and if he will make a statement. [244] considered as part of the Emergency Budget on 22 June, and in the forthcoming spending review, the outcome of Grant Shapps: We will implement a range of measures which will be announced in the autumn when the long-term to address the problems of the homeless, including plans for programmes, including those in the hon. Member’s addressing more widespread concerns on the current constituency, will be set out. street count methodology. 91W Written Answers3 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 92W
BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS Science Research Funding
University Funding 22. Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how much he plans to spend on support for science research in (a) 2010-11 19. Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for and (b) 2011-12. [000790] Business, Innovation and Skills what plans he has for funding universities in (a) 2010-11 and (b) future Mr Willetts: This Department will provide £5.7 billion years. [000787] of ring-fenced Science and Research funding this year. It is made up of the Science and Research budget of Mr Willetts: Universities will receive a total of £7.3 billion £3.9 billion, principally to the Research Councils and from the Higher Education Funding Council for 2010, £1.8 billion of research funding distributed by the university including £5.1 billion for teaching and £1.6 billion for funding Council in England. research. This includes an increase of £70 million since Because the last Government cancelled the the December 2009 grant letter. We are funding 10,000 Comprehensive Spending Review, budgets have not been extra university places in 2010-11 on the back of the set for future years. They will be decided this autumn as coalition agreement to widen educational opportunities. part of the Spending Review. This Department will make future funding decisions in the light of the Browne review on student finance, Apprentices which was established by the last Government and which will report later this year. Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State, and Innovation and Skills what estimate he has made of the I have recently written to all universities and have number of new apprenticeships to be created in the next reminded them of the tight fiscal constraints that we are 12 months. [887] all operating under. Mr Hayes: Apprenticeships are funded by both this Department and the Department for Education. 131,000 Business Failures (Nottingham) 16 to 18-year-olds and 167,000 adult apprenticeship starts are planned in the 2010/11 academic year. The 20. Mr. Allen: To ask the Secretary of State for Government’s decision to redeploy £150 million of our Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has savings for 2010-11, creating an additional 50,000 places, made of the prospects for a reduction in the number of demonstrates our commitment to high-quality employer business failures in the city of Nottingham in 2010. owned apprenticeships. [000788] Beer: Competition Mr Prisk: The most recent figures show there were 835 businesses that ceased to trade1 in Nottingham in Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for 2008 compared to 14,760 in the East Midlands as a Business, Innovation and Skills whether he plans to whole. review the operation of the exclusive beer supply obligation for the purposes of assessing its effect on competition. This Department is committed to help the economy [752] grow by creating the right business environment that will keep the number of business failures to a minimum. Mr Davey: The Business Innovation and Skills 1 In addition to business bankruptcies, ceasing to trade Committee (BISC) follow-up report on pub companies data captures businesses simply ceasing to trade due to proposes that they should be allowed one final opportunity other reasons such as retirement of owners. Latest data to reform, by June 2011. If they fail to do this, the 2008. This is the latest and only data available. Committee reflected that legislation should be considered. I will be monitoring the industry’s progress closely over Apprenticeships the coming months. Building Colleges for the Future Programme 21. Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many advanced Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for apprenticeships in the engineering and technology Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he made green industries will be funded by his Department in of the average cost of re-building a further education 2010-11; and how many of those apprenticeships he college under his Department’s Building Colleges for expects to be located in the north-east. [000789] the Future in the latest period for which figures are available. [505] Mr Hayes: This Department is committed to increasing the number of apprenticeships, in particular, advanced Mr Hayes: In 2008-09 the LSC funded 74 projects at apprenticeships that confer technician status. Many low an average cost of £21 million of which an average of carbon and green technology apprenticeships will be £15.3 million came from FE Capital Grant funding delivered within existing apprenticeship frameworks such (73%). However, it is not possible to give the average as engineering and we are also committed to ensuring, cost of rebuilding a further education college as this through Sector Skills Councils, that all apprenticeship depends on the size and condition of the existing estate. frameworks meet the needs of the real economy. Last For example the largest funded project in 2008-09 was year 37,000 people started an apprenticeship in engineering £101.9 million of which £87.7million was capital grant and manufacturing technologies in England, including funded (86%) and the smallest was £537,000 of which 2,600 in the North East. £53,700 was grant-funded (10%). 93W Written Answers3 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 94W
