Thursday Volume 560 14 March 2013 No. 130

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Thursday 14 March 2013

£5·00 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2013 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Open Parliament licence, which is published at www.parliament.uk/site-information/copyright/. 451 14 MARCH 2013 452

a huge market out there for the green deal. What is my House of Commons right hon. Friend doing to promote the green deal to make sure that as many people as possible take it up? Thursday 14 March 2013 Mr Davey: I can assure my hon. Friend that I, my Ministers, the whole Department and the whole The House met at half-past Nine o’clock Government are pushing the green deal. The solid walls that he referred to—those 8 million homes—have not featured in energy efficiency programmes in any major way PRAYERS before. It has been an undealt-with issue in energy efficiency. We have not ducked that and we are tackling it. [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] Luciana Berger (Liverpool, Wavertree) (Lab/Co-op): It is just over a month since the green deal was launched. We have just heard that more than 2,000 assessments Oral Answers to Questions have taken place. However, the Secretary of State refuses to reveal how many households have actually signed for a green deal package. We know that the Department is monitoring green deal uptake in real time through the ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE energy performance certificate register. Why will he not share that information with the House today?

The Secretary of State was asked— Mr Davey: I am surprised that the hon. Lady has Energy Efficiency asked that question as it suggests that she does not understand how the green deal plans work. She should know, and I think she probably does, that after an 1. Mr Iain McKenzie (Inverclyde) (Lab): What steps assessment has been made and an installation programme he is taking to help households improve their energy has been booked, the green deal plan is signed only efficiency. [147676] after the installation has been completed and then goes on to the green deal register for the green deal payments The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change to appear on the bill. So there is quite a lag, as the hon. (Mr Edward Davey): Before I answer may I, on behalf Lady would know. We did not expect a huge number of of many Members of the House, welcome the election green deal plans to have already been signed. The key of the new pope, Pope Francis? issue at this stage is the green deal assessments and the The green deal, which went fully live on Monday green deal assessors, and we are making huge progress, 28 January, will help transform the homes of British people as the industry is saying. over the coming decade and beyond. This transformational policy, along with the energy company obligation and Luciana Berger: I thank the Secretary of State for the roll-out of smart meters, will drive the development that response, but he will know that the public want to of a new energy efficiency market, providing unprecedented know how many people, having seen their assessment, choice, benefits and access to low-cost finance for British have signed on the dotted line for the deal. Given that households. Nationwide is offering energy efficiency loans with an interest rate of just 2.29%—less than a third of the Mr McKenzie: The Government claim that the green interest rate under the green deal—does the Secretary of deal will be the biggest and best home improvement State believe that more people would take out the green plan since the second world war. Can the Minister tell deal if offered a better deal? us how many households have taken out the green deal so far? Mr Davey: The green deal is going well, as the industry says. I welcome Nationwide’s product because it shows that there is more competition in the market. It shows Mr Davey: The green deal has got off to an excellent what the green deal is spurring. It is not just green deal start. As the hon. Gentleman may know, we have released plans that will be a mark of the programme’s success; it data today which show that nearly 2,000 green deal is green deal self-funded plans, which will be a result of assessments have been made, and already that figure is the green deal assessments being made. They would not out of date. There are more than 600 accredited advisers be made in the way that they are if we had not gone and more than 600 installing firms have been accredited. forward, and the hon. Lady should welcome that. Nearly £30 million of ecos have been traded on eco- brokerage. The hon. Gentleman should listen to the Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): Domestic industry. I do not often recommend that people listen to LED lighting can use as little as 5% of the power of a tweets, but if he looks at the tweets of British Gas, normal light bulb. Though more expensive initially to GHE Solar, Toriga and Green Deal Shop, they will tell buy, LED light bulbs require very little maintenance him and other right hon. and hon. Members how well and have a very long life. What incentives are there in those firms are doing with assessments and, they believe, the green deal or elsewhere to promote domestic LED taking those on to installations. lighting?

Stephen Mosley (City of Chester) (Con): It is estimated Mr Davey: My hon. Friend makes an important that 8 million homes would benefit from solid wall point. We strongly support LED lighting. There are insulation and 4 million from cavity insulation. There is issues about whether different types of lighting can 453 Oral Answers14 MARCH 2013 Oral Answers 454 come under the green deal because light bulbs can be survive, two more pits—one that is loss making, one taken away, and if the cost of those is in the electricity that is making a bob or two—could go, as well as some meter for the next tenant or the next owner-occupier, other land sites. When he is talking about Daw Mill that would not be fair and would not, therefore, abide colliery and talking to UK Coal, will he ensure that he by the green deal rules. But we agree with my hon. protects the redundancy money? There is someone in Friend—there is a strong case for people investing in my constituency who used to work in Derbyshire but LED. who now travels 100 miles there and back to Daw Mill. Will he get his redundancy pay? He was finished before Deep-mine Coal Industry the fire, so will the Minister get on with it?

2. Ian Lavery (Wansbeck) (Lab): What assessment he Mr Hayes: The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right— has made of the future of the deep-mine coal industry again, he is an authority on these matters. The pits at in the UK. [147677] Thoresby and Kellingley are, of course, also owned by Daw Mill. Part of our determination—the determination The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate I outlined a moment ago—is to ensure that the future of Change (Mr John Hayes): The Government value the those pits is secured. However, he is also right to say—this role of British coal in meeting our energy needs. Equipped goes for me, too—that the workers matter most in all with carbon capture and storage, coal generation can this. That includes the workers who were made redundant continue to play a significant long-term role as part of a in the early restructuring, the workers at Thoresby and future low-carbon energy mix. Kellingley and the workers at Daw Mill. I have made that abundantly clear to the unions, with which I had Ian Lavery: The Minister is very much aware of the such a positive meeting, and I have told the company situation at Daw Mill colliery, where 650 miners who that, for the Government, it is a key priority. have given their lives to the coal mining industry are facing uncertainty with regard to redundancy payments. Tom Greatrex (Rutherglen and Hamilton West) (Lab/ Will he give a commitment to do everything in his Co-op): The Minister has already referred to the importance power to ensure that these men receive their entitlements of CCS in relation to the medium and long-term future in full? of coal generation. I am sure he will be aware that around two thirds of the coal we burn to generate Mr Hayes: There are few in this House who can electricity in the UK is imported. He might not be match the hon. Gentleman’s understanding, knowledge aware yet that, as of 9.5 this morning, 46% of all the and support for the coal industry. I cannot match it, but electricity being generated in Britain today is from what I can match is his determination to do right by the coal-fired stations. Given those two factors and his workers there. I had a positive meeting with the unions determination, as he has said in the past, to put the yesterday; I also met UK Coal yesterday and, again, “coal” into coalition, may I urge him to put the “sense” had a positive meeting. The Government will do all into sensible and get on with developing a short-term they can, not only to protect the future of the coal strategy for coal to protect the indigenous industry in industry, but to protect the interests of those workers the UK? who will lose their jobs at Daw Mill. I made that abundantly clear. We cannot match the hon. Gentleman’s Mr Hayes: That is a good point. There is a good knowledge of these things, but I can certainly match his argument for making a clear statement about how we determination. see coal developing in the short to medium term. It is absolutely right that we pursue CCS. Perhaps we will David Mowat (Warrington South) (Con): The Minister get the chance to say more about that later in these said in his response that coal had a good future in this questions—who knows, Mr Speaker? The hon. Gentleman country if it was combined with carbon capture and is right, and I will certainly consider making a statement storage, a technology that is many years from working. on that. The appropriate time for that will be when we Across the rest of the world, unabated coal is accelerating. make further progress at Daw Mill, Thoresby and Kellingley. In particular, countries such as Germany that produce He is right. The Government can learn from the Opposition, 20% more carbon per unit of GDP and 20% more and the wise Ministers on the Front Bench recognise carbon per capita than us are launching a number of that. coal-fired stations. Why is their position so different from ours? Electricity Infrastructure Mr Hayes: We are committed to CCS because we believe it can work. My hon. Friend will know that the 3. John Pugh (Southport) (LD): What recent discussions carbon capture and storage cost reduction taskforce he has had with utility companies on the cost of providing predicted it could work much earlier than previously electricity infrastructure. [147678] estimated—by the early 2020s. With carbon capture and storage, coal can play an important part in our The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate future. I cannot be clearer than that, Mr Speaker, surely. Change (Mr John Hayes) rose—

Mr Dennis Skinner (Bolsover) (Lab): The Minister Mr Speaker: I think that the Minister is recovering will be aware that UK Coal, which owns Daw Mill from his last witticism. colliery, is one of the principal owners in the coal industry that remains. The worst case scenario that we Mr Hayes: It is as though all my Christmases have had put to us the other day was that if UK Coal cannot come at once, Mr Speaker. 455 Oral Answers14 MARCH 2013 Oral Answers 456

My regular discussions with energy companies about Mr Hayes: It is not the first time the hon. Gentleman the cost of our electricity infrastructure are essential to has raised that matter. Scotland has a particular interest ensure that the Government guarantee energy security, in that, because of the transmission circumstances that meet decarbonisation objectives and, just as important, prevail there. That is something the Department has do so in a way that makes energy affordable for customers looked at and we continue to have those kinds of across Britain. exploratory discussions. If he wants to feed into those, of course his contribution, as ever, would be most John Pugh: I thank the Minister for that answer. He welcome. will be aware that, as a result of statutory undertakings, companies such as ScottishPower have a virtual monopoly Green Deal over electricity industry infrastructure, which hinders commercial development, particularly in my constituency. What can be done about that? 4. Mr Robin Walker (Worcester) (Con): What recent progress he has made on the roll-out of the green deal. Mr Hayes: Let me be clear that my Department [147679] expects network companies to provide connections in a timely and affordable way while maintaining the secure 8. Jeremy Lefroy (Stafford) (Con): What recent progress electricity on which we have all come to depend. he has made on the roll-out of the green deal. [147684] Connections to the distribution network are a matter for the distribution network operator, as my hon. Friend The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate knows, and the independent regulator, Ofgem. I entirely Change (Gregory Barker): The green deal went live, on agree that those companies must behave properly, as we time, on Monday 28 January. The Government’s “Green make extremely clear in our discussions with them. Deal With It” communications campaign was launched Indeed, I was with a number of transmission companies the same day. By the end of February, according to the earlier this week doing just that. official statistics, 1,803 assessments had been carried out. Andy Sawford (Corby) (Lab/Co-op): Bloomberg research has shown that investment in renewable energy has Mr Walker: I am grateful to the Minister for that halved since this Government came to power, and the answer. Major employers in Worcester, such as Wolseley, Pew group has found that Britain has slipped to seventh npower and Worcester Bosch, are looking forward to in the world for investment in clean energy, so is it not participating in the green deal, but the latter warned the case that, although the Government talk a good that for the programme to reach its full potential more game, we are actually slipping behind in investment? ordinary installers need to be given the chance to sell it. What steps are the Government taking to reach out to Mr Hayes: That is an interesting tangential question, installers and ensure that they have a chance to play a given the question on the Order Paper, but the hon. part in rolling out the green deal? Gentleman is absolutely right that it is vital to our energy security that we have an energy mix. Our Energy Gregory Barker: A whole range of installers will be Bill underpins exactly that strategy—a mixed economy absolutely vital, and I was delighted to see that Wolseley of generation—purely because only by that means can has said that it is seeing strong demand not only for its we be sufficiently flexible and responsive in a highly products, but for adviser training, as it is a trainer. For dynamic set of circumstances. small and medium-sized enterprises, we are waiving all fees and oversight costs for the first two years. We are Mr Tim Yeo (South Suffolk) (Con): Does my hon. hosting a range of networking events with the Federation Friend agree that it is very important to avoid incurring of Small Businesses, the British Chambers of Commerce costs by building infrastructure that is not needed? Is he and the CBI, and we are co-hosting eco roadshows with aware that the National Grid proposal to construct Energy UK. We are also committing money to training overhead pylons across Suffolk was based on the assessors and installers, and there is more to come. assumption of early completion of new nuclear power stations at Sizewell and completion of a large number Jeremy Lefroy: Stafford borough council is working of offshore wind farms, none of which is certain to be with green deal providers to raise awareness among my built? Does he agree, therefore, that the proposal should constituents of access to the scheme. Will the Minister now be deferred? and his green deal team meet me and the council to discuss how we can encourage the best possible take-up Mr Hayes: It is right that the infrastructure we put in in Stafford and the surrounding areas? place should meet a purpose; infrastructure without a purpose can hardly be legitimised. I am not as familiar Gregory Barker: I would be delighted to meet my with the intimate details of the affairs of Suffolk as my hon. Friend and his council. We are seeing a very hon. Friend is; he would hardly expect me to be, but I encouraging degree of not only commitment but real am more than happy to take a look at that. Furthermore, enthusiasm from local authorities across the country. and not for the first time, I would be delighted to meet Local authorities will be key to a really ambitious him to discuss these matters more fully. roll-out.

Mr Mike Weir (Angus) (SNP): In his discussions on Mr David Hanson (Delyn) (Lab): Will the Minister infrastructure, has the Minister considered the place of reflect a little further on the question that my hon. pump storage systems and how they fit into the new Friend the Member for Liverpool, Wavertree (Luciana world of contracts for difference and capacity payments? Berger) put to the Secretary of State—namely, are the 457 Oral Answers14 MARCH 2013 Oral Answers 458 interest rates for the green deal too high to encourage given that they are commercial negotiations. I will say, take-up and ultimately too high for consumers to get a though, that we take energy security very seriously and good deal out of the green deal? listen to Ofgem, National Grid and others. However, we do not imagine that new nuclear power will assist in the Gregory Barker: I understand what lies behind this rest of this decade, because new nuclear power stations point. However, if the right hon. Gentleman looks at take such a long time to build. this carefully, he will see that when people quote interest rates such as the one for Nationwide they are not Mark Lazarowicz: We are currently going through comparing like with like. Crucially, the green deal interest a cold spell and, as night follows day, we know that in a rate is fixed for 20 years. I am aware of only one other few months’ time the energy companies will announce such product in the market. Access to the green deal even bigger boosts in profits because people have been interest rate is incredibly fair and open, and not only for using more energy. Is it not time to get to a situation people who are lucky enough to own their own homes. whereby a cold spell is not an occasion for energy companies to make even more profits but to keep prices Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) (Lab): The down for consumers? Minister’s answer just will not do, because the blunt truth is that the green deal interest rate is set at almost Mr Davey: The hon. Gentleman will know that we 7%. Is it not the case that many people who take up the have taken a lot of extra powers in the Energy Bill to green deal will find that interest repayments end up make sure that Ofgem’s reforms on tariffs can go through costing more than the original measures, and, worse and that the energy companies cannot be allowed to still, that if they try to repay their loan early they will be drag their feet. That has been welcomed by many consumer clobbered with hefty fines? How is that fair? groups. This Government have also taken action to help people on the lowest incomes. We have trebled cold Gregory Barker: I will tell the hon. Gentleman what weather payments, so when there is a cold snap people is not fair: scaremongering about the green deal, particularly get the help they need when they need it. when that puts off vulnerable people who would otherwise have no access to affordable finance. [Interruption.] Chris Heaton-Harris (Daventry) (Con): When the The hon. Gentleman can scoff at 7%, but he should House of Commons analysed the DECC-produced fuel compare that to any other form of unsecured lending poverty data set of 2009, the figures suggested that the that is available to people on low wages or the minimum renewables obligation could have pushed 100,000 people wage. How many people on low incomes, or people who into fuel poverty, in 40,000 to 50,000 cases because of are not lucky enough to be a home owner, can access the wind element. How many people were pushed into interest rates like that? He might be a smart home fuel poverty last year because of expensive wind energy? owner himself, but he should think about those who do not have the same opportunities. This actually represents Mr Davey: I congratulate my hon. Friend on his a really good deal. ingenuity, but the analysis that others have done of those figures shows that what has really pushed people Energy Bills into fuel poverty has been gas prices, with global gas prices having increased significantly. We also have to 5. Mr Dominic Raab (Esher and Walton) (Con): What deal with the renewal of the transmission mechanism steps he is taking to reduce energy bills. [147680] and distribution networks. Those things have far bigger impacts on prices and bills. The hon. Gentleman ought 11. Mark Lazarowicz (Edinburgh North and Leith) to have a balanced approach. (Lab/Co-op): What steps he is taking to help households with their energy bills. [147688] Caroline Flint (Don Valley) (Lab): The single biggest driver of rising energy bills is global gas prices. Last The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change week the Institute for Public Policy Research think tank (Mr Edward Davey): We have a range of initiatives to found that household energy bills would be lower and help people with their energy bills, including tariff reforms, less volatile if the Government decarbonised the power energy saving programmes, and additional help for sector by 2030. Does the Secretary of State agree? those on the lowest incomes. From our proposals to help get consumers on the cheapest tariffs to the green Mr Davey: I strongly agree that a lot of analysis deal, from the warm home discount to our promotion suggests that if we move to a decarbonised sector, this of collective switching, this Government are working to country and our consumers, people and firms will be help people keep their energy bills down. less exposed to volatile international gas prices.

Mr Raab: I thank the Secretary of State for that Caroline Flint: Although the Secretary of State says answer. However, supply is also crucial. Ofgem forecasts he agrees, the problem is that the Government are not that UK spare electricity capacity will slump to 4% by tackling the issue. The truth is that the Energy Bill does 2015, and that highlights the acute need to get more not require the Government to set a decarbonisation nuclear power on stream. May I urge him to strain every target. Even if such a target was set, there is nothing sinew to finalise the right deal with EDF to build a new under the Bill’s present arrangements to ensure that it nuclear power station at Hinkley Point? would be met. The Committee on Climate Change is absolutely clear: the Government should set a Mr Davey: I assure my hon. Friend that we are decarbonisation target now, not in 2016, and all the straining every sinew in the negotiations with EDF. He Government are doing is extending the uncertainty for will recognise that I cannot be more explicit than that another two years. Was not the former Energy Minister, 459 Oral Answers14 MARCH 2013 Oral Answers 460 the hon. Member for Wealden (Charles Hendry), right change. The Government are taking this seriously and when he said that this uncertainty will lead to higher we are working on it with colleagues at the Department capital costs and, ultimately, higher energy bills for the for Transport. In order to be effective, land-use change public? needs to be dealt with on a pan-European basis. We would welcome support from throughout the House for Mr Davey: I have to remind the right hon. Lady and work with our partners in Europe to put in place robust the House that no single party—not the Labour party, sustainability criteria. the Conservative party, the Liberal Democrats or even the Green party—argued in its 2010 manifesto for a Mr Speaker: We really must move on. We have a lot decarbonisation target for the power sector. It was this of progress to make. Government and me as Secretary of State who argued for such a target and got the power to set one in the Nigel Adams (Selby and Ainsty) (Con): Is the Minister Energy Bill. When it comes to targets and having the fully committed—by which I mean not just words, but policies to meet them, this Government have done far urgent action—to biomass of coal-fired power stations, more than the previous one. The previous Government such as Drax and Eggborough in my constituency, to were right to set targets in the Climate Change Act biomass, which is sustainable? 2008, but they did not produce the policies to meet them. This Government are. Gregory Barker: The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change, my hon. Friend the Biomass Conversion Member for South Holland and The Deepings (Mr Hayes) met representatives of Eggborough this week and I can 6. Sir Nick Harvey (North Devon) (LD): What recent confirm that we are committed. As I have said, biomass assessment he has made of the long-term environmental conversion needs to be sustainable and affordable, and effects of Government support for large-scale biomass it is an important part of a balanced mix of clean conversion. [147682] technologies.

The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Plutonium Reuse (Sellafield) Change (Gregory Barker): We agree that effective sustainability controls must be in place for bioenergy. 7. Christopher Pincher (Tamworth) (Con): What We already have biomass sustainability criteria for the assessment he has made of the Nuclear Decommissioning renewables obligation, and we now propose to improve Authority’s process and timetable for determining credible them by adding new sustainable forest management options for plutonium reuse at Sellafield; and if he will criteria for wood fuel and a requirement for an independent make a statement. [147683] audit, and by setting a trajectory so that greenhouse gas life-cycle savings targets become tougher over time. The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Sir Nick Harvey: I welcome the commitment to reforestry Change (Mr John Hayes): The process and timetable on targets, but how do Ministers stand up the rather curious the reuse of plutonium were set out in the Government’s proposition that wood burning is carbon neutral? They consultation response in December 2011. Work on the support the conversion of coal-fired stations to wood reuse of plutonium as a mixed oxide fuel is progressing burning, but that is only carbon neutral if emission at well and remains on track. the point of burn is ignored, and it takes up to 98 years for tree growth to neutralise that. Will the Minister Christopher Pincher: May I register my disappointment confirm that this dubious practice is simply an interim that the Minister has been forced to come to answer measure? I understand the need to protect the investment questions this morning, when as late as last night, some at Drax and elsewhere? of us still held out the hope that he might be translated to the Holy See? Be that as it may, does he share my Gregory Barker: Biomass certainly needs to be sustainable belief that the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority as well as affordable, but it is not carbon neutral. needs to ensure that more than one technology, not just However, I can tell the hon. Gentleman that greenhouse CANDU, is deemed credible for plutonium reuse, so gas savings from biomass are at least 68% less than that any subsequent licensing round is competitive and those for coal. Although it may not be carbon neutral, it transparent, and delivers best value for the British is certainly much cleaner so far as carbon is concerned. taxpayer?

Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab): A number of Mr Hayes: I was always an outsider for Pope, although recent papers—the Searchinger paper, the Hudiburg my infallibility was a strength. My hon. Friend is right paper and the Schulze paper—have noted the problems that the licensing round needs to take account of those of life-cycle biomass. The Minister is right to have taken considerations. Following extensive discussions and steps to address that in forest regrowth and the sustainability consultation, we settled on making MOX for nuclear standards, but he has not yet addressed the impoverishment reactors our preferred policy option. However, the Nuclear of soils and how the resulting increase in the use of Decommissioning Authority is still working on alternatives. fertiliser will lead to an increase in emissions. Will he We are finalising guidance on regulatory justification publish the basis on which he amended his Department’s for the reuse of plutonium, and I can commit today that projections on biomass? that will be published shortly.

Gregory Barker: The hon. Gentleman makes a sensible Mr Speaker: Whether the Minister of State is infallible point. He is right to highlight the impacts not just on is a matter for conjecture, but in the 30 years that I have the burning of wood or biomass, but on indirect land-use known him, he has always been inimitable. 461 Oral Answers14 MARCH 2013 Oral Answers 462

Independent Power Generators Mr Davey: The hon. Gentleman will know that I benefit from an infallible Minister of State who comes 9. Dr Alan Whitehead (Southampton, Test) (Lab): from Lincolnshire. He keeps me informed of all the What recent representations he has received on a future issues to do with Lincolnshire and gives me his own route to market for independent power generators. particular line on them. I can reassure the hon. Gentleman [147686] that I am well versed in Lincolnshire issues. We take community concerns seriously, not just in Lincolnshire The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate but across the country. That is why we published the call Change (Mr John Hayes): Since our call for evidence for evidence on community benefits in September. We last year, Ministers and officials have held meetings will report to the House on that in the summer. with a wide range of independent generators, suppliers and other stakeholders covering route-to-market issues, Fuel Poverty including the availability of power purchase agreements. 13. Mr Adrian Sanders (Torbay) (LD): What steps he Dr Whitehead: Does the Minister recognise the difficulties is taking to reduce the number of households in fuel that independent low-carbon generators will have with poverty. [147690] the passing of power purchase agreements following the end of the renewables obligation? Is he looking at 14. Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con): alternatives to PPAs, such as the green power auction What steps his Department is taking to tackle fuel market, and will he seek to implement such a market in poverty. [147692] consideration of the Energy Bill? The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Mr Hayes: The hon. Gentleman has been consistent Change (Gregory Barker): We have in place the green in his advocacy of independent generators. He raised deal and the energy company obligation, which we this issue during the Committee stage of the Energy expect to provide support for at least 230,000 low-income Bill. He knows that I am not unsympathetic to his and vulnerable households each year. In addition, our assertions about the difficulties that independent generators warm home discount scheme supports 2 million households face. I believe that contracts for difference will make it in total, and this winter has already helped more than easier for independent generators to access the market, 1 million of the poorest pensioners. We also make cold as he knows, because they will remove wholesale price weather payments and winter fuel payments. risk and eliminate the requirement to market renewables obligation certificates, which will also reduce risk. I make Mr Sanders: The previous Government and this this commitment: I think that we need to look at this Government have a good record of working with energy matter more closely and to do more. We need a more companies to try to help vulnerable people. Could more plural and a more liquid market to create competition be done, particularly for disabled pensioners who own and drive down prices. their own home?

Wind Farms (North Lincolnshire) Gregory Barker: My hon. Friend is right and I am sure more could be done. That is why we designed the green deal and the ECO to be flexible and responsive to 12. Mr Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con): What the needs of a range of energy consumers, particularly the height will be of the proposed wind farms in north the fuel poor. If my hon. Friend has any particular Lincolnshire; and if he will make a statement. [147689] ideas on that, I would be happy to discuss them with him. The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change (Mr Edward Davey): The proposed height of wind turbines Rehman Chishti: Will the Minister provide an update is set out in the planning applications that are submitted on the Government’s plans to publish a refreshed strategy for proposed wind farms. The local planning portal for tackling fuel poverty this year? shows four wind farms with applications submitted in north Lincolnshire, with heights that vary from up to Gregory Barker: My hon. Friend is absolutely right; 100 metres to 126.5 metres. We are committed to supporting the Government are committed to bringing new ambition onshore wind as part of a balanced mix of energy to and vision to tackling fuel poverty. The last fuel poverty meet the UK’s needs. Wind farms must be well designed strategy was published 10 years ago, and we will be and well sited to be approved, and the planning process coming forward this year with an ambitious strategy, can take account of concerns, including landscape and pulling together all strands of policy and building on visual amenity concerns. the latest evidence and creative thinking in that area. I would welcome my hon. Friend’s input, given his knowledge Mr Leigh: Will my good friend visit me in north and experience in the area. Lincolnshire so that we can stand together on the edge of the Wolds, an area of outstanding natural beauty, Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Moor View) (Lab): I make near the Ramblers church at Walesby and look at the my usual declaration of indirect interests. All MPs will amazing Lincolnshire clay and the 40-mile view? Will be aware of the effect of fuel poverty on our constituents. he then come back in 10 years’ time to see that great A housing association in my constituency is trying view desecrated by vast arrays of windmills 100 metres desperately to upgrade its properties, which are in an high, all in the name of some controversial science? Can appalling condition. It has fallen foul of the vested we not place these windmills somewhere where they do interest of a financial investment company which is the not desecrate our lives? latest owner of the freehold for those properties. The 463 Oral Answers14 MARCH 2013 Oral Answers 464 company wants only to make a fast buck and is not Dame Anne Begg (Aberdeen South) (Lab): Indeed, prepared to renegotiate the contract, but in the meantime the oil industry does have a bright future; it is not a my constituents are suffering from bad health and an twilight industry. Miraculously, Scotland’s First Minister inability to pay their fuel bills. What can the Department seems to have found a great deal more oil at the weekend, do to help tackle those vested interests? which will be very interesting to see. For the last drop to be wrung, as the hon. Member for Lichfield (Michael Gregory Barker: The hon. Lady is right and has a real Fabricant) said, assets in the North sea will need to point. The leasehold-freehold issue is one of the knottiest continue and many were not built to last as long as they to tackle and has eluded successive Governments. I have. What will the Government do to help companies would be happy to sit down with her and look at that to improve their asset integrity in the North sea? specific case to work out what more we can do to help the sorts of tenants to whom she refers. Mr Hayes: The hon. Lady is, I am aware, the chair of the all-party group on British offshore oil and gas. I visited Aberdeen a week or so ago, and I am going Mr Peter Lilley (Hitchin and Harpenden) (Con): Will again in a week or two. I have committed to visit the Minister confirm that, even by his own contentious Aberdeen more often even than my predecessor, who estimates purporting that thanks to his measures the had a proud record in that regard. We need to bring in a average effect of reduced energy use will offset the new type of investor to the North sea industry. To that increase due to green levies, taxes and subsidies, two-thirds end, I have run investment events that will encourage of households will be worse off? Since giving those the industry to link up with a new breed of investor. She figures, the Government’s estimates of savings from is right: infrastructure matters and we must facilitate energy-saving measures have been reduced. the investment to rebuild that infrastructure.

Gregory Barker: I am afraid I just do not agree with Charles Hendry (Wealden) (Con): I am delighted to my right hon. Friend, despite his considerable experience hear that my hon. Friend will be visiting Aberdeen as and knowledge of the sector. None of us knows for sure often as I did, because I found that to be one of the whose forecasts are right, and we will not know until most inspiring parts of the energy portfolio. What more the time. A great deal of uncertainty is attached to all can we do to support groundbreaking, world-class forecasts, but the latest Government forecasts to 2020 companies here in the UK supply chain, so that they show that consumers will be better off due to our can take advantage of the opportunities here and overseas, policies. and we can get the industrial benefit alongside the energy benefit? North Sea Oil Mr Hayes: My hon. Friend is absolutely right, and let me repeat that he was highly thought of in the industry, 15. Michael Fabricant (Lichfield) (Con): What steps not least due to his commitment to the visits he made he is taking to ensure that oil from the North sea and to his work. It is key to recognise that many small continues to make a contribution to UK energy needs; and medium-sized companies are a part of this exciting and if he will make a statement. [147693] opportunity. Often we see this issue in terms of very large oil companies, but it is the SMEs that require the The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate extra investment I described in answer to the hon. Member Change (Mr John Hayes): The North sea has been a for Aberdeen South (Dame Anne Begg). major UK success story, and oil and gas will continue to play a key role in the energy mix for years to come. The New Generating Capacity (Investment) Government continue to promote activity and investment in the North sea, and we maintain a close dialogue with the industry on how to support its continued development. 16. Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): What steps he is taking to increase the confidence of the energy sector to invest in new generating capacity. Michael Fabricant: My hon. Friend knows that the [147694] Government have issued more exploration licences than ever before, which is fantastic. However, there are many The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate mature wells from which about 80% of the oil has been Change (Mr John Hayes): The UK is one of the most extracted. How can we set up a new procedure whereby attractive places in the world to invest in energy we wring every single last drop of oil from those mature infrastructure, and still more so since we published the wells, and benefit the UK economy accordingly? Energy Bill. The certainty this provides is backed by complete cross-Government support unmatched by any Mr Hayes: My hon. Friend is absolutely right: North other country in Europe. sea oil and gas have a long and bright future. He may not have seen the report from Oil & Gas UK—as you Mr Sheerman: The Minister seems to be living in a may not have done, Mr Speaker—but it states that we parallel universe. I have a declared interest: I am on the are seeing the highest investment in UK offshore oil and environmental scrutiny board of Veolia, the environmental gas development on record. The Government, too, are company. When I meet people who are being asked to doing their bit. The brownfield allowances have encouraged make a long-term investment in the production of energy, that investment, and this is about growth, jobs and they are very cautious of making any commitment at skills, as well as energy. I look forward to a bright future this time. What will he do about that? An energy gap, in the North sea for the United Kingdom and all those which is totally frightening for the people of this country, who work in that wonderful industry. is emerging. 465 Oral Answers14 MARCH 2013 Oral Answers 466

Mr Hayes: Just last week the Secretary of State, the to deliver on them, they could be fined up to 10% of Minister of State and I were in Downing street with the turnover. We are of course taking powers in the Energy Prime Minister, making exactly the case to the investment Bill as well. community for which the hon. Gentleman is calling. I want him to join me in my universe. That universe is the Marine Renewable Sector universe of optimism, the universe of growth, the universe of success. 18. Andrew George (St Ives) (LD): What recent assessment he has made of progress in the marine renewable sector. Caroline Flint (Don Valley) (Lab): There was not much good news for bill payers in the answer to my last [147696] question, so let me try one about businesses. I am glad to hear about the summit in No. 10. Ministers say that The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate investment in energy infrastructure is at a record high, Change (Gregory Barker): The most recent assessment but four out of five of the projects that they claim credit of the marine energy sector was undertaken last year in for either received planning permission or started the UK renewable energy road map. Our assessment construction under Labour. My hon. Friend the Member showed that marine energy had real potential to contribute for Corby (Andy Sawford) earlier quoted independent to our emission reduction targets beyond 2020. Up to sources saying that under this Government investment the end of last year, 11 MW of wave and tidal technologies in clean energy has fallen by half. Businesses are saying were deployed around the UK, but the coalition that what they need now to invest is a target in law to Government have big ambitions for the sector, which decarbonise the power sector by 2030. Why will the could expand to as much as 27 GW in the coming Government not listen to them? decades.

Mr Hayes: I have all sorts of prepared notes but I am Andrew George: I am grateful to the Minister for that not going to use them because the answer to this question response. The £20 million investment that was announced is as plain as this: it is fine to have targets; targets matter two weeks ago is very welcome for marine renewables, because they signal direction. However, one must have but it will go into the tidal sector, which is already weapons to hit those targets. What the Government reasonably well developed. There are also major have done that the previous Government did not—I do opportunities in wave power, however. Will the Minister not want to be excessively critical—is put measures in meet me and industry representatives to try to move the the Energy Bill that will allow us to develop the weapons wave hub forward and to bring it up to a commercial to hit targets. That is what investment is about: meeting scale? targets, not setting them. Gregory Barker: Most certainly; I know that my hon. Friend is a powerful champion of wave power. I am Energy Market Competition delighted with the progress of the marine energy park in the south-west. I was there last week for the RenewableUK 17. Mr John Baron (Basildon and Billericay) (Con): conference to witness the signing of a memorandum What steps he is taking to increase competition in the between the south-west marine energy park and the energy market. [147695] Pentland Firth and Orkney waters marine energy park. I would be delighted to work with my hon. Friend to see The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate what more we can do to drive the exciting progress in Change (Gregory Barker): Like my hon. Friend, we this sector. want more competition. One of the biggest barriers to entry and to greater competition is low liquidity in the Topical Questions wholesale power market. Ofgem is currently taking forward reforms to address that issue, and we are supportive of its progress, but the Government are also seeking T1. [147794] Andrew Jones (Harrogate and Knaresborough) backstop powers in the Energy Bill to allow us to act, (Con): If he will make a statement on his departmental should Ofgem and industry actions prove insufficient. responsibilities.

Mr Baron: I thank the Minister for that response. The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change The billing stakeholder group produced a number of (Mr Edward Davey): The core purpose of the Department recommendations to increase competition, including of Energy and Climate Change is to power the country putting more tailored information on the face of quarterly and protect the planet, and to avoid catastrophic climate bills. Those recommendations were taken up by Ofgem change while providing secure, affordable energy supplies and they chime with what the Prime Minister has said, to the UK. but we know that the energy companies oppose them. I want to take this opportunity to express my regret Will the Minister give us an assurance that the energy at the closure of Daw Mill colliery following a fire. The companies will not be allowed to row back on those closure will be felt keenly by the communities surrounding recommendations? the colliery, and particularly by the families of those whose jobs are threatened as a result. We are in close Gregory Barker: Yes, I can. I pay tribute to my hon. contact with UK Coal and the unions to try to develop Friend for ensuring that these proposals, which will a way forward, as the Minister of State, my hon. Friend make a transformational difference to consumer bills, the Member for South Holland and The Deepings end up being enacted, and for the work of his stakeholder (Mr Hayes) said earlier. Since the last oral questions, group. I can tell him that the proposals will be part of the Energy Bill has continued its passage through this the licence conditions, and that if energy companies fail House and we remain on track. 467 Oral Answers14 MARCH 2013 Oral Answers 468

Andrew Jones: There are proposals to create what will T5. [147799] Steve Rotheram (Liverpool, Walton) (Lab): be the largest onshore wind farm in the country on the I have written previously to his Department, so the edge of my constituency. I am a huge supporter of Secretary of State should be aware that the people of renewable energy, but I have major reservations about Merseyside pay more for their electricity than people onshore wind, as I believe it is very expensive and anywhere else in England. Will he therefore insist that unreliable. I am therefore not at all supportive of the Ofgem recommends a price reduction so that people in proposals. Does the Secretary of State agree that we Liverpool pay the same tariff as others elsewhere in the have enough onshore wind farms already? country?

Mr Davey: I am sorry to disappoint my hon. Friend Mr Davey: I am sure Ofgem will have heard the hon. but I cannot agree with that bold statement, not least Gentleman’s question. He will also know that Ofgem because onshore wind is one of the cheapest—if not the has proposed major reforms of tariff, which we believe cheapest—of the large-scale renewable technologies. It will help many people, particularly those stranded on has huge benefits. The planning system is important, the so-called dead tariffs who are paying far more than however, and local communities can have a say on these they need to. This will, I believe, support competition in matters. One reason that we published the call for the market. Let me point out that the hon. Gentleman’s evidence on community benefits was to ensure that Front-Bench team is in favour of abolishing Ofgem—a local communities benefit more from hosting such particularly interesting position. installations. T4. [147798] Chris White (Warwick and Leamington) T3. [147797] Pamela Nash (Airdrie and Shotts) (Lab): (Con): In my constituency, a number of groups are The village of Salsburgh in my constituency is not on looking at ways to set up new renewable energy the gas distribution network, which means that the projects. However, I have met some who have faced inhabitants have to spend more money on electric and barriers from organisations such as the Environmental oil heating systems. That situation is replicated throughout Protection Agency and other Government bodies. Will the country. What are the Government going to do to the Minister outline what help is being given to local tackle the issue? community groups to get their organisations off the ground and will he look at ways of ensuring that the Mr Davey: The hon. Lady raises an important issue, regulatory regime is proportionate both in cost and and it is one that many hon. Members have experienced time to the scale of the projects involved? in their constituencies. In the past, people who are off the gas grid have not had the support they deserve, but The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate the Minister of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Change (Gregory Barker): This coalition is absolutely South Holland and The Deepings is looking into the committed to driving a transformation in the take-up of matter. We are looking at tackling fuel poverty through community energy, so we are really keen to help community mechanisms such as collective switching, for example, groups such as the ones my hon. Friend mentions. That and at renewable heat, which can really help people who is why we established LEAF—the local energy assessment are off grid. We are looking across the range of our fund—with £10 million and the low carbon communities policies to see whether we can help. challenge with up to £20 million. I would be delighted to talk to my hon. Friend about how we can help his T2. [147796] Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con): In my communities to access that cash. Stroud constituency, we have a large number of innovative energy firms eager to pursue research and development projects. One area I think worth developing is energy T7. [147801] Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab): storage, particularly storing electricity, which answers What could be more topical than a challenge to the quite a few questions about engineering and providing recently announced infallibility of the Minister of State, an industrial base, as well as the peak problem in the hon. Member for South Holland and The Deepings relation to renewable energy. What measures will the (Mr Hayes). Indeed, there has been such a challenge—from Government take to encourage investment in energy Mitsubishi, Vestas, Alstom, Areva, Doosan and Gamesa. storage? The Minister maintains that there should be no decarbonisation target until 2016; they have said that Mr Davey: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. I think postponing the 2030 target decision until 2016 creates energy storage technology holds out massive potential entirely avoidable political risks and slow growth in the for the future, and UK firms are at the cutting edge of low-carbon sector, handicaps the UK supply chain, some of these technologies. When we finalised the Energy reduces UK research and development and produces Bill, we said that we were minded to run a capacity fewer jobs. market next year. One thing we would do with that is to have an early capacity market auction for demand-side Mr Speaker: Order. We are grateful; we have got the response and storage technologies. That would send a gist. very clear signal to these innovators. Mr Davey: I am grateful for the hon. Gentleman’s Several hon. Members rose— question. I have seen that letter. He will know that there is a case, which I have supported, for bringing this Mr Speaker: Order. Let me remind colleagues of the forward and setting a target in 2014, but we have premium on brevity at topical questions. I want to get reached an agreement across the coalition. I think it is through everybody’s question so Members need to help a very sensible agreement, because we are the first me to help them. Government ever to propose setting a decarbonisation 469 Oral Answers14 MARCH 2013 Oral Answers 470 target. I think we should be proud of that. Rather than Mr Davey: As we said in our response to the Committee, talking it down, the Opposition should realise that we we are working with members of the Arctic Council, have moved further and faster than they did. which are the key countries that develop policies of that kind. We do not have the power to infringe their sovereignty, T6. [147800] Glyn Davies (Montgomeryshire) (Con): and I would not wish that, but we are working closely I want to thank the Minister of State, my hon. Friend with them, particularly with close colleagues such as the Member for South Holland and The Deepings Norway. (Mr Hayes) for hosting a constructive meeting with the Welsh Assembly Member Russell George and myself T9. [147803] Mr Adrian Sanders (Torbay) (LD): Many earlier this week about planning permission for onshore of my constituents are concerned about fracking, but I wind farms and associated infrastructure in mid-Wales. am not aware of any applications for fracking in the Will the Minister tell us how he intends to ensure that south Devon area. Can the Minister reassure my more weight be given to the view of planning authorities constituents that the Government are not aware of any and local communities when they fiercely oppose wind such applications? farms in their areas?

The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Mr Hayes: As the hon. Gentleman will know, we have Change (Mr John Hayes): The Secretary of State has established an office for unconventional gas and oil said—and I can do no more than echo his words: precisely in order to co-ordinate such matters. It is absolutely right for us to explore this opportunity, “I am clear that local people and their councils should not feel bullied into accepting proposals they do not want.” which could prove very fruitful, but we must do so in a safe and secure way, and a way that encourages communities It is critical to listen to local communities. The call for to understand the benefits that it can bring them as well evidence that my right hon. Friend has mentioned is, as the whole nation. in turn, critical to that. I am delighted that I was able to meet my hon. Friend and his colleagues. He will await our response to the call for evidence with interest, as Mr William Bain (Glasgow North East) (Lab): The will the whole House, and I am sure it will be very good CBI estimates that more than a third of the pitiful news. economic growth that we saw last year came from the green economy. Why is the Secretary of State listening John Cryer (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab): Further to to the Chancellor rather than to green businesses, which question 2 on the deep-mining industry outlined by my say that they want a target in law for the decarbonisation hon. Friends, Britain could be facing a sharp rise in the of the energy sector by 2030 and they want that target importation of coal. On that basis, what assessment has now? the Minister made of the future security of energy supply in Britain? Mr Davey: The hon. Gentleman is right: green growth enables our economy to perform. We are seeing green Mr Hayes: Coal matters, for reasons of energy security, growth, and I welcome that. I have been working closely but jobs and skills matter too. People who do a dirty, with the Chancellor. The deal that we agreed before difficult, dangerous job deserve our respect and support. Christmas will mean a tripling of support for renewable The job that they do helps our energy security, and the energy, and, for the first time, the power to set a Government understand that, which is why we will decarbonisation target will be put into law. That provides work to preserve that security and protect those people. a framework that the last Government did not provide.

T8. [147802] Andrew Selous (South West Bedfordshire) Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con): I am concerned (Con): The United Kingdom is not alone in Europe in by the Secretary of State’s brush-off of my constituency wanting to build new nuclear power stations. How can neighbour, my hon. Friend the Member for Harrogate we co-operate with other European countries to our and Knaresborough (Andrew Jones), in connection with advantage, without ceding further powers to them? the Penny Pot Lane wind development. Communities throughout north Yorkshire are being bullied by wind Mr Davey: Only just last week we hosted, here in companies, and money is being wasted. Will the Secretary London, a meeting of EU member states which either of State meet me, and other north Yorkshire Members have nuclear power or want to invest in it. We are of Parliament, to discuss why the Liberal Democrat working with them, not just looking for opportunities obsession with wind is not what north Yorkshire wants? for new finance and so forth, but trying to ensure, together, that the EU understands the case for investment in low-carbon energy sources such as nuclear power. Mr Davey: I did not give my hon. Friend’s neighbour a brush-off. His hon. Friend—and my hon. Friend—asked Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): In their response me whether I thought that we had enough onshore to the Environment Audit Committee’s report “Protecting wind. I do not think that, but, as my hon. Friend the the Arctic”, the Government said that oil drilling would Member for Skipton and Ripon (Julian Smith) knows, be necessary in the Arctic to preserve domestic energy Secretaries of State rightly do not comment on local security and meet global demand. That was based on planning applications. projections in the 2011 World Energy Outlook report. However, the 2012 report shows that projected demand Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) (Lab): The can be met entirely by production from already discovered last Labour Government helped to lift 1.75 million fields. Will the Government be reviewing their position people out of fuel poverty. Does the Secretary of State in the light of that? expect next year’s fuel poverty figures, which will show 471 Oral Answers14 MARCH 2013 Oral Answers 472 for the first time what has happened under this Government, fuel poverty within four years. Does the Secretary of to reveal that fuel poverty has risen or fallen on his State agree with the Hills conclusions, and if not, will he watch? place in the Library the evidence on which he is basing his views? Mr Davey: I must remind the hon. Gentleman that the figures based on the old way of counting show that Mr Davey: Professor John Hills’ report was extremely fuel poverty increased under the last Government. This welcome and had a very important analysis. In reforming Government have conducted an independent review of the design of the ECO, we took account of the the way in which fuel poverty is measured, and it understandings and research Professor Hills laid out, showed that the last Government could not even measure and that is also one of the reasons why we will be it correctly. According to the old measurement, the developing and publishing a fuel poverty strategy to Queen was sometimes in fuel poverty. However, we are show we are serious about tackling this issue. reforming not just the measurement of fuel poverty but Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): In how many of the policies themselves, and I shall be producing a fuel the homes in need of improved insulation does the poverty strategy later this year. Minister expect measures to be taken over the remainder of this Parliament? Mr Marcus Jones (Nuneaton) (Con): I want to thank the Minister of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Gregory Barker: We do not have an exact figure, but South Holland and The Deepings (Mr Hayes) for the we do think the green deal framework, supported by the care and support he has shown for the workers at the ECO, is the best way of driving forward the very Daw Mill colliery during this difficult time. In addition ambitious take-up of insulation measures that we will to the work he is doing, will he make representations need not just in this Parliament, but throughout the to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills decade. to ensure that it is fully engaged with local organisations in the provision of careers advice, support and retraining Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): I opportunities for the workers who cannot be redeployed am sure the Secretary of State knows about the Innovate in the coal industry? UK conference held in Islington in London this week. Will he take a greater interest in clean, energy-efficient, Mr Hayes: My hon. Friend has been a powerful sustainable production? There is a great market for champion of his constituents in this regard, as have my Britain in this field; we lead the world, but we need hon. Friends the Members for Sherwood (Mr Spencer) leadership to make sure we conquer China, India and and for North Warwickshire (Dan Byles) of their other markets. constituents. I will, indeed, do what has been asked. In Mr Davey: I was not aware of that particular conference, fact, I already have: there will be a bespoke tailored but I did attend an exhibition called Ecobuild, which event run with local colleges, local authorities and showed many British companies that are innovating in Jobcentre Plus aimed at providing new job opportunities saving energy. I am extremely aware of companies that and reskilling for those who find themselves made are involved in clean energy, and I am working with my redundant. right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills to develop supply-chain policies Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Moor View) (Lab): The so not only are low-carbon technologies developed, but Hills fuel poverty review said that unless the Government innovating British firms get the benefit and we have changed course a further 200,000 families would be in green jobs in this country. 473 14 MARCH 2013 Alcohol: Minimum Unit Price 474

Alcohol: Minimum Unit Price received. We are evaluating the data precisely and we will announce our decision when this careful evaluation is completed. 10.32 am Yvette Cooper (Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford) Yvette Cooper: I asked what the Government’s policy (Lab) (Urgent Question): To ask the Secretary of State was on alcohol pricing and I am still none the wiser. for the Home Department what is the Government’s Yesterday, the Prime Minister said, policy on alcohol pricing? “we must deal with the problem of 20p or 25p cans of lager…in supermarkets”—[Official Report, 13 March 2013; Vol. 560, The Minister of State, Home Department (Mr Jeremy c. 307.] Browne): I am aware that there have been a significant But the Home Secretary has briefed that she has blocked number of media reports and stories in recent days minimum price plans. The Health Secretary said yesterday, about the Government’s proposal to introduce a minimum “Like the Prime Minister I believe there is a case for minimum unit price, and I am grateful for the opportunity to pricing”, clarify the Government’s position. but we have no idea what they are doing, and it seems The Government are determined to find the best way that the Minister does not, either. And where is the to diminish the misuse of alcohol. Over 44% of violent Home Secretary? I have to say that I feel sorry for the crime is alcohol-related. Fighting, antisocial behaviour Minister, who has been sent here to waffle to the world and public drunkenness are familiar sights in many city while the Home Secretary hides. She was skulking at centres, and there were 1.2 million alcohol-related hospital Prime Minister’s questions yesterday, and her office will admissions in 2010-11. That is the context of our policy not tell me where she is today. There is something making and our inheritance from the previous Government. Macavity-like about this Home Secretary. In March last year the Government published our What kind of mug is the Minister? War has clearly alcohol strategy, which set out a range of measures to broken out between the Home Secretary and the Prime tackle the harms caused by excessive alcohol consumption. Minister, but while they hide in their trenches, the The Government have already introduced a wide set Liberal Democrats once again have been sent over the of reforms to tackle binge drinking and the corrosive top. The Home Secretary was quick enough to come to effect it has on individuals and our communities. We this House when the policy was first announced. It was have done the following: rebalanced the Licensing Act her policy; she supported it. When she set the price nine 2003 in favour of local communities by, for instance, months later, she had no doubt. The Home Office removing the “vicinity test” to ensure that anyone, no document said that the Government are matter where they live, can have input into a decision to “committed to introducing a minimum unit price. However, in grant or revoke a licence; introduced a late-night levy, other areas” making those businesses that sell alcohol late at night this consultation contribute to the cost of policing and wider local authority action; and introduced the early-morning alcohol restriction “seeks views on the introduction of policies.” order, enabling local areas to restrict the sale of alcohol So they were not consulting on the minimum price—they late at night in all or part of their area if there are had made a decision. problems. We know that the Home Secretary has overruled the The Home Office has also recently consulted on a Prime Minister; it appears she has also overruled herself. range of new proposals set out in its alcohol strategy—this It was her plan; she has announced it twice. She said she is a wide-ranging consultation—and it includes a ban was committed to it; now, she says the opposite. It is on multibuy promotions in shops and off-licences to clear that this right hon. Lady is for turning—she’s just reduce excessive alcohol consumption; a review of the not for turning up. mandatory licensing conditions to ensure they are Alcohol abuse is very serious: to public health, and to sufficiently targeting problems such as irresponsible law and order. We said that the Government were right promotions in pubs and clubs; health as a new alcohol to look at minimum pricing, but they needed to make licensing objective for cumulative impacts, so that licensing sure that supermarkets did not just get a windfall and authorities can consider alcohol-related health harms that the pub trade would not be harmed. They needed when managing the problems relating to the number of to look at the evidence and make sure the policies were premises in their area; cutting red tape for responsible workable. Instead, we have chaos and political confusion, businesses to reduce the burden of regulation, while and I ask the Minister again: what is the Government’s maintaining the integrity of the licensing system; and policy on alcohol pricing? The Prime Minister’s authority the introduction of a minimum unit price. is in tatters; the Home Secretary’s credibility is in tatters; The public consultation opened on 28 November— and the rest of us, including the Minister, do not have a I imagine that all Members present contributed to it, clue what is going on. given their interest in the subject—and closed on 6 February. We received a large number of responses covering a Mr Browne: I read in the papers that the right hon. very wide range of views, including from members of Lady fancies herself as the leader of her party. That was the public, the police and licensing authorities, health not a particularly impressive application. I am here as organisations, alcohol producers and retailers, trade the Minister responsible for alcohol policy. She said she bodies and charities. has no idea what the policy is, but I just spent five On minimum unit pricing, there were—and are, in minutes explaining it. There was a lot of barracking my view—powerful arguments on both sides of the from Labour MPs because they thought I was explaining debate. We have to ensure that we base our decision on it in excessive detail—that was how I understood it. I a careful consideration of all the representations we have explained the policy carefully. There is a consultation 475 Alcohol: Minimum Unit Price14 MARCH 2013 Alcohol: Minimum Unit Price 476 on the areas that I mentioned. The question people want she would not have the slightest idea where to start. The answered is: what on earth is Labour’s policy on this? Minister may offer a brief view on this matter if he so [Interruption.] wishes.

Mr Speaker: Order. The House really must calm down. Mr Browne: Mercifully, the irresponsible attitudes of It is in a very excitable condition, from which I hope the Labour party are not my responsibility, but I can it can be relieved by the hon. Member for Kettering, assure my right hon. Friend that the sort of irresponsible Mr Philip Hollobone. behaviour that people have become accustomed to from the Labour party will not be replicated by this Government. Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): Was the balance of responses to the consultation in favour of or against Mr Ben Bradshaw (Exeter) (Lab): It is a shame that minimum alcohol pricing? the Minister cannot confirm the reports that Ministers have given to the press about this policy being abandoned. Mr Browne: There is a range— If those reports are true, will he, on my behalf, thank the Home Secretary for and congratulate her on actually Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): A range of answers. looking at the evidence? There is no evidence that a minimum price would reduce problem drinking, far Mr Browne: There is a range of answers. [Laughter.] more effective interventions are available and this policy There is a serious point here and it will emerge in this would devastate the west country cider industry. Will he session, so let me address it. There are young people assure me that this sudden outbreak of evidence-based who drink cheap alcohol in excessive quantities and are policy will spread to other Ministers, including the price-sensitive when buying alcohol, so they are likely Chancellor? to be deterred from buying alcohol, to a degree, by minimum unit pricing. However, people on low incomes Mr Browne: The right hon. Gentleman, too, makes a who consume alcohol responsibly would pay more under strong argument, one diametrically opposed to that minimum unit pricing, and a number of representations being made by the former Home Secretary, the right have stated that the policy is unreasonable on that basis. hon. Member for Blackburn (Mr Straw), who is sitting We have to weigh up all those representations and two places down from him,. That shows precisely why points of view. The previous Government did not consider we are having a consultation; it might help the Labour this matter at all. We are considering it carefully and party to come to conclusions, as well as the Government. will announce our conclusions when we are ready to do so. Tracey Crouch (Chatham and Aylesford) (Con): The evidence from Canada and the university of Sheffield Mr Jack Straw (Blackburn) (Lab): Is the Minister shows that the policy would have an impact, but minimum not aware that the very low price of the alcohol sold in pricing should be just one aspect of tackling the problem supermarkets and convenience stores is the fundamental of alcohol misuse in the UK. When Kent and Medway problem behind the abuse of alcohol and that not only have almost 130 children under 17 receiving treatment is that, in turn, leading, as the university of Sheffield for alcohol addiction, does my hon. Friend the Minister has estimated, to 10,000 unnecessary deaths over 10 years, agree that minimum pricing is an essential way of but it is harming the decent pub trade and accelerating getting some of our most vulnerable members of society the closure of pubs? So this policy will benefit responsible away from access to high-strength, low-cost alcohol? drinking and also greatly reduce the health harm to a large number of young people. Why does the Minister not just get on and implement it? [Interruption.] Mr Browne: I know that my hon. Friend takes a close interest in these issues. It is undoubtedly true to say, Mr Browne: As is being said around me, the right regardless of what conclusion one reaches on this issue, hon. Gentleman seems to have made a good case for that some young people with low disposable incomes why he should have taken action when he was Home drink irresponsibly and are price-sensitive when buying Secretary. He chose not to do that, but he has explained alcohol. They are a particular problem. The question one side of the argument on minimum unit pricing, and that we need to resolve is whether minimum unit pricing a number of representations replicated the point he just is the best way of tackling that problem, but that is made. precisely why we are having a consultation, and we will announce our conclusions when we are ready to do so. Sir Alan Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed) (LD): Will my hon. Friend bear it in mind that we could have minimum Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): Four years ago the pricing in Scotland but not in England? Will he condemn Home Affairs Committee unanimously recommended the irresponsible policy of the Labour party on minimum pricing for alcohol. Northumberland county council, which is that if that happens Northumberland should be promoted as a Mr Bradshaw: It was wrong. cheap booze destination for Scots? Keith Vaz: My hon. Friend was not on the Committee Mr Browne rose— so he was not part of that recommendation. Powerful arguments have been made by the hon. Member for Mr Speaker: Order. The Labour party’s policy in Chatham and Aylesford (Tracey Crouch) and the hon. Northumberland is not a matter for the Minister of Member for Totnes (Dr Wollaston) on health grounds. State—[Interruption.] Order. I do not require any assistance The Minister will also know it costs an extra £59 per from the hon. Member for Broxtowe (Anna Soubry); person for the police to process someone who is involved 477 Alcohol: Minimum Unit Price14 MARCH 2013 Alcohol: Minimum Unit Price 478

[Keith Vaz] David Tredinnick (Bosworth) (Con): Does my hon. Friend agree that more needs to be done to keep pubs in alcohol-related crime. Given the powerful arguments open so that people can drink under some supervision? in the consultation and in the Cabinet, on either side on If we are to do that, the price of drink in pubs must be this issue, when will we have a final decision? considered. Will he discuss the beer duty escalator with the Chancellor? Mr Browne: During my initial response, when Labour Members were sneering and jeering, I was explaining Mr Browne: That is a consideration but there have about early morning restriction orders and the late-night been changes in how people consume alcohol. If the levy, which are precisely the types of measures that the hon. Gentleman looks at the consumption of different Government have taken to address the problems the types of alcohol, he will see that beer sales have gone right hon. Gentleman raises. Of course there are health down and wine sales have risen sharply. In many cases considerations as well, although one could make the people are choosing to drink wine at home to a greater case for an ever higher minimum unit on the basis that extent than would have been the case a generation ago. the higher the price, the greater the reduction in health All those factors need to be borne in mind and that is harms. A balance needs to be struck, and we are seeking precisely why we are ensuring that we get the details of to strike it through the consultation. We will announce the consultation right. our conclusions when we have finished.

Dr Sarah Wollaston (Totnes) (Con): It is not only the Dr Alan Whitehead (Southampton, Test) (Lab): The entire medical establishment that backs minimum pricing Home Secretary said a little while ago that the price of on health grounds. I would like to read to the crime alcohol was causing fighting in town centres and that prevention Minister an e-mail I have received from a the minimum unit price was the answer. Has the fighting street pastor and to tell him what I am hearing from the died down, or does the Minister think that it has merely special constables and police in my area. They say: been transferred to the Government Front Benches? “There is no doubt that the availability of cheap alcohol enables people to get into the habit of being very drunk, very often.” Mr Browne: The answer is that crime is at its lowest That has disastrous consequences on our streets. A level since the independent crime survey of England third of people are unwilling to go out into their town and Wales began in 1981, 32 years ago. Crime is markedly centres. lower—more than 10% lower—than it was when the What is the crime prevention Minister’s personal view? Government came into office. The points the hon. It would be a shame if he became the crime promotion Gentleman mentions about alcohol are all being considered Minister. as part of the consultation.

Mr Browne: Again, I recognise the keen interest Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) (Con): Does the Minister that my hon. Friend takes in these issues. I am aware agree that minimum unit pricing would yet again that many people in the health sector share her view. mean that the responsible and law-abiding were paying The logic of their argument, as I have just said, is why for the irresponsible behaviour of others? Does he stop at 45p? If we had a £1 minimum unit price, the agree with the majority of my constituents who, health case would be made all the more strongly. The although they recognise the complexities of the situation, Government have to balance all kinds of competing would like to see a robust response from the police and concerns and other, also compelling, concerns about courts? the affordability of alcohol for people on low incomes. They have to balance the role of the state and of the Mr Browne: My hon. Friend makes a strong argument private individual and what choices the individual is that replicates to a degree the one made by the right free to make. Great tensions have become evident this hon. Member for Exeter (Mr Bradshaw). Let us say, for morning in the Labour party, and the Government also the sake of argument, that an elderly person on a low have issues that they need to resolve. income bought one cheap bottle of wine a week, on average, because they could not afford to buy a more Pete Wishart (Perth and North Perthshire) (SNP): expensive bottle. There is a strong argument against The Minister will know that in Scotland we have our financially penalising that person by introducing a minimum own plans for minimum unit pricing for alcohol to unit price that would increase the cost of that bottle of tackle our excessive consumption. It might surprise him wine when they are consuming the wine entirely responsibly to know that in Scotland the Labour party is opposed and causing no wider social ills. Those are exactly the to the plans and will do all it can to thwart them. Will sort of issues that grown-up and responsible Governments the Minister assure me that he will work closely with must consider carefully. our Government to ensure that at least we can start to deal with our alcohol problems in Scotland? Lilian Greenwood (Nottingham South) (Lab): The Mr Browne: The Department of Health in London Prime Minister said yesterday that he would take action meets Health Ministers and officials in Edinburgh and to stop the problem of 20p or 25p cans of lager being we are keen to try to ensure that the harm caused by sold in supermarkets. How will he do that? alcohol across the United Kingdom is addressed seriously. I am distressed to learn that the Labour party is so Mr Browne: I remind Opposition Members that nothing inconsistent on this matter. I thought being a credible was done about these problems—[Interruption.] The Opposition involved having credible policy positions, idea that alcohol suddenly became cheap in May 2010 but we have not reached that stage yet. and lost of social ills came about as a result—[Interruption.] 479 Alcohol: Minimum Unit Price14 MARCH 2013 Alcohol: Minimum Unit Price 480

Mr Speaker: Order. Throughout this urgent question “So we are going to introduce a new minimum unit price. For there has been too much noise. Frankly, there is too the first time it will be illegal for shops to sell alcohol for less than much noise from those on the Opposition Benches, and this set price per unit.” I have to say to the junior Health Minister that she When did that change? tends to behave as though every exchange is somehow a conversation with her—[Interruption.] Order. Do not Mr Browne: I fear the hon. Gentleman is confusing shake your head. If the Government had wanted to put two separate issues—cost price and a minimum unit the hon. Lady up to answer, they could have done. They price. A minimum unit price of 45p, which is what the did not. In all courtesy, I say to her: sit there, be quiet Government consulted on—in Scotland the proposed and if you cannot do so, leave the Chamber. We can MUP is 50p, but we consulted on 45p—would price a manage without you. typical 12.5% bottle of wine at about £4.20. Obviously, many bottles of wine currently retail at less than £4.20 Mr Browne: Perhaps I should say in answer to the but are not sold at a loss. That, I think, is the point of question from the hon. Member for Nottingham South confusion for the hon. Gentleman. I have already said (Lilian Greenwood) that we are having a thorough that selling alcohol below cost price is anti-competitive, consultation, which has finished. We are considering but whether an artificial price floor should be put in by the results and the way in which we will arrive at the Government is precisely what we are considering in the best outcome will be announced in due course. consultation.

Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con): The central Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): May I thank problem appears to be the anti-competitive behaviour the Minister for the way in which he has answered the of supermarkets that sell alcohol below the cost price. urgent question? He has been exceptionally clear and he Does my hon. Friend agree that rather than introducing has been listening, like a great democrat. He is not in his a minimum price, a ban should be introduced on measures Stalinist mode today. Does he agree that the last thing that distort the market? the people of Wellingborough want to see is alcohol prices artificially increased? Average families in my Mr Browne: My hon. Friend makes a strong point constituency are very concerned about a minimum price. about anti-competitive practices. My personal view is that selling alcohol below cost price—leaving aside for a Mr Browne: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his moment arguments about health harms and law and characteristic warm reception for Liberal Democrat order considerations—is an uncompetitive practice, which Ministers. There are two strands to the case being made is unfair on other retailers who cannot afford to subsidise against minimum unit pricing, both of which clearly their product. But a minimum unit price of 45p would have some force. One is about charging people who may lead to alcohol being sold considerably above cost price, have low disposable income more than they would so different considerations apply in that case. otherwise pay for alcohol, even when there is no evidence to suggest that all those people are drinking irresponsibly. Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): I will give the Minister The second is a wider liberal or perhaps libertarian another chance at the question asked by my hon. Friend argument about the role of the state and the right of the the Member for Nottingham South (Lilian Greenwood), individual to make choices that he or she wishes to pointing out that the Prime Minister said yesterday that make, free from a more prescriptive view by Government. he would take action to stop the problem of 20p or 25p Both cases were made to us during the consultation and cans of lager being available in supermarkets. Can the are part of our considerations. Minister give us clarity on how that is going to happen? Wayne David (Caerphilly) (Lab): Given that the Home Mr Browne: I am giving clarity. I am explaining that Secretary has announced her personal support for minimum there has been a widespread consultation process. There unit pricing on two separate occasions, will the Minister are a large number of factors that a mature, responsible confirm that she has changed her mind? Government would need to consider carefully. That is what this mature, responsible Government are doing, Mr Browne: I am not in a position to announce the and when we are in a position to announce the conclusions, results of our consultation; if I were, I would be announcing we will do so. the results of our consultation. There are genuine issues Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con): Does the Minister to be considered on both sides. I have tried to answer agree that local initiatives to tackle alcohol misuse, such them as openly as it is possible for a Minister to do, but as the Crawley and Gatwick business watch scheme to they are exactly the issues that we are weighing up. label high strength alcohol and restrict its sale, have an important part to play? Andrew George (St Ives) (LD): As I am sure my hon. Friend agrees, judging by the questions coming from Mr Browne: Yes, I agree that localism has an important the Opposition, we are not sure what they are organising part to play. We have sought to reflect that in the way we in a brewery on this issue. Given that the Health Committee have changed licensing regulations—precisely the sort looked at the evidence and came to the unanimous of practical, locally responsive measures that appear to conclusion that it was in favour, does the Minister think be treated with contempt by the Opposition but are that the House should have a free vote on the matter if welcomed by communities across the country. we cannot come to a conclusion?

Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): Last year, in the Mr Browne: These are not matters that I am responsible foreword to the Government’s alcohol strategy, the for, I regret to say. On the point about the Health Prime Minister stated: Committee, I am aware of its view. I suppose the only 481 Alcohol: Minimum Unit Price14 MARCH 2013 Alcohol: Minimum Unit Price 482

[Mr Jeremy Browne] whether someone on a relatively high income who drinks a bottle of wine every evening should be treated differently point I would make is that we would expect the Select from someone on a low income who drinks a much Committee that was responsible for health matters to cheaper bottle of wine every evening. The second person have a particular perspective on the issue. If we had a could face a dramatic increase in the price of a bottle of libertarian Select Committee, it might say that people wine under minimum unit pricing, whereas the first should be free to drink even in ways that damaged their person, with the higher income, will almost certainly be health, which would also be a legitimate point of view. I buying a bottle of wine that is already above the minimum am not saying that, just because the Health Committee’s unit price. These issues must be considered as well, perspective is predictable, it is not relevant; of course it because it is reasonable for a Government to consider is relevant, but it is one of a number of points of view, the impact on all parts of society. all of which we are considering as part of the consultation. Lyn Brown (West Ham) (Lab): I genuinely feel sorry Mr Russell Brown (Dumfries and Galloway) (Lab): for the Minister, because he has been thrown into the As a member of the all-party group on alcohol misuse, trenches and then over the top into Opposition fire to I believe that minimum unit pricing is only one of a try to deal with the consequences of the Prime Minister number of tools in the box. The Minister attended one over-speaking at Prime Minister’s questions, which seems of our meetings a number of months back. Can he to happen quite a lot, but I must press him on this. The explain why some of his views today have changed from Prime Minister said yesterday that he would stop what he said on that occasion? the problem of 20p or 25p cans of lager, but what are the Government going to do? Mr Browne: I do not accept that they have. I enjoyed the conversation that I had and I recognise that there Mr Browne: I would feel more sorry for myself if the are harms caused by alcohol. In fact, at the beginning of Opposition could fire straight, but they seem to have my answer to the question, about half an hour or so formed a circle and been busy picking each other off, ago, I talked about violent crime and how much of it is probably because the shadow Home Secretary showed a alcohol related, about the atmosphere in town and city lamentable lack of policy clarity. [Interruption.] When centres—everybody in the House will know from their she got to her feet, she seemed to have no idea what she constituencies how disconcerting many of our constituents thinks at all, so everyone on the Labour Benches— find such behaviour—and about the number of hospital admissions that are alcohol related. I therefore recognise Mr Speaker: Order. These exchanges are still very that there are serious concerns, but there are issues that highly charged, but the Minister is entitled to be heard need to be balanced. Otherwise, we would logically end and must not be shouted down. up with the Government being urged to ban alcohol sales altogether—as far as I am aware, nobody is urging Justin Tomlinson (North Swindon) (Con): A member us to do that—or with a minimum unit price of, say, of my family is an alcoholic. Minimum unit pricing £5 rather than 45p. That would have a very big impact would not make one jot of difference, because 50p here on alcohol consumption, but there are other, competing or there would not break her addiction. Greater resources concerns that would not be addressed by going down and co-ordination of support services is the priority; it that route. That is why a Government who govern is there that the industry and Government should be responsibly for the whole country need to consider all leading. these matters. Mr Browne: I am very sorry to hear what my hon. Several hon. Members rose— Friend says. I think that it is important, amid all the party political knockabout, that we realise and respect Mr Speaker: Order. These are extremely important the fact that this is a very serious issue for hundreds of matters and I am keen to accommodate remaining thousands, if not millions, of people across the country, colleagues, but if we can have pithy questions and pithy and they want politicians to address it properly and answers, that would be helpful. with consideration. With regard to price sensitivity, there is good reason to believe that different people in Mr David Burrowes (Enfield, Southgate) (Con): It is different circumstances are more price responsive than not media reports or the balance of representations that others, which is why this is a harder issue to tackle than matters, but the weight of evidence, which includes it might appear after cursory inspection. I accept his the impact on the 2.6 million children who live with point that people who have become accustomed to a hazardous drinker and the 705,000 who live with a drinking large quantities of alcohol as a matter of dependent drinker. For the sake of the hidden harm to course might be less price sensitive than, for example, those children, can we follow not the loudest voices, but younger people who are looking to drink alcohol to the increasing evidence from Europe and, recently, Canada excess for the first time. Of course, we need to take a showing that affordability, consumption and reducing range of different measures into account when trying to harm are inextricably linked? help people in those circumstances.

Mr Browne: I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for his Pamela Nash (Airdrie and Shotts) (Lab): I have to say vigilant championing of the interests of children in that I do not agree with my hon. Friend the Member for households where such disadvantages blight their West Ham (Lyn Brown), for a change, because I do not upbringing. I take seriously the point he makes. There feel sorry for the Minister. I think that he would do well are a range of concerns. There is a serious issue—Labour to remember that his Government have been in power Members and others might wish to mull this over—about for three years. Perhaps if he spent less time attacking 483 Alcohol: Minimum Unit Price14 MARCH 2013 Alcohol: Minimum Unit Price 484 the Labour party and more time formulating policy, he Fiona Bruce (Congleton) (Con): My local authority, would not be in the mess he is in this morning. In Cheshire East council, strongly supports MUP. It has response to my hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff calculated that in that one local authority area alone the West (Kevin Brennan), the Minister said—I think that cost to the public of alcohol harm is some £190 million he had better listen to this question—that the Government across the NHS, local government, the criminal justice had not previously proposed a policy of banning the system, and loss to business. MUP is one of a number sale of alcohol below the cost of duty and VAT, but that of tools, but if we extrapolate that figure across the was certainly my impression of their policy. Is he now country is it not clear that if it is not introduced the cost saying that was never the Government’s policy and that to the public will be far higher over time than a few it is not being considered in the consultation? extra pence on alcoholic drinks?