Business: Regulation One NorthEast
Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State Innovation and Skills what steps he plans to take to for Business, Innovation and Skills what changes are introduce his Department’s proposed one in-one out planned in each budget heading of One North East for rule for business regulations. [865] 2010-11. [878]
Mr Prisk: The “one-in, one-out” approach set out in Mr Prisk: No decisions have been made on how the Coalition’s Programme for Government will be projects/programmes currently delivered by ONE will overseen by the new Cabinet subcommittee for reducing be affected by the £270 million savings from the RDA regulation. budget. We are working closely with ONE and the rest of the RDA network to minimise the impact on priority Further details will be announced shortly. programmes in line with Government priorities. Stakeholders and delivery partners involved in affected Further Education: Departmental Co-ordination programmes and projects will be kept fully informed as specific decisions are made and plans are developed. Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Post Offices: Bank Services Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he plans to take to ensure effective co-ordination between Departments Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, on matters affecting further education policy. [916] Innovation and Skills when he expects post offices to offer a wider range of services; and if he will make a Mr Hayes: The Department has a strong track record statement. [861] of working effectively with other Departments on further education policy including with Department for Education, Mr Davey: As set out in “The Coalition: our programme Department for Communities and Local Government for government” we will ensure that post offices are and Department for Work and Pensions and maintains allowed to offer a wide range of services in order to excellent communications across Whitehall at both sustain the network, and we will be working with Post ministerial and official level on matters affecting further Office Ltd to develop new sources of revenue, including education. considering the case for a Post Office Bank. This approach is supported by a number of mechanisms including joint policy units, joint stakeholder engagement Shops: Books and joint programme management, where that is appropriate. Stephen Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for My ministerial colleagues and I at the Department Business, Innovation and Skills (1) what estimate he has for Business, Innovation and Skills are committed to made of the change in the number of bookshops in excellent working relationships across Government and each of the last five years; [587] are currently considering the best ways to achieve this. (2) what estimate he has made of the number of store Effective co-ordination with other Departments over closures and openings of bookshops for (a) independent matters affecting further education policy will be given single-store businesses and (b) large multi-store businesses the priority it warrants. in each of the last five years. [754]
Future Jobs Fund: Leeds Mr Prisk: Up until 2007, the Office of National Statistics included book retailers in the same category (Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) no. 52.47) as Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for newspaper and stationery retailers. The number of Business, Innovation and Skills how many young people enterprises recorded under SIC 52.47 for the years 2004 in (a) Leeds West constituency and (b) Leeds have to 2007 is as follows: received assistance from the Future Jobs Fund. [759] Number
Chris Grayling: I have been asked to reply. 2004 6,991 The information requested is not available. 2005 6,560 2006 6,186 Local Enterprise Partnerships 2007 5,994 However in 2007 the Office of National Statistics Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, re-organised the Standard Industrial Classification system Innovation and Skills what steps he plans to take to which resulted in book retailers being identified under a support the creation of local enterprise partnerships. standalone category (SIC no. 47.61). The number of [859] book retailers in 2008, the most recent year for which data are available, was 1,317. Mr Prisk: The Government will bring forward proposals The Booksellers Association also collects annual data in the summer that set out our approach to creating on the number of independent book retailer openings Local Enterprise Partnerships. We will introduce legislation and closures. However these data are based on the to implement the proposed changes during the current Association’s membership and therefore do not represent session of Parliament. a complete picture for the sector as a whole. 95W Written Answers3 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 96W
Independent book shop openings and closures Stephen Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Openings Closures Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has made of the number of book retailers that have filed 2005 79 58 for insolvency for each of the last five years. [755] 2006 64 96 2007 81 72 2008 66 83 Mr Davey: The industry classifications that The Insolvency Service compiles do not separately identify 2009 40 102 book retailers. The following table shows insolvencies in Note: Total number of independents at end of 2009 = 1,289. England and Wales for retail trade, except of motor Source: vehicles; repair of personal and household goods as a Booksellers Association whole, within which book retail is included.