Mr Browne: After the grown-up, and in many ways Mr Browne: My hon. Friend makes the case for a sad, representation from my hon. Friend the Member minimum unit price but, as I have said, it is not as for North Swindon (Justin Tomlinson), I am sorry that straightforward as she implies. There are practical the hon. Lady did not rise to the occasion a little more. considerations. There are reasons to be concerned about Since the Government came to office in May 2010, people on moderate incomes who wish to buy alcohol at crime has fallen. In fact, it is now lower than it was in an affordable price and do not understand why the any of the 13 years Labour was in government. Alcohol Government would wish to set an artificial floor that consumption overall has also fallen since 2010, but that would make it more expensive for them to buy alcohol. could mask the fact that some people might still be There is a perfectly respectable libertarian argument consuming alcohol to excess. Around 40% of the alcohol that individuals should be free to decide how they live consumed in the country is consumed by 10% of the their lives without a prescriptive Government attending population, so there might be great hidden harms below to the details for them. those headline figures. Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab): Contrary to Nigel Mills (Amber Valley) (Con): On behalf of the the settled view of the House, the Minister has read the responsible drinkers of Amber Valley, I thank the responses to the consultation. Will he remind the House Government for reconsidering this excessive nanny state which health organisations have responded and what policy. Has he considered what the policy might do to they have said about the cost to the national health encourage further the already serious problem of the service of cheap alcohol? illegal sale of non-duty-paid alcohol? Mr Browne: Large numbers of health organisations Mr Browne: My hon. Friend makes a very strong have responded. The Under-Secretary of State for Health, point. The higher the Government set an artificial floor the hon. Member for Broxtowe (Anna Soubry), who I for legally acquired alcohol, the greater the profitability am delighted to have here with me, has said that she will of distributing alcohol that does not comply with the write to the hon. Gentleman specifically on who those Government’s own regulations. That is another of the organisations are, and I am sure that she will do that points that make this issue a little more complicated, if very speedily. one looks at it in a mature and reflective way, than it may appear if one looks at it from a cursory, party Glyn Davies (Montgomeryshire) (Con): Does the political perspective. Minister agree that the best way to deal with antisocial behaviour on the streets by drunks is strong action by Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Moor View) (Lab): This the police and perhaps a few hours in the cells rather is a serious issue, and the public take it seriously. They than piling extra tax on to responsible drinkers who are also take very seriously what the Prime Minister stands very often on low incomes? up and says at the Dispatch Box, where on more than one occasion he has spoken about reducing the impact Mr Browne: My hon. Friend makes an interesting of low-price alcohol in supermarkets. One assumes, point. In quite a lot of countries elsewhere in Europe, therefore, that he is given policy advice from the Department the price of alcohol is lower than it is here, or certainly of Health or the Home Office prior to coming to the low, and yet they do not have anything like the number Dispatch Box for Prime Minister’s questions. Perhaps of problems that we have in relation to antisocial behaviour the Minister will be willing to make that policy evidence linked to alcohol consumption. There is a role for the public for the rest of us to look at so that we understand police, but there is a wider debate within society about why the Prime Minister is taking the line he is. how we consume alcohol and how we behave after we have consumed alcohol. Mr Browne: We have published large amounts of evidence. As I said, we have had consultations on licensing Ann McKechin (Glasgow North) (Lab): The Minister regulations for local authorities, the late-night levy that will be aware that the European Commission has formally has been introduced for local councils, and early-morning objected to the Scottish Government’s proposals on restriction orders. People are focusing on minimum unit minimum unit pricing. What discussions has he had price, but in our consultations we are also focusing on with the Commission and what reassurances has he multi-buy promotions, licensing conditions, and the received from it that his proposals will comply with regulations—red tape, as I put it—that are affecting European Union law? businesses. We are having this discussion in the House of Commons precisely because the Government have Mr Browne: The hon. Lady makes a reasonable point. taken a leading role on this issue and have given it a The Scottish Executive wish to introduce a minimum profile that it was not previously given. unit price of 50p and we were consulting on a price of 485 Alcohol: Minimum Unit Price 14 MARCH 2013 486

[Mr Jeremy Browne] Apprenticeships 45p in this part of the United Kingdom. There is a legal challenge and we have to be mindful of the legal context 11.16 am if we choose to go down the path of introducing a The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Skills minimum unit price. (Matthew Hancock): With permission, Mr Speaker, I would like to make a statement about the future of Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con): apprenticeships. Will the results of the consultation be published so that Apprenticeships are back. Having existed in this country people can see the strength of the arguments both for for more than six centuries, apprenticeships have through and against the proposal in different parts of the country? the ages provided the vehicle for skills and trades to be Did the shadow Home Secretary, the right hon. Member handed down the generations. At their best, they are an for Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford (Yvette Cooper), engine for social mobility and for giving employers and or any other shadow Home Affairs Minister respond to apprentices alike the skills they need to prosper. Although the consultation, and if so what was their response? apprenticeships declined in the previous century, this century they have started to recover and grow, both in Mr Browne: First, yes the results will be published. I number—500,000 started last year, compared with the have given some of the arguments an airing this morning approximately 350,000 who started at university—and and they will be provided in much greater detail. Secondly, in stature, becoming a career choice in their own right. I am afraid to say that despite the millions of pounds of Short money paid by taxpayers in my constituency Although that growth in numbers should be welcomed and that of my hon. Friend to fund the activities of on both sides of the House—it is also good to be able to the Labour party, it seems to be lamentably short of the welcome the shadow Skills Minister, the hon. Member requisite standard of a proper Opposition. for Blackpool South (Mr Marsden), to his place—I think we will all agree that we must increase the quality Andy McDonald (Middlesbrough) (Lab): The Government of apprenticeships and make them relevant to today’s ditched the proposed ban on the sale of alcohol below economy. We will not delay progress on making such the cost of duty and VAT. Will they bring that back? improvements. Steps have already been taken to require every apprenticeship to be a real job and to mandate Mr Browne: We have had a consultation and we are that, in most cases, an apprenticeship lasts a minimum reflecting on its results. We will make further announcements of a year, and today we are announcing that we will to those we have already made on alcohol strategy when further strengthen the provision of English and maths we are in a position to do so. in apprenticeships. The employer ownership of skills pilot is putting power in the hands of employers to design qualifications and deliver apprenticeships in line with employer needs, and we are extending apprenticeships to higher levels of skills and into new professions, such as insurance, accountancy and the law. We need, however, to go further. Last year we published a report by the former dragon from “Dragons’ Den”, Doug Richard, on the future of apprenticeships. I pay tribute to his work in producing that report, which called on us to put employers in the driving seat, giving them more control over qualification design, training delivery and funding. It called for quality and standards to be raised across the programme and for a focus on outcomes, stripping out bureaucratic processes. It also called for more open data, more awareness and more employer engagement in schools. We wholeheartedly agree with the principles and vision of the Richard report, which, along with the response that we are publishing today, will be placed in the Library, providing a programme of reform that will be challenging for all involved in apprenticeships—providers, the Government, employers and apprentices themselves— which is absolutely right. Rigour and responsiveness will be our guiding principles. The Richard reforms build on the best of this historic programme, but will once again attune it to the needs of the modern workplace. Specifically, we agree that apprenticeships should be targeted at those in new jobs or roles to train them for that role as a springboard for their future careers; that employers should be at the centre of designing apprenticeship standards and qualifications; and that assessment should be largely at the end, more independent and graded. We agree on the need to raise further the standards in English and maths, and that employers 487 Apprenticeships14 MARCH 2013 Apprenticeships 488 should be given greater control of funding to ensure The Government response says only that they are that it is directed where it adds most value. Costs will be moving towards improving the attainment of level 2 shared between apprentices, their employers and the functional maths and English. Why have they ignored Government. We agree that more open and accessible Richard’s key recommendation that people should have data are vital. We agree on the importance of improving level 2 functional maths and English before the completion awareness and engagement with schools, so much so of an apprenticeship? Will the Minister do anything that the Prime Minister has set out that it should to introduce work-based learning to support entry to become the new norm for young people to go to university employment and apprenticeships, as recommended by or into an apprenticeship. Mr Richard? Will he confirm that the Secretary of State This is a widespread package of reforms, on which we for Education will provide dedicated funding for face-to-face will consult widely and which we will implement sensitively. guidance in schools to deliver improved awareness of The consultation will stay open until 22 May. We will apprenticeships among students and parents, as Mr Richard carefully consider the responses over the summer. People recommended? What measures will he take to support should be in no doubt that apprenticeships are a force smaller businesses engaging with the apprenticeship for good. These reforms will help Britain in the global system, and what is the timetable for that? How will race by supporting unambiguously those who want to the Government implement the new definition of work hard and get on in life. They will help give all apprenticeships as recommended by Mr Richard, and people the chance to fulfil their potential. I commend when will they do that? Finally, why have they ignored this statement to the House. Doug Richard’s proposal to make some off-site learning mandatory? 11.21 am The Government have ignored the key point with which Mr Richard began his recommendations. He said: Mr Gordon Marsden (Blackpool South) (Lab): I thank “It is important to stress that the different elements must be the Minister for his statement. taken collectively: they are interlinked and the system will only In one respect at least, the Government have dealt make sense and be deliverable if all the elements are adopted as comprehensively with the Richard review: they have a whole”. comprehensively fudged or ignored most of his main The Skills Minister has failed completely in his second recommendations. It reminds me of the old saying from day job at the Department for Education to reanimate the Clerk in the Table Office that one will always get a the dead hand of the Secretary of State, whose fingers reply from Ministers, but not always an answer. I have are all over this report on the failures of apprenticeships, been through the 10 specific recommendations that failure to deliver work experience, and failure to make Doug Richard laid out in his report on apprenticeships. changes to guidance. No wonder employers and business With the exception of the redefinition of the apprenticeship organisations are wringing their hands over the Minister’s outcomes and the other matters that the Minister mentioned failure to take up fresh proposals from Holt and Richard. in that respect, all of which we agree with and welcome, It is just as well that the Labour party has set up a skills I would give his answers two and a half out of 10 or taskforce that will come forward with fresh ideas to possibly three. [Interruption.] Government Members deliver the step changes that employers need, and address should compare forensically the recommendations and the crucial issues raised by Holt and Richard, which the what the Government have said. Government have shown they are ignoring. It would be interesting to hear what Mr Richard makes of the Government’s response to his report. Matthew Hancock: I do not know whether the shadow Ministers and their advisers were clearly too nervous to Minister turned up after I answered several of the obtain or include any comment from him in their press questions that he has asked. Given that the Government release. They also completely omitted any reference to commissioned and welcomed this report, and put in Mr Richard’s central recommendation on incentives for place a consultation on the implementation of the principles employers to invest in apprenticeship training. within, I do not know how they can be ducking that report. There is a depressing pattern in the Government’s If a report is published, and the Government publish responses to new ideas for apprenticeships. They pat a response setting out how they will take forward its their advisers on the head, but ignore the main conclusions recommendations, that is very much taking on that of the reviews that they have set up. They ignored Jason report and its recommendations, not the contrary. Holt’s advice last year on boosting apprenticeships with On the specific questions, I do not know whether the small and medium-sized enterprises, such as the need hon. Gentleman was present when I said that employers for impartial face-to-face careers guidance for young will be given greater control of funding to ensure that it people. They voted here on Tuesday against the proposal is directed where it most adds value, and that costs will of the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee to be shared. That is the answer to his specific question on use public procurement to boost apprenticeship numbers. funding. We agree with the principles, we are working Now they have sidelined the key recommendation of and consulting on the options, and we will come forward Doug Richard’s report, again ignoring the need for a with a full implementation plan in the autumn. proper programme of advice and work experience in On information, advice and guidance, it is, of course, schools. vital that schools give independent and impartial careers I want to ask the Minister the following questions. advice, and we are implementing that statutory duty. One of the central points of Doug Richard’s report was On small businesses, the whole point behind making the the need to incentivise employers’ funding. Does the funding co-funded by and flowing through businesses, Minister see the recommendations on funding made by is to make it easier for businesses to access that funding. Doug Richard and Lord Heseltine as complementary? The brutal fact is that at the moment, more than half of What view does Mr Richard take of that? apprenticeships are in small and medium-sized businesses. 489 Apprenticeships14 MARCH 2013 Apprenticeships 490

[Matthew Hancock] it, the Minister is saying that there will be no response until autumn on the recommendations for engaging The biggest disappointment is that on a set of reforms with employers. Can we therefore assume that, four that will improve and strengthen the quality of years into this Parliament, the Government will have apprenticeships, there was not one positive word from done little or nothing on apprenticeships? the Opposition Front-Bench spokesman. I have no doubt that we will hear positive words from elsewhere in the Matthew Hancock: No, I said that actions are already Chamber about the value of apprenticeships and how being taken forward and I have announced some direct they help everybody reach their potential, but there was actions today. We are introducing traineeships in the not a single positive word from the Opposition. autumn, which aim to ensure that young people have the skills they need to get a job and to hold down a job. Several hon. Members rose— That is part of our response too.

Mr Speaker: Order. May I explain to the House that Dan Rogerson (North Cornwall) (LD): People out in a very large number of right hon. and hon. Members the world know that under this coalition Government will be seeking to catch my eye in the debate on NHS the number of apprenticeships has risen dramatically. accountability, and I am keen to accommodate that The Minister and his predecessor have done a huge Back Bench-inspired debate? We have business questions amount of work. In considering recommendations to before that so I am not inclined to run this statement at widen participation, will he look at accessibility in rural length. areas for those considering apprenticeships further afield or in an industry not based in their area, to ensure that Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): Flexibility is everybody has the chance of an apprenticeship? key for any work-related apprenticeship policy. Does the Minister agree that apprenticeships should not just Matthew Hancock: Yes, I will. be for school leavers? They need to be for the mum going back to work after having looked after her children, and for the man in middle age seeking a new career. Will Ms Gisela Stuart (Birmingham, Edgbaston) (Lab): I the Government address this issue? served an apprenticeship, albeit in Germany. The success of apprenticeships in Germany is the result of the fact that they are not seen as an alternative for those who Matthew Hancock: Yes, I agree strongly. For instance, cannot go to university, but are seen as an alternative soldiers leaving the armed forces often go through route to achieve the same aim. Will the Minister continue apprenticeships to retrain for civvy street. That is another to stress that apprenticeships can be an alternative important element. route, and that this is not just a question of either/or? Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): The Minister knows that I passionately believe in getting Matthew Hancock: I stress that as much as I possibly the apprenticeship question right, and we should use can, and the hon. Lady is well placed to make the case the Richard review to do that on an all-party basis. too. There is currently consultation and I hope that Opposition Front Benchers and Government Ministers will work Nigel Adams (Selby and Ainsty) (Con): In my constituency, together. At the moment, only 10% of employers take more than 1,000 apprentices made a start in the past on an apprentice. If theirs costs are not met and if they full year. Could we use this opportunity to thank the do not receive an incentive, I do not think it will happen, providers, colleges and employers that have made such but I support trying to achieve an all-party success. a brilliant effort to give young people a great start in life? Matthew Hancock: I agree. I enjoy working with the hon. Gentleman and I hope that those on the Opposition Matthew Hancock: National apprenticeship week is Front Bench come to their senses. all about celebrating exactly the sort of people my hon. Friend mentions. John Glen (Salisbury) (Con): Large employers, such as QinetiQ in my constituency, do very well, with large Tom Greatrex (Rutherglen and Hamilton West) (Lab/ numbers of apprentices every year going into jobs after Co-op): Following on from the question asked by my four years. My concerns relate to smaller employers. hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Edgbaston Will the Minister reassure the House that the needs and (Ms Stuart), will the Minister reiterate the importance relatively limited capacity of small employers to engage of ensuring proper awareness of apprenticeships in schools with changes to apprenticeships can be accommodated and beyond as an alternative? That is a recommendation in his plans? of the Richard review, and it is vital if we are to see the take-up of apprenticeships and for them to be taken Matthew Hancock: With a background in small business, seriously. I understand entirely. These plans will make it easier for small businesses to access apprenticeships. Matthew Hancock: The new norm set out by the Prime Minister—that young people go into either an Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth) apprenticeship or university—is an important step. On (Lab): In my constituency and across Oldham, 8.6% the implementation of schools’ statutory duties, Ofsted of young people are not in education, employment or has said that that will be a priority in how it assesses training, and we have a lower than average number of schools, and that is important. Some schools do brilliantly, 16-to-18 year olds in apprenticeships. As I understand but I want all of them to come up to scratch. 491 Apprenticeships14 MARCH 2013 Apprenticeships 492

Mr Robin Walker (Worcester) (Con): Businesses in more than doubled, with 900 people starting one last Worcester are already benefiting from the Government’s year. When I talk to companies and businesses, however, incentives to small and medium-sized enterprises to I find that micro-businesses find it difficult to take on take on apprenticeships, and that is why we have seen apprentices. Does the Minister have a view on how we the number of them more than double, with more than can encourage companies with only one or two employees 1,000 taking them up. Can I urge the Minister to keep to take on an apprentice? on pressing on both the quantity and the quality of apprenticeships? Matthew Hancock: We are making it as simple as possible. I studied at West Cheshire college in my hon. Matthew Hancock: Yes, that point is very well made. Friend’s constituency. Colleges and other providers can The fact that more than half of apprenticeships are in help small businesses to bust some of the bureaucracy, SMEs is a good sign, but we need to ensure that as we but I want to bust some of the bureaucracy myself to increase quality, we also increase the numbers as much make it easier. as possible. The fact that apprenticeships are becoming more rigorous will help to encourage employers to get Mr William Bain (Glasgow North East) (Lab): Increasing involved. skill levels will be among the critical long-term policies for turning around the slump in living standards, which Julie Elliott (Sunderland Central) (Lab): With the is worsening under this Government. Will the Minister demise of the professional careers service, how will the learn more from the German approach, in which larger Minister ensure that the advice given to our young companies receive stronger encouragement and have people in schools will be sufficient and that it will cover greater obligations to take on apprentices than is the issues of diversity in making career choices? case in the UK? Matthew Hancock: That is an important point. The statutory duty on schools is critical in ensuring that that Matthew Hancock: I certainly agree that ensuring that happens, but there is more to it than that. From this everyone reaches their potential through apprenticeships summer, for the first time, the destination of people and increased skills is vital. An apprenticeship involves leaving school to go not only to university but into an learning and doing a job, and encouraging companies apprenticeship has been published. With the statutory to come to the table is vital if we are to make this duty and the Ofsted inspection on the back of them, happen. Through the reforms and the principles set out those destination data will help to push things in the in the Richard report, to which we have responded right direction. today, that is exactly the direction we want to take.

Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con): The number David Rutley (Macclesfield) (Con): On Tuesday, I was of apprenticeships in Skipton and Ripon, and in Yorkshire fortunate enough to go to the annual Macclesfield more generally, has doubled. Will my hon. Friend confirm apprenticeship fair, where I saw a wide range of that under this Government, work will be the focus of organisations offering apprenticeships. They included apprenticeships, in contrast to the classroom-based McCann Manchester, Siemens and Cheshire East council, programme apprenticeships that we saw under the previous as well as the local hospital. What steps is my hon. Administration? Friend taking to increase the number of quality apprenticeships in the widest possible range of industry Matthew Hancock: Indeed; we have already shut sectors? down the programme apprenticeship route, as it offered an apprenticeship without a job. One of the central Matthew Hancock: The whole report is about doing arguments in the Richard report, with which I entirely just that. agree, is that apprenticeships are about getting the skills required to do a skilled job. Of course that is absolutely Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): critical. Small businesses in Hull tell me that the flat rate that they are paid to take on an apprentice does not take Steve Rotheram (Liverpool, Walton) (Lab): I am also into account the particular needs of small businesses, one of the few former apprentices in the House. Will the and that it is the same rate as that paid to larger Minister confirm that the average length of stay on an businesses. Will the Minister support the introduction apprenticeship programme has significantly decreased? of a differential rate for small businesses taking on Does he agree that short-term programmes and courses apprentices? for adults are not proper apprenticeships, and that they simply dilute and discredit the apprenticeship brand? Matthew Hancock: We have introduced a grant of Matthew Hancock: Yes. The quality of apprenticeships £1,500 for small businesses taking on their first apprentices, is vital, and that includes the length of an apprenticeship. precisely to help them with the bureaucracy that the We have introduced a minimum duration for hon. Lady mentioned, and I would encourage her to tell apprenticeships, and we insist that, in all but exceptional the small businesses that she talks to that it is available. cases, they should last for the minimum of a year. That The take-up has been good, but we need to ensure that is in the report, but it is an area in which we have everyone who could benefit from it knows about it. already taken action. Andrew Jones (Harrogate and Knaresborough) (Con): Stephen Mosley (City of Chester) (Con): Apprenticeships Does my hon. Friend agree that employers will welcome have been one of the Government’s big success stories the greater control of funding so that they can direct so far. In Chester, the number of apprenticeships has resources to where they need them most? 493 Apprenticeships 14 MARCH 2013 494

Matthew Hancock: I hope that they will. I welcome Business of the House my hon. Friend as the apprenticeship ambassador in Parliament, as was announced today. His role is to ensure that we expand apprenticeships, listening to both 11.42 am parliamentarians and businesses as we take these reforms The Leader of the House of Commons (Mr Andrew Lansley): forward. With permission, I should like to make a statement about the business for next week. Ann McKechin (Glasgow North) (Lab): The Minister will be aware of the stark gender segregation in STEM MONDAY 18 MARCH—I expect my right hon. Friend apprenticeships. Will he tell us what steps he is going to the Prime Minister to make a statement following the take to achieve an increase? European Council. This will be followed by the conclusion of remaining stages of the Crime and Courts Bill [Lords]. Matthew Hancock: Yes, we have specific pilots to deal Colleagues will wish to be aware that the business is with this issue. The employer ownership pilot involves a expected to go beyond the moment of interruption. consortium led by Rolls-Royce, BAE and others and it TUESDAY 19 MARCH—Proceedings on the Jobseekers is aimed at increasing the number of women engaged in (Back to Work Schemes) Bill, followed by motion relating engineering. The best argument in favour comes from to section 4A(2) of the Parliamentary Standards Act 2009. apprentices themselves. The apprentice of the year is a WEDNESDAY 20 MARCH—My right hon. Friend the female engineer who works on the Typhoon Eurofighter. Chancellor of the Exchequer will open his Budget She is an inspiration, and it is the arguments that she statement. puts—better than me—that will help to encourage girls THURSDAY 21 MARCH—Continuation of the Budget and young women to look to engineering as an exciting debate. career prospect. FRIDAY 22 MARCH—Continuation of the Budget debate. Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab): Can the Minister The provisional business for the following week will find it within himself to praise the General, Municipal include: and Boilermakers Union for its initiative with British MONDAY 25 MARCH—Conclusion of the Budget debate. Gas? Will he acknowledge that it is precisely the green skills apprenticeships that they are piloting together TUESDAY 26 MARCH—Debate on a motion relating to that will be the engine of growth? flood insurance, followed by pre-recess Adjournment debate, the format of which has been specified by the Matthew Hancock: The engine of growth can come Backbench Business Committee. from all sectors in our economy. Apprenticeships have I should also like to inform the House that the business support across the piece. For instance, I find myself in Westminster Hall for 21 and 25 March will be: agreeing with Dave Prentis of Unison on the importance THURSDAY 21 MARCH—Debate relating to the post-2015 of employer ownership, so this is an area in respect of development agenda. which many different parts of society and economy— including, no doubt, parts of the GMB—can work MONDAY 25 MARCH—Debate relating to the e-petition together to ensure that skill provision is made available. on preventable cardiac deaths arising from sudden adult death syndrome. Pamela Nash (Airdrie and Shotts) (Lab): Following the question put by my hon. Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull North (Diana Johnson), when I Ms Angela Eagle (Wallasey) (Lab): I thank the Leader speak to small businesses, they tell me not just that they of the House for finally announcing the business for do not have enough money to take on apprentices— next week. I have been following this morning’s chaotic [Interruption.] I will continue when the Minister is events largely on Twitter, and it is a deplorable state of listening. The small businesses that I speak to tell me affairs. It would be helpful to everyone in the House if that not only do they not have enough financial support the Government could get their act together and learn to take on apprentices but that the money they receive how to organise their business in a more timely fashion. covers only a small percentage of the actual costs. Will Ninety-nine days have passed since the publication of the Government’s proposals tackle this? the Leveson report, and a decision must be made. Now is the time to act for the many victims of press intrusion Matthew Hancock: Of course, the extra support we whom the report identified. We wanted a cross-party have given to small businesses is important, but the agreement, and we are disappointed that this morning crucial point is this: apprenticeships are good for the the Prime Minister pulled the plug on the all-party whole economy; they are good for tackling skills shortages; talks. Even at this late stage, we urge him to think again. they are good for apprentices, but they are good for When he launched the inquiry, he looked victims in the employers, too. So it is right for all three—the Government, eye and told them that he would fight for them. It is a apprentices and employers—to pay their part towards sad indictment that he now fights for the people who the costs of apprenticeships because all three benefit hurt them. from them. That is one reason why this is such a Will the Leader of the House guarantee that the successful scheme. Government will allow time for a debate and vote on any Leveson proposals in the Crime and Courts Bill on Monday? When can we expect to see the supplementary timetabling motion which was promised by Ministers yesterday, to facilitate the debate and the votes that must accompany it? 495 Business of the House14 MARCH 2013 Business of the House 496

I am beginning to think that my prediction that the On press conduct and the implementation of the Government will perform a U-turn every 29 days is Leveson report, the hon. Lady will recall that yesterday going off the rails. The last one arrived three days early, the Minister of State, Home Department, my hon. and this week we have seen two more—and that is Friend the Member for Taunton Deane (Mr Browne), before next week’s Budget. Despite the urgent question, made it clear in response to the debate on the programme we still have no idea what the Government’s policy on a motion that if the talks conclude, either with or without minimum alcohol price of 45p actually is. Will the agreement, we will bring forward a supplementary Leader of the House tell us? Perhaps he will also let us programme motion to ensure that issues relating to press know his personal view. conduct are debated on the second day of consideration The Government have amended the Enterprise and of the Crime and Courts Bill. That is what we are doing. Regulatory Reform Bill in the other place to abolish the The Prime Minister announced this morning that Agricultural Wages Board, which provides vital protection further all-party discussions have this morning concluded for rural communities. According to the Government’s without agreement. For the benefit of the House I will own impact assessment, the abolition will take £260 million read out what he has said: out of rural workers’ pockets and transfer it directly to “I believe that what we have on the table is a system that will their employers. The Bill is due to complete its Lords deliver public confidence and justice for the victims. It’s a system stages on 20 March. Will the Leader of the House tell that would introduce the toughest press regulation this country me when it will return to the House of Commons? has seen and a system that will defend press freedom in our country.” We were all startled by the vivid imagery from the Liberal Democrat conference last week. The party’s The Government will now publish the royal charter president said that his own members were again so people can see how it would deliver the principles that Lord Justice Leveson set out. Through the “like cockroaches after a nuclear war”. consideration of the Crime and Courts Bill on Monday, The Deputy Prime Minister described his coalition the minimal legislative changes required to put in place partners as a system of exemplary damages will be tabled. As the “like a kind of broken shopping trolley.” Prime Minister made clear this morning, other parties Mr. Speaker, I present you with our Government: a can also table amendments, although we hope, of course, broken shopping trolley full of cockroaches, veering that they will see that the minimal legislative changes wildly to the right. supporting a royal charter will deliver what is required to balance a tough system of press regulation and the Over the last week, the bookies have been raking it in need for freedom of the press. The shadow Leader of because an important leadership election has been taking the House asked me about the tabling of amendments place. The front-runners have been jockeying for position, and motions. As the House is not sitting tomorrow, they factions have been forming, there has been whispering will have to be tabled today. in the corridors, people have been excited to see who will emerge as their next leader—and that was just in I hope my comments have given Members an indication the Vatican. Meanwhile, here at Westminster, the Prime of the shape of the debate. My purpose is to facilitate Minister is searching for divine inspiration. The Home the debate of the House. As the Prime Minister made Secretary has openly staked her claim, only to be silenced clear this morning, the debate on Monday should resolve by the Education Secretary, who harbours his own this issue and I hope the way the debate is structured—we ambitions. Perhaps the Prime Minister’s Aussie spin can discuss that through the usual channels—will facilitate doctor should turn his attention to the Cabinet, and the House reaching a conclusion. The hon. Lady asked stop harassing Tory Back Benchers about their tweeting about other Bills, including the Enterprise and Regulatory habits. Reform Bill. I hope these steps will enable us not only to achieve the implementation of the Leveson report The Budget is just under a week away. Everyone is recommendations, but to enable other important legislation wondering what the part-time Chancellor’s encore will to be concluded in a timely fashion. be after last year’s omnishambles, and I have to say that Now—[Interruption.] I think we can be quick on other the omens are not good. The Prime Minister has suffered things. On minimum alcohol pricing, the Minister of an unprecedented ticking off from the Office for Budget State at the Home Office, my hon. Friend the Member Responsibility for obscuring the facts on cuts, the Business for Taunton Deane, has just responded to an urgent Secretary is openly campaigning for Labour’s plan B, question, and my personal view is the same as his. and the Chancellor lost £1 billion in the 4G auction and [Interruption.] I agree with the Government, no problem. has failed his own triple A test. The Government’s decision to abolish the Agricultural The Chancellor’s plan is not working. People are Wages Board is an important deregulatory measure. suffering while our economy flatlines, and he is busy The minimum wage will remain in place. handing out tax cuts to millionaires. Perhaps he should listen to the 81% of his own constituents who think that The hon. Lady mentioned my hon. Friend the Member he should spend less time in the Tory bunker and more for Westmorland and Lonsdale (Tim Farron) referring time in his day job. The Guardian quotes a senior Tory to Liberal Democrats as cockroaches. We can squash as saying: that right now. We all know that Liberal Democrats have a capacity to fly away, as their symbols demonstrate, “The Conservative party has two moods. Panic and complacency.” but we will leave it at that. Will the Leader of the House tell us which mood he The hon. Lady talked about next Wednesday’s Budget thinks his party is in? statement. I cannot pre-empt what the Chancellor will say, but there are a number of things the House recognises Mr Lansley: I am grateful to the shadow Leader of and the hon. Lady and her party ought to recognise: the House for her response. that we were left a dreadful financial mess; that we have 497 Business of the House14 MARCH 2013 Business of the House 498

[Mr Lansley] we do not think a simple charter, without seeking to implement Leveson as recommended, will be at all cut the deficit by a quarter; that we have seen private sufficient. Will the Leader of the House elaborate on sector employment rise by over 1 million; and, as was Monday’s business? Given that it is likely that other discussed when my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of amendments will be tabled—they are actively being State for Skills delivered his statement to the House, constructed at this moment—can he make sure there is 1 million people are going into apprenticeships as part sufficient time to debate not just a Conservative amendment of our creating sustainable growth for the future. We are but other amendments? That means we will not have a making benefits fairer and we are making work pay. We short day at all, because some of us are determined to have taken 2.2 million people out of income tax all get it right and not dishonour our pledge made after the together as a consequence of the increase in personal Leveson report. allowances. All this, and so much more, means the Chancellor will be delivering the Budget statement against Mr Lansley: My right hon. Friend will have been a background of a record of achievement thus far and listening carefully to what I said in my statement. I can set out proposals that will enable us to secure deficit freely acknowledge that we do not always satisfy everybody reduction and our growth prospects for the future. in terms of the time made available, but I did say in my statement that colleagues must expect business on Monday Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con): May to go beyond the moment of interruption, and I fear we have a debate in Government time on the important that will have to be the case. That will allow a debate, steps this Government are taking to improve life for and without dwelling on precisely how we achieve that, older people: not only reforms to the state pension but my and my colleagues’ purpose, through the usual auto-enrolment and the pensions triple lock? All are channels, will be to ensure that this House can have the such good news that we never get time to debate them debate—including the votes—that will enable it to resolve on the Floor of the House. the issue, I hope very positively, so that all of us who are concerned to ensure that the Leveson report is implemented Mr Lansley: My hon. Friend makes a good point in principle see that happen. The Prime Minister set out well. I confess that I cannot immediately identify when some very clear proposals that will enable that to happen. such a debate might be possible, but much can be I do not suggest for one moment that we will vote on discussed during the Budget debate. I noted, as many those and not on other amendments, if others are other Members will have done, remarks this morning presented. But the House should be given that opportunity. from the House of Lords Committee underestimating what this Government have done to anticipate and David Wright (Telford) (Lab): May we have a full create a more sustainable structure to support people in ministerial statement on the bedroom tax, which affects old age. We have made public sector pensions more thousands of people in Telford? A number of them will affordable and sustainable, and auto-enrolment could be single people looking for one-bedroom accommodation. give an additional 11 million people access to their own When I checked, two such properties were available on pensions in retirement. The draft Pensions Bill will the social housing register, and only 175 have been make the state pension system simpler and more affordable, available all year. How are those thousands of people and I would never neglect to mention the many measures supposed to downsize? This is about them paying more in the draft Care and Support Bill that will provide money. support for vulnerable and frail people in old age. Mr Lansley: The House and the hon. Gentleman will Mr Ben Bradshaw (Exeter) (Lab): The Prime Minister have heard my right hon. Friends the Prime Minister has pulled the plug on the all-party Leveson talks today. and the Secretary of State explain repeatedly that the He now expects this House to implement his version of spare room subsidy is about bringing fairness into the press regulation, which would have no teeth and would system. It comes in the context of a £23 billion housing not be independent. That would be a gross betrayal of benefit bill and circumstances where a large number the victims and a craven surrender to the perpetrators. of people in this country are living in overcrowded Should we not have a full statement from the Prime accommodation while many are receiving a subsidy in Minister or the Culture Secretary, so that Members under-occupied property. Although the Labour party, know exactly what they are voting for on Monday? over many years, was perfectly happy to see exactly the same principles applied to those in receipt of housing Mr Lansley: Members will know the structure of the benefit in privately rented properties, Labour Members debate on Monday, and what is important is that, as do not see that it is perfectly fair to carry that analogy was made clear yesterday and has been confirmed today, forward into social housing. they will have the opportunity to have that debate. I took the trouble to repeat what the Prime Minister said Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): Leveson is a at the Dispatch Box, so that Members are aware of hugely important issue. Will the Leader of the House what is now planned. clarify whether the supplementary programme motion has yet been laid, so that we can table amendments? Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) Will he allow Monday’s debate to go until any hour—I (LD): I thank the Leader of the House for his statement. urge him to do so—as that would solve the problem of It is extremely regrettable that the all-party talks on people worrying about having time to scrutinise it? Leveson have broken down, and extremely regrettable that the Prime Minister is no longer willing to take part Mr Lansley: I make just two points to my hon. in them. I am clear on behalf of my colleagues here—and, Friend. As I hope I made clear, motions and amendments I think, the official Opposition and other parties—that relating to proceedings on the Crime and Courts Bill on 499 Business of the House14 MARCH 2013 Business of the House 500

Monday need to be tabled today, and they will be laid in Our right hon. Friend the Prime Minister’s response due course today. In effect, he is seeking to have no was that he wanted it “sorted out” as quickly as possible. programme motion, with the time to be “on debate”, Will the Leader of the House update the House on the but I am afraid that I cannot offer that. It is important situation and give us some indication of the costs of that the Bill is protected, although we will ensure that policing the demonstration? time is provided for the debate on press conduct matters. Mr Lansley: I think that the House will, like me, be Mr Nigel Dodds (Belfast North) (DUP): On 1 November grateful to my hon. Friend for his assiduous work in 2012, the House debated air passenger duty, unanimously raising this issue. Many Members of this House will agreeing a motion calling for a “comprehensive” review take pleasure in celebrating the fact that Parliament of that punitive tax: the UK’s is the highest of any square has now been returned to a state in which its country in Europe and for many it is having devastating splendour and the architectural setting surrounding it consequences for tourism, families going on holiday can be enjoyed by residents, workers and our many and so on. What progress has been made in response to visitors to Westminster. He asked me about the cost to the motion passed unanimously in this House? the taxpayer, but I regret to say that I do not know. However, I will draw his question, which he rightly Mr Lansley: I can just tell the right hon. Gentleman raises, to the attention of the Mayor’s Office for Policing that these matters are under active consideration by my and Crime to see whether it might be able to respond to right hon. Friend the Chancellor and others in relation him about that cost, a matter for which it has been to the Budget statement. responsible.

Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): In February Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): 2011, the Department of Health announced that it May I reiterate the point raised by my hon. Friend the would introduce a statutory register of herbalists by the Member for Telford (David Wright) about the need for end of 2012. It is now 2013 and the Department has not a clear statement on the bedroom tax policy? After all even published any draft legislation. May we have a the U-turns, there still seems to be confusion about statement from the appropriate Health Minister about exactly how it is going to work. With 4,700 households the interference from the European Commission in affected in Hull and only 73 one and two-bedroom preventing Her Majesty’s Government from introducing properties available, the Government need to be clear a new law of this land? about how this policy is going to be implemented in practice. Mr Lansley: I am grateful to my hon. Friend. As he will know, I am aware of this issue, having been the Mr Lansley: Of course the hon. Lady can reiterate responsible Secretary of State when that written ministerial the point, but I will not detain the House by repeating statement was made. I do know—this was true before I the answer. I will simply say that the clarification that moved from the Department of Health last September— she and other hon. Members actively sought was provided that we were encountering complex issues relating to in the written ministerial statement made by colleagues the preparation of this legislation. The interface with earlier this week. EU legislation is one such issue, but it is not the only one. We need to get the legislation right, and I know Andrew Jones (Harrogate and Knaresborough) (Con): that my colleagues in the Department are working on it More than 20,000 people in my constituency—nearly a and will, of course, make an announcement as soon as quarter of the population—are pensioners. Please may they can. we have a debate about how our country will fund the pensions of the future, both state and private, looking Mr Dave Watts (St Helens North) (Lab): Now that particularly at what help can be provided to help people we can all see that the Prime Minister is in the pocket of make provision for their own futures so that they have a Murdoch, may we have the Prime Minister make a secure and dignified retirement? statement explaining to the families, including the Dowlers, why he has gone back on the pledges he made? Mr Lansley: That is an important point. The Budget may well afford an opportunity for some wide-ranging Mr Lansley: I do not accept for a minute what the debates, of which pensions could be one part. The hon. Gentleman says. I think that what the Prime measures on auto-enrolment will support people in Minister has described this morning as the proposals retirement. The draft Pensions Bill will give people a that will be brought forward for discussion in our much simpler and more predictable basis on which to proceedings on the Crime and Courts Bill next Monday judge the state’s provision for retirement and what they is the toughest structure of press regulation this country may need to maintain the standard of living they are has seen. I think it is entirely consistent with the Leveson looking for. Overall, after years of failed experiments principles, not least in the link with the Crime and with stakeholder and other pensions, we are finally Courts Bill and the introduction of a system of exemplary getting something that people can understand so that damages. they can identify how they can meet their needs in old age. David Tredinnick (Bosworth) (Con): My right hon. Friend might recall my raising at Prime Minister’s questions Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): May in November 2010 the situation in Parliament square, we have an urgent debate on the one thing that blighted which I described as the Olympic effort, of which we are all very proud? That “a no-go area surrounded by a campsite”.—[Official Report, one thing was the behaviour of G4S. We now understand 24 November 2010; Vol. 519, c. 257.] that it has done a deal with the London Organising 501 Business of the House14 MARCH 2013 Business of the House 502

[Mr Barry Sheerman] Mr Lansley: I welcome what Medway council is proposing. I know that my hon. Friend will share my Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic support for what my hon. Friends at the Department Games that is very generous, given its failure to deliver for Communities and Local Government are doing on its contract. At the same time, G4S is refusing to pay through their “50 ways to save” publication, which what is owed to the hard-working, smaller sub-contractors shows how councils can make significant savings. Many who worked on the Olympic site. This is a scandal; it councils have reserves, quite prudently, and how they will not go away, and G4S must know that Members of use those reserves, including for investment purposes or, this House will not let the public forget it. in the case of my council, to work together with others to create an investment bank to support business projects Mr Lansley: The hon. Gentleman has put that point in the county, can show initiative and enterprise. on the record. He will know that the Home Affairs Select Committee have been pursuing this issue. I cannot Steve Rotheram (Liverpool, Walton) (Lab): Following promise him an urgent debate on this matter, but if he my point of order yesterday on the online petition for were in the House and caught the Speaker’s eye, Home the Shrewsbury 24, will the Leader of the House make a Office questions on Monday 25 March might present a statement on the Government’s online petition system? suitable opportunity for him to reiterate his point. Specifically, will he ensure that the many thousands of people who have allegedly failed to fill out the online Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con): Welfare benefits form properly are contacted electronically and notified exist to provide a safety net for people who are not able that their signatures have not been registered? to work, or the weak and vulnerable, and also a hand-up for people seeking return to work. May we have a Mr Lansley: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for statement or a debate in Government time on ensuring that question. I wrote to him yesterday following his that welfare benefits are contribution-based so that point of order, although I entirely understand that he those people who paid in through national insurance might not have received the letter yet. I will not detain and taxation receive those benefits, and those who have the House with all that is in that letter, but I hope that it not paid in are assessed on their personal need? answers the questions he quite properly raised yesterday and today. If it does not, I would be glad to try to Mr Lansley: Only a few weeks ago we were celebrating clarify further. This has demonstrated to me that there the anniversary of the Beveridge report, and it is important is no problem as such with the online petition system; to recognise that the contributory principle was at the there are just difficulties in some cases with duplications, heart of that report. I cannot immediately offer my hon. addresses and things of that kind. Friend a debate. I am resting at the moment on the wide-ranging character of the Budget debates to allow John Glen (Salisbury) (Con): My constituent Harald many such issues to be raised. The House will recognise Hamley has recently contacted me to express his support the importance of the benefit system being fair. It is for the Defamation Bill. I am sure that many across the important to distinguish between the contributory principle country are anxious to see it become law to reduce the for many and the circumstances of those who are so possibility of vexatious libel claims and to uphold freedom vulnerable and dependent that we are talking about of expression. When does the Leader of the House something that does not rely on contributions but is expect the Defamation Bill to return to this House for based on need. further consideration? In the reforms that we are putting through now, we Mr Lansley: The answer to my hon. Friend is that I are focusing on making work pay and ensuring that will make a statement on the further proceedings on the those who can work do work, but also on making sure Defamation Bill in due course. It might help him and that resources are focused, and on increasing resources Mr Hamley if I say that as the Prime Minister has made for those who are most in need through disability. perfectly clear this morning, we will resolve issues relating to the implementation of Leveson principles in our Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): So that we can debate on Monday. As a consequence, I hope it will be understand the context of the debate on Leveson on possible for us to proceed with other legislation, including Monday, can the Leader of the House tell us when the the Defamation Bill, in a timely way. Prime Minister informed the Deputy Prime Minister that he was unilaterally collapsing the talks? Mr William Bain (Glasgow North East) (Lab): Will the Leader of the House schedule a debate on the full Mr Lansley: I was not present at the discussions this scale of the collapse in living standards affecting our morning between the leaders of the three parties, but I constituents which has been presided over by this imagine that as the Prime Minister made a statement at Government? Has he seen the new research by Landman the conclusion of those talks, it that must have been Economics for the TUC, published yesterday, which communicated in those talks. finds that the cumulative impact of Government policy on wages, tax and benefits is a drop in Scottish household Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con): income of £28.63 a week, or £1,488 a year? Is that not a Medway council in my constituency proposes to invest truly dreadful record for this Government? half of its unallocated reserve in a new development fund to support future regeneration and development. Mr Lansley: Mr Speaker, you would imagine when Will the Leader of the House consider granting a listening to the hon. Gentleman that May 2010 was year debate on how local authorities can use their reserves to zero and that nothing happened beforehand. At the support local communities? heart of all this is the 6.2% reduction in the gross 503 Business of the House14 MARCH 2013 Business of the House 504 domestic product of this country as a consequence of Business, Innovation and Skills will be there—he would the bust under a Government who said that there would hear their ideas. I know that many of them support be no boom and bust. It was the biggest bust we have what the Government are doing, including not only the ever seen and we were left with the biggest deficit we deficit reduction but our infrastructure support and had ever seen. It is not possible to pay down debt, to cut the business bank being set up by my right hon. Friend the deficit and to cut consumer debt without having a the Business Secretary. negative impact on people’s living standards. Stephen Mosley (City of Chester) (Con): I know that Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con): Late on Monday night my right hon. Friend has enjoyed many visits to the and in the early hours of Tuesday morning, hundreds of welcoming, historic and vibrant city of Chester. May motorists were stranded by the freezing weather conditions we have a debate that will allow us to champion Chester on the A23 and M23 in west Sussex. I pay tribute to as a stand-out candidate for city of culture in 2017? Sussex police and many of my constituents, who came to the assistance of those who were stranded. May we Mr Lansley: I am delighted to hear my hon. Friend be have a statement from the Transport Secretary about the first in this House to make a bid in business questions Highways Agency winter preparedness? for city of culture status on behalf of his constituents. He is right to say that I have enjoyed visits to Chester Mr Lansley: I echo my hon. Friend’s praise for the many times and I look forward to more. Chester has a emergency services and for his constituents—I was taken fantastic history and a vibrant artistic and cultural life, with the reports that the Red Cross, for example, was both now and in the future. I look forward to those reaching out to people and giving them support. I know visits, and perhaps we will share some of that entertainment that they worked together around the clock in partnership when we are there. with the Highways Agency and I, too, pay tribute to them. The extreme weather, which was probably experienced Tom Greatrex (Rutherglen and Hamilton West) (Lab/ to a greater extent in much of northern Europe, had a Co-op): The Leader of the House might not be aware heavy impact on the south of this country— that next Tuesday marks the bicentenary of the birth of Dr David Livingstone, who was born in Blantyre in Pete Wishart (Perth and North Perthshire) (SNP): my constituency. Members will be aware of his work And Scotland. in Africa and he is, of course, buried in Westminster Abbey. There will be a series of events, including in Mr Lansley: And, indeed, on other parts of the Blantyre, culminating in a service in Westminster Abbey country. I note the request for a statement from my hon. next week that we hope the President of Malawi, Joyce Friend the Member for Crawley (Henry Smith). I do Banda, will attend. May we have a statement from the not anticipate a statement from my right hon. Friend Secretary of State for International Development to the Secretary of State at the moment, but I can assure update the House on the progress towards reintroducing my hon. Friend that we constantly learn from what foreign direct aid to Malawi to help in the progress that happens and apply those lessons in ensuring that we President Banda hopes to achieve in that country? minimise disruption to the public and business during severe weather. Mr Lansley: I am glad the hon. Gentleman has had an opportunity to draw attention to that important Tom Blenkinsop (Middlesbrough South and East anniversary and to the remarkable contribution of Cleveland) (Lab): David Green, director of Civitas, said Dr David Livingstone as an explorer and someone who, today: as a consequence of that, was an inspiration to many in “Labour is showing the way to the present Government, which this country and beyond. I will talk to my right hon. has shown no imagination in tackling the problems facing SMEs Friend the Secretary of State for International Development. and has ignored too many good ideas.” I am pretty sure she will be meeting the President of Given the failure of the Government’s Project Merlin Malawi in the course of her visit, and I will draw my and other such programmes, may we have a debate on right hon. Friend’s attention to the points that the hon. the only growth plan—that is, Labour’s growth plan— Gentleman raised in the House so that she can incorporate including a British investment bank, regionalised banking them in that discussion. and business lending? Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): For the Mr Lansley: I know David Green, of course, and I penultimate question, I call Mr Docherty. suspect that he would not subscribe to the Labour party’s view of how these things should be tackled. Thomas Docherty (Dunfermline and West Fife) (Lab): None the less, we are determined to support small and Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. Further to the points medium-sized enterprises. We will push to ensure that raised by the shadow Leader of the House, my hon. small businesses can get access to the finance they need, Friend the Member for Wallasey (Ms Eagle), and the as we did through Project Merlin, and we are supporting right hon. Member for Bermondsey and Old Southwark that through the funding for lending scheme and the (Simon Hughes), will the Leader of the House now finance guarantees. The tax measures that my right confirm for the record that adequate time will be provided hon. Friend the Chancellor has put in place, including on Monday to debate not only the Prime Minister’s an exceptional tenfold increase in investment allowances, proposals but those of the Opposition? will support that. If the hon. Gentleman were at the conference being held by my old friends at the British Mr Lansley: I hope that what I said was clear and Chambers of Commerce over the road today—I know helpful to the House. It is our intention to secure that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for adequate time and to do so without prejudice to the 505 Business of the House 14 MARCH 2013 506

[Mr Lansley] Points of Order discussion of other very important matters on the second 12.22 pm day of the Crime and Courts Bill. That will necessitate Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): On a point the House sitting beyond the moment of interruption of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. The Leader of the House on Monday. I do not know precisely what other referred to the supplementary programme motion. I amendments there may be in relation to press conduct have checked with the Table Office and the Public Bill or the Crime and Courts Bill, but I know that we will Office, and no such supplementary programme motion work with the Chair and through the usual channels to has yet been tabled. If Members seek to amend that ensure that the House is able to have a full and decisive supplementary programme motion, they have to do so debate. before close of business today. Could you advise, sir, how we can amend a motion that has not been laid? Mr Deputy Speaker: Last but certainly not least, I call Pete Wishart. Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): It may be helpful for the Leader of the House to give us an answer Pete Wishart (Perth and North Perthshire) (SNP): to that question. Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. Surely we will have a debate to mark the 10th anniversary of the invasion and The Leader of the House of Commons (Mr Andrew Lansley): the war in Iraq. Iraq remains our most damaging and It is just over four and a half hours until the close of appalling foreign policy adventure ever, with more than business. We will strive to ensure that the supplementary 100,000 dead and the region destabilised. I was in the programme motion is laid, with time thereafter for Members House with the right hon. Gentleman when we listened to seek to amend it, should they choose to do so. to the nonsense and the lies from the Labour Government Mr Deputy Speaker: It may be helpful to the House on the case for war. Surely we should revisit that next to know that manuscript amendments are acceptable in week. an emergency, if need be. Mr Lansley: I was in the House, as the hon. Gentleman Mary Creagh (Wakefield) (Lab): At Department for recalls, at the time of the debate leading up to the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs questions last invasion of Iraq—[Interruption.]—and did not vote for Thursday, I asked the Secretary of State why he, the it. The shadow Leader of the House is wrong in her Food Standards Agency and Sodexo had refused to intervention from a sedentary position. The hon. Member name the company which supplied mince and burgers for Perth and North Perthshire (Pete Wishart) will be adulterated with horsemeat. The Secretary of State aware that a number of hon. Members have sought refused once again to name Sodexo’s meat supplier, such a debate from the Backbench Business Committee. thereby preventing other catering organisations from From the Government’s point of view, that is a matter knowing whether their meat supplies were at risk, despite for the Committee, but we are only too aware of the the fact that in every other horse adulteration case, the prospect of the Chilcot review coming forward at some supplier has been immediately named. Yesterday evening point, and the importance of being able to debate and Sodexo finally revealed its two suppliers as Brakes, understand all the circumstances leading up to that which supplied the burgers, and Vestey Foods, which decision in the light of the Chilcot review when it is supplied frozen halal mince and frozen mince that were published. adulterated with horse. The chairman of Vestey Foods is hereditary peer Baron Sam Vestey, who is also Master of the Queen’s Horse. Have you had any indication, Mr Deputy Speaker, whether DEFRA Ministers intend to come to this place to explain to Members why they refused to name that meat supplier? Are they not putting their friends in high places above the interests of the consumer? Mr Deputy Speaker: I can certainly help and normally would take shorter notice that the hon. Lady was asking a question of the Chair. It is not a point for the Chair. As we both know, an urgent question was tabled. Normally I would not refer to that when a decision has already been taken. If nothing else, the hon. Lady’s question is on the record and I am sure that Ministers will have taken it on board, in the same way as we had a point of order yesterday which came up with the right answer in the end. If nothing else, the question will have been noted.

BILL PRESENTED

JOBSEEKERS (BACK TO WORK SCHEMES)BILL Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Secretary Iain Duncan Smith, supported by the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, Danny Alexander, Secretary Chris Grayling, 507 Points of Order 14 MARCH 2013 508

Oliver Letwin and Mr Mark Hoban, presented a Bill to make provision about the effect of certain provisions Backbench Business relating to participation in a scheme designed to assist persons to obtain employment and about notices relating Justice Committee Report: Youth Justice to participation in such a scheme. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time tomorrow, and to be printed (Bill 149) with explanatory 12.25 pm notes (Bill 149-EN). Sir Alan Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed) (LD): I beg to move, That this House has considered the matter of the publication of the Seventh Report of the Justice Committee, on Youth Justice, HC 339. The Committee is having a busy week. We are publishing another report this week about the Government’s plan to abolish the Administrative Justice and Tribunals Council, but it is on the youth justice report that I shall concentrate today. As hon. Members know, I try to make a few points, then I take interventions. That is the only way in which hon. Members can take part in an exchange about the report, and we have 20 minutes in which to do it. We conducted a wide-ranging inquiry to explore the targeting of resources, the use and effectiveness of available disposals, and the role of the youth justice system in diverting at-risk young people from offending. We took evidence from many witnesses. We made visits to Belfast and to young offenders institutions in Feltham and Wigan and in Denmark and Norway. I am very grateful to Committee colleagues and to the Committee staff for all their work on the report. We found quite a lot to commend. The Youth Justice Board, youth offending teams and their partners have made great strides towards a more proportionate and effective response to youth offending that prioritises prevention. We welcome the fact that fewer young people are entering the criminal justice system. The numbers have been halved. We welcome the fact that, similarly, the numbers going into custody have been halved, although we are still high among the countries of Europe in the number of young people we have in custody. That is not to say that we believe that minor offending is being or should be ignored; rather, we believe it should be dealt with differently. When diversion is done well, young people are less likely to go on to more serious and prolonged offending. We are particularly encouraged that agencies in many areas are using a restorative justice approach to resolve very minor offending. Bradford youth offending team, for example, established restorative justice clinics as an arrest diversion, and only 10% of young people attending the clinics were re-arrested.

Nick de Bois (Enfield North) (Con): I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for his work in leading our Select Committee on this subject. Is he concerned, as I am, that we found the practice of restorative justice to be a postcode lottery around the country? Although we recommended that Ofsted may have a role to play when looking at care homes, we need a sense of urgency from the Government to advise on strategy in areas that are not delivering restorative justice. Does my right hon. Friend think we will have the impetus to achieve that?