Insolvencies in England and Wales Bankruptcy Creditors’ Company orders—self- Compulsory voluntary voluntary employed liquidations liquidations Receiverships Administrations arrangements individuals
2005 272 530 n/a n/a n/a 1,028 20061 218 474 n/a n/a n/a 812 20072 141 286 2 66 10 384 2008 349 844 5 246 29 914 2009 322 961 20 236 41 1,004 n/a = not available 1 Data only available for Q1-Q3 2006 due to a change in industry classification. 2 Data only available for Q3-Q4 2007 due to a change in industry classification.
Skills Funding Agency: Public Consultation points in the regional economy including advanced manufacturing, low carbon and digital sectors through Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for integrated skills offers. Business, Innovation and Skills if he will bring forward This is supported by the Sector Skills Council for proposals to ensure the Chief Executive of the Skills the manufacturing sector, the Science Engineering Funding Agency receives regular advice from students, Manufacturing and Technologies Alliance (SEMTA), colleges and employers through a board structure; and which aims to improve skill levels by: if he will make a statement. [912] Developing apprenticeship frameworks and ensuring that qualifications meet employers’ needs; Mr Hayes: The Skills Funding Agency became fully Ensuring authoritative labour market information is available operational on 1 April 2010, and is responsible for for the sector; and funding adult education and skills training, including Raising employer engagement, demand and investment in apprenticeships for people aged 16 and over. In fulfilling skills. this role, it is vital that the Skills Funding Agency works We need more people with science and engineering closely with learners, employers, and the further education skills at all levels to support excellence in our research sector more widely.An external advisory board is therefore base and to be successful in the future. As we rebalance being established which will consist of representatives the economy, policies to create the environment for a from learners, employers and their representative bodies. high-performing research base will be a critical factor. Separate arrangements for a national advisory group have been agreed with colleges and training organisations, Yorkshire Forward which will provide a forum for sharing information between the Chief Executive of Skills Funding and Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for further education colleges and training organisations. Business, Innovation and Skills what plans he has for the future of Yorkshire Forward. [758] Vocational Training: West Midlands Mr Prisk: The Government set out their position on Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State the future of Regional Developments Agencies (RDAs) for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he plans in their programme for Government: “Freedom Fairness to take to improve manufacturing and research skill Responsibility”. We will support the creation of Local levels in the West Midlands. [739] Enterprise Partnerships to replace RDAs.
Mr Hayes: The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills is seeking to drive up the skills levels of the ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE workforce by directing public funding where it will bring the clearest benefits. Departmental Public Expenditure Following consultation across the region, the following priorities have been identified in the manufacturing Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy sector in the West Midlands: increase the number of and Climate Change when and in what form he plans apprenticeships and develop new apprenticeship models to publish a list of all items of expenditure by his to engage higher value-added sectors; and support growth Department over £25,000. [272] 97W Written Answers3 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 98W
Gregory Barker: My right hon. Friend the Prime grid transmission charge in each generation zone is; Minister has written to Cabinet Ministers reiterating and what change to the charge in each zone has been in transparency commitments made in the Coalition each of the last five years. [717] Programme for Government, and setting out a timetable for achieving them. In particular, all new items of central government spending over £25,000 will be published Charles Hendry: The following chart shows the average online in an open format from November 2010. National Grid Transmission Network Use of System Departmental Redundancy Pay (TNUoS) charges in each generation zone. As zones and the methodology have evolved over Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy time, National Grid advise that it is difficult to make a and Climate Change what his most recent estimate is of direct comparison between published zone tariffs. In the annual cost to his Department of redundancy payments order to make a meaningful comparison, therefore, for (a) front line and (b) other staff. [634] National Grid has made alterations to the data, including: Gregory Barker: The Department has made no estimate Removal of Year 1 charges from the average (zones were of any such costs. adjusted between 2006-07 and 2007-08). National Grid An adjustment to lessen the impact of moving to local charging (TNUoS charges were effectively split into two charges—local Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for and wider. The tariffs have been re-combined for the benefit of Energy and Climate Change what the average national the comparison).
Zonal tariff (£/kW) % change Contracted % change % Y2 to Y5 generation in change as % of October generation Zone Zone Average Y2 to largest 2009 over No. name 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 Y2-5 Y5 tariff (MW) period
1 North 20.52 21.59 22.26 23.33 21.22 22.10 -2 -2 617 -2 Scotland 2 Peterhead 18.39 19.23 19.76 20.58 18.97 19.63 -1 -1 1,524 0 3 Western 18.62 19.86 20.53 22.57 24.50 21.86 23 21 308 155 Highland and Skye 4 Central 15.41 16.44 16.74 17.16 18.18 17.13 11 8 200 0 Highlands 5 Argyll 13.52 14.68 15.06 15.23 14.63 14.90 0 0 535 0 6 Stirlingshire 13.07 14.03 14.36 14.93 13.88 14.30 -1 -1 2,681 0 7 South 12.14 13.02 13.52 14.06 13.04 13.41 0 0 3,917 5 Scotland 8 Auchencrosh 5.61 10.14 10.38 10.84 10.52 10.47 4 2 80 0 9 Humber 5.61 5.88 6.32 6.50 5.77 6.12 -2 -1 17,769 3 and Lancashire 10 North East 8.89 9.25 9.95 10.26 9.20 9.67 -1 0 3,142 0 England 11 Anglesey 6.28 6.41 6.83 7.13 6.43 6.70 0 0 980 0 12 Dinorwig 8.94 9.28 9.82 10.26 9.52 9.72 3 1 1,644 37 13 South 3.84 4.00 4.42 4.48 3.88 4.19 -3 -1 12,342 12 Yo rk s a n d North Wales 14 Midlands 1.22 1.97 2.32 2.43 1.88 2.15 -5 0 7,067 2 15 South -2.74 -2.46 -2.47 -1.26 0.73 -1.36 -130 -15 4,556 1 Wales and Gloucester 16 Central -5.50 -5.71 -5.66 -6.72 -6.15 -6.06 8 2 144 0 London 17 South East 1.22 0.91 1.22 0.53 1.08 0.93 19 1 13,194 2 18 Oxon and -0.51 -0.27 -0.01 -0.60 -0.58 -0.36 117 1 4,079 1 South Coast 19 Wessex -5.07 -4.10 -2.57 -2.93 -2.28 -2.97 -44 -8 3,500 35 20 Peninsula -9.15 -8.57 -8.53 -6.03 -5.22 -7.08 -39 -16 1,045 646
Average -2.16 -0.37 Volumeweighted -1.94 -1.39 99W Written Answers3 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 100W
Warm Front Scheme TREASURY
Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what plans he has for the Bank Services: Fees and Charges future of the Warm Front scheme; and what recent representations he has received on the time taken for Andrew George: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer applicants under that scheme to receive assistance. what plans he has to regulate account charges by banks [751] and other investment and lending bodies on (a) personal and (b) business account holders. [691] Gregory Barker: Funding for the scheme is just over £1.1 billion for the current three year spending period Mr Hoban: The Government have stated in the coalition to March 2011. This includes a cash provision of £345m agreement that “we will introduce stronger consumer for 2010-11. Funding for future years will be considered protections, including measures to end unfair bank and as part of the budget and spending review processes. financial transaction charges”. We are considering how The scheme continues to experience very high levels best to implement this commitment and will bring of demand. In order to manage this demand within the forward proposals in due course. available budget, insulation work is currently taking up to three months to complete and new or replacement heating systems up to six months to install. Capital Allowances: Manufacturing Industries
Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has for the future level of PRIME MINISTER investment allowances for manufacturing businesses; and if he will make a statement. [781] Andy Coulson Mr Gauke: The Coalition Agreement sets out the Mr Watson: To ask the Prime Minister whether a Government’s aim to: document security briefing has been provided to Mr Andy “reform the corporate tax system by simplifying reliefs and allowances, Coulson since 6 May 2010. [596] and tackling avoidance, in order to reduce headline rates. Our aim is to create the most competitive corporate tax regime in the G20, The Prime Minister: All individuals with access to while protecting manufacturing industries.” Government papers are reminded of the security regulations The Chancellor of the Exchequer will make a further surrounding documents. statement at the emergency Budget on 22 June 2010. Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers Capital Gains Tax Helen Goodman: To ask the Prime Minister how many special advisers he (a) has appointed and (b) Michael Fallon: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer plans to appoint. [323] if he will make it his policy to ensure that any changes to capital gains tax do not discourage employee share The Prime Minister: Information relating to special ownership; and if he will make a statement. [135] adviser appointments will be published shortly at which time I will arrange for copies to be placed in the Justine Greening: We are seeking ways of taxing Libraries of the House. non-business capital gains at rates similar or close to Departmental Mobile Phones those applied to income, with generous exemptions for entrepreneurial business activities. Further details will be provided at Budget. Mr Watson: To ask the Prime Minister whether he plans to use a mobile telephone for official business. [588] Corporation Tax The Prime Minister: I will conduct business in the most appropriate manner and as circumstances dictate. Fiona Bruce: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will discuss with Ministerial colleagues steps to Middle East ensure that the application of the small company tax rate does not disadvantage individuals who operate Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Prime Minister when he more than one small company; and if he will make a plans to visit the Middle East. [91] statement. [786]
The Prime Minister: As set out in the Queen’s Speech, Mr Gauke: The Government recognise the essential in the Middle East the Government will work for a two role of small businesses in the economy. They have set state solution that sees a viable state of Palestine existing out their intention to reform the corporate tax system in peace and security alongside Israel. As I made clear and create the most competitive tax regime in the G20. to Prime Minister Netanyahu, we deplore the loss of The associated company rules are an important element life off the coast of Gaza in recent days. I will of course of that regime and provide protection for the Exchequer. update Parliament on progress including any visits to The Government keep all taxes under review to ensure the region. they are as fair and simple as possible. 101W Written Answers3 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 102W
Departmental Manpower up to ¤440 billion to be provided by euro-area member states (and others who choose to participate) through a special purpose vehicle. Mr Anderson: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer up to ¤60 billion of emergency finance provided in accordance (1) what his estimate is of the cost to the public purse of with article 122(2) of the Lisbon treaty. proposed reductions in numbers of non-frontline staff in his Department and its agencies; [490] The UK will not participate in the special purpose vehicle, and there is therefore no question of any liability (2) what his most recent estimate is of the annual arising to the UK. cost to his Department of redundancy payments for (a) front line and (b) other staff employed by (i) his Should the ¤60 billion element of the mechanism be Department and (ii) its agencies. [636] called upon, the European Commission would raise the money on capital markets. Loans would be granted in Justine Greening: Our aim will be wherever possible parallel with IMF programmes and would be subject to to manage any necessary staff reductions within the policy conditionality. The EU budget would be used to Treasury and its agencies through natural wastage at no guarantee the loans. Only where there were defaults on additional cost. loan repayments would there be a cost to the EU budget. Member states would be liable for a share Mr Anderson: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer through their monthly subscriptions to the EU budget: how many (a) front-line and (b) other staff were based on the UK’s contribution to the 2010 EU budget, employed by (i) his Department and (ii) each of its the UK’s share would be approximately 13.6% of any agencies in the latest year for which figures are available; increase, or up to a maximum of around ¤8 billion. and what his most recent estimate is of the annual cost to the public purse of employing staff of each type at each of those bodies. [536] Equitable Life Assurance Society: Compensation