Sir Alan Beith: I agree with that comment. The phrase “postcode lottery” is one I do not like in areas where there is innovation because what happens is that 509 Justice Committee Report: Youth 14 MARCH 2013 Justice Committee Report: Youth 510 Justice Justice [Sir Alan Beith] much smaller, but still too large, proportion of young offenders generally. That indicates that a lot of resource some places show what good work can be done, and we is going into a problem that we could better have want to spread best practice as quickly as possible, but I prevented at an earlier stage. agree with my hon. Friend’s conclusion that the Government and we as a Committee should put as much weight as Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) we can behind spreading the knowledge, experience and (LD): I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for a very skills involved in restorative justice. good report. Does he agree that two strong messages On our visit to Denmark and Norway we saw the arising from his Committee’s conclusions are, first, that benefit of intensive multi-systemic therapy, with a we still send too many young people into custody as concentrated range of skills dealing with young people opposed to dealing with them outside and, secondly, who are on the fringes of the criminal justice system that we are still hopeless at providing for those who and likely to become involved in it. come out, particularly in accommodation, which would give them the security to prevent reoffending? Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con): I congratulate my right hon. Friend on his leadership of Sir Alan Beith: Indeed, that is a point we make quite the Committee. He talks about different strategies firmly: that the accommodation needs of people leaving for dealing with youth. Does he agree that we should custody are often not met adequately. If they are dumped welcome the strategy proposed by the Government to in bed and breakfast without adequate support, that is deal with troubled families? There are about 200 such no help to them. families in the country and, by giving them access to That applies particularly to looked-after children—that education, skills and accommodation, we will get them is, children who have been in care. Frankly, we were out of the criminal justice system and give them a shocked by the evidence we received showing that vulnerable long-term future away from that as good citizens. children are effectively being abandoned by children’s and social services. Public authorities have a duty to Sir Alan Beith: That is an extremely valuable initiative, ensure that looked-after children are not at greater risk and it relates to the point I will make later about early of being drawn into the criminal justice system than intervention, but as a Committee we think a lot more other children simply because they lack normal family will need to be done in this area. homes. Poor behaviour that would be dealt with in the family should not be an express route into the criminal justice system. We heard one example of police being Steve Brine (Winchester) (Con): I thank the Chairman, called to a children’s home to investigate broken crockery. the Committee and the staff for the work they have The relevant authorities must also continue to provide done in producing what is a weighty tome. Further to support to looked-after children when they get into the that point, we say in the report, based on the evidence criminal justice system and, even more, when they leave that the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists it. We were concerned that the relevant authorities often gave us, that 10% of children in the general population seem to end their relationship of providing support have speech, communication and language difficulties, once looked-after children enter the criminal justice but the proportion of young offenders with such difficulties system, particularly if they go into custody, and we are is 65% or just over. I am sure he remembers that we talking about a group of very vulnerable children. heard in evidence how this over-representation is part of a compounding risk model that begins at an early age. Does he therefore agree that, as well as ensuring Andy McDonald (Middlesbrough) (Lab): I thank the that our youth justice system has access to speech and right hon. Gentleman for his excellent chairmanship of language therapists to help young people when they get the Committee. Does he agree that one of the key into trouble and are in the system, we would be smart as messages to come out of our work is about encouraging a country to widen access— local authorities and prosecutors not to deal with trivial offences involving looked-after children in a way that causes them to enter the criminal justice system, but in Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. Sir Alan the same way as ordinary families would? While I have was very generous and I allowed you to intervene, his attention, may I also commend the report for its Mr Brine, but you cannot make a speech. You are identification of the issue of brain injury among those meant to be making an intervention on Sir Alan, because in custody? The report sets out that although 10% of he wants to reply and we need to get on to other business. the population may sustain a brain injury, the incidence among those in custody is much higher, at 50% to 60%. Sir Alan Beith: I think I get my hon. Friend’s point. Neuropsychological assessments of those in custody He is absolutely right, and he and the Committee have would be an excellent measure, and I congratulate him regularly reminded us of that problem. There are so on flagging it up. many young people in the criminal justice system who might not be there if they had not been so lacking in Sir Alan Beith: What a telling statistic the hon. Gentleman communication and language skills. We have to put has brought out—indeed, he brought it to the attention significant effort into dealing with that part of the problem. of the Committee, too. Although we are glad that a new There will always be a need to detain a small number system of assessment, ASSET-plus—assessing semantic of young people who pose a risk of serious harm to the skills through everyday themes—has been approved for public, but youth custody is expensive. The YouthJustice use by the Government, we think it will take more than Board spends £246 million on the secure estate, which that to identify children who are vulnerable for that and is 65% of its total spending. Three quarters of those a number of other health-related reasons. As for his who leave youth custody reoffend, as opposed to a point about treating looked-after children more as they 511 Justice Committee Report: Youth 14 MARCH 2013 Justice Committee Report: Youth 512 Justice Justice would be treated in a family, if restorative justice skills Sir Alan Beith: The hon. Gentleman makes an important are available and can be deployed and if training is point, which he has made in the Committee. The Committee provided, that can help to deal with difficult situations recommended that, for example, minor offences that without putting looked-after children into the criminal were the subject of cautions should disappear from the justice system. register at the age of 18, to give youngsters a chance to get a job and get started in life. I also commend employers Mr Elfyn Llwyd (Dwyfor Meirionnydd) (PC): I, too, who, in the knowledge that people have past criminal commend the right hon. Gentleman for his chairmanship convictions, take them on and give them a fresh start, of the Committee. I am pleased with our recommendation often with success. that we should have legislation to ensure that the judiciary in criminal courts can refer under-18s to a single family Robert Flello (Stoke-on-Trent South) (Lab): The court. That is important, bearing in mind his point Opposition very much welcome the right hon. Gentleman’s about people entering the criminal justice system. Does report. I hope we can have an early debate on it, he agree that we can learn a great deal in this context because, certainly judging from the interventions we from the Scottish experience? have heard, there is a need for one. How does he square his Committee’s view that we need to move away from Sir Alan Beith: The right hon. Gentleman makes an young offender institutions to smaller, more specialised important point. The Scottish system of children’s reporters units with what seems to be the Secretary of State’s and children’s panels has been proven over many years. view—that we should go the other way and roll the We still have some lessons to learn from it in England smaller units into bigger YOIs? and Wales. Looking more widely at sentencing, we recommend a Sir Alan Beith: In fact, we have been closing young threshold to enshrine in legislation the principle that offender institutions over the years because the number only the most serious and prolific young offenders in custody is now much smaller. The Committee will should be placed in custody. We recommend that the continue to press its view that most of the work that can custody budget should be devolved to a more local be done successfully with young offenders has to be level, so that a local decision can be made about investing done in small environments, where it is possible to in effective alternatives to custody. We want to build devote sufficient attention to their problems. confidence in community sentences by giving magistrates There are a number of key things that I do not want and judges more feedback on the outcomes of their to miss out. One is that the Government produced their sentencing decisions. We also want to take more action own, “Transforming Youth Custody” document just as to reduce the number of people who breach the terms of we were concluding our inquiry, so we did not have the their community sentences and address the problem chance to work on it in detail, although I have to say that there is a large number of young black men in that there is not a lot of detail in it. One thing that custody, far beyond their proportion in the population. puzzles us is the Secretary of State’s idea of creating youth colleges to deal with young offenders, because Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): What was they are actually there, on average, for only 79 days. We the Committee’s view on the fact that if we send only fully support and applaud his interest in, and commitment prolific offenders to prison, they will clearly have done a to, sorting out the education of young offenders in lot of crime before they get there? What consideration custody, but the concept of the colleges does not fit well was given to the short, sharp shock treatment as a way with the rapid churn of young offenders. In many cases of dealing with people right at the beginning? it is important that we get them back into the education system. We have therefore recommended that schools Sir Alan Beith: The idea that we can sort out the and colleges could be incentivised to take young people problems of a young person who is committing serial, back into education after they have completed their prolific crimes through a process that does not take sentence, whether it is a custodial or community one. much time is just a mistake. It takes time to address The Committee had something to say about deaths in these problems. We have looked, for example, at the custody. It is unacceptable that so many vulnerable Willow unit at Hindley and a whole series of ways of young people continue to die in the custody of the state. trying to turn round the lives of young people. I am We await the Minister’s view on whether to set up an afraid that the short, sharp shock is an illusion. There is independent inquiry and will return to the issue when no proven way to deal with prolific young offenders we have heard what conclusion the Government have other than by giving them a lot of attention over a reached. significant period. We have many other detailed recommendations that Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Lab): I thank the I do not have time to cover today, but the message I right hon. Gentleman for chairing the Committee through want to leave with the House is that we must be prepared the fascinating experience of undertaking this youth to make radical changes in the way we deal with young justice inquiry. Will he comment on the Rehabilitation offenders if we are to stop them becoming the prolific of Offenders Act 1974 and say at what point a young criminal offenders of the future, which is often what person who has committed a fairly minor offence or a they have the potential to become. more major one would have it written off? We do not want a society in which misdemeanours undertaken by Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): I congratulate young people, for all kinds of reasons of poverty, naivety the Chair of the Committee on the report. Does he or whatever else, follow them for the rest of their lives, agree that one of the most powerful pieces of evidence damaging their career prospects and us as a society. in support of his emphasis on getting the transition 513 Justice Committee Report: Youth 14 MARCH 2013 514 Justice [Mr Philip Hollobone] Accountability and Transparency in the NHS from custody to the community right is that which was given by the chief inspector of prisons, who said that [Relevant documents: The oral evidence taken before the “the thing that unlocks everything else is accommodation. It does Health Committee on 12 February and 5 March 2013, on not mean that if you have settled accommodation everything else Report of the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust will turn out fine. It means that if you do not have that, nothing Public Inquiry, HC 982-i and -ii.] else will work”? 12.43 pm Sir Alan Beith: Absolutely. Accommodation in that context often requires support as well; it is not merely Charlotte Leslie (Bristol North West) (Con): I beg to bed and breakfast and goodbye. There has to be some move, way of ensuring that an offender reintegrates into society, That this House believes that in the wake of the Francis Report or indeed integrates into society for the first time, it is clear that accountability and transparency are of paramount importance to patient safety and trust in the NHS; and further because they might have had an institutionalised existence believes that across the NHS individuals found to have breached prior to that, which is true of many looked-after children. those principles should face the appropriate consequences. The second part of the message I want to leave with I would first like to thank the Backbench Business the House is that we need to ensure that new generations Committee for granting the debate; I realise that it did of children do not embark on crime. In order to achieve not have much time left to allocate in the Session and so that, as was mentioned in an earlier intervention, we am particularly grateful to its members for giving the must develop early intervention. As with adult prisoners, House the opportunity to debate this timely and important so much of the Ministry of Justice budget is necessarily issue. I would also like to thank all the Members who committed to custody and to prison by policies that supported the motion, particularly my hon. Friends have been pursued over many years, yet the most important the Members for North East Cambridgeshire (Stephen work of preventing people from getting into crime in Barclay), for Bracknell (Dr Lee), for Totnes (Dr Wollaston) the first place is deprived of money. and for Southport (John Pugh) and the hon. Member The Committee’s broad longer-term view is that we for Vauxhall (Kate Hoey). I must also thank all those want to see resources not being needed to put people who have contacted me, including the Patients First into custody or expensive sentencing processes because group. I am sorry if we are unable in the time available money has been spent dealing with troubled families to do justice to all the information we have been given, and very young children beginning to show signs of but rest assured that this is the beginning of the scrutiny, later criminal behaviour—addressing that could prevent not the end. them from getting involved in crime in future. I am This debate is neither about playing party politics, grateful to my Committee colleagues for the work they nor about only the future of one man, David Nicholson; have done. We will continue to keep a close eye on it is about transparency, and about a deadly cover-up in Government policy in this area. We are glad to have had our NHS and how we can ensure that never happens a good response to a number of our proposals, but a lot again. As one concerned former nurse wrote to me: more needs to be done. “Please don’t let me read those meaningless words, Lessons Question put and agreed to. Have Been Learned”. It sometimes seems that politicians can dodge taking responsibility so long as they say quickly enough that “lessons have been learned”, but learning lessons is not the same as simply uttering a phrase. The truth must be revealed, and consequences faced, if accountability and transparency are to be anything more than just words. Let me make it clear that refusing to play party politics is not the same as letting people evade responsibility and that statesmanship is not the same as letting people off the hook. We owe it to those outside this Chamber. We owe it first and foremost to those patients who were, in some instances, killed in our hospitals, and we owe it to their grieving families, for whom no amount of politicians saying that “lessons have been learned” can bring back their mum, dad, sister, brother, child or friend. After patients and their families, we also owe it to those dedicated doctors and nurses who were struggling to raise the alarm against a system that systematically suppressed their concerns. Many of them retired early in protest at what they were being asked to do, and some of them tried whistleblowing and were met not with thanks from the authorities, but intimidation and gagging. We will hear about some of that later. I must congratulate the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Health on their appointment of Don Berwick to ensure that the basic requirement of “Do no harm” is 515 Accountability and Transparency in 14 MARCH 2013 Accountability and Transparency in 516 the NHS the NHS embedded in health care. Don Berwick, an adviser to It also highlighted the anger felt by many conscientious President Obama, is an internationally renowned authority medics at Government changes to their employment on health care. The Institute for Healthcare Improvement, and at being pressurised to put targets ahead of patients: which he co-founded and chaired for 21 years, is a “The GP and consultant contracts are de-professionalising... world-leading centre of medical improvements based Far too many managers and policy leaders in the NHS are on proven success. I am delighted that the Prime Minister incompetent, unethical, or worse.” has put him right at the heart of improving our health The report warns that care system. “this… must be alleviated if improvement is to move forward The tragedy, however, is that Don Berwick’s wisdom more rapidly over the next five to ten years.” and recommendations are not new; they have been But those warnings were ignored, and we know that the delivered before. They were delivered to the previous improvements never happened. The report’s conclusion Government in no uncertain terms back in 2008, when on a decade of health care reform is that David Nicholson was chief executive of the NHS. Instead “the sort of aim implied by Lord Darzi’s vision…is not likely to of implementing them urgently, the previous Government be realised by the 1998-2008 methods.” were uncomfortable with what they revealed about their Don Berwick’s report was not alone; let me reveal NHS, so they decided to suppress those truths. They what the other two reports said. They referred to suppressed a report by Don Berwick and his institute “the pervasive culture of fear in the NHS and certain elements of along with two other damning reports by international the Department for Health” experts—RAND and Joint Commission International— and stated: that contained burning recommendations to be “The Department of Health’s current quality oversight mechanisms implemented with all urgency. have certain significant flaws”. Perhaps the most damning indictment of all is that the Alan Johnson (Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle) politicians are responsible: (Lab): If the hon. Lady turns to page 1,281 of volume 2 “This culture appears to be embedded in and expanded upon of the Francis report, she will see that, far from the by the new regulatory legislation now in the House of Commons.” reports being suppressed, every one of them was seen But instead of being acted on with urgency, this was all by Robert Francis. He states: buried. We know of the existence of Don Berwick’s “As part of his work leading the working group, Sir Liam”— report and the other reports only because a medic was Sir Liam Donaldson, the former chief medical officer— so concerned that Berwick’s warnings and solutions “commissioned reports from three highly respected US-based had been buried that he tipped off a think-tank, Policy organisations”. Exchange, which had to use a freedom of information Francis concludes that section by stating: request to bring them to public light in 2010, two years “Indeed it is clear that the NSR”— later. They were not even available to the Health Committee. the next stage review, the Darzi review— Let us get one thing clear. The NHS is a huge, monolithic organisation with an exceptionally difficult “sought to address many of the concerns raised in these reports.” and, some might say, almost impossible task. In reality, things will go wrong, sometimes very wrong. The crime Charlotte Leslie rose— is not so much that things were going wrong, bad as that is, but that instead of immediately focusing on Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. Before tackling it, the priority was to cover up an awful truth the hon. Lady responds—[Interruption.] I am sorry, that was uncomfortable for Ministers and chief executives. but does the Opposition Whip have something to say? All too often, Dispatch Box appearance mattered more than the reality of patients’ lives, leaving whistleblowers Lyn Brown (West Ham) (Lab): No. and patient groups such as Julie Bailey’s, which was disgracefully dismissed by David Nicholson as a “lobby Mr Deputy Speaker: Thank goodness for that. group”, screaming into a vacuum, often at great personal cost. The crime is the smothering of the truth which We need short and concise interventions, because costs lives—the deadly silence. many Members wish to speak and I do not want to have to reduce the time limit further, but that is what will What was the cost of suppressing Don Berwick’s happen if we are not careful. urgent prescription for the NHS? The clinical director of NHS Scotland recently suggested that in following Don Berwick’s recommendations it has experienced an Charlotte Leslie: I congratulate the right hon. Member estimated 8,500 fewer deaths since January 2008. We for Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle (Alan Johnson) may well ask what was the cost in lives for our NHS of on seeking to defend his Government’s record. I will the previous Government’s decision to bury the truth. address his point fully later in my speech. Across the 14 trusts now being investigated as well as Don Berwick’s report was commissioned by Ministers, Mid Staffs, there were 2,800 excess deaths between the led by Lord Darzi and with the support of David Nicholson, time that the reports by Don Berwick and others were to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the NHS. It states: presented to Ministers and their final revelation in “The NHS has developed a widespread culture more of fear 2010. If the previous Government had been urgently and compliance… It’s not uncommon for managers and clinicians implementing Don Berwick’s recommendations for those to hit the target and miss the point”. five years, who knows how many of those lives might It highlighted the inadequacy of quality control mechanisms have been saved? in the NHS, stating that the priorities that are emphasised How was this allowed to happen? I have put in by these assessments are freedom of information requests asking what meetings “seen as being motivated by political rather than health concerns”. took place to discuss the reports and who was present. 517 Accountability and Transparency in 14 MARCH 2013 Accountability and Transparency in 518 the NHS the NHS [Charlotte Leslie] I will now reveal how crucial mortality data, which Harvard university says should have triggered an “aggressive Although David Nicholson was working closely with investigation”, was ignored, and, when it became too Lord Darzi on the next stage review, he said in front of prevalent to ignore, was, like so many whistleblowers, the Health Committee that, incredibly, he discredited. David Nicholson said in response to the Health “knew nothing about the reports”. Committee that he did not know that the Dr Foster That is the Select Committee, so we must take him at his mortality data existed until he became chief executive word. The question that then remains is who did read of the NHS in 2006. He also said he did not know there and suppress these vital reports. Was it Ministers? Was was a problem with the mortality rate at Mid Staffs it officials? If officials, how was this allowed to happen? until 2009. Again, that is the Select Committee, so we If the Department of Health is to move away from a must take him at his word. It is odd, however, as we culture of cover-up, I expect a full and accurate response know that David Nicholson attended a presentation in to my request to know who was responsible, and I ask Birmingham in 2004 at which the Dr Foster ethics team the Secretary of State to assist me in that. gave a presentation on the real-time monitoring tools that it was using to show mortality alerts and the Former Labour Ministers will complacently say, as hospital standardised mortality rates. they already have, that these reports fed into Lord There are also records of Dr Foster telephoning chief Darzi’s next stage review and informed the report, executives of health authorities in 2005 to tell them “High Quality Care For All”. I ask the House whether a about the mortality alerts. David Nicholson is named document that starts with the then Secretary of State, on that list of those getting calls, as chief executive of the right hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull West Birmingham and The Black Country strategic health and Hessle, beamingly saying authority. Between 2005 and 2009, there were 8,000 log- “On its 60th anniversary the NHS is in good health” ons to the Dr Foster site from members of staff at West reflects the content of the reports that we have just Midlands SHA. We even have a press release from heard about. It certainly does not. Indeed, while the Dr Foster from as early as 2005 congratulating Walsall Department of Health claims that it “drew heavily” on hospital in, yes, West Midlands SHA, for its improvement the three reports in putting together “High Quality in relation to this very same mortality data. The Dr Foster Care For All”, a source close to the authorship of those data was published in the “Good Hospital Guide” from reports said that they found that claim to be “disingenuous 2000 onwards and in national newspapers from 2001 at best”. David Flory, the deputy chief executive of the onwards. It is therefore incredible that it was not known NHS, later told the Francis inquiry that he at least had about by someone such as David Nicholson, or indeed some responsibility for what happened to the reports, as Ministers and others. he had read them, but insisted that they were “caricatures”. By May 2007, however, people were aware of the That would help to explain why they were not acted on, data. The then chief executive of West Midlands SHA, but it makes the Department of Health’s insistence that Cynthia Bower—Birmingham and West Midlands SHAs it “drew heavily on them” rather odd. play a strangely prominent role in this story—received Further indication that the documents were not acted alerts that there were issues with high mortality rates in on is the fact that they raise issues almost identical to the health authority. But instead of taking urgent action those highlighted five years later in the Francis report. to find out what was going wrong, she commissioned If Don Berwick’s warnings had been acted on five years the university of, yes, Birmingham to write a report to ago, there would be no need to ask him to come back discredit the data, at a cost of £120,000 to the taxpayer. now to step in to sort things out and implement his Stunningly, the British Medical Journal—the journal of recommendations. the union, the British Medical Association—is on record as allowing the author of the Birmingham report to Alan Johnson: I wonder if the hon. Lady is coming to publish his findings in the BMJ four months before the point that Francis, a QC, in the course of a two-year official publication to coincide with the publication of public inquiry that produced two volumes, looked at all the Healthcare Commission report, in order to discredit these documents and said that many of the issues the data. A fact little publicised by Ministers and chief within them had obviously been acted on. During a executives is that the Birmingham report was severely two-year review, Francis drew completely the opposite flawed. Harvard later did a study and found that the conclusions to those that the hon. Lady is drawing. data were so watertight that on receiving the alerts, “it would have been completely irresponsible not to aggressively Charlotte Leslie: I find various elements of the Francis investigate further.” report rather strange, not least that the current chief Yet again, the reaction to bad news was to bury it, or executive, David Nicholson, is minuted as dismissing expensively discredit it, rather than act. the activities of Julie Bailey as merely “lobbying” as This went all the way to Government. I have seen an opposed to expressing widespread concern about patients, internal briefing for the right hon. Member for Exeter and that this minute was dismissed in evidence, with (Mr Bradshaw), then a Health Minister, in which officials David Nicholson saying that he could not recall ever brief him to stress that the mortality data were not having said something like that and thought that he known about until 2007. However, in that very same could not possibly have done so. The fact that we are briefing it is revealed that they know this to be untrue, asking Don Berwick back five years after he initially because they make specific reference to the data being gave his recommendations to Labour Members speaks published as far back as 2001 in the “Good Hospital far louder than a few sentences in the Francis inquiry Guide”. with which people may beg to differ. However, I will not This is only a drop in the ocean of a catalogue of be distracted by the right hon. Gentleman but go back attempts to cover up the awful truth. It is utterly wrong to my speech. that no one should be held to account for such negligence 519 Accountability and Transparency in 14 MARCH 2013 Accountability and Transparency in 520 the NHS the NHS in their duty to protect patients. The “Code of Conduct The time has come for cross-party agreement on a way for NHS Managers” says that managers must forward, and that is my hope for this debate. There must “make the care and safety of patients my first concern and act to be more accountability and transparency, and that is protect them from risk” why we support the motion. and We also support the Secretary of State’s ban on “accept responsibility for my own work and the proper performance gagging clauses. It builds on statements made by the of the people I manage”. previous Government, which in turn were a response to If talk of accountability in this Chamber is to have previous scandals. That provides a crucial context for any credibility at all, especially for those individuals today’s debate. who buried loved ones while Government, departmental In 1997 Labour inherited the job of responding to and NHS individuals buried the truth, actions must the Bristol heart scandal and the Harold Shipman have consequences. To scapegoat is not the same as murders. A series of major policy developments followed ensuring that those responsible are held to fair account. on patient safety, inspection and regulation. We passed Those who do not have a voice—the patients and their the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998, protecting families—deserve accountability and more than just whistleblowers. We published data that had never before words. seen the light of day on survival rates from heart and Don Berwick is right. We must convert our anger stroke care, and 1999 saw the first ever independent over what has happened into action. That is what Julie regulation of hospitals and care standards. Bailey did, without whom this debate and a push for In 2001 we established the National Patient Safety a culture change in the NHS would probably not be Agency, which has sadly since been abolished and, in happening. It is what my right hon. Friend the Secretary 2006, on the back of the public inquiry by Dame Janet of State did this morning in banning gagging orders. Smith, the General Medical Council and the Nursing Will he confirm whether that measure will be retrospective? and Midwifery Council were reformed to end the I believe that this Government have secured a good base professional closed shop. The truth is, however, that from which to put clinicians—not managers and politicians well-meaning as those steps were, there were places —at the heart of setting the priorities of our NHS. where the underlying culture of the NHS did not change and that is an important lesson for us all. When we make Rosie Cooper (West Lancashire) (Lab): Although I statements in this place and pass policies, we assume appreciate and endorse everything the hon. Lady has that everything changes on the ground, but it does not. said about accountability and the managerial code of The previous Government made similar statements conduct, who does she think should enforce the code to that made by the Secretary of State today, yet the use and ensure that it is being followed? Beyond the board of agreements persisted. Why was that? The answer is and the chief executive, how will organisations be policed? that there is a culture in the NHS—a tendency to pull down the shutters and push people and complaints Charlotte Leslie: I believe that Francis is right: a away when things go wrong—that is more ingrained regulatory organisation for managers is needed. than we might think. We must be brave. There must be a cultural clean-out and a new start, including a new head of the NHS Stephen Barclay (North East Cambridgeshire) (Con): Commissioning Board, who does not appoint a deputy On the subject of pulling down the shutters, will the who faces possible investigation for gagging whistleblowers right hon. Gentleman confirm that the world-leading —unless, of course, Dame Barbara Hakin deregisters expert, Professor Sir Brian Jarman, wrote to him in from the General Medical Council beforehand—and March 2010 listing concerns about 25 hospitals with who does not seem systematically to appoint those who high mortality rates, and that both the right hon. Gentleman had contact with West Midlands health authority or and the Care Quality Commission took no action? Birmingham, but has the trust and faith of doctors, nurses and patients, and epitomises this new era of transparency and accountability. Andy Burnham: No, I will not. I was copied into an e-mail by Professor Brian Jarman in mid-March 2010 I believe that with Don Berwick’s help—albeit about and, having asked the CQC to investigate what he had five years later than it could have happened—we are said, I wrote back to him on 31 March 2010. That was now beginning to step in the right direction to ensure literally my last duty as Secretary of State for Health that never again can the NHS be too loved to be after the general election was called. I was not able to scrutinised or too holy to be questioned, and that this respond further to inquiries. It is important to provide debate will go some way to breaking what has been, for some balance to the hon. Gentleman’s comments. more than a decade, a literally deadly silence. Changing the culture in the NHS requires vigilance and persistence. As Robert Francis says, we have all 1.2 pm been too remote from the front line. Andy Burnham (Leigh) (Lab): What happened at The foundation trust reform was a serious attempt to Stafford hospital was a betrayal of everything the NHS end the top-down culture in the NHS, bringing more should stand for. We will face up to what went wrong accountability and transparency.If we look back, however, and I will say more about that today. I repeat the we will see that, when the centre stood back, there were apology to the families of people who suffered appalling places where an unhealthy local culture became even abuse and neglect. more firmly established. In some trusts a national top-down We must do more. People affected will be watching style was replaced with a local top-down, bullying style, this debate and rightly wondering what it will achieve. which can be even worse. I can remember the shock They want to know what is going to change and when. I felt on reading the first Francis report’s finding that, 521 Accountability and Transparency in 14 MARCH 2013 Accountability and Transparency in 522 the NHS the NHS [Andy Burnham] I commissioned. Robert Francis has taken the best part of three years to consider these matters in detail on receiving FT status, one of the first things that the and has made 290 measured and proportionate Mid Staffs board did was to resolve to hold more recommendations. The people affected by these events meetings in private. That was an audacious breach of should reasonably be able to expect that they will be the spirit of the legislation passed by this House. implemented without delay. Today, I make a genuine offer today to the Secretary Mr William Cash (Stone) (Con): The shadow Secretary of State. If he brings forward proposals, he will have of State and I have been engaged on this issue for a very our support in speeding up implementation. I say that long time. Will he admit that it was totally unacceptable because I am becoming concerned about the timetable for him and his predecessor to refuse to have a public for the Government’s response. On 6 February, the inquiry, which I demanded relentlessly, under the Inquiries Prime Minister told this House: Act 2005? Does he agree that it was wrong to give “We will study every one of the 290 recommendations in foundation trust status when it clearly should not have today’s report and we will respond in detail next month”.—[Official been given, and does he accept that I raised the issue of Report, 6 February 2013; Vol. 558, c. 281.] gagging orders and confidentiality in a health debate in Since then, the Government have commissioned a review 2009, not 2010? of the recommendations, which is due to report in July. Although, like the hon. Member for Bristol North West Andy Burnham: Foundation trust status was not a (Charlotte Leslie), I have great respect for Don Berwick, matter for Ministers. It was a job for Monitor, so it has I am surprised that the response to a long public inquiry to answer that concern. The hon. Gentleman is right is to set up another review. Is it still the Government’s that we had many discussions about a public inquiry. intention to respond in detail this month? Although He will remember that in July 2009, two months after I I welcome this debate, it is narrow in focus, so will the was appointed Secretary of State, I brought in Robert Secretary of State consider having a full day’s debate in Francis QC to conduct an independent inquiry into Government time? Instead of more delays and reviews, what happened. I did not order a full public inquiry and we need action and a timetable for implementation. I I will explain the reason why later. would be grateful if the Secretary of State would respond The difficult thing about the fact that the Mid Staffs to my offer today. board was holding more meetings in private was that we in this House had passed up our powers to intervene to Nicholas Soames (Mid Sussex) (Con): Will the right stop it. That is another lesson we must learn: that the hon. Gentleman give way? FT reform was naive in thinking that local autonomy would lead to improvement in all cases. In a national Andy Burnham: No, I am making some progress. health service, there are areas where national direction The second area where more transparency and is needed, and when things go wrong, there must be accountability is urgently needed is on staffing levels. If immediate powers of intervention, which, on my arrival the Government are not yet able to commit to all the in the Department in June 2009, I found I did not have. recommendations, I ask them to expedite their response Foundation trust policy needs to be reviewed and to Robert Francis’s important recommendation on patient- adjusted to mitigate those dangers, including through a staff ratios. The board of Mid Staffs embarked on a reconsideration of the power to de-authorise a failing dangerous programme of staff cuts, and yet public and foundation trust, which was recommended by the first staff representatives had no outside guidance to challenge Francis report, but repealed by the Health and Social it. The chief nursing officer said yesterday that staffing Care Act 2012. should be a local decision. Surely the lesson of Mid Staffs We also need to consider targets and how they are is that there is a need for much clearer national standards used. Targets helped to deliver the lowest waiting times and guidelines, as suggested by the Francis report? in history and that must not be forgotten. However, in This week, the Care Quality Commission reported places, they reinforced negative management practices. that one in 10 hospitals in England and, worse, one in In focusing on only part of the patient experience, there five learning disability and mental health services do was not sufficient focus on the overall patient experience not have adequate staffing levels. Surely that should and the whole person—a particular problem when it ring alarm bells in the Department as it suggests that comes to caring for very elderly people whose needs are parts of the NHS are already forgetting the lessons of a blur of the physical, mental and social. the recent past. Robert Francis is right to call for a fundamental rethink of the way in which we care for older people, The third area on which we need a clear statement and I have put his recommendations at the heart of from the Government today is the accountability and Labour’s policy review. However, there are more immediate transparency of all organisations providing NHS services. things that we can do and I will spend the rest of my Under “any qualified provider”, the Government are time on five substantive points. persisting with their assumption that all NHS contracts should be open to full competitive tender. Despite a promise to rewrite the section 75 regulations that are Mr Bernard Jenkin (Harwich and North Essex) (Con): being made under the 2012 Act, my reading of the Will the right hon. Gentleman give way? rewritten regulations is that regulation 5 will not let doctors decide, but will in effect force clinical commissioning Andy Burnham: I will make some progress. groups to open tender for contracts. That raises the The first point is about implementation. I would like prospect that there will be a significant increase in the to take this opportunity to thank Robert Francis for his coming years in the number of private and voluntary work on this inquiry and the previous inquiry, which sector organisations providing NHS services. 523 Accountability and Transparency in 14 MARCH 2013 Accountability and Transparency in 524 the NHS the NHS If we believe in transparency and accountability, to say that all of us owe the people of Stafford a safe surely they have to apply across the board and on a level and sustainable hospital. I hope that the hon. Gentleman playing field. The problem is that private and voluntary would agree with that sentiment. sector organisations are not subject to the same strictures My fifth and final point concerns staff morale. on freedom of information and whistleblowing. If action is not taken, we face the prospect of a serious reduction Mr Jenkin: Will the right hon. Gentleman give way? in transparency and accountability. Our attempts to find out new information under FOI requests on providers Andy Burnham: No, I will not. selected under AQP have hit the brick wall of “commercial confidentiality”. I say to the Secretary of State that that This is a difficult time in the NHS. The chief executive is not good enough. Accountability and transparency of the NHS has described it as a period of “maximum must always be paramount, as the motion says. risk” as it struggles with the simultaneous challenges of efficiency and reorganisation. Morale in the NHS is low Will the Secretary of State require all providers of and one thing is clear: patient care will not improve if it NHS services to adhere to FOI principles, and will he stays like that. ensure that whistleblowers working in organisations that provide NHS services have the legal protections The Secretary of State is right to speak out for that he has announced today? I draw the attention of patients when the NHS falls short, and he should the Secretary of State to an early-day motion tabled by always do that. However, statements should be fair and my hon. Friend the Member for Easington (Grahame should recognise the good that the vast majority of staff M. Morris) on this subject, which has attracted the do, day in, day out, and the pressure that they are under, support of 109 Members. which is not of their own making. That balance has been missing from recent Government statements. I say The fourth area on which the people of Stafford need to the Secretary of State that hospitals and NHS staff openness and transparency is the future of their hospital. are not coasting—far from it. They are working flat They will understandably be worried about the recent out, with some coping better than others with the recommendation from Monitor that the trust should be pressure that they are under. placed into administration. People will recall, as I said to the hon. Member for Stone (Mr Cash) a moment Politicians need to do more than just point out the ago, that I commissioned Robert Francis in July 2009 to failings of hospitals and NHS staff. We all need to conduct an independent inquiry. I know that many support them with proper staffing levels on the wards. people, including the hon. Gentleman, wanted me to go We all need to support them to speak out, wherever further and order a full public inquiry, but I stopped they work. We all need to stop the reorganisations that short because I was concerned about the effect that that distract them from patient care. Those are the lessons of would have on the hospital and its viability. Stafford. Today, let us all resolve to face up to them. All of us in this House now have a responsibility to 1.18 pm help this hospital heal. After all that they have been through, it would be highly unfair to the people of The Secretary of State for Health (Mr Jeremy Hunt): Stafford if, at the end of all this, they were to lose their I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Bristol hospital or their A and E. They deserve a safe and North West (Charlotte Leslie) on securing this important sustainable hospital and I hope that the Secretary of and timely debate. State’s response to Monitor’s recommendation will map We should start by remembering why we are having out a way to achieve that. this debate. Truly shameful things happened at Stafford hospital. Patients were left unwashed for days, sometimes Mr Aidan Burley (Cannock Chase) (Con) rose— in sheets soiled with urine and excrement. Relatives had to take bed sheets home to wash them because the Nick de Bois (Enfield North) (Con) rose— hospital would not. Patients with dementia went hungry with their meals sitting right in front of them, because Andy Burnham: I will give way one final time to the no one realised or cared that they were unable to feed hon. Member for Cannock Chase (Mr Burley). themselves. If we are to prevent that from happening again, accountability for what happened is vital. I will Mr Burley: I represent the other constituency that is talk plainly about that, including about the role of served by Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust. Is Sir David Nicholson. the right hon. Gentleman implying that it is the holding At the outset, let me reiterate that the NHS is one of of a public inquiry that has led to the threat to Stafford our most cherished institutions. We can be proud that and Cannock Chase hospitals? for 65 years it has ensured that everyone is entitled to treatment, regardless of their background or income. Andy Burnham: No, that is not what I am saying. I We can be proud of the excellent treatment and care commissioned a second-stage—[Interruption.] The hon. that is the hallmark of most parts of the NHS. Most of Member for Cannock Chase should listen to the answer. all, we can be proud of the front-line doctors, nurses I commissioned a second-stage review before the general and health care assistants who look after 3 million people election after Robert Francis delivered his first-stage every week, with dedication, commitment and compassion. review to me. I simply said that I took that judgment If we love the NHS, we must be prepared to be honest because I was worried that if there was ongoing uncertainty about its failures, and to criticise me for doing so about the hospital for a long period, it may affect its suggests, I am afraid, dangerous complacency from the viability. I have seen the statements from Monitor that right hon. Member for Leigh (Andy Burnham). The there is a concern about the future viability of the tragedy of Mid Staffs shows how the desire to celebrate hospital. I am making an appeal, on a cross-party basis, success got in the way of speaking out when things went 525 Accountability and Transparency in 14 MARCH 2013 Accountability and Transparency in 526 the NHS the NHS [Mr Jeremy Hunt] My response will detail how we intend to restore accountability to the boards of hospitals, and today I wrong, and if we are to prevent such things from have removed the ability of any hospital to insert gagging recurring, we must never allow our love of the NHS to clauses on patient safety in compromise agreements stifle our determination to hold systems and individuals made with senior staff. My hon. Friend the Member for to account. Bristol North West asked whether that will be retrospective, Where does that accountability lie? Sir David Nicholson and I have written to all trusts to remind them of their has been the focus of much attention, and as a manager responsibilities towards whistleblowers in respect of in the system that failed to spot and rectify the appalling contracts and compromise agreements already signed. cases at Mid Staffs, he bears some responsibility. As he If we are to protect patients, we need an atmosphere of said, the focus was lost, and he has apologised and been openness and transparency in the NHS—something to held to account by this House and many others. However, which the motion rightly refers. I do not believe that he bears total, or indeed personal, responsibility for what happened. He was at the strategic Several hon. Members rose— health authority for 10 months during the period in question, overseeing 50 hospitals at a time when his Mr Hunt: I will make some progress and then I will main responsibility was the merger of three SHAs into take interventions from both sides of the House. one. He consistently warned both Ministers and managers Sir David Nicholson told the Health Committee last of the dangers of hitting the target and missing the week that in the NHS as a whole, patients were not the point. centre of the way the system operated. Which party was It is just not true that if there had been no David in power when that culture was allowed to operate? If Nicholson at the SHA, there would have been no Mid Sir David has been held to account, so too must the Staffs; others bear far more direct responsibility and Labour party be held to account. The Francis report the Francis report tells us who. It makes it clear that the rightly states that Ministers were not personally responsible primary responsibility for what went wrong lies with for what happened at Mid Staffs, and I have no doubt the board of the trust. Astonishingly, members of that that no Labour Minister would have condoned, knowingly board seem to have melted into thin air, some moving to allowed or wanted the events at Mid Staffs to happen. other jobs in the system, and others receiving generous We also know from the report that the pursuit of targets payoffs. at any cost was a central driver of what went wrong. As the report set out, above all Mid Staffordshire NHS Mr Cash: As my right hon. Friend knows, I do not Foundation Trust failed to tackle an “insidious negative agree with his assessment of Sir David Nicholson in this culture” involving a tolerance of poor standards and context. There was a systems failure that affected not a disengagement from managerial and leadership only Staffordshire but the entire health service, and that responsibilities. It went on: lies very much at the heart of the problem. In my speech “This failure was in part the consequence of allowing a focus I will quote some statements made by Sir David at a on reaching national access targets,”. conference a few months ago. Ministers, not civil servants, are ultimately responsible Mr Hunt: I obviously take on board what my hon. for the culture of the NHS, and it is clear that during Friend says, but I want to move on to other aspects of that period a culture of neglect was allowed to take root the report. in which the pursuit of targets at any cost compromised the quality of care that patients received, and made it Nicholas Soames rose— harder for front-line staff to treat people with dignity and compassion. Mr Hunt: I shall give way on that point, and then I will make some progress. Andy Burnham: I am listening carefully to the Secretary of State but it is not fair to people in the NHS for him to Nicholas Soames: I am grateful to the Secretary of say that Stafford equals everywhere in the NHS, and State. May I follow up on one point that he raised? He that we can take one failing—a terrible failing, as I said said that a number of those managers have disappeared in my speech—in a locality and apply it to the whole or melted away to other jobs in the service. Does he NHS. He must acknowledge that NHS staff did an agree that whatever else happened, there was a monumental incredible job to end the situation when people were failure of leadership at many levels, and that it is a spending months and years on waiting lists, and even failing of public services in this country—and the national dying on them. health service in particular—that failing managers are too often recycled through the service to the great and Mr Hunt: I acknowledge the brilliant work done by constant cost of patient care? NHS staff and, contrary to what the right hon. Gentleman Mr Hunt: I absolutely agree with my right hon. Friend. says, I do that in every speech that I make on these We will respond to the Francis report this month, as the matters. I will not, however, accept the complacency Prime Minister has committed to do, and make plain that says that problems at Stafford hospital were localised measures to ensure that the situation cannot continue. and happened only in one place. If we are to sort out My right hon. Friend is right to raise that point. those problems, we have a duty to root them out anywhere in the NHS that they occur. Mr Jenkin rose— The right hon. Gentleman talked about waiting times targets. Let us be clear: there is an important role for Mr Hunt: I will make some progress and then I will targets in a large organisation such as the NHS. Without take more interventions. the four-hour A and E target, or the 18-week elective 527 Accountability and Transparency in 14 MARCH 2013 Accountability and Transparency in 528 the NHS the NHS waiting time target, access to NHS services would not Mr Hunt: I will make some progress. have been transferred and I accept that the previous The question the right hon. Member for Leigh needs Government deserve credit for that. It was right to to answer is why he refused 81 separate requests to set increase spending on the NHS, although it is curious up that public inquiry. He says that he did not want to that Labour now wants to cut the NHS budget. Labour distract the hospital from the essential task of making did however—this is where Labour Members should immediate improvements, but does he now accept that listen rather than barrack—make three huge policy if he wants people to take his party seriously on NHS mistakes, and the right hon. Gentleman must accept accountability he needs to apologise? That was a mistake. that it is not simply a question of Government policy Until we have a proper apology—not just for what not being implemented in every corner of the NHS. happened, but for the catastrophic policy mistakes made Those three mistakes contributed to the culture of by his party—no one will believe that Labour would neglect that we are now dealing with. not make the same errors of judgment again. On the The first mistake—a huge mistake—was that Labour Government Benches, we are clear that accountability, failed to put in place safeguards to stop weak, inexperienced dignity and respect for patients, particularly vulnerable, or bad managers pursuing not only bureaucratic targets older people who are unable to speak out for themselves, but targets at any cost. That is exactly what happened at must be embedded in every corner of the NHS. Mid Staffs, where patient safety and care were compromised We will announce measures to set up a proper, in a blind rush to achieve foundation trust status. Secondly, independent peer review inspection regime led by a new Labour failed to set up proper, independent, peer-led chief inspector of hospitals that will not simply look at inspections of hospital quality and safety that told the targets, but make judgments on whether hospitals are public how good and safe their local hospital was. putting patients first. We will set up a single failure Instead of a zero-harm attitude to patient safety, we regime, where the suspension of the board can be have a culture of compliance and the bureaucratic triggered by failures in care as well as failures in finance; morass that is the current Care Quality Commission. a patient-centred culture, by making the friends and Thirdly, Labour failed to spot clear warnings when family test a key part of the hospital inspection regime; things went wrong. The Francis report lays out a timeline clinically led commissioning, so that key decisions are of 50 key warning signs between 2001 and 2009. Why made by people who see patients in their own surgeries; did Ministers not act sooner? If those warnings were and an overhaul of the hospital complaints procedures not being brought to the attention of Ministers, why did led by the right hon. Member for Cynon Valley (Ann they not build a system in which they were? Instead, Clwyd) and Professor Tricia Hart. We will do that with there was a climate in which NHS employees who spoke the minimum of upheaval. It is worth emphasising that out about poor care were ignored, intimidated or bullied. Robert Francis himself says that the changes he calls for can largely be implemented within the system that has Alan Johnson: The Secretary of State is making an now been created by the new reforms. interesting speech and there is no way that the Labour party can escape criticism for what happened at Stafford. Several hon. Members rose— Does he accept, however, that before 2000 there was no Mr Hunt: I am going to make some progress. independent regulation of the NHS and no standardised mortality ratios, complaints in hospitals stayed in the This debate is about accountability. I have been doing hospital and there was no recourse to any independent this job for six months, and in nearly every exchange on observance of those complaints, and A and E—a particular the Floor of the House, the Opposition have avoided problem at Stafford—was a data-free zone? engaging in substance, preferring instead to make baseless allegations about the Government’s motives in respect of the NHS. I put it to the House that we have shown Mr Hunt: I accept that progress was made in the our commitment to the NHS time and again through a collection of data and that the previous Government set protection of the budget; a willingness to face up to big up a star rating system. The problem, however, was challenges, whether in clinical commissioning, the funding what it measured. It did not measure the quality of of social care or the need to ensure that care is prioritised patient care but basically focused on access targets. It throughout the system— was possible for a hospital to get a three-star rating by transforming its 18-week access targets, even at the Andy Burnham: Will the right hon. Gentleman give way? expense of patient care. Mr Hunt: No, the right hon. Gentleman needs to Stephen Barclay (North East Cambridgeshire) (Con): listen to my point. If Labour is truly committed to the It is correct that improvements were made in the collation NHS, it, too, has to show that it has learned. I did not of data. In fact, the Dr Foster data were published in hear that in his speech. Labour Members need to accept national newspapers from 2001, but what is remarkable that they made some terrible policy mistakes that led to is that they were not acted on. That is the central charge a culture of neglect. They must recognise that the party for Ministers. We were the world leader in the collation that claims to speak for the most vulnerable in society of mortality data. We had the data, but Ministers did betrayed many vulnerable people, with tragic consequences. nothing with them. Only then will the public know that the lessons of Mid Staffs have been learnt—not just by the NHS, not just Mr Hunt: My hon. Friend speaks wisely. Hospitals by civil servants, not just by Government, but by all display 1,400 different pieces of data, but the question sides of this House. is why nothing is done when the data give dangerous Several hon. Members rose— messages. Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. I remind Several hon. Members rose— Members that there is a seven-minute limit. 529 Accountability and Transparency in 14 MARCH 2013 Accountability and Transparency in 530 the NHS the NHS 1.32 pm We had to demonstrate that we were really listening to patients. The medical and managerial staff had to Rosie Cooper (West Lancashire) (Lab): I welcome the take ownership and responsibility for complaints. They opportunity to speak in this debate on our national knew that at each board meeting they could be questioned health service. I resolutely believe that we should have and challenged. If we accept that there are large parts of an open and honest debate on how we can each contribute the system that work well and focus our time and to restoring faith in the national health service, and that resources on areas that do not, we can raise standards we should not play politics with the findings of the and tackle deep-seated problems. As chair, I sought to Francis report. build in assurance and be transparent about complaints; Increasingly, there is a deeply concerning creeping to solve them, not hide from them, and ensure that veil of secrecy across the public sector—local government, everyone was accountable right up through the management education or health. The application of greater structure. I never believed in no blame; I believed in fair accountability and transparency is the solution, ensuring blame. Each time a problem was resolved properly, we that the interests of the public remain the singular and became a better hospital. We were rightly proud that on overriding number one priority in public service delivery. the front page of the Liverpool Echo it was called an As a society, we display a huge and deep faith that the NHS gem. Sadly, the main board’s complaints report NHS is intrinsically good, and we want unquestioningly stopped after I stepped down as chair. to believe that at all times it is acting in our best We do not need to reinvent the wheel or have more interests. The findings of the Francis report, as they reorganisation in the NHS, but we must make the should, shake that faith and belief in the NHS to its complaints system work. From that important but simple very core. Francis should be commended for his report—an action, culture changes happen and become embedded extensive and comprehensive forensic examination of in the organisation. We then have real change, real Mid Staffs and the structure of the NHS. transparency, real openness and real accountability— I will be as brief as I can and focus on one tiny something we can all be proud of. element: listening to patients, the people who pay for the NHS, and hearing what they are saying and acting on it. We do not need to keep on looking for a black cat Barbara Keeley (Worsley and Eccles South) (Lab): A in a dark room. Switch the light on! It is no good the complaints system sounds very useful. When staff knew Secretary of State simply repeating that we must listen that complaints were being assessed and reported on to patients and their families. What assurance does he every month, what impact did it have on them? have that, until the next crisis, they are listening? In hearing after hearing of the Health Committee, senior Rosie Cooper: In essence, it encouraged a change of people associated with the NHS trot out that the regulator culture. They were not operating in a vacuum, where is responsible and that the Care Quality Commission patients did not matter and where the complaint might needs to deal with it. I never, ever thought I would feel not ever get resolved—where, if a manager said it was sorry for the CQC, but, when everyone else ducks, it is okay, it disappeared. The fact that the light was switched supposed to catch the ball. We do not need to create on and that people could ask questions was valued. another bureaucracy; we simply have to make work—really There is a huge disconnect between the rules and the work—something we already have by giving it real teeth enforcement of rules. When local resolution fails there and enough resources to make it effective. must be another, proper avenue for patients to appeal I agree with the comments of Dame Julie Mellor, the that decision: just having the NHS investigate the NHS parliamentary and health service ombudsman, when is not the way to improve the health service, or patients’ she said that she hoped that the Francis report confidence in it. Currently, the message we send out is “will trigger a debate that will support our view that good that unless people have the financial resources to fight complaint handling should be at the heart of the NHS.” the system in the courts it is easy for families and From front-line experience, I believe that to be both patients to be ignored. true and essential. During my time as chair of Liverpool Chief executives and boards know that the ombudsman Women’s hospital, a standing agenda item at the public investigates only a tiny proportion of the cases referred monthly board meetings was a summary of all complaints to it, and it is not as feared as it should be. I say to the received that provided an overview—not in minute detail, Secretary of State that we need an ombudsman service but an overview—of each complaint and the outcome: that is properly resourced, has the necessary investigative upheld or not upheld. Most importantly, there was a powers and sanctions, and makes public in its reports its column that stated what action was taken. Employing findings to everybody who pays for the NHS, not just to this system of regular review ensured that the board Ministers. Being able to name and shame in the spirit had oversight, asked questions, could spot trends, be of openness and transparency will be a powerful tool, assured that action was taken and demonstrate to patients especially when, in these times of foundation trust and their families that they were being listened to. hospitals competing to attract business, reputation is the key. Nick de Bois: Does the hon. Lady accept, notwithstanding Given that all hospitals will eventually become foundation the efforts made in the hospital she mentions, that when hospitals, is the Secretary of State willing to say that MPs take up complaints on behalf of constituents and foundation hospitals will have to report all their statistics try to get to the truth behind them, we are faced with openly and that every board meeting should be a public tremendous bureaucracy and resistance? meeting? There should be no hiding; there should be openness and transparency right across the NHS. The Rosie Cooper: Yes, and if MPs have problems, god light needs to be switched on not just in individual help members of the public and patients. rooms but in the NHS, full stop. 531 Accountability and Transparency in 14 MARCH 2013 Accountability and Transparency in 532 the NHS the NHS I have on the wall of my constituency office this gagging culture in the health service, although nothing quote from an editorial in the Liverpool Echo: could have been further from my intention. However, “Doing the right things does not automatically follow saying that charge was made against me, against the right hon. the right things”. Members for Leigh and for Kingston upon Hull West At present, everyone in the national health service is and Hessle (Alan Johnson) and, in truth, against all our saying the right things. What assurance can the Secretary predecessors right back to 1948. of State give us that the NHS will do the right things? The instinct to protect, rather than the instinct to Frankly, the public do not want any more politics from reveal, is deeply embedded in the health service. When anybody. They do not want warm words or excuses; something is said to be going wrong, there is an instinct they want actions that will lead to real change. No more for the wagons to gather round. That is why Francis’s big reorganisations; we just need to make a difference. recommendation for a duty of candour is key to the He must listen to the people’s complaints. Actually, in delivery of the objective of greater accountability and Mid Staffs the complaints could not have been any transparency. louder. I said to the hon. Member for Bristol North West Barbara Keeley: Was the right hon. Gentleman as (Charlotte Leslie) earlier that we cannot keep on saying disturbed as I was to hear that the £500,000 gag at the that it is somebody else’s fault, that somebody else United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust was put in should be held accountable and that somebody else is place without any sign-off whatever, on the basis that it going to supervise. This goes to the core of the Department had involved judicial mediation? The Secretary of State of Health. If we listen to the people and give the refused to answer my question about this. Does the ombudsman—the right person for the job—the powers right hon. Gentleman agree that the Secretary of State to deliver, we will see a culture change. really has to stop that, because it involved a very large amount of money, which was used very ill-advisedly? 1.41 pm Mr Stephen Dorrell (Charnwood) (Con): I want to Mr Dorrell: The position I take is the one set out in follow the hon. Member for West Lancashire (Rosie the Francis report, which was explicitly endorsed by Sir Cooper) on to very similar territory. She and I both sit David Nicholson in the Select Committee inquiry to on the Health Select Committee, which I chair. I want which the hon. Lady has referred. I believe that it would to start where my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State also be endorsed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary and the right hon. Member for Leigh (Andy Burnham) of State, but he must speak for himself. That position is started, with what happened in Mid Staffordshire. It that it is hard to imagine circumstances in which the use was shameful, and we will be judged today by whether of public money in the context of a compromise agreement we show a serious willingness to learn and apply the should be governed by a confidentiality clause. In an lessons of the Francis inquiry. age when a bill from Pizza Express has to be published Francis made 290 recommendations, but they amount on the internet, decision makers should be held publicly to just one core recommendation, which is that there accountable for the use of large sums of money in the needs to be a fundamental culture change through the context of a compromise agreement. whole of the national health service. With respect to the shadow Secretary of State, that is the sense in which Mr Jenkin: I accept my right hon. Friend’s challenge challenges are posed for the health service way beyond about openness and transparency in the way the health Staffordshire. We have to learn the lessons of Staffordshire service reacts outwardly, but that is a means to an end. and apply them beyond it, as well as demonstrating that There is also a lack of honesty and openness between we understand what we mean—in the modern jargon, people working in the health service, and the mistrust we “get it”—when we talk about the need for a culture between levels of management and institutions inhibits change. the proper flow of information and the ability of people My hon. Friend the Member for Bristol North West to trust each other in the context of saying what is (Charlotte Leslie) encapsulated that when she used the wrong and putting it right. People in the health service words “accountability” and “transparency”. I will not dare not tell their senior management what is wrong. follow her down the route that she took in her speech. I want to focus exclusively on what we mean by those two Mr Dorrell: I have a lot of sympathy with what my words. They seem to trip too easily off the tongue, hon. Friend says. The successful delivery of a culture without anyone understanding what they mean, and change that supports real transparency would build on that must change if we are to sustain a culture change in the fact that it is not only a right but an obligation for a the health service. registered doctor or nurse who sees care being provided My first proposition is that accountability without that falls below proper standards to raise their concerns transparency is entirely meaningless. The ability to see and, if no action is taken, for those concerns to be what is going on and how decisions are being made in raised with the regulator. Change will be required right the health service, and to see the effects of those decisions, through the health service if that professional obligation is fundamental to the delivery of the objective of culture is to be made real. change. With respect to the right hon. Member for Leigh—and, indeed, to some of the points that my right John Pugh (Southport) (LD): My right hon. Friend hon. Friend the Secretary of State made—we have to has mentioned the instinct to protect and to circle the acknowledge that a lack of transparency lies deep in the wagons. Would he accept, however, that that is not culture of the health service, and that it goes back to exclusive to the NHS, and that it also exists in the police way before the previous Government were in office. It service, for example? It also existed in Parliament during was present in my time as Secretary of State and well the expenses scandal. It is an institutional feature of before that, too. I was regularly accused of supporting a many kinds of organisation. 533 Accountability and Transparency in 14 MARCH 2013 Accountability and Transparency in 534 the NHS the NHS Mr Dorrell: I agree with my hon. Friend, but I hope telephone exchange and a whole number of other decisions he will forgive me if I do not follow him down the road taken up there somewhere. We, as Members who work to the police service in the three and a half minutes I here, have very little say. have left. It is important for us to remember the Nolan principles My key objective is to enable Members to recognise of public life to which every public body is meant to that this is a deep-seated cultural issue, that we need to sign up—accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. create a more open culture, and that a duty of candour I do not want to say much specifically about what is fundamental to that. I say to the right hon. Member happened in Mid Staffordshire, but it was appalling. As for Leigh that we need to ask ourselves occasionally: someone who has had a good and well-led hospital in accountable to whom? Surely in the first instance, the my constituency for many years, I find it almost unbelievable health service must be accountable to the patient. How that all that could have happened in the Mid Staffordshire can it ever be right for a failing in care provision that hospital with so few people seeming to know what has been acknowledged and discussed not to be described happened or to speak out about it. Then, when it was to the patient? That duty of candour to the patient is pointed out, no one listened. That provides a terrible fundamental to the culture change that I am describing. warning about what can happen. We all think that we However, we have to remember that, within the tax-funded know what is happening in our constituencies, but we health care system, there is a duty not only to the do not always, as this episode has shown. patient but to the taxpayer. Although I do not want to Let me talk about my local hospital Guy’s and go too far down this road, the challenge for the right St Thomas’, King’s College hospital and SLAM—the hon. Member for Leigh when he speaks about competition South London and Maudsley hospital. What has been and decisions about the use of public money is that called the “King’s Health Partners” has sought to bring commissioners and providers must be accountable for together the research work at King’s College medical value as well as clinicians being accountable for quality. school with others, and the body is now growing to be In my remaining time, I want to pose this challenge almost an entity in itself, making decisions, sending out for those elected to this House. The challenge of culture publicity and getting further and further away from the change has to apply right through the health service, foundation trust. but people looking into this debate from outside will, I Looking back to when my right hon. Friend the suspect, conclude that thus far that challenge has not Member for Holborn and St Pancras (Frank Dobson) been fully responded to. There is a deep-seated culture was Secretary of State for Health, some of the decisions here that pretends that the problems all started under he made in the Health Act 1999 were more about this or that lot, or that every success is the result of accountability than anything that has been done since achievements made by one particular side, but the truth by any Government. For example, he instructed NHS is that this deep-seated requirement for culture change chairmen to hold their board meetings in public, while has been addressed by successive Governments over a non-executive directors were required to live in the area protracted period. served by the trust—a crucial step that fundamentally We should not forget that waiting time targets were changed St Thomas’ hospital when we had a local invented before I was Secretary of State for Health. chairman who knew the area, was involved in the Quality of care requires access to care as well as to hospital and cared about it. She spent all her time as high-quality clinical outcomes. We should not forget that chairman wandering around the hospital trying to find deep in the pathology of what happened in Staffordshire, out about everything that was going on: she was accountable the health economy there was out of control. It was to everyone. That was crucial to the public, too, as they running sustained deficits and management was required knew that they had people on the board who knew what to bring that health economy under control. There is no was happening in the locality. choice between quality on the one hand and management I believe that one of the first responsibilities of non- on the other. We need to develop a culture within the executive directors—they are not part of the management health service that allows managers to address questions —is to visit the wards, to talk to patients, to collate local of both quality and value because unless we address concerns and to talk to MPs, local councillors and the both, we will deliver neither. That is the core challenge local authority. That was always happening. We had a facing the health service over the period ahead. very good system. There were concerns about the treatment of the elderly at one stage in one of the wards for elderly 1.51 pm people at St Thomas’, but they got dealt with very quickly because we had a responsive chairman and a responsive Kate Hoey (Vauxhall) (Lab): It is a pleasure to follow board. A lot of that happened when my right hon. Friend the right hon. Member for Charnwood (Mr Dorrell), the Member for Holborn and St Pancras was the Secretary who speaks with a breadth of experience and history in of State. The Health Act 1999 also gave the chief executive the national health service, and I congratulate the hon. officer absolute personal responsibility for clinical governance Member for Bristol North West (Charlotte Leslie) on standards—another important reform—in addition to securing this long debate, providing an opportunity to the responsibility to be the accountable officer. all of us to say a few words. Later we had foundation trusts, although I have to I agree wholeheartedly with everything my hon. Friend say that I did not vote for them. I have had a well-led the Member for West Lancashire (Rosie Cooper) said, foundation trust up to now, but I did not feel that this particularly about what seems to me, too, to be a was the right way ahead for the national health service growing public body desire for secrecy. This is happening at the time. We have got them, however, and some not in the national health service alone, but in many foundation trusts saw fit to erode the principles as other bodies. Indeed, as my hon. Friend well knows, it is financial considerations took precedence over clinical happening in this House. I am concerned about a number standards on many board agendas. The foundation trusts of issues—how staff are treated, getting rid of the still remain the chief executive officer’s responsibility. 535 Accountability and Transparency in 14 MARCH 2013 Accountability and Transparency in 536 the NHS the NHS One thing the King’s Health Partners are doing in the hearing about scandal after scandal involving the national name of foundation trusts is steamrolling ahead to health service, the BBC, the newspapers and so on, for bring about a merger of Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospital, which no one takes any responsibility. No one walks. which is a huge trust, King’s College hospital, which is No one looks at themselves in the mirror in the morning another huge trust, and the South London and Maudsley and says “I did not do as well as I should have; I am trust. It is believed that the merger will somehow lead to paid a decent wage; the honourable thing to do is a “world-class”—I do not know how many times Members resign”—not “be sacked”, but resign. have heard the term—hospital. I do not want to make a speech about Sir David I am furious and angry—as are, I think, all five of the Nicholson. Sir David Nicholson should know that he MPs representing the area at how this merger has been ought to resign. I cannot comprehend how he can think handled. The lack of openness has been appalling and that his position is sustainable from a moral standpoint, there has been no public board meetings or disclosure but if no morality is involved, what about competence? of information about the proposed changes. The proposals He may have been head of the strategic health authority have been either badly put forward or not put forward for only a relatively short time, but he was aware of the at all. The board at St Guy’s and St Thomas’ has an mortality rates when he was in that job. What did he do occasional surreal meeting as a showcase for public about it? If he did nothing about it, why is he still in involvement, but it never discusses the real issues. It post? However, I do not want to make this a personal issue. opens meetings for the public only when it suits the board. Having worked in the national health service for Lyn Brown: Does my hon. Friend agree that the plans 13 or 14 years, I do not need to be told about the for reorganisation of the trusts south of the river need problems caused by the culture in that institution. I to be put on hold? learnt how it was as a medical student, and I saw it at first hand as a junior doctor. I want to say something Kate Hoey: That is precisely what the five Members about that, and also about competence in general. We of Parliament have asked for. Recently, on 28 February, need competent individuals in charge of our hospitals we heard from the chairman of Guy’s and St Thomas’, and on hospital wards, but I am not sure that we have who was previously a permanent secretary at the had them in recent years. I also want to say something Department of Health. That takes me back to one of about responsibility in the light of that. my earlier points about people moving around within The national health service is a huge institution—some the health service. It is always somebody who has been might say too huge—and because of its size, the fact that someone else in somebody else’s patch that gets a job it has grown over the past 60 or 70 years, and the fact with another NHS trust. This chairman wrote to say that the people who work in it rarely leave, institutionalised that the project is forging ahead with a full business behaviour is rife. It is rife in medicine and in management. case. William McKee, who brought together trusts in In my view, former Secretaries of State on both sides of Northern Ireland, has been appointed and we are told the House display such institutionalised behaviour that he is going to spend at least £5 million to bring themselves. They may wish to reflect on that at the end about the business case to show why this will be such a of the debate. wonderful idea. The right hon. Member for Bermondsey and Old Southwark (Simon Hughes) and I have written The first debate in the House in which I spoke, apart back asking who is actively responsible, how the money from the debate during which I made my maiden speech, from the different bodies is being allocated, what the was a Backbench Business Committee debate about precise budget will be and how it will be spent by whom. compensation for haemophiliacs. I was struck then by The whole accountability thing is there in a nutshell. the institutionalised response from the Department of Who is actually accountable? Does the Secretary of Health. It seemed plain that the Department did not State have any say whatsoever? No. Apparently he is want to set a precedent by doing what was obviously the only interested if the move will clearly not be good for right thing, namely compensating about 4,000 people patients in clinical terms. and their families for what the system had done to them. I know that the establishment of such a large trust will be totally against the interests of people. Trusts I am therefore not surprised by the Francis report, cannot operate on such a large scale. One chief nurse which those who read it will discover to be a not cannot be responsible for all those hospitals. particularly impressive document. Parts of it have the ring of a Nuremberg defence. It is remarkable that 1.59 pm individuals cannot be held responsible for their actions Dr Phillip Lee (Bracknell) (Con): As ever, it is an within a system. That system is apparently so perfect honour to follow the hon. Member for Vauxhall (Kate that no one within it needs to be good. I think that we Hoey). need a health service in which individuals, including Secretaries of State, take responsibility for their decisions Let me begin by congratulating my hon. Friend the at every stage. Member for Bristol North West (Charlotte Leslie) on securing a debate about this important subject. It is a subject that I think should be debated more often in the Mr Cash: Was my hon. Friend surprised, as I was, Chamber, and I find it surprising that fewer Members that neither of the Secretaries of State who were in wish to speak about it than have wished to speak about charge at the time were called to give evidence to the some of the other issues that we have considered since inquiry? Did he find that very strange? Christmas. I think all Members should reflect on that. I believe that the core of this problem is responsibility: Dr Lee: I did find it very strange. In fact, I find the responsibility in public life. The general public are fed behaviour of both former Secretaries of State strange up—not increasingly fed up, but completely fed up—with all round. There is a constant blaming of— 537 Accountability and Transparency in 14 MARCH 2013 Accountability and Transparency in 538 the NHS the NHS Mr Cash: May I just correct one thing? The shadow The point I am trying to make is that a certain culture Secretary of State was called to give evidence, but not prevails, and into that culture, or environment, the last the previous two Secretaries of State. Administration introduced targets. I do not suggest for one second that the last Administration thought those Dr Lee: I am talking about those who were Secretaries targets would lead to the type of care that was provided of State in the last Administration. In response to an at Mid Staffordshire, but I am not surprised that there intervention during his speech, the right hon. Member were adverse consequences, and I think Opposition for Leigh (Andy Burnham) said, “I passed it on to Members should reflect on that. Monitor.” The attitude that leads people to push away The final thing that I want to say about culture and the process of decision making and take no responsibility competence concerns politicians. The right hon. Member for the outcomes needs to end. for Leigh said that I would not want politicians to interfere in day-to-day care. Of course I would not, but Andy Burnham: Surely, as a clinician, the hon. Gentleman I would like politicians to take responsibility for the would resent the idea of politicians’ interfering in the service Let me give an example. There are only about independent clinical regulation of hospitals. I did 250 acute trusts in the country, and not that many not do nothing. Within days I had asked the Care mortality figures have to be looked at in each trust. It Quality Commission to investigate the outliers that could be done on a monthly basis. However, I am told Brian Jarman had given me. I will not sit here and that it was not done by Secretaries of State in the last accept the hon. Gentleman’s suggestion that I complacently Administration. Why? If I were the Secretary of State, did nothing. That is not true, and he should not repeat the one thing I would want to look at would be clinical it in the House. outcomes in hospitals. If that is beyond Secretaries of State, one is prompted to ask why they are in post. If Dr Lee: Despite that, nothing changed, did it? The those figures had been looked at earlier enough, we CQC has a terrible reputation in my profession, and to might not be having this debate. have handed the matter over to it—when it was run by Competence and the right culture are only possible someone who was implicated at Mid Staffordshire—is with transparency. That is the most important aspect of not a defence. this whole issue. Let me broaden the discussion to something that I may know something about: practising medicine in 2.9 pm organisations run by the Department of Health. I can tell the House that the prevailing atmosphere is one in Alan Johnson (Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle) which attention is not drawn to problems. There is a (Lab): Well, there’s a man who knows all the answers! fear for jobs down the line. Let me give an example. It was four years ago on Monday when I apologised When I was a junior doctor, I misused a photocopying to this House on behalf of the Government and the machine in a hospital. Within hours, I received a phone national health service for what happened at Stafford. call from a middle-grade doctor telling me that if I did We had just received the report from the Healthcare that again, it would affect my reference. The phone call, Commission, and I think it is fair to say that no one I was told, had been authorised by the then consultant with any experience of the NHS could quite believe general surgeon at St Mary’s, Ara Darzi. I reflected on what had gone on. The people in charge at a time when that at the time. It made me feel rather intimidated. there were unprecedented resources and investment being [Interruption.] The prevailing mood in hospitals was put into the NHS had cut staffing on A and E to such that seeing or doing something wrong could adversely an extent that a receptionist with no medical training affect a person’s future career. was triage nursing in A and E. We need a longer debate. There is nothing ostensibly Charlotte Leslie: Does my hon. Friend share my wrong with the motion, and I agree with my right hon. regret that Opposition Members are groaning in that Friend the Member for Leigh (Andy Burnham) that we way? What he is describing has been very evident for should support it, but it is clear from the way it was very many years. One need only speak to a doctor to moved and the last contribution that this is all about the learn that there is a culture of fear. Nearly every doctor blame game. If I can just quote Francis—[Interruption.] knows someone who has tried to speak out against Yes, the hon. Member for Bracknell (Dr Lee) does not something that has happened. People know that if they agree with Francis or with Ara Darzi and knows everything, do that, there will be counter-allegations against them. and says that Francis was a Nuremberg— The groaning and expressions of surprise from Opposition Members are very sad, because it reveals just how little Dr Lee rose— they were actually talking to clinicians on the ground who have been complaining about this for a decade. I Alan Johnson: No, I am not giving way—at least not received an e-mail from the spouse of a clinician who to the hon. Gentleman. I have heard enough. said that over the past 15 years the management styles This is what Francis said in paragraph 108 of his report: encouraged by the previous Government had made that clinician ill. “To place too much emphasis on individual blame is to risk perpetuating the illusion that removal of particular individuals is all that is necessary. That is certainly not the case here. To focus, Dr Lee: Of course my hon. Friend is right. therefore, on blame will perpetuate the cycle of defensiveness, concealment, lessons not being identified and further harm.” Rosie Cooper: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? So the man who knows most about what happened at Stafford hospital—and who was entrusted by this Dr Lee: I must get on, I am afraid. I do apologise. Government and their predecessors to conduct not one, 539 Accountability and Transparency in 14 MARCH 2013 Accountability and Transparency in 540 the NHS the NHS but two, inquiries, and who in four volumes running to Francis is very clear about no blame being apportioned millions of words sets out what happened, why it happened to any Minister. It is of course right for Ministers to be and how it was allowed to happen—counsels against accountable if anyone knew what was going on and did the very action that this motion appears to propose. nothing to stop it, or if something that was going on Francis identified who was accountable, and the Secretary was a result of a Government edict or policy, but that of State was absolutely right: it was the chief executive, was not the case at Stafford. the chair and the board of the Mid Staffordshire trust. Targets had to be introduced to get a grip on this A number of clinicians are also held accountable for the terrible situation of lack of access to health care. Targets appalling lapse in standards of care at Stafford. This did not cost lives; they helped to save lives. They were accountability regime is set out in legislation approved accompanied by the resources, the capacity and the by this House. political will that transformed waiting lists of 18 months The Francis findings are consistent with those that to two years to a maximum of 18 weeks and an average emerged from the inquiry into the care of children of nine. receiving complex cardiac surgery at Bristol Royal infirmary This is what Francis said about targets: between 1984 and 1995. In that case, five individuals at “It is important to make clear that it is not suggested that the hospital, including the chief executive, were the properly designed targets, appropriately monitored cannot provide subject of adverse comments. In respect of both Bristol considerable benefits and serve a useful purpose…indeed the and Stafford, an argument was made to an inquiry that inquiry accepts that they can be an important part of the health there was an extenuating failure of national policy. At system in which the democratically elected Government of the Stafford, it was national targets; at Bristol, it was inadequate day sets its expectations of providers who are funded by the resources. taxpayer.” The right hon. Member for Charnwood (Mr Dorrell) It is worth recalling the Bristol inquiry’s response. was absolutely right to say that long waiting lists have Sir Ian Kennedy said: dogged the NHS since it was created in 1948. Rudolf “The inadequacy in resources for PCS”— Klein, the great historian of the NHS, says every Health paediatric cardiac surgery— Secretary shouted their orders from the bridge and the “at Bristol was typical of the NHS as a whole. From this, it crew carried on regardless. Something had to be done to follows that whatever went wrong at Bristol was not caused by deal with that, and it was done. lack of resources. Other centres laboured under the same or similar difficulties.” Mr Jeremy Hunt: Does the right hon. Gentleman not We must remember that these were the days when one in accept that the issue was not targets, but it was the every 25 patients on the cardiac waiting list died before failure to put in place safeguards to stop managers they could be operated on, and when somebody with a twisting a targets culture into a culture of targets at any serious heart condition could wait a year to see the cost? That was the fundamental policy mistake. The cardiologist, three months to see the consultant and lack of those safeguards meant Mid Staffs could happen. then 18 months to two years for the operation. That is why targets had to be introduced—to get a grip on this Alan Johnson: The Secretary of State is right. Of awful situation. course there need to be safeguards to ensure any system has a backstop to stop people misusing targets. The Mr Cash: I am astonished by the line on accountability guidance from the Department of Health was very that the right hon. Gentleman. He was the Secretary clear. In no way must the pursuance of targets interfere of State and I had a row with him at the time—and, with the need for good patient care. The Stafford chief indeed, with his successor—about the question of holding executive must have translated that into saying it was a proper full public inquiry under the Inquiries Act fine to put receptionists on triage nursing. With all due 2005. I wrote to him, too, and I did not get satisfactory respect to the Secretary of State, I do not think that he answers under the guidelines laid down in the 2005 Act or any of his successors or predecessors can make on the prime ministerial rules issued by the Cabinet regulations to meet every eventuality, including for someone Office. like that chief executive of the Mid Staffs trust.