Justine Greening: Details of Treasury Group staff Ian Lucas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer numbers and the administration budget outturn for the what estimate he has made of the cost to the public Group in 2008-09 are shown in the Treasury’s Annual purse of the implementation of the recommendations Report and Accounts available from of the Parliamentary Ombudsman’s report on Equitable www.hm-treasury.gov.uk Life. [133] Neither the Treasury nor any of its agencies employs front line staff. Mr Hoban: We will establish an independently designed payment scheme that is transparent and fair to both Departmental Public Expenditure taxpayers and policyholders. Sir John Chadwick is advising the Treasury on the Mr Iain Wright: To ask Mr Chancellor of the relative losses suffered by Equitable Life policyholders Exchequer what estimate he has made of the cost to his in relation to those accepted cases of maladministration Department of the (a) implementation of penalty resulting in injustice. He will submit his report by clauses and payments in its contracts and (b) potential mid-July. legal action arising from the deferral and cancellation As recognised by the parliamentary ombudsman in of contracts and projects under his Department’s plans her report, any scheme will need to take the potential to achieve cost savings; and whether those estimates are impact on the public purse into account. included in the total cost savings to be achieved by his The Government are working hard to address the Department. [558] situation quickly, while ensuring that our approach is thorough and fair. Justine Greening: The Office of Government Commerce (OGC) is undertaking work to review major projects and support the renegotiation of contracts on behalf of Excise Duties: Alcoholic Drinks Central Government to seek efficiencies in the region of £1.7 billion. The analysis of all contingent liabilities, in order to achieve maximum actual savings, is a core part Mr David Hamilton: To ask Mr Chancellor of the of the review methodology. The OGC will be taking Exchequer what progress has been made on the most into account the potential costs of deferment or cancellation recent EU review of minimum rates of excise duty to be and advise Departments on next steps accordingly. applied to alcohol and alcoholic beverages. [517]
Economic and Monetary Union Justine Greening: The European Commission proposed revisions to the EU Directive setting minimum rates of Michael Fallon: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer excise duty on alcoholic beverages in September 2006. what the (a) amount and (b) nature is of the liability of Following two discussions at Ministerial level at ECOFIN the United Kingdom for stability in the eurozone under in November 2006, when it was not possible to reach the agreement of 9 May 2010. [156] agreement, successive EU Presidencies have chosen not to schedule further Council discussion of the dossier. Mr Hoban [holding answer 2 June 2010]: Under the The Commission is currently in the process of reviewing agreement reached on 9 May by EU Finance Ministers, the EU rules on alcohol duty again and will report the the Council agreed to establish a European Financial findings of their review to the Council in due course. It Stabilisation Mechanism, totalling ¤500 billion. is unclear at this stage whether they will propose changes The mechanism consists of two parts: to EU legislation on minimum rates of duty. 103W Written Answers3 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 104W
Office for Budget Responsibility Danny Alexander: The £170 million savings figure reflects a range of measures and decisions that will need Dr Pugh: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer to be taken to improve the management and use of (1) how much funding he has allocated to the budget of government property, including reviewing and agreeing the Office of Budget Responsibility; [416] a disposals programme, delaying acquisitions, improving space usage, and giving up leases. The figure includes (2) whether any posts in his Department are to be savings from both running costs and capital expenditure. deleted as a consequence of the establishment of the Office of Budget Responsibility; [417] It is not possible to provide a list of buildings at this stage since in a number of cases this will involve commercial (3) what estimate he has made of the net change in confidentiality issues. total Government expenditure consequent on the establishment of the Office for Budget Responsibility. Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer [418] pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 26 May 2010, Official Report, columns 2-3WS, on savings (2010-11), Justine Greening: The Office for Budget Responsibility what estimate he has made of the effect on the number (OBR) was established on an interim basis on 17 May of private sector jobs of the proposed changes to contracts. 2010 and is funded from within HM Treasury’s existing [848] departmental budget, it is led by a three-person Budget Responsibility Committee, supported by a small secretariat Danny Alexander: As part of the contribution to of economists and public finance experts redeployed achieving the savings outlined by the Government on from within the Treasury. The interim OBR is also 24 May, Government will be seeking to achieve greater drawing on experts remaining within the Treasury. value for money in the purchasing of goods and services Sir Alan Budd, as Chair of the Budget Responsibility from third parties. At this point in time no detailed Committee, will be advising the Chancellor on the estimates have been made as to the effect on the number arrangements for the permanent body and legislation of private sector jobs of the proposed changes. will be brought forward in due course. Taxation: Financial Services Public Expenditure Mr Meacher: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will introduce a tax upon financial activities. [202] pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 26 May 2010, Official Report, columns 2-3WS, on savings (2010-11), Justine Greening: We are working with international which buildings will be affected by the proposed £170 million partners, looking at all the options. We will introduce a reductions in property costs. [847] banking levy as detailed in the coalition agreement. ORAL ANSWERS
Thursday 3 June 2010
Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS...... 555 BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS—continued Adult Community Learning...... 561 Regulation ...... 559 Apprenticeships ...... 562 Royal Mail ...... 567 Apprenticeships ...... 569 Sheffield Forgemasters ...... 564 Employment Law...... 563 Topical Questions ...... 570 Flexible Working...... 558 Train to Gain ...... 568 Higher Education Funding ...... 566 Video Games Industry (Scotland)...... 568 Regional Development Agencies ...... 555 Women Entrepreneurs ...... 565 WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS
Thursday 3 June 2010
Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS...... 25WS WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 27WS One North East Regional Development Agency.... 25WS Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council ...... 27WS TREASURY ...... 25WS ECOFIN...... 25WS WRITTEN ANSWERS
Thursday 3 June 2010
Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 63W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 88W Burglary: Self-defence ...... 63W Anti-Semitism...... 88W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 63W Biodiversity...... 88W Euthanasia...... 64W Home Information Packs...... 89W Housing and Regeneration: Telford ...... 89W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 91W Planning Permission ...... 90W Apprentices...... 92W Regional Planning and Development...... 90W Apprenticeships ...... 91W Sleeping Rough ...... 90W Beer: Competition...... 92W Building Colleges for the Future Programme ...... 92W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT...... 88W Business Failures (Nottingham) ...... 91W Departmental Electronic Equipment ...... 88W Business: Regulation ...... 93W Departmental Public Appointments...... 88W Further Education: Departmental Co-ordination .. 93W Future Jobs Fund: Leeds ...... 93W Local Enterprise Partnerships...... 93W DEFENCE...... 73W One NorthEast...... 94W Aircraft Carriers ...... 73W Post Offices: Bank Services ...... 94W Armed Forces: Deployment ...... 73W Science Research Funding...... 92W Armed Forces: Discharges ...... 73W Shops: Books ...... 94W Armed Forces: Housing ...... 74W Skills Funding Agency: Public Consultation...... 95W Armed Forces: Recruitment ...... 75W University Funding...... 91W Defence: Procurement...... 75W Vocational Training: West Midlands ...... 95W Defence Storage and Distribution Agency ...... 75W Yorkshire Forward ...... 96W Nuclear Submarines...... 76W Trident ...... 77W CABINET OFFICE...... 49W Admiralty Arch...... 49W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE...... 96W Departmental Internet ...... 49W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 96W Departmental Security ...... 