Alan Johnson: On the question of a public inquiry, Charlotte Leslie: In some ways I agree with the right when Francis reported on his first inquiry, commissioned hon. Gentleman, in that I think targets and ensuring by my right hon. Friend the Member for Leigh, he that things are happening is not the main cause of what made the point that it was about people affected being went wrong. Does he agree, however, that targets along able to come and tell their story, and Francis said in his with what many medical professionals criticise as the first report: de-professionalising of the work force through the consultant contract, the working time directive and “I am confident that many of the witnesses who have assisted the inquiry in written or oral evidence would not have done so the new deal was a toxic combination? had the inquiry been conducted in public.” It is very important that that first inquiry allowed Alan Johnson: The principal point about targets is people to come forward. The right hon. Member for that they reduced waiting list times. They changed a South Cambridgeshire (Mr Lansley) may also well have situation in which people were dying while on waiting been right to make the second stage of that a public lists, which was a disgrace in a civilised country like ours. inquiry, which was authorised because of one of the The Francis report also gives no comfort to those Francis recommendations, because we now have all who expected him to offer up Sir David Nicholson’s the information, provided before a Queen’s counsel, head on a plate. The irony is that they choose to make about what happened there. this attack on an NHS that is learning the lessons of 541 Accountability and Transparency in 14 MARCH 2013 Accountability and Transparency in 542 the NHS the NHS [Alan Johnson] responsible—and some are more responsible than others. But we live in a very harsh and judgmental climate, as Stafford and an individual, Sir David Nicholson, who was said earlier, and we forget that people at every stage has done more than anyone to make quality of care the have mixed motives—good and bad—for not kicking organising principle of the NHS. I, like my three successors up a fuss, for covering up, for not intervening. Some are as Health Secretary, consider Sir David to be part of the good—usually, they are bad—but in most cases institutional solution, rather than part of the problem He is not or personal reasons outweigh the concern for patients. perfect—none of us are—but he is a good public servant There are quite legitimate fears that the hospital or who is committed to the NHS, its patients and staff. If branch will be criticised or seen as underperforming, he knew what was going on at Stafford, or colluded in which will be bad for morale in hospital, or that one’s the awful events there, or if any of his edicts, policies or career will be in jeopardy—a legitimate concern—or pronouncements were in any way responsible for what that one is getting a colleague into trouble. Institutional happened, I would agree with his detractors. No one or personal goals get separated from the avowed patient- knew what was going on at Stafford; not even the press, centred mission of the NHS. Frankly, that is all too who pride themselves on fearlessly exposing wrongdoing. human an outcome, and it has always happened to Not a single question was raised by local MPs in this some extent. The NHS is full of very good people, but it House about what was happening at Stafford, and is not yet staffed by saints. All of us at some time cover Francis has something to say about the way they passed up for colleagues. on complaints. However, we always try to find in an institution a way of correcting for this, which is why we have professional Mr Cash: Will the right hon. Gentleman give way? standards in the medical profession and an NHS constitution. It is why we need true accountability, good Alan Johnson: No, and I read the hon. Gentleman’s complaint-handling, protection for whistleblowers, duty correspondence and it in no way drew attention to what of candour, the learning of lessons and, of course, was happening at Stafford. proper redress. That is why we have had legislation on the NHS constitution and increased democratic scrutiny, Mr Cash rose— introduced by both Governments, which I applaud. I am not entirely certain what has happened to the NHS Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): Order. Please redress Bill, but I applaud that too. resume your seat, Mr Cash. However, we build other sorts of incentives into the system, and it is as well to record them. They appeal to 2.19 pm a different aspect of human nature, a more selfish side, John Pugh (Southport) (LD): I congratulate the hon. perhaps out of realism, perhaps because of an ideological Member for Bristol North West (Charlotte Leslie) on conviction that that is how people work. We model calling for this debate, which I want to widen and, hospitals on profit-making institutions. We make survival I hope, put on a more consensual footing. dependent on competition with other profit-making I have a constituent whose grown-up son tragically institutions, which have gagging clauses in their contracts died of leukaemia some time ago. He went to the doctor for good reasons—their competitors. We try to modify many times and was diagnosed as a young, healthy man clinician behaviour not always by appealing to clinical with glandular fever. A blood test was made far too late, judgment, but by appealing to the pocket. Therefore, we and he died. After the funeral, the mortified doctor should not be surprised if the moral atmosphere, at wrote to the parents and apologised frankly for her times, becomes a little cloudy. We, as legislators, are failure and her error. There was no litigation or talk of partly responsible for that. system failure; there was simply a frank admission If we turn the NHS into a set of businesses united by of individual human error and a sincere apology, which a corporate brand, should we be surprised if occasionally, was accepted. individual branches put their interests ahead of those of In many cases of NHS failure, there is no one individual their patients, choosing to satisfy those who pay—the to blame, so people talk of systems and cultures, which Government—rather than the patients they serve? we have talked about constantly today. No one individual There are many good things that we can do and can be held entirely to blame for the system, so it always would wish to do. We can make the complaints process seems that no one person is to blame or is prepared to easier. We can assign accountability better, so that an take the blame—even those who manage and design the individual’s job and survival in an organisation depends system, such as Sir David Nicholson. on serving the patient, not on always doing what the When a hospital performs badly, and the one in Mid institution necessarily requires. We can ban gagging Staffs is simply the most telling example, some of the orders, and I applaud the Secretary of State’s move in reasons lie in external factors: in the targets imposed on that direction. We can improve inspection, not by making it, in the requirements made of it—becoming a foundation it more ferocious—we do not need to do that—but by trust is one it could have done without—and in directions linking it better to improvement. Above all, we need to that impaired it. The NHS reorganisation certainly got start thinking about what we want the NHS to be. If we in the way, according to Francis. When outcomes are are unhappy with the culture, exactly what sort do we poor, it can be hard to determine exactly how to apportion want to have? Do we want the moral enterprise that blame and responsibility.Do we blame those who witnessed Bevan envisaged—a contract on behalf of the hale and what went on and did nothing; those who failed to hearty, to protect the sick and vulnerable—or a set of notice worrying trends; those who did notice them but businesses that sink or swim depending on how good covered them up; or those who could have intervened they are at getting state funding? We can either rediscover from on high but did nothing? In one sense, they are all the moral purpose of the NHS, or regard it as an 543 Accountability and Transparency in 14 MARCH 2013 Accountability and Transparency in 544 the NHS the NHS organisation that brings to book from time to time the the experience of the people in Lewisham: the TSA is businesses that work within it, independently of the entirely unaccountable. The TSA stands at the head of Secretary of State. a disgraceful, disreputable conspiracy—launched in the Frankly, I know which I prefer, but I have to record Department of Health, aided and abetted by NHS that currently we exist in a strange kind of moral limbo. London and handled in the most autocratic manner—to We are judging an institution that looks very different downgrade Lewisham hospital. from the original NHS, according to the high standards The titles of both the orders issued by the Secretary and moral mission Bevan set. I have a lot of sympathy of State, copies of which I have here, start with the with the remarks of Harry Cayton of the Professional words: Standards Authority, who said in The Times only this “The South London Healthcare National Health Service Trust”. week that the NHS must rediscover its “moral purpose”. We exist in a kind of moral fog, a state of limbo, and if The order setting up the administrator states: we want to know who is accountable for that, it is us. “That draft report to the Secretary of State must state the action which the trust special administrator recommends the Secretary of State should take in relation to the South London 2.26 pm Healthcare National Health Service Trust.” Jim Dowd (Lewisham West and Penge) (Lab): It is a It contains no mention of anybody else, yet the Department pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Southport now says, “Of course we needed to look at the whole (John Pugh), who always makes thoughtful contributions. of south London and the whole of the health economy I congratulate those Members who tabled this motion, of south-east London, because everything connects to to which I was happy to add my name. I am grateful to everything else.” Well, that is true of everything in the the Backbench Business Committee for agreeing to this whole wide world. debate, but, like others, I feel that the issue is so important From day one, all the documents of the TSA included that it should be debated in Government time. However, the phrase “Securing sustainable NHS services”. One I suspect that, in the light of developments, we have not such document was headed: “Securing sustainable NHS heard the last of the issues raised by the Francis report. services—Consultation on the Trust Special Administrator’s The Secretary of State outlined a few of the measures draft report for South London Healthcare NHS Trust he is intending to bring before the House, so we will and the NHS in south east London”. This House did have opportunities for other such debates. not give the administrator that authority—the law does I will not refer in any great detail to the Mid Staffs not provide for the administrator to look at the situation fiasco, serious though that is, and the obvious implications across south-east London—and he has acted beyond for other areas across the country. I want to concentrate his powers. on transparency, and to avail the House of the experience I come now to the most interesting thing, and I in south-east London of the tender mercies of the first, accept that the current Secretary of State has had this and so far only, trust special administrator, who was matter dropped in his lap. If this was always about the appointed to the trust next door to Lewisham—the whole of south-east London, why when the former South London Healthcare NHS Trust. That trust comprises Secretary of State had a meeting in July to discuss this the Princess Royal University hospital, in Orpington; did he invite the Members who represented Bromley, the Queen Elizabeth hospital, in Greenwich; Queen Bexley and Greenwich—rightly, because they cover the Mary’s hospital, in Sidcup; and the Orpington hospital— South London Healthcare NHS Trust area—and the although that was actually subject to a separate consultation. Members for Lewisham? One could say that it was The then Secretary of State said in a statement on because they were looking more widely. Of course that 12 July last year: is so, but he did not invite the Members representing “I wish to inform the House that I have made an order to Lambeth or Southwark. However, when we met this appoint a trust special administrator to South London Healthcare Secretary of State in January, after the TSA’s final NHS Trust…The regime, included by the last Government in the report had been published, the Members for Lambeth Health Act 2009, offers a time-limited and transparent framework and Southwark were included; we were told that this to provide a rapid resolution to the problems within a significantly was a south London-wide issue. The reason for the challenged NHS trust”— discrepancy is obvious: they knew what they wanted to trust, singular. He continued: do. They wanted to get an old plan that NHS London “The trust special administrator’s regime is not a day-to-day had fostered to try to get Lewisham hospital closed. performance management tool for the NHS or a back-door That took place under a proper clinical review under “A approach to reconfiguration.”—[Official Report, 12 July 2012; picture of health” four years ago, which concluded that Vol. 548, c. 47-48 WS.] Lewisham hospital deserved to survive and that the On 13 July, he issued the order to give effect to those services it provided for the people of Lewisham should measures. continue. I raise this as a transparency issue because the trust Some 10,000 people marched in November to oppose special administrator brought forward proposals that the proposals. When the final report came out, 25,000 people damage, downgrade, devastate, destroy—whichever marched because of the outrageous actions of this word one wants to use—Lewisham hospital, which is a administrator and the activities he has undertaken. The completely separate trust. The right hon. Member for manner in which he dealt with the consultations was Charnwood (Mr Dorrell), who is the Chair of the dismissive, disdainful and high-handed. Whether the Health Committee and has great knowledge and experience objections were from members of the public, GPs or of these matters, said that accountability and transparency other clinicians, he behaved in line with the instructions are interlinked: we cannot have one without the other. I from his bosses, which were simply to close Lewisham agree with him wholeheartedly, but that has not been hospital. The people of Lewisham will not stand for it. 545 Accountability and Transparency in 14 MARCH 2013 Accountability and Transparency in 546 the NHS the NHS 2.33 pm unintended consequence of transparency, so transparency has to be balanced with understanding the context; Jeremy Lefroy (Stafford) (Con): I wish to thank my otherwise, we will end up with a risk aversion that is so hon. Friend the Member for Bristol North West (Charlotte great that patients will suffer. Leslie) and the Backbench Business Committee for calling this debate. I particularly wish to remember all Transparency can also thrive only in a culture that is those in my constituency and elsewhere, and their loved not led by blame. One of the doctors who gave evidence ones, who suffered so grievously. I wish to pay tribute to to Francis said: those here today who campaigned to bring these things “There was a blame-led culture, the culture being that problems to light. I also thank the Prime Minister, the Secretary had to be fixed or nursing jobs would be lost.” of State and all other hon. Members for their response How can we persuade the most suitable people to take to the report a month or so ago. up vital, often voluntary, roles on trust boards if their One of the main thrusts of the Francis report is to: attempts to raise problems are met by blame or indifference? “Ensure openness, transparency and candour throughout the As my hon. Friend the Member for Southport (John system about matters of concern”. Pugh) said, transparency must start right here in Parliament. This is not the time to debate the Francis report fully—it He spoke movingly about moral purpose, and I agree was commissioned by the Government and it needs full with what he said. and prompt consideration in Government time—but it is the time to say that the Francis report is of great Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con): I agree importance. Mr Francis rightly dismisses the arguments that we do not want to deter people from becoming of those who claimed at the time that the inquiry was board members, but surely my hon. Friend must agree unnecessary because Stafford hospital was a solitary that if things are still going wrong and the board is not exception—it was not. It may have been considerably holding the chief executive and the leadership to account, worse than other places, but appalling standards of care its members’ positions should be questioned? have been revealed elsewhere. The public inquiry has revealed complacency throughout Jeremy Lefroy: I would never disagree with that. I the NHS and beyond; report after report detailed major entirely agree with what my hon. Friend says, but there concerns, which were either ignored or passed to others is a danger that there will be so much adverse scrutiny to deal with. What lay behind that? Perhaps it was a that people will be afraid to come forward. We must lack of willingness to shout and continue to shout for challenge that and say, “You have every right, as a help when it was needed; or perhaps it was more often a board member, to raise whatever you want, whenever fear of the consequences—the loss of one’s job or the you want.” removal of services from the local community. As I was saying, we need a proper debate here in Even just last week, when, as the shadow Secretary of Parliament on health care in this country, one not State rightly said, a report to Monitor suggested removing constrained by party dogma or blind nostalgia. It is up most emergency, acute and maternity services from to us to have that debate and, as a result, give clear Stafford—something my constituents and I strongly direction, rather than simply to react to whatever is thrown oppose for reasons I set out in the House last week—there at us. We need to debate, for instance, the nonsense of were those blaming Julie Bailey for the proposals. That pretending that it is entirely the responsibility of local comes on top of disgraceful threats—even death threats— trusts to deliver. So much is out of their control, be it that she has received over her work in revealing what per-patient funding, which is still far too variable, clinical Robert Francis, who should know if anyone does, calls standards, which are set almost in a vacuum by the the “disaster at Stafford Hospital”. royal colleges, or the impact of the European working Let me make it clear that the proposals in the Monitor time directive on costs, rotas and training. We need to report are, in the main, a consequence of the financial debate the impact of the large number of specialisations and clinical pressures that all acute trusts, particularly in the UK—we have 61 as against Norway’s 30—which the smaller ones, are facing. Stafford’s circumstances is driving up costs and driving out vital general medical have done a little to hasten changes, but what happens and surgical expertise. We need to debate emergency at Stafford now will face all other such trusts in the and acute tariffs, which have, for many years, meant coming years. That it is why it is so important that that hospitals around the country are squeezed and face Monitor and the Secretary of State come to a good forced reconfigurations that may not be in the best solution for Stafford, and indeed Cannock, and I will interests of patients. continue to work with them and with my hon. Friends Robert Francis also says that one of the main principles on that. Nobody should take from the Monitor report is to: the message that whistleblowing or more transparency “Make all those who provide care for patients—individuals will result in threats to their local services. Indeed, and organisations—properly accountable for what they do and to Monitor would be acting contrary to section 62 of the ensure that the public is protected from those not fit to provide Health and Social Care Act 2012 if it acted in such a such a service.” manner. He also says: Let me raise another, perhaps more justified, fear of “There must be a proper degree of accountability for senior the unintended consequences of transparency. Only this managers and leaders.” week, I heard of a case where a patient could have a Accountability was sorely lacking at Mid Staffs. There life-saving operation, but his chances of surviving it are were attempts to see that responsibility stopped with only 50:50, yet without an operation he will die. Some the board. As I have already said, that is based on the surgeons are, even now, reluctant to take on the operation fiction that it is somehow entirely in control of its own because if the patient dies, it will be counted against destiny. It is not. That does not absolve the board or them in their personal mortality statistics. That is an management, but the responsibility is shared by those 547 Accountability and Transparency in 14 MARCH 2013 Accountability and Transparency in 548 the NHS the NHS who determine so much of the environment in which Valerie Vaz: Let us look at what is going to happen in they operate, including us here. Professional organisations, 18 days’ time when the Health And Social Care Act for instance, have procedures that make it difficult to 2012 comes into force. I do not want to rerun the dismiss staff who are unsuitable. The Government signed arguments about the Act, but let us look at what is to up to the working time directive without preparing for come. Let us look at the accountability of the structures the financial and manpower consequences. And for under the Act. The NHS Commissioning Board becomes managers, and indeed politicians, targets became more the conduit for everything, including the flow of money, important than care itself. Again, that is our responsibility. and all the strategic decisions filter down. If anyone I have already said how strongly I oppose the blame cares to look at the Department of Health website and culture, and I am not going to start blaming, but the new structure, they will see a series of concentric accountability involves responsibility, and far too few circles. Parliament, the Department and the Secretary people have taken sufficient responsibility in this case. of State all appear to be in the outer circle, running We must reflect and they must reflect on the message round in circles. Where is the accountability in that? that that sends. I have to tell the Secretary of State—although I am Too many inquiries have been left to gather dust on pleased to see him here, this is a Back-Bench business Department shelves, and not just the Department of debate—that section 75 regulations were signed off, Health. I and my hon. Friends the Members for Cannock under a negative resolution, by a Minister who is not Chase (Mr Burley), for South Staffordshire (Gavin accountable to the House. Section 75 says that everything Williamson), Stone (Mr Cash) and Members further has to be tendered except for technical reasons, or afield, all of whom are affected, will not allow this one reasons of extreme urgency. That had to be changed to to gather dust. state that contracts can be tendered if the relevant body is satisfied that the services to which the contract related are capable of being provided only by that provider. 2.41 pm Regulation 10 previously said that commissioners Valerie Vaz (Walsall South) (Lab): It is a pleasure to may not engage in anti-competitive behaviour; otherwise, follow the hon. Member for Stafford (Jeremy Lefroy) Monitor will be after them. Sorry, those are my words. and to pay tribute to him for the dignified way in which That was changed to say that commissioners must not he has represented his constituency during the Francis be anti-competitive unless it is in the interests of patients. report. What of the future? I pay tribute to the right hon. I begin by thanking the Backbench Business Committee Member for Charnwood (Mr Dorrell), who made an for securing this important debate. The NHS in England excellent speech. I want to draw attention to a report has a budget of £108 billion and employs 1.35 million that our Select Committee produced on complaints and people, with just under half of them clinically qualified, litigation in June 2011. I urge the Secretary of State, if so it is right that accountability is at the centre of the he cares to listen, to read that report and consider all NHS, for the people who work there, those who use it the recommendations. Even then, we called for all providers and those who fund it. I am sure that all my hon. to have a duty of candour to patients. We also said that Friends who have spoken and will be speaking in this we found it striking that the Government did not mention debate do not see it as a chance to score political points complaints in the information revolution consultation or as background noise to denigrate an institution that and were surprised that they did not see how complaints was set up with the simple promise that is delivered information could help people see what is going on. My every single day—that health care is free to everyone, hon. Friend the Member for West Lancashire (Rosie irrespective of their ability to pay or of pre-existing Cooper), who is no longer in her place, was right to say conditions. It still operates as a service in which people that complaints can provide information about what are not judged on their illness but provided with a service. needs to be put right. I know that the debate is taking place against the Mr Deputy Speaker, I am not sure whether you are background of the Francis report, but I wish to point aware that the NHS litigation bill has now reached hon. Members to a book that is about to come out—it £1.3 billion. I urge the Secretary of State to look into is by Roger Taylor and called “God bless the NHS”. It the reasons why that is happening. We have to redress was serialised in The Guardian last weekend. Roger negligence, but there are other reasons why that bill is Taylor says in the book: rising. There are remedies that do not involve money or “Paul Woodmansey was a senior doctor at Stafford throughout changes in structures or reorganisations. the period that things went wrong; He is mentioned by a number of patients for whom his department provided a haven of professional John Pugh: Does the hon. Lady acknowledge that high quality care while standards in other wards collapsed.” that is what the NHS Redress Act 2006 was supposed to Let us not forget then that, even when a light is shone in do? I am genuinely puzzled, and I hope that the Minister a corner of the NHS where it is found to have failed the will resolve this puzzle for me, about how much of that very people it was meant to help, there are areas of Act has been formally enacted. good practice. Let us look at the background of this debate on Valerie Vaz: I cannot answer that; I am not on the accountability. Front Bench. We all agree that there is no place for gagging Jeremy Lefroy: I am sorry to interrupt the hon. Lady, clauses if lessons are to be learned about patient care. but I would like to point out that the same Dr Woodmansey I agree that the Government have made an important has been appointed as the new medical director of the announcement today, but let me remind the Secretary Mid Staffs trust Stafford hospital. I welcome that, for of State that the NHS issued management directions in the reasons that she has articulated. 1999 and 2004. I am concerned that the NHS still needs 549 Accountability and Transparency in 14 MARCH 2013 Accountability and Transparency in 550 the NHS the NHS [Valerie Vaz] of the Secretary of State, and always has done. I was astonished, as I made clear at the time, when the right reminding about these gagging clauses. We must get hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle away from a system in which whistleblowers are driven (Alan Johnson) left out that part of the question of out of their jobs on spurious disciplinary issues. At Mid accountability. Staffs, doctors and nurses are under disciplinary reviews, I have been involved in the history of this case. As the but as yet I have not heard anything about whether Member of Parliament for Stafford from 1984 to 1997 managers will also be held to account. and the Member of Parliament for Stone from 1997 to Action plans that arise from complaints are a vital the present day, I have had many constituents, including part of organisational learning, but they are only of Debra Hazeldine, a prominent member of Cure the value if they are followed through to implementation, NHS, who have played an important role in drawing and it was clear from evidence to us in the Select attention to these matters. I have worked closely with Committee that that did not happen at Mid Staffs. them over the whole of this period. Publication of complaints data must be obligatory Contrary to what the right hon. Member for Kingston for all care providers, including foundation trusts and upon Hull West and Hessle said—I imagine must have private providers with NHS contracts. We must move been a serious slip of memory—I wrote letters to him. away, as the hon. Member for Southport (John Pugh) Ministerial guidelines from 2005, issued by the Cabinet said, from the blame and victim culture and reduce the Office, set out in great deal what must happen when a emphasis on disciplinary procedures. We must put more Member of Parliament writes to a Secretary of State. emphasis on retraining and risk management. He must receive a personal reply. I do not need to go We should enshrine accountability for patients at into the full details now, but only the other day I asked board level, making boards more diverse, not just the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster comprising the usual suspects. Private providers, as my General to reaffirm the contents of those guidelines, right hon. Friend the Member for Leigh (Andy Burnham) which are still applicable. said, are not subject to FOI; they must be. The register There are only 650 of us, and serious matters can of GPs’ interests must be open to clinical commissioning arise from the complaints we make. I am talking not groups. It should not be up to the public to ask whether about the complaints procedure of the national health GPs have declared their interests. Every decision must service but about a Member of Parliament going to the be associated with a list of GPs’ interests. Secretary of State to raise a specific question, usually I have spoken to the chief executive of the Royal enclosing correspondence from a constituent, and asking Orthopaedic hospital, who said that he ensures that for action. In my case, I said that the matters I raised doctors, nurses and managers are all on an equal footing, were both serious and urgent and that they required the which is an example of good practice. His phrase is that personal attention of the Secretary of State. I have not there should be “no gap between board and ward”. He the time to go into the detail, but successive Secretaries puts his patient groups on the board, every ward gets of State simply did not take the kind of action that I rolling visits and board members even feed the patients. would have expected following those letters. In my own way, I have also been accountable and I have published on my website a table of all the complaints Alan Johnson: This is a fascinating subject and I am my constituents have come to me about so that they can willing to have a look at any correspondence between see what sort of things are going on at the Manor the hon. Gentleman and me when I was Health Secretary. hospital. The chief executive of the hospital is undertaking I certainly tried very hard to correspond with all Members a patient survey and ensures that he looks at all the of Parliament. Does he accept what Francis said: responses. “Local MPs received feedback and concerns about the Trust. However, these were largely just passed on to others without I hope that I have outlined some positive aspects as a follow up or analysis of their cumulative implications…They way of moving forward and that we will continue to might wish to consider how to increase their sensitivity with have an accountable, transparent and unique NHS that regard to the detection of local problems in healthcare”? is the best in the world. We all have lessons to learn from the Francis report; does he accept that he has lessons to learn, too? 2.49 pm Mr William Cash (Stone) (Con): I believe strongly Mr Cash: We all have lessons to learn about all that we must not only look back properly at what matters relating to these questions, but the guidelines happened at Stafford hospital but look forward. We also talk about the necessity of chasing and following must learn the lessons and we must ensure that what up in the Department. It is probably a question of the happens in future does not lead to the trauma experienced correspondence unit in the Department and the private by the victims and patients in my constituency and office. There was a failure and the Francis report made those of my hon. Friends the Members for Stafford it absolutely clear that the guidelines were not complied (Jeremy Lefroy) and for Cannock Chase (Mr Burley). with and were not operated effectively. I am sure that This is a debate about accountability and transparency the right hon. Gentleman, on reflection, will recall that and, as others have said, we also need a debate in that was what the report said. Government time on the Floor of the House on the I referred to these matters in my witness statement, Francis report. On the question of accountability and and Una O’Brien, the permanent secretary at the transparency, I want to start with an issue that has not Department of Health, also made it clear in her evidence yet been properly considered in the debate: the role of that if such letters were received now, they would receive the Secretary of State under national health legislation. an immediate response, irrespective of whether the hospital Section 1 of such legislation clearly states the duties was a foundation trust or not. The bottom line is that 551 Accountability and Transparency in 14 MARCH 2013 Accountability and Transparency in 552 the NHS the NHS there was a failure within the Department and by lost the plot when, as he put it, ward 10 in Mid Staffs was successive Secretaries of State. The shadow Secretary of under severe stress. That is the problem and I believe he State acknowledged in his evidence that he looked at has to go. these letters. I will not dispute that. However, not only were the matters not dealt with satisfactorily, but I 2.59 pm cannot absolve the Secretaries of State from their failure Ann Clwyd (Cynon Valley) (Lab): I congratulate the to agree to the 2005 Act inquiry. hon. Member for Bristol North West (Charlotte Leslie) I do not need to rehearse the history of the case. I on securing this debate. It is with great regret that I asked not once, not twice, but repeatedly, and I had to continue to speak about issues of abuse and neglect in urge and persuade the shadow Secretary of State at the our national health service. As of now, I have personally time and also—I am glad that, to his great credit, he received more than 2,000 e-mails and letters. The letters decided to do so—the present Prime Minister who, as continue to come every day; I want to mention just a Leader of the Opposition, decided in the light of my few. All who have sent them want their stories to be heard. representations and no doubt those of others to have The first letter says: the 2005 Act inquiry. Without that we would not be “My mother died in August this year”— discussing the Francis inquiry—the present one, not that is, last year. the previous one, important though that was—and the “I still feel so angry about her treatment. She caught a hospital- others. They were Government inquiries, but they did acquired infection that certainly contributed to her untimely not do the job in the way the present inquiry did. death. The lack of care and compassion that I saw horrified me. Oh yes, the boxes were all ticked. Water jug, food, medication. And all left out of reach. A nappy put on her because they Andy Burnham: I am listening carefully to what the couldn’t be bothered to answer her calls for assistance to the hon. Gentleman is saying. It is not strictly true to say toilet. A proud and dignified mother left to sit in her own vomit. I haven’t put my complaints in writing to the hospital, as it’s not that that was a Government inquiry. I brought in Robert going to change anything. But maybe writing to you will help. Francis—will he acknowledge that?—in July 2009 to I need my voice to be heard.” conduct an independent inquiry. As my right hon. The second letter says: Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull West and “Our Dad died in January last year. His death was quite Hessle (Alan Johnson) said, in presenting his findings unexpected by us as he was an active, cheerful pensioner, who Robert Francis said that he felt that more people had went into hospital in October 2012 to have a knee operation. come forward because of the nature of that inquiry. Unfortunately, whilst in there, his condition deteriorated, he also acquired hospital-acquired pneumonia and died. Throughout his stay in hospital his family visited him regularly and our experiences Mr Cash: I will let the matter rest at that point for the were very similar to yours. We found it very difficult to find any present purpose. staff to talk to or to help him and our Dad told us about all kinds of mistreatment, neglect and mistakes that he was having to I move on to the next question of accountability, with endure. Unfortunately, although normally a strong character, he respect to Sir David Nicholson. I referred to Sir David also became afraid of some of the staff, who appeared to be in a number of debates way back as far as 2009. I also bullying him, but he was absolutely adamant that he did not want referred to him in my evidence to the Health Committee, us to mention any of his mistreatment to anyone as he was in my witness statement and in correspondence with the convinced that, once we left, these staff would then treat him even Francis inquiry. In my judgment, for the reasons that I more badly. So we found ourselves in an impossible position, have already given, there was a systems failure with watching our Dad deteriorate before us—he had stopped eating—and respect to this whole terrible tragedy, not only in relation hearing shocking accounts of his ‘care’ where he refused to give us any names, and yet feeling quite powerless and unable to speak to Mid Staffordshire, but more generally. to anyone about this. We need to turn a new page. I am not saying that Of course, at this stage, we did not know that he was going to Sir David should receive a P45 now. What I am saying is die and we were just counting the days till we could get him out of that, sooner rather than later, it is essential that he there, but that never happened in the end.” departs his post. I disagree with the Secretary of State I have a third case: and therefore also, I admit, with the Prime Minister on “My memories of my father’s treatment in hospital are still so this matter, and so do many others. Accountability must raw. He, like so many others who have suffered under the ‘care’ of mean what it says, and in this context it means carrying NHS staff, was a man who had shown such bravery in the war (he the can. The whole saga took place on Sir David’s was a veterinary officer in the Chindits in Burma, behind the Japanese lines) and in his life after, he was a true gentleman and watch, even though he was not at West Midlands for would do anything for others, and he would not complain. He more than a certain time, and the problems that have had faced death many times and through his bravery had survived arisen carry with them issues of accountability. against all odds, but in the end his death was to be hastened I acknowledge that Robert Francis referred to scapegoats. because of hospital-acquired infections, and from care bordering on neglect. Tragically he died sad and utterly disillusioned. He It is not, as has been said before and I repeat, a question simply could not believe that medical staff, including consultants, of blaming scapegoats. It is a question of responsibility could treat him and others as they did. He had placed utmost and where it lies at the time. In my judgment it did not trust in them, and most of them could not care less. He looked at lie only with the Secretaries of State of the time. In me one day, with utter anguish and despair in his face, and in fairness, they have apologised. great pain, and said, ‘Oh Annie, I would never have treated any of my animals in this way.’” I conclude with a statement made by David Nicholson The next letter says: at a conference that took place a few months ago. He “My husband of 84 underwent extensive tests to determine the made it clear in that statement that he took personal reason for his illness, which didn’t manifest itself until the pancreatic responsibility for what had happened. It is very important cancer which had remained undiagnosed spread to his bladder. that we recognise that he has apologised and that he has During all this time my main concern was the lack of nursing made a statement that is clearly an admission that he care. 553 Accountability and Transparency in 14 MARCH 2013 Accountability and Transparency in 554 the NHS the NHS [Ann Clwyd] for Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle (Alan Johnson)— signs off on the awarding of foundation trust status. We He had been shunted into a side room on his own for being know that he admitted to the public inquiry that he ‘difficult’ and as far as I could see was simply ignored. On one looked at just four lines of civil service evidence about visit I found him lying in his own excrement while the staff were foundation trust status before signing it off. Is that good gathered gossiping round the nurses’ station. All my requests to enough for a Secretary of State? Why did he not look at see a doctor were fobbed off, until one doctor mentioned casually in passing that a lump had been found on my husband’s bladder. it in more detail? Was he not really bothered? I think No attempt was ever made to discuss his diagnosis with me.” that was a dereliction of his duty to ensure public health I have some shorter examples: in Staffordshire and that he should have the decency to apologise to the people in the Public Gallery who have “I went to the nursing station on one occasion to see the entire Team bidding at the end of an eBay auction. I was kept waiting, come here today from my constituency and that of my ignored, until it was ended!”; hon. Friend the Member for Stafford. “first time in hospital mother had 2 broken wrists. No one Alternatively, was the foundation trust status signed would feed her when meals were delivered, despite the fact that off because of the culture of targets at any cost under she had 2 arms strapped up in the air! My aunt had to travel over the previous Government? Was organisational form, 2 hours by bus every day just to ensure she was fed”; whatever it means, more important than patient care? “When visiting my wife… after an operation to mend her We know locally that they wanted to prove that their broken hip, I asked a nurse for help as she was being very, very foundation trust policy was a success, and that took sick. She announced ‘I am a graduate, I don’t do sick’, and left me priority over what it really meant for patients and their to deal with the situation”. care. Members do not have to listen only to me on that As I said, I have received many letters. I have tried to point. Here is what a Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation acknowledge each one and respond, although obviously Trust non-executive said just this week in a public I cannot do so in detail. They keep coming. It is not meeting in Rugeley in my constituency: something that pertains only in England; the same is true in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. I have “Our problems started when they made 200 nurses redundant in 2008 to achieve an acceptable financial footing for Foundation received similar letters for all parts of the United Kingdom. status, but care standards slipped thereafter and by 2009 they had a £2m deficit.” 3.5 pm Everyone knows that huge pressure was put on David Mr Aidan Burley (Cannock Chase) (Con): May I Nicholson by his political masters to have a foundation thank the right hon. Member for Cynon Valley (Ann trust in the west midlands, and poor little Mid Staffordshire Clwyd) and say how sobering it was to listen to those was the one that was forced through. In the interests of stories? I join my hon. Friend the Member for Stafford the accountability and transparency that the motion (Jeremy Lefroy) in paying tribute to the families and calls for, I want to hear an apology from those who loved ones of patients from Stafford and Cannock who forced through foundation trust status at a time when had such appalling care and praise them for their strength people were dying from appalling care and the trust was in telling their stories. My hon. Friend and I will fight going bankrupt. against any serious downgrading of Stafford hospital This is not just about politicians. If anybody is in any and, more importantly, from my perspective, any possible doubt about how ingrained the targets culture had closure of Cannock hospital, which is managed by the become, let me quote from an old press release from same trust. I note that the Staffordshire Newsletter Mid Staffordshire trust that I found, dated 3 October 2002. today launched its “Support Stafford Hospital”campaign, It has been taken off its website but is still findable if which I am sure we will both be supporting. one looks around on the internet. It says, under the Today’s motion calls for accountability and transparency heading, “Babies’ Service of Remembrance”: in the NHS. In relation to Mid Staffordshire NHS “A short service of Remembrance for those whose babies have Foundation Trust, there are three areas that most need died in the past few years is being held in the Pilgrim Chapel at accountability and transparency: the granting of foundation Stafford General Hospital.” trust status in 2009; the opposition to the public inquiry Just seven days later, under the heading, “Good News into what went on; and the “targets at all costs” culture. from Mid Staffordshire General Hospitals NHS Trust”, I will deal with each in turn. it said that David O’Neill, the chief executive, was We have the indignity and embarrassment of Mid “delighted to announce that the Trust has been short-listed to the Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust being abolished last three for the National Partnership Industry Award for our by Monitor only five years after being granted that status. Bed Management System”. I want Members to think about that for a second. Only This culture is absolutely astonishing, and it simply has five years ago it was considered so outstanding and such to change. an exemplar of compassionate care and sound finances that the right hon. Member for Leigh (Andy Burnham) We have now had the public inquiry and Robert awarded it foundation trust status on 1 February 2008. Francis has laid out in full gory detail the horrendous failings at Stafford hospital. One might have thought, Andy Burnham: May I just correct the hon. Gentleman? given what went wrong, that there would have been I was not a Minister in the Department of Health on cross-party support for a public inquiry, but not so. I 1 February 2008. Furthermore, the awarding of foundation presume that Labour Members now support the findings trust status was the responsibility of Monitor, not Ministers of the Francis inquiry. There were certainly many Labour in the Department. MPs at the all-party health group meeting with Robert Francis on Tuesday, but I want to know how many of Mr Burley: I believe that the right hon. Gentleman’s them were among the 260 Labour MPs who voted second point is incorrect; as I understand it, the Secretary against a Commons motion calling for a public inquiry of State—I accept that that was the right hon. Member on 18 May 2009. [Interruption.] These might be 555 Accountability and Transparency in 14 MARCH 2013 Accountability and Transparency in 556 the NHS the NHS uncomfortable facts for the right hon. Member for facilities were introduced into Cannock hospital. Again Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle, but let me point in the interests of accountability and transparency out that Labour Members ignored 81 requests for a full in the NHS, I call on Labour Front Benchers to stop public inquiry into Mid Staffs between January 2009 their parliamentary candidates and council leaders and May 2010. They received 20 letters from MPs, scaremongering among local people for political ends. 36 letters from members of the public and 25 letters They cannot fight privatisation if there are no plans to from organisations. They ignored the families who protested privatise anything. They cannot start a petition to save outside the Department of Health for a public inquiry, Cannock Chase hospital if the Monitor report suggests including people from Cure the NHS. making it a centre of excellence for orthopaedic elective The right hon. Member for Leigh, as he has said surgery in the west midlands. They cannot oppose a today, rejected a full public inquiry on the grounds that public inquiry and then welcome all of its findings. it would “distract the management”. He is welcome to They cannot force through foundation trust status for intervene to tell me whether he now accepts that that its own sake rather than for what it will achieve for judgment was wrong. patients; and if someone does force it through and it has the reverse, perverse effect of causing appalling Andy Burnham: Will the hon. Gentleman acknowledge care, unnecessary deaths and the bankrupting of the that I asked Robert Francis to conduct two independent trust and its abolishment just five years later, they inquiries into what happened? It is not the case that I should be man enough to apologise. was not doing anything. I made that judgment because I agree that we need to be more accountable and I wanted to get to the truth of what happened while not transparent. That starts from the top with Secretaries of overburdening the hospital with the job of getting better. State and goes down to the bottom to the local council I tried to strike that balance, and that is why I reached leaders and their parliamentary candidates. the judgment that I did. 3.15 pm Mr Burley: I will accept, as will, I think, everyone in Barbara Keeley (Worsley and Eccles South) (Lab): I this House, that the right hon. Gentleman has refused was appalled to read in the Francis report on the Mid to answer the question again. He will not say whether Staffs inquiry the stories of the unnecessary suffering of that judgment was a mistake, and until he does so we hundreds of people and, indeed, to hear the examples cannot take what he says seriously. given by my right hon. Friend the Member for Cynon Valley (Ann Clwyd) in this debate. Those Mid Staffs The then Health Secretary, the right hon. Member patients were let down and there was a lack of care, for Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle, joined in compassion, humanity and leadership. The most basic the refusal to have a full public inquiry. He said to standards of care were not observed and fundamental The Birmingham Post on 19 March 2009, rights to dignity were not respected. “I really don’t think with the greatest respect that a public inquiry is going to take us any further forward”. Our Health Committee has taken evidence from Robert Francis, who has said that there was a failure of the Will he intervene to tell me whether he will be writing to NHS system The Birmingham Post to tell people whether it has taken “at every level to detect and take the action patients and the us any further forward? He can scowl across the Chamber, public were entitled to expect.” but I am afraid that that is no answer. He has summarised his own recommendations as: In the interests of accountability and transparency, fundamental and easily understood standards; openness, we need to know why the Labour Government opposed transparency and candour; accountability to patients a full public inquiry into Mid Staffordshire. Why were and the public; enhanced training for nurses and leaders; they so afraid of finding out the truth of what went on? and ever-improving measures of performance. Is it really so important to protect the reputation of the In the short time available, I want to focus on two NHS as an institution rather than to protect the patients areas: first, accountability or, indeed, the lack of it in whom it serves and who ultimately pay for it? our NHS structures, and secondly—this has already There are now abounding claims and counter-claims been touched on—the question of what is good practice about Stafford and Cannock hospitals as a result of the on patient safety. indignity of having our foundation trust abolished. One The Health Committee is increasingly seeing examples would have thought that having forced through foundation of a gap in accountability in the restructured NHS and trust status and opposed a public inquiry, Labour locally I will touch on one small example that we heard this would have some contrition, but sadly not. The Labour week. We had a session with senior Department of leader of my local council and Labour’s prospective Health staff—the director of mental health, the national parliamentary candidate for Cannock Chase are now clinical director of mental health and the deputy director teaming up to of secure mental health services—who are responsible “fight plans they feel are aimed at privatising Cannock hospital.” for advising Ministers on mental health strategy, for The leader of the council said that he was launching a devising mental health legislation and for clinical leadership petition against being on mental health. They did not know that patient “victims of Tory privatisation plans”. groups were reporting cuts to community mental health services or that they lacked access to therapeutic services, There are no plans in the Monitor report to privatise with very long waits. Cannock hospital, so I want to know where the local Labour party is getting its information from. In fact, as Alison McGovern (Wirral South) (Lab): Does my a result of the FT status, private providers are already hon. Friend agree that scrutiny to make sure that the dignity operating in Cannock hospital. I note that there were of mental health patients is protected is of utmost no protests from Labour councillors when private health importance? 