49W Departmental Redundancy Pay ...... 97W Departmental Travel ...... 50W National Grid ...... 97W Electoral Register...... 50W Warm Front Scheme ...... 99W Government Departments: Data Protection ...... 50W Ministerial Policy Advisers...... 51W Ministers...... 51W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL Ministers: Codes of Practice ...... 51W AFFAIRS...... 52W Ministers: Pay ...... 51W Bees...... 52W Ministers: Training...... 51W Departmental Electronic Equipment ...... 53W Non-departmental Public Bodies ...... 52W Departmental Manpower...... 53W Purchasing of PR Week ...... 52W Game: Animal Welfare...... 53W Trade Unions ...... 52W Water Charges...... 54W Col. No. Col. No. FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE .... 72W PRIME MINISTER—continued Pakistan: British Nationals Abroad ...... 72W Departmental Mobile Phones ...... 99W Middle East ...... 99W HEALTH...... 82W Abortion: Advertising...... 82W SCOTLAND...... 72W Accident and Emergency Departments: Greater Departmental Official Cars...... 72W London...... 82W Bassetlaw Hospital...... 83W TRANSPORT ...... 66W Blood: Contamination ...... 84W A15 ...... 66W Blood: Donors ...... 84W Airports: Parking ...... 66W Continuing Care ...... 84W Aviation: Disabled...... 67W Departmental Manpower...... 84W Blackpool-Manchester Railway Line: Departmental Official Cars...... 85W Electrification ...... 67W Fluoride: Drinking Water ...... 85W Bus Services: Regulation ...... 67W Homeopathy ...... 85W Crossrail Line: Finance ...... 67W Marie Stopes International ...... 86W Departmental Manpower...... 68W Medical Records: Databases ...... 87W Levenshulme Station: Disability...... 68W Skipton Fund...... 87W Manchester Metrolink ...... 69W Network Rail: Finance...... 69W HOME DEPARTMENT...... 78W Official Cars...... 69W Durham Constabulary: Cost-effectiveness ...... 78W Park and Ride Schemes...... 69W Knives: Crime ...... 79W Railways: Kent...... 70W Police Authorities...... 79W Railways: Manpower...... 70W Police: Bureaucracy...... 80W Roads: Accidents ...... 70W Police Committees: Pay...... 79W Roads: Repairs and Maintenance...... 70W Police: Pay...... 80W Rolling Stock: Procurement ...... 71W Police: Training ...... 81W Stockport Station...... 71W Vans: Speed Limits...... 71W HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION ...... 49W Westminster Clock Tower ...... 49W TREASURY ...... 100W Bank Services: Fees and Charges ...... 100W JUSTICE...... 54W Capital Allowances: Manufacturing Industries ...... 100W Care Proceedings ...... 54W Capital Gains Tax ...... 100W Contact Orders ...... 59W Corporation Tax ...... 100W Electoral Register...... 60W Departmental Manpower...... 101W Fines: Surcharges ...... 60W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 101W Pleural Plaques: Compensation...... 61W Economic and Monetary Union ...... 101W Prisoners ...... 61W Equitable Life Assurance Society: Compensation .. 102W Prisons: Construction ...... 61W Excise Duties: Alcoholic Drinks...... 102W Residence Orders ...... 62W Office for Budget Responsibility ...... 103W Public Expenditure...... 103W NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 82W Taxation: Financial Services ...... 104W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 82W Official Cars...... 82W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 65W Television...... 82W Departmental Electronic Equipment ...... 65W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 65W PRIME MINISTER ...... 99W Future Jobs Fund: Leeds ...... 65W Andy Coulson...... 99W Future Jobs Fund: North East ...... 65W Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers...... 99W State Retirement Pensions: Payments...... 66W Members who wish to have the Daily Report of the Debates forwarded to them should give notice at the Vote Office. 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CONTENTS
Thursday 3 June 2010
Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 555] [see index inside back page] Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills
Business of the House [Col. 577] Statement—(Sir George Young)
Cumbrian Shooting Incident [Col. 592] Statement—(Mrs May)
European Affairs [Col. 600] Motion—(Mr Hague)—agreed to
Crossrail [Col. 689] Debate on motion for Adjournment
Written Ministerial Statements [Col. 25WS]
Written Answers to Questions [Col. 49W] [see index inside back page]