557 Accountability and Transparency in 14 MARCH 2013 Accountability and Transparency in 558 the NHS the NHS Barbara Keeley: Indeed. It is disturbing that the site infections, sepsis and other harms. Because harm people responsible for advising Ministers on legislation tends to be caused to patients much more over the are not aware of what is going on. In fact, they started weekend—we have seen many examples of that in the by trying to tell me that they thought that community cases that we have looked at—the trust has moved back services were still expanding, as they had been up to to seven-day working in an attempt to achieve the same 2010. They did not have a picture of the services. standard of care on the weekend and overnight as Indeed, they told us that there was no routine collection people receive on a weekday during working hours. of waiting times for mental health services and they did I believe that having the right nurse staffing ratios is not have data on readmissions. They did not even seem vital to patient safety, but that issue keeps being glossed to understand the trends involved in those important over by NHS leaders and Ministers. I have asked questions issues. about it repeatedly in this House. Salford Royal uses The exchange left me feeling very concerned about a safe staffing tool to ensure that it works to safe accountability in our new NHS structures. If staff at the staffing levels. There are minimum staffing requirements most senior levels of the Department of Health who are throughout the hospital and incident reports are completed responsible for strategy and legislation have no idea if the ratios are not met. Each division reviews its what is going on in health services across the country, staffing establishment every day and escalates concerns that is serious. The major restructuring of the NHS if the numbers fall below the minimum safe level. seems to us—this has been mentioned by fellow members Salford Royal is a mentor site for nurse rounding which, of the Health Committee—to represent a decline in as we have heard, means that nurses go round their accountability. patients each hour to ensure that their needs are being We need to learn from good practice to improve met. patient safety, which has been touched on by my hon. My right hon. Friend the Member for Cynon Valley Friends the Members for West Lancashire (Rosie Cooper) gave examples that showed the impact of hospital-acquired and for Walsall South (Valerie Vaz). A major review is infections. All the work that is done to reduce MRSA taking place of the 14 hospitals with the worst mortality and other infections is crucial. As in the other examples rates. In recent Health questions, I told the Under-Secretary of flattened hierarchies that we have heard about, anyone of State for Health, the hon. Member for Central at Salford Royal can challenge others on issues related Suffolk and North Ipswich (Dr Poulter) that good to infection control. There is also mandatory training in practice in hospitals with low mortality rates should be aseptic non-touch techniques. investigated alongside the review of high mortality rates Teams design their own quality improvement projects and poor practice in the worst-performing 14 hospitals. in a clinical quality academy. There has been a specific He did not take that point on board, so I will try again quality improvement project over the past 2 years that is today. aimed at reducing the number of pressure ulcers. Each I want to talk about what has been achieved at my pressure ulcer is declared, the root causes are analysed constituency’s local hospital trust, Salford Royal NHS and the patients are involved in the investigations. Nurses Foundation Trust. I visited the hospital recently in the can monitor the positioning of patients on their hourly wake of the Francis report and was impressed to hear rounds and help to turn them if required. Those examples what it has achieved over the past five or six years. It of good patient care can help us to get over the kinds of already seemed to have in place many of Robert Francis’s awful care that have been described today. recommended actions, which I touched on earlier. Salford My final point is about transparency. Patients and Royal has taken action on nurse staffing ratios, which families can check the harm data, because they are my right hon. Friend the Member for Leigh (Andy shown on a whiteboard at the entrance to every ward. Burnham) touched on; reducing MRSA infection and The board records not only how many days it is since pressure sores; the transparency of patient information; the last MRSA infection or pressure ulcer, but provides and involving clinical staff in quality improvement. assessment scores on 13 fundamental nursing standards. Such public reporting to patients and families is important Mr Jeremy Hunt: I completely agree with the approach because it aids accountability and helps staff to feel that the hon. Lady is taking. One of the jobs of the new accountable for the standards on their ward. We need chief inspector of hospitals will be to identify the that now more than ever. outstanding hospitals, the safest hospitals and the hospitals Unsurprisingly, Salford Royal has achieved the highest with the best compassionate care, so that other hospitals rating in the NHS staff satisfaction survey for acute can learn to do the same things. trusts in the NHS. Staff are supported to challenge existing systems and test new ideas to improve standards. Barbara Keeley: That is very good. I hope that the I am aware of how much of a contrast that is to what Secretary of State will make that point to the Under- we have heard this afternoon. The NHS is a system in Secretary of State for Health, the hon. Member for which one area has had a catastrophic failure at all Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, because he did not levels of patient safety, while other areas have achieved seem to appreciate it when I made it to him in Health the highest standards of safety and patient care. We questions. must look at both if we want to understand why that is. Let me touch on what other hospitals might find if they start looking at the excellent practices at Salford 3.24 pm Royal. I do not underestimate the importance of the terrible examples that we have heard about, but at the Dr Sarah Wollaston (Totnes) (Con): I want to start by same time, my trust has had a quality improvement thanking the vast majority of staff in the NHS, who go strategy since 2008, with specific projects that are aimed to work every day motivated to serve their patients and at reducing falls, unexpected cardiac arrests, surgical deliver world-class care. 559 Accountability and Transparency in 14 MARCH 2013 Accountability and Transparency in 560 the NHS the NHS We should not think that we can just return to the I think we would find that wholly unacceptable, yet, if I halcyon, storm-free days of the 1970s, when NHS care may refer Members to the ministerial code of conduct, was perfect. Before I started medical school, I worked the Secretary of State’s Parliamentary Private Secretary, as a nursing auxiliary, which would now be called who is not a member of the Government, has exactly a health care assistant, in what was then known as a that clause within his contract. That is something we geriatric hospital. I have no wish to return to the days of have to change because the culture of the NHS must vast, mixed wards and a rather authoritarian approach extend from the Department of Health to the nursing to care. I would far rather the NHS of today than that auxiliary—or health care assistant—at the bedside, and of the 1970s. to patients so that they and those around them feel safe However, the mantra that the NHS is the envy of the and able to raise complaints. world sometimes gets in the way of providing decent feedback and criticism when things go wrong—and Mr Cash: Is my hon. Friend aware that Public Concern after listening to the words of the right hon. Member at Work, to which I referred in my witness statement on for Cynon Valley (Ann Clwyd), who could say that Stafford hospital, has played a big role in highlighting things do not go wrong? The failures at Mid Staffs, and whistleblowing and has set up a commission to look at the fact that more than 1,000 people died in a single that issue? The outlawing of gagging clauses should hospital, are truly shocking. Robert Francis told the apply not only on severance, but also—emphatically—when Health Committee that he had spent three years of his people are in post so that they can be properly protected life “listening in horror”—how shocking! It is hard to when acting in the public interest. imagine any other institution or organisation where Dr Wollaston: I absolutely agree. This is about starting death on that scale would not have led to prosecutions, to identify the culture and values of the people we yet too often in the NHS it is not prosecutions that employ in the NHS, and making it clear that not only follow but promotions, just as it was in this case. does everyone in the NHS have a duty to bring forward It has, unfortunately, become something of a heresy concerns, but that those concerns will be welcomed and to criticise the NHS, and my comments are not to be acted on. I would like everyone in the NHS to have an interpreted as criticising the vast majority of staff, but individual to whom they can go and feel safe in raising rather as a means of considering how we can help those their concerns. I thank my hon. Friend for raising that staff and their patients. It is vital that NHS staff are free point. and feel safe to raise concerns. This week, at a meeting My hon. Friend the Member for Reading East in the House that I was chairing, Robert Francis spoke (Mr Wilson) has told me that he does not feel that he about “complaints being a gift”, but that is not the has been gagged, which is great, but there is still an experience of staff or patients within the NHS. important point of principle: as a PPS, he is not able to The Health Committee conducted an inquiry into speak in this debate. We want everyone, from the very complaints and litigation in the NHS that reported in top of the NHS and the Department of Health, right June 2011, and I wish to read from the chilling evidence through to the bottom of the system, to feel that they that we heard from Nicola Monte. She spoke of her are fully free to raise any concerns they have, wherever experience of being barrier-nursed in Stafford, and said they may be. that a nurse came into her room and berated her saying, After the Bristol heart scandal, whistleblower Stephen “I have been off sick because of you complaining about Bolsin was asked how we could prevent this from ever me. Do you realise the suffering you have caused me?” happening again. He said: Too often, staff end up feeling that they are victims because—as they know—they are often scapegoated for “Never lose sight of the patient.” what are system failures, often by management. That His whistleblowing cost him his career. He first raised runs throughout the NHS; the response to complaints the alarm in 1989. His work over six years to raise his is defensive and dismissive and that must change if we concerns remains one of the single most important are to implement what Robert Francis rightly recommends improvement in clinical outcomes in the NHS—that is as a new culture change of openness, transparency and how important whistleblowers are to our system. Yet candour within the NHS. the scandals keep happening. Would it not be a tragedy if, five years from now, we were still saying, “We need to I hope, however, that no one will think that introducing put patients at the heart of everything we do in the a statutory duty of candour can be a single approach. NHS”? It is time to make that happen. That will not work without a culture change that supports and welcomes complaints as a “gift” to identify problems and improve care. I hope the Government will implement 3.31 pm in full the recommendations made by Robert Francis so Frank Dobson (Holborn and St Pancras) (Lab): I that complainants are regarded not as the problem but congratulate the hon. Member for Stafford (Jeremy as part of the solution. Lefroy) on his thoughtful contribution to the debate. I particularly welcome the Secretary of State’s We all owe it to the people of Stafford and those round announcement that gagging clauses are to be outlawed about, all of whom depend on Mid Staffs, to ask the with immediate effect throughout the NHS but—I hope Secretary of State to guarantee that nothing and no one he will not mind me saying this—that must extend to is allowed to use the horrors that occurred as an excuse the top of the system. Would the Secretary of State feel to close the hospital or to run it down. That would it appropriate for David Nicholson’s secretary to have the punish the local people, the potential patients, and the following clause in his or her contract: good staff at the hospital. I hope he is willing to make “That they should avoid associating themselves with whatever organisational changes—extra cash, or new recommendations critical or embarrassing to the NHS commissioning ways of financing parts of the health service—are necessary board.”? to make that guarantee to the people in that area. 561 Accountability and Transparency in 14 MARCH 2013 Accountability and Transparency in 562 the NHS the NHS [Frank Dobson] must apply to any private sector provider. We cannot have them hiding away behind their private profit-making I started off has Health Secretary fully in favour of efforts. We must also ensure that, when anything goes transparency. My last job before I became an MP was wrong, the Secretary of State will answer to the House working for the local government ombudsman. It was of Commons. We do not want anyone coming along my view, and it remains my view, that the best way to and saying, “It wasn’t me, guv, it was the commissioning deal with anything that has gone wrong is to stand up board wot got it wrong.” We must make it absolutely and say, “Sorry, I got it wrong.” However, there is a certain that our national health service is responsible to problem. We are asking people in the NHS to operate in us here. two different worlds. If something goes wrong in the My final point is that I am sick to death of what is hospital, the GP’s surgery or the clinic, we say: confess happening at the Whittington hospital. In order to straight away. That is one world—the official world. qualify for trust status, it is being told to reduce the People then get in their car, drive out of the car park to ratio of nurses to patients, yet it is already one of the go home and bump into another car. What happens? five safest hospitals in the country. Their insurer says, “Whatever you do, don’t accept any responsibility.”We need to recognise the clash of different 3.38 pm worlds that people live in. When the excellent hon. Member for Aldridge-Brownhills Stephen Barclay (North East Cambridgeshire) (Con): (Sir Richard Shepherd) introduced the Public Interest I join other Members in welcoming the Government’s Disclosure Act 1998 to protect whistleblowers, I made announcement today of a ban on gagging clauses, but is sure that the Labour Government supported it, and it not surprising that we need such an announcement? that the provisions covered the national health service. The right hon. Member for Holborn and St Pancras There were those who did not want it to cover the NHS. (Frank Dobson) has just told the House that he issued I am delighted to say that I anticipated that some might guidance on this issue in 1999, and we also have the want to have disappearance clauses in contracts—gagging Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 and the 2004 clauses—and issued a circular that prohibited them. guidance. My right hon. Friend the Member for South Any health body that has inserted such a clause is Cambridgeshire (Mr Lansley) even put these conditions breaking the terms of the circular that was sent out in in the NHS constitution, and yet we find that we need my name in 1999. an announcement on the matter today. My hon. Friend I also established the Commission for Health the Member for Stone (Mr Cash) has been repeatedly Improvement. It was intended to monitor and improve assured that there is no problem. I raised the issue in standards, and it was the first time in the history of the some detail with Sir David Nicholson in the Public national health service that such a body had been set up. Accounts Committee on a number of occasions, and I At that time, there was no machinery in the NHS for was constantly told that there was no need for change, identifying good or bad practice, or for promoting good so does Sir David agree with today’s announcement? practice more widely and eliminating poor practice. I Indeed, is a change being announced? Will the Secretary also required all health boards and chief executives to of State confirm that this announcement covers all be responsible for the quality of treatment and care. No payments, including those through judicial mediation, such obligation had been placed on them before, and and will it apply retrospectively? that was a step in the right direction. There seems to be a striking uniformity as between The hon. Member for Stafford rightly said that if both Front-Bench teams when it comes to telling us that transparency is to be based on experience and on data, Sir David Nicholson is a wonderful manager, yet he did those data have to be fair. We cannot have a situation in not know about the high mortality figures—even though which someone who performs regular, straightforward they have been published in national newspapers since surgery is compared favourably with someone who treats 2001; even though his own staff were logging in to the people in desperate circumstances and therefore has a Dr Foster data; and even though the figures were high greater chance of the operation or treatment going when he was the chief executive of the strategic health wrong. Everyone in the medical profession has got authority that was responsible for Mid Staffordshire. something wrong, and some have done so quite a few He did not know about gagging clauses when he was the times. accounting officer; he did not know about fixing mortality If we are to have transparency in the provision of codes, yet they are now subject to police investigation. services to NHS patients that are paid for by public As he told the Health Select Committee, he did not money, that transparency must apply not only to the know about judicial mediation—a flaw in the system, NHS providers but to any other franchised provider of yet he is responsible for system and controls. He did not services. I know from experience that, when our lot were know about the Gary Walker case. selling off a GP practice in my constituency, we were My hon. Friend the Member for Bristol North West told that we could not find out the terms of the contract (Charlotte Leslie) says that she has concerns about the because it was commercially confidential. If we had US reports, but once again, Sir David seems not to been able to see the contract, we might have spotted know about them. He did not know about the Royal that it enabled the contractor to leg it if things got College of Surgeons 2007 report into Mid Staffs, which difficult, which is what it duly did. raised serious concerns, as my hon. Friend the Member However keen Government Members might be on for Stone is well aware, but in respect of which no action involving the private sector—I freely admit that I am was taken. In other areas, too, we should remember that not, but they are—they must ensure that patients and he was not just the accounting officer for the wonderfully others are not denied information on the ground of successful NHS IT programme, but the senior responsible commercial confidentiality. I strongly support the idea owner. We are told that he is a great manager, but it is of making whistleblowing a duty, and that duty of candour difficult to see the evidence to sustain that claim. 563 Accountability and Transparency in 14 MARCH 2013 Accountability and Transparency in 564 the NHS the NHS Mr Cash: In a conference on 4 October 2012, I hon. Friend told me that he had received none. I hope understand that Sir David Nicholson said that that the Minister will clarify whether Mr Yeates was “the senior leadership of the NHS and I was part of it in those subject to a gagging clause. circumstances” but “lost the plot”. He continued: Mr Burley: Is my hon. Friend aware that Mr Yeates “We lost the reason why we were there. We got so excited left in 2009 with an £80,000 pay-off and a six-figure about…changes”, pension lump sum before moving to a job with a charity but he went on to acknowledge that called IMPACT Alcohol and Addition Services, based in Shropshire, and that he refused to give oral evidence “on ward 10 in Mid Staffordshire Hospital really bad things were to the inquiry because of a unique form of post-traumatic happening”. stress disorder? Where is his accountability? That is the sort of admission that he had to make in those circumstances. Does my hon. Friend agree that Stephen Barclay: My hon. Friend is right. Not only that amounts to admitting responsibility for the system’s did Mr Yeates leave with, I understand, a significant failure? payout, but he went to work for a charity that was in receipt of Department of Health funds. I think that as a Stephen Barclay: I do agree with my hon. Friend, and matter of urgency we should clarify the terms on which that does seem at odds with the Government’s welcome Mr Yeates left the NHS, what Ministers knew, and what commitment to promoting individual accountability. In senior officials—in particular, David Flory—were aware response to the Robert Francis report, the Prime Minister of at the time of his departure. talked about three fundamental problems with the culture of the NHS. Of course that went beyond one individual. I fear that we are in danger of sending a confused message to staff and families of patients in the NHS. I am concerned about the timing of the announcement On the one hand we say that the culture needs to of the appointment of Barbara Hakin, a close ally of change, but on the other we say that the people who are Sir David Nicholson. It is important to note that she is responsible for that culture—the people who are paid innocent of any allegations being made against her, but significant sums to lead it—should stay. I understand that she is under investigation at the moment. The timing of the appointment, then, seems My hon. Friend the Member for Totnes (Dr Wollaston) strange. I invite my right hon. Friend the Secretary of is absolutely right: there is much in our NHS that we State to intervene to clarify whether he was told of should celebrate and of which we should be proud. Barbara Hakin’s appointment prior to it being made. If However, we do it a disservice if we are not prepared to he was not told, does not that say something about the identify where it is going wrong, and to be transparent power that Sir David wields within Richmond House?. about the areas with high mortality and about the existing culture which has a chilling effect on those who A further issue is whether Parliament knows the are brave enough to speak out. Is it not informative that quantum or scale of the payments made to whistleblowers. the one person who spoke out at the Bristol inquiry, and I have repeatedly raised this matter over the last two who did so much good, is the one person who has never years and was finally given a figure of £15 million paid worked in the NHS again? over three years—silencing quite a lot of people. It now emerges, however, that that is not the whole story, as it I think that the challenge for the House today, and in does not cover payments such as the one for Gary subsequent weeks, is to ensure that this time it learns Walker, which was paid through judicial mediation. the lessons that were clearly not learnt then. As seen in the NHS manual for accounts, each NHS body or trust is required to compile a register detailing 3.47 pm all special payments made, including those through Mr Virendra Sharma (Ealing, Southall) (Lab): Thank mediation. As I understand it, even the Department of you, Mr. Speaker, for allowing me to speak in this Health does not know how many such payments have important debate. I congratulate all those who made it been made—and that applies to the Treasury, too. In a possible. response to my parliamentary question this Tuesday, the Minister said: In the light of the tragedies at Mid Staffordshire and Winterbourne View, it is clear that some of the mechanisms “Approval has not hitherto been required by the Chancellor or the Secretary of State for Health for special severance payments for ensuring accountability and transparency in the made as a result of judicial mediation. However, as of 11 March”— NHS must be reviewed. Safeguards need to be put in place to make our NHS more accountable. That means this Monday— listening to the concerns of patients, heeding the advice “approval will be required.”—[Official Report, 12 March 2013; of NHS staff, and ensuring that whistleblowers are Vol. 560, c. 182W.] correctly protected. The position seems to be moving as of this week. Patients have always been, and always should be, at Parliament does not know how much has been paid to the centre of the NHS. It is true, of course, that the whistleblowers, so will the Minister clarify when we will discoveries made at Mid Staffordshire do not represent know? the typical experiences of NHS patients, and that nurses In my Adjournment debate of a week last Monday, and doctors deliver great care for patients every day, but my hon. Friend the Member for Bracknell (Dr Lee) it should not be possible for the failings of Mid Staffordshire asked whether the chief executive of Mid Staffs was to be replicated. If such failures are to be prevented in subject to a gagging clause. We received a welcome future, patients’ voices must be heard, and patients must reassurance that we would be given an answer, but when receive clear assistance and information about their we were on our way to the Chamber for this debate, my treatment. 565 Accountability and Transparency in 14 MARCH 2013 Accountability and Transparency in 566 the NHS the NHS [Mr Virendra Sharma] 3.53 pm Steve Baker (Wycombe) (Con): My constituent Edward Figures from the national cancer patient experience Maitland was a frail man who could not eat solid food survey show that only 64% of patients felt they were following tongue surgery. He was admitted to Wycombe able to discuss their concerns and fears with staff in the hospital from his warden-controlled accommodation hospital, and that just over 50% were given information suffering from dehydration, shortness of breath and about the financial support to which they were entitled. weight loss, things from which he should have recovered. While the survey goes a long way towards ensuring that His son, a paramedic, clearly explained on his father’s there is more transparency, some of those figures are admission that Mr Maitland could not eat solid food worrying. A large proportion of cancer patients still feel and he also provided liquids. About three weeks later that they are not given sufficient information, or that Edward Maitland had died from aspiration pneumonia. they are unable to relay their concerns to those who are At the post-mortem, Weetabix was found in his lungs. caring for them. Of course, the investigation was taken extremely seriously We welcome the creation of bodies designed to establish and the documentation is, up to a point, very professional. greater accountability to patients and the public by Under “root cause”, it states: giving them a stronger voice in the Health and Social Care Act 2012. However, many councils across the “The investigation found that there is no evidence to support country are still unsure whether they will have a running robust communication between nursing and medical staff…No SBAR”— local HealthWatch in coming months, or have not even signed contracts with organisations to run it. These situation, background, assessment and recommendations— bodies are crucial in providing accountability for NHS “documentation was used in EMC or in handover to Ward 6B patients; without them, the public does not have a voice. this would have highlighted the patient’s nutritional needs.” One of the main reasons for the failings at Mid Staffs It proceeds to make some “recommendations”, but is the existence of a culture of covering up mistakes. I want to highlight the “lessons learned”: Those who tried to speak out were bullied, hassled and “To care for all patients with a holistic approach and the silenced. It is crucial that NHS staff are allowed to multi-disciplinary team must focus on all health concerns. voice their opinions without fear of unjust repercussions. Better communications between all staff members, this should be ongoing and involve all the different professionals who may The previous Labour Government made huge inroads need to collaborate the care delivery plan. This collaboration and in helping NHS staff raise their concerns and in protecting communication should involve the patient, family and the healthcare their rights. These have, however, not being sufficient. I staff.” also have to commend the Secretary of State’s timely Unfortunately, that is bread-and-butter, typical stuff—and decision to ban gagging clauses in severance agreements. managerial gibberish. However, should not the Government be making it easier for NHS staff to voice their concerns while they What I learned is that two words would have saved are still in employment? We have seen many examples of the life of Edward Maitland: “no solids”, written on the consultants, doctors, nurses and other staff who spoke records at the end of his bed, on his wristband, and out about the failings of Mid Staffs and who were above his bed. The situation in his case is very simple. A persecuted and struck off for doing so, and about NHS man died who ought not to have died. He should not staff who felt unsupported and bullied by their supervisors have died in these circumstances. to hide their concerns. I have the hard task of saying, therefore, that I look to the courts, and the Francis report helps me. I must mention the case of Dr Narinder Kapur, one Recommendation 13 of the report, on fundamental of Britain’s leading neuropsychologists and now campaigner standards, refers to: for fairer treatment for whistleblowers. Out of his moral and ethical responsibility as a doctor, Dr Kapur alerted “Fundamental standards of minimum quality and safety, where the NHS of certain failures he observed within his non-compliance should not be tolerated. Failures leading to death or serious harm should remain offences for which prosecutions department, such as under-qualified, unsupervised staff can be brought against organisations.” treating patients and putting them at risk. His dismissal by the Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Elsewhere, the report discusses at some length—I do Trust was ruled unfair, but he still was not reinstated. not have time to go into detail—a regulatory gap in This man, who was one of the best neuropsychologists relation to the Health and Safety Executive: in the country and was trying to help his patients and “It should be recognised that there are cases which are so make his hospital a better place, was left penniless and serious that criminal sanction is required, even where the facts fall short of establishing a charge of individual or corporate manslaughter. lost his home. The argument that the existence of a criminal sanction inhibits The Government need to do more to ensure that candour and cooperation is not persuasive. Such sanctions have NHS staff who blow the whistle on unethical practices not prevented improvements in other fields of activity.” do not receive the same treatment as Dr Kapur, and are I took legal advice. I approached a retired circuit protected from such persecution. Hard-working consultants, judge in my constituency, who in turn approached a doctors, nurses and other staff who want to make the firm of lawyers. I am most grateful for the guidance of NHS a better place should not fear for their jobs and Kate McMahon, of Edmonds Marshall McMahon, should not be bullied by their supervisors. Patients who has provided me with considerable free legal advice should be assured that they have recourse for complaints in relation to this case. The firm specialises in private and that their voices will be heard. What will the criminal prosecutions. She has explained that, at least Government do to protect patients and change this at the preliminary stage, there may be a corporate culture of covering up and bullying, to ensure that we manslaughter case to answer, and liability for gross do not have another Mid Staffs and to make the NHS negligence manslaughter may well be attributable to more transparent? one or more employees of the hospital. 567 Accountability and Transparency in 14 MARCH 2013 Accountability and Transparency in 568 the NHS the NHS I do not want people to be prosecuted unnecessarily, Unfortunately, the case plays right into the fears of the or to see taxpayers’ money wasted, but I do want public in Wycombe, because we lost our accident and accountability, and I believe that in the end the courts emergency facility in 2005 and we recently lost our provide that crucial accountability. Edward Maitland’s emergency medical centre. We have just had two similar son Gary now has this advice, and I have left it to him to repeat occurrences of the minor injuries unit failing to decide whether to approach the police. I have briefed refer people across the car park into the excellent cardiology the police superintendent in Wycombe on the circumstances. and stroke units. We have seen an enormous range of I believe that the courts should be the ultimate way of little problems, for example, an 85-year-old lady with sanctioning the NHS. Francis agrees, and I hope he will dementia was sent home in a taxi at 2 am in just her provide a policy in this area. hospital gown. This cannot go on, and the public’s There should be more democratic control. I am concerns are justified. The trust is being investigated by delighted— Sir Bruce Keogh and although I have heard good reasons why its mortality levels are justified—they relate to Frank Dobson: Does the hon. Gentleman not agree running hospice care, in particular—this must be taken that one characteristic of involving lawyers is that there as an opportunity to improve things. is a lot of money around, and it goes to them? Would it Finally, I wish to make a point on transparency. not be better spent trying to ensure that performance Yesterday, I spoke to Anne Eden, the chief executive of standards are enhanced, rather than employing lawyers the trust. I am not going to put on the record the entire to have a go at the people who got it wrong? content of the conversation, but when I told her that I intended to raise this issue of corporate manslaughter Steve Baker: Of course I would rather that the money on the radio this morning, I was told, in terms, “To was spent on standards and performance and not on protect the reputation of the Buckinghamshire trust, prosecutions, because I would rather the problems did legal action would be sought.” This is a matter of public not occur. I do not wish to lecture the right hon. interest being raised by a Member of Parliament in Gentleman, and I feel sure he did not quite mean it this good faith, but I have had to—[Interruption.] To be way, but if we do not intend to apply the law of fair to her, she was talking about the radio. But I have corporate and individual gross negligence manslaughter, had to rely on privilege to protect myself from being let us repeal it, or amend it so that it does not apply to sued on this matter. It is not acceptable that such a the NHS. I have to say to the right hon. Gentleman that matter should have to come to a Member of Parliament, it does apply to the NHS and that in certain cases, as simply to rely on privilege. The situation reinforces Francis has said, things are so bad it should be applied. something I have experienced again and again since I ask the Government to look at democratic control. becoming an MP: second-hand rumours and half-truths I am delighted that the Secretary of State is reforming about the state of health care in Buckinghamshire. I the Care Quality Commission, but how can we make have encountered: people stymied; people thinking it is sure that there is more direct accountability, perhaps to helpful to give half a rumour to a friend to repeat to me the health and well-being boards, and the overview and so that I can know how bad things are; and people’s scrutiny committees? How can we give them the power frustration at not being able to do anything. I know that to sanction or perhaps even, through due process, dismiss Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust is obviously a board or a chief executive? close to your heart, Mr Speaker. I know that it expects to satisfy Sir Bruce Keogh, but it is really time for I think here of Paul Ryan, a man with vascular proper accountability and that must include the courts. disease who had lost one leg already when he found himself sick. He had four days of GP visits and spent nine hours in accident and emergency on a Friday. He 4.3 pm was then sent home, having had an MRI scan, after Mr Andy Slaughter (Hammersmith) (Lab): Two NHS which he was expecting to lose his leg on the Monday. stories were leading the news this morning, both of He was told to expect a phone call, but no phone call which are relevant to the subject of this debate. The came. The Ryans eventually called 999 and were told hon. Member for North East Cambridgeshire (Stephen that it was better to get a GP. The GP arrived and called Barclay) and my hon. Friend the Member for Ealing, an ambulance. It took two hours for that to arrive and Southall (Mr Sharma) have talked about the important Paul Ryan died in the ambulance with his wife on the issue of whistleblowers. I want to talk about the other way to hospital. subject, which is the conflicted interests of clinical commissioning group members. Mr Cash: Does my hon. Friend agree that accountability does reside also with the Secretary of State, as set out in All hon. Members should be grateful for the British the national health service legislation? That is essential Medical Journal report that was the basis of this morning’s in relation to our functions in this House and those of new stories. In case anyone has not seen it, let me read this Secretary of State and former Secretaries of State. the headline points. It states: “More than a third of GPs on the boards of the new clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) in England have a conflict of Steve Baker: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his interest resulting from directorships or shares held in private point, although it has been examined at length, so I do companies”. not want to go down that rabbit hole with him—I hope he will forgive me. It continues: “conflicts of interest are rife on CCG governing bodies, with The post-mortem on Mr Ryan indicated that he 426 (36%) of the 1179 GPs in executive positions having a probably would have suffered the same fate in any financial interest in a for-profit private provider beyond their own event, but the system let the Ryans down—Mrs Lyn general practice—a provider from which their CCG could potentially Ryan made that point to me and to the local newspaper. commission services. 569 Accountability and Transparency in 14 MARCH 2013 Accountability and Transparency in 570 the NHS the NHS [Mr Andy Slaughter] A month later I received a non-reply reply, the most relevant sentence of which was: The interests range from senior directorships in local for-profit “Any member who declares an interest in a meeting is expected firms set up to provide services such as diagnostics, minor surgery, to take no part in discussions and step out of the meeting.” out of hours GP services, and pharmacy to shareholdings in large I wrote back a much longer reply, in which I pointed out private sector health firms that provide care in conjunction with local doctors, such as Harmoni and Circle Health. that the chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners had said: In some cases most of the GPs on the CCG governing body have financial interests in the same private healthcare provider.” “it is not about excluding yourself from the room whenever there is a discussion; it is about how it will drive your decision-making Yet the cheerleader for the privatisation, Dr Michael overall”. Dixon of NHS Alliance says: I pointed out that, as a consequence of hospital closures “The priority is to move services out of hospital and into in north-west London, there had been a shift in funding primary care. The reason this hasn’t happened to date is because from hospital to primary care, a greater involvement of of blocks in the system. It’s more important to remove those private companies in the primary care sector, and an blocks than be preoccupied with conflicts of interest.” opportunity for those companies to increase their profits I say that the British Medical Journal has done a good by cutting back on the level of service offered. job, but it has only just scratched the surface. I shall refer I principally raised the fact that the information that to my own experience of trying to get to the bottom of should be provided is not provided on declaration of this matter in north-west London. interest forms, especially the scope and value of any On 10 November an article by the social affairs editor interest. I listed doctor by doctor and CCG chair by of The Guardian began: CCG chair what those interests were and how they were “Five family doctors have this week become millionaires from not adequately declared. I dealt with seven out of the the sale of their NHS-funded firm to one of the country’s biggest nine CCG chairs and the medical director. That was in private healthcare companies in a deal that reveals how physicians a letter on 20 December. can potentially profit from government policy in the new NHS.” I received a reply on 3 February which said: It went through the individual shareholdings of those “The Cluster does not hold this data.” doctors who had sold out to Care UK and it continued: So three months on from my original inquiry, I am none “Another winner seems to be NHS reform champion Ian the wiser in relation to these matters. Goodman. The north-west London GP chairs the Hillingdon I advise any hon. Member to look at their CCG clinical commissioning group and was also a board director of declarations of interest online—not Hillingdon, because Harmoni. He could make as much as £2.6 million.” it does not publish them online. I use Hammersmith and Fulham as an example here. The husband of one John McDonnell (Hayes and Harlington) (Lab): This member is a partner of Drivers Jonas Deloitte. The first Dr Goodman chairs my local CCG and tried to force thing I found on the website of Drivers Jonas Deloitte Hillingdon hospital to put £13 million of operations was that it had been appointed to sell the Kent and out to tender, which would have destabilised the whole Sussex hospital in Royal Tunbridge Wells when it closes hospital. I pay tribute to the Treasurer of Her Majesty’s in 2011. Another member is the owner of a provider of Household, the right hon. Member for Uxbridge and home care services. Another is the brother of the director South Ruislip (Mr Randall) and the Parliamentary of a design company that holds a number of contracts Secretary, Cabinet Office, the hon. Member for Ruislip, with NHS organisations. It might be that none of them Northwood and Pinner (Mr Hurd), who joined me in has a direct financial pecuniary interest now or in the preventing that from happening. It would have meant future, but it shows touching naivety, complacency or Hillingdon hospital being financially destabilised in the worse. long term. Before the 28 members of the joint PCT board made the decision to close the four A and Es in north-west Mr Slaughter: I am grateful for that. I did a company London, I said at the public meeting that if any of them profile for Harmoni. It revealed that, although he had or was likely to have interest of a pecuniary nature might have sold his shares for that amount of money, they should not take part in that decision. One of them Dr Goodman is still listed as head of clinical spine. A rather touchingly volunteered the information that they series of press articles deals with the failings of Harmoni— had sold their shares. What world are we living in when failures that have caused deaths through under-staffing a third of GPs on the new CCGs can hold financial or poor-quality staffing—and why it is under investigation. interests in anything from land sales to an alternative Let me return in the time I have available to my provider? attempts to get to the bottom of the matter. The same I raised the question with the Prime Minister yesterday day as I read the article in The Guardian, I wrote a short and mentioned Dr Goodman, although not by name, letter to the chief executive of the NHS in north-west and his estimated minimum return of £2.6 million. London. I said: Again, I got a non-reply in reply. Sooner or later the Government will have to address these matters. “I attach the front page article from today’s Guardian, which you may have seen, regarding the sale of out of hours GP service There is another story in the Daily Mail today that provider Harmoni to Care UK. The article states that a number states: of GPs will make substantial sums from the sale. “In 1981 there were eight NHS press officers in Britain. Now I note that four of the CCG chairs in NW London declare there are 82 in London alone”. shareholding or directorship in Harmoni, as does your Medical It is not that there is a lack of spending on publicity in Director. It would be helpful to know if they are beneficiaries of the NHS. Indeed, almost £1 million has been spent on a the sale and by what amount.” private consultancy firm simply to carry out the bogus I then asked for assurances as to the future. and botched consultation on the closure of A and Es. 571 Accountability and Transparency in 14 MARCH 2013 Accountability and Transparency in 572 the NHS the NHS We are seeing the creation of a second-grade health graduate, I don’t do sick.” That is not acceptable. Other service in north-west London. Members may also have read the article by Charles Moore in The Daily Telegraph a number of weeks ago, Barbara Keeley: A number of months ago, I raised in which he looked in detail at whose job it is to make the case of a person who rejoices in the title “NHS head sure that patients are cleaned up if they need to go to of brands”. There seem to be a whole set of units that the lavatory and do not get there in time. The faculty of keep cropping up. health sciences at Southampton university made the point that ward sisters always have this responsibility, Mr Slaughter: I am sure that all Members will have but went on to say that it is everyone’s job. similar examples. It is an obscenity that millions of pounds are being spent on spin and disinformation When I go round a school, I find that if a head while basic information is not being provided even to teacher picks up the litter on the ground, surprise, Members of Parliament after three months and persistent surprise, there is not a lot of litter. When a doctor, requests. Sooner or later, these issues will have to be however senior, sees a patient to give a diagnosis or a addressed. prescription, if that patient needs basic nursing care, no Of course, our main preoccupation is to maintain level of seniority in the NHS should be above that. That our first-rate health service—our blue light A and Es, would send a powerful message that that was everyone’s our stroke centres and our major hospitals—rather job, as the faculty of health sciences at the university of than having it replaced by urgent care centres and Southampton said. minor primary care facilities. That is what we face in I am pleased that in Bedfordshire clinical commissioning north-west London and, I am sure, around the rest of group, the excellent Dr Paul Hassan has told me that the country. It adds insult to injury if the individuals there will be unannounced GP visits to the wards of the who are making the decisions to sell the land and to Luton and Dunstable hospital and other hospitals to transfer services into the private sector are also the which Bedfordshire sends its patients. There will be shareholders and owners or if they benefit in any other private TripAdvisor-style patient reports coming back—not way. This is a corrupt act and it must be addressed by report forms handed by a sister to a patient and filled in the Government. They cannot continue to turn a blind while the sister is leaning over them, but done genuinely eye to it. in privacy so that GPs can get a proper report of what is happening. There will be real-time alert buttons on the Several hon. Members rose— keyboards of GPs and clinicians so that they can flag it up immediately if things are going wrong. That is Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): Order. Eight excellent. That is the way to get an early indication of Members are trying to catch my eye and we will finish at what is going wrong. 5 o’clock, with Charlotte Leslie having the last two minutes. In order to accommodate everybody, as well as In addition to outstanding nursing care by caring, interventions, the time limit is now five minutes. compassionate nurses, we need clinical leadership. We need the medical directors and the chief nurses of 4.13 pm hospitals to step up to the plate. We need medical directors who are front-line clinicians—that is really Andrew Selous (South West Bedfordshire) (Con): The important—and we need hospital boards to make sure NHS saved my life when I was 24 with an emergency that they have the proper data. Data on bedsores, for operation in the middle of the night. It was there for me example, should be available at every trust board meeting. when I needed it, which is why I care so deeply for it. If the incidence of bedsores is increasing, that may be We have heard some bad examples of what goes on in an indication that things are going wrong in the hospital. the NHS, but there are also many examples of excellent That information should be seized on and acted on care in the NHS every day. NHS staff, especially nurses urgently. on busy wards, work extremely hard. They often rush Above all, we need the medical director and the around, have to miss their breaks and get home exhausted. boards of hospitals to foster an esprit de corps and to We must all acknowledge that. create an understanding among all the staff that “we Today, we are debating what happened in Mid don’t do average” and that excellence is what they Staffordshire, but, as others have said, it was, sadly, not should aim for. We need a culture where peer review and an isolated case. We know that 6,000 deaths in 14 other challenge are normal, natural, accepted and of benefit hospitals are being looked at. One area that no other to everyone. In that vein I commend the “Getting it Member has mentioned so far today is the training of Right First Time” report by Professor Tim Briggs, our nurses and our doctors. Of course we want our which is looking at a clinically-led hub and spoke peer nurses and doctors to be professionally well trained, but review model in orthopaedics. That could usefully be it is important that they do not just have academic extended across the whole of the NHS. skills. However good their biology, chemistry or maths, if they are not kind, if they are not compassionate and if they are not caring individuals, perhaps the people 4.18 pm responsible for their training need to say to them that a Mr Bernard Jenkin (Harwich and North Essex) (Con): career in the NHS might not be the right career for I am encouraged by the speech from my hon. Friend the them and that research or something else might be more Member for South West Bedfordshire (Andrew Selous) appropriate. because it shows that accountability is not just about The most worrying thing that I have heard in the supervising organisations, regulators, targets, safeguards, debate today is the comment that was allegedly made by mechanical things and statistics. Accountability is about a nurse to a patient and that was quoted by the right creatively getting the intelligence into the system about hon. Member for Cynon Valley (Ann Clwyd): “I am a what is happening and reacting to it positively, welcoming 573 Accountability and Transparency in 14 MARCH 2013 Accountability and Transparency in 574 the NHS the NHS [Mr Bernard Jenkin] top quartile of its class of hospital, so that was entirely unnecessary. My wife has just had a knee replacement it and generating the complaints so that more intelligence in that hospital. I was completely confident that she comes into the system. That is the kind of accountability would get good nursing care and she indeed got very we want. good nursing care. As Chairman of the Public Administration Committee, There is now an uncomfortable atmosphere surrounding I feel I can add a new dimension to the debate because this issue. There is an atmosphere of denial, and this of what we are thinking about in our inquiry on the relates to Sir David Nicholson. Is he still in denial? Is future of the civil service. We need to ask ourselves, the system still in denial? Can the system change “What does accountability feel like?” We think we know dramatically enough unless people are seen to take what accountability feels like, but my goodness, it goes responsibility for the culture? It is difficult to argue that up and down a bit. During the previous Parliament we he has not been individually responsible for the broad felt very accountable in some periods, every single one culture in the national health service that has led to this of us. What do we want accountability to feel like in the pass. health service? With the greatest respect to my hon. Friend the Member for Wycombe (Steve Baker), the Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): I am sure the lawyers must be the last resort. We do not want House wishes Anne Jenkin a speedy recovery. accountability to be about finger-pointing, blame and holding people to account. Indeed, that is part of the 4.23 pm disease that afflicts the health service. We want Jackie Doyle-Price (Thurrock) (Con): It is a pleasure accountability to be about nursing staff on the ward to follow my hon. Friend the Member for Harwich and feeling accountable to each other for sharing information, North Essex (Mr Jenkin) and give a south Essex perspective accountable to the patients and welcoming the information on this issue by speaking about the Basildon and Thurrock they receive from them, and accountable to their managers Foundation Trust. It was found to have significant and holding them accountable for what they do not feel failings and high mortality rates in 2009, which led to is being done, in an atmosphere of trust and co-operation. regulatory intervention, on which the right hon. Member What is chilling about the Mid Staffordshire story is for Leigh (Andy Burnham) will recall delivering a statement the question of what accountability felt like in that to this House. At that time, the Care Quality Commission hospital at that time? To whom did people feel they voiced its lack of confidence in the management at were accountable? What did they feel they were accountable Basildon, but there was no change and no one was held for? There must have been an almost an atmosphere of to account. “Apocalypse Now” in the hospital, in which nobody As we all know—and as my hon. Friend has eloquently knew where to turn. explained—institutions fail when they are poorly led. In In the evidence we are receiving about the civil service, the event of failure, senior management need to step up we have had powerful testimony from an adviser to our to the plate, either to take a grip of matters and force Committee, Professor Andrew Kakabadse of Cranfield change or to take responsibility.The failure in accountability university, who rather chillingly points out an obvious at that time has no doubt held Basildon back. Subsequent truth. Very few people who work in a failing organisation CQC inspections found Basildon failing in terms of do not know that it is failing. Most people in a failing care and welfare, safety of premises, safety and suitability organisation know that it is failing. What is wrong? The of equipment, nutritional standards, dealing with serious answer is that they do not know how to talk about it. incidents, record keeping and cleanliness. That is simply They do not know what to say, who to tell—or, if they not good enough. try to tell people, it will be bad for them—or what to do. So people often just leave failing organisations, saying, When I challenged the hospital management, the “I can’t do anything about it.” I bet most of those on response was invariably, “We’re no worse than anyone the board of the hospital trust knew it was going wrong else; we just get more scrutiny.” Indeed, in one letter the and did not know what to do. There is this idea that this then chief executive criticised the sensational reporting was just an isolated case, but it represents a systemic of some unnecessary deaths at the trust and asked for failure. There is absolutely no escaping that. my assistance in acquiring more positive media coverage, I remember the Paddington rail crash. One’s instant a clear example of the complacency to which the Prime reaction was, “Well, the driver went through a red light; Minister referred when he made his statement to the it must have been his fault,” but everybody knew that House on the Francis report. There simply has not been there must have been something much more fundamentally sufficient urgency in addressing weaknesses. That led wrong. Something was wrong with rail safety. In aviation, me to conclude that the trust would not improve without when there is a plane crash, it is very rarely the pilot’s a change in leadership—the same conclusion the CQC fault. Even if it is down to pilot error, that will be down reached in 2009. to pilot training and that will be a system failure. We I also have some wider reflections on the systems of need to look at this issue in an holistic and sensible way. governance. At Basildon, the board clearly failed in its The reaction of the NHS to the Francis report was duty to provide effective challenge and to hold the immediately to reach for statistics and to start doing management to account. I think that we need to give a things. It immediately started a storm around our local clear indication to directors of foundation trusts that in hospital, the Colchester General, by latching on to one the event of poor performance, the buck stops with the statistic and naming it as one of the hospitals being board. They are accountable and they need to accept investigated, even though—I have written to Andrew that responsibility. Dilnot at the UK Statistics Authority and got a reply I must say that I found the CQC a very positive ally from him—a single statistic should never be used in in seeking better performance at Basildon. I know that such a fashion. In fact, the Colchester General is in the it has been criticised by some Members, but my feeling 575 Accountability and Transparency in 14 MARCH 2013 Accountability and Transparency in 576 the NHS the NHS is that its powers were quite limited. It certainly had no that word again— power to hold senior management to account, a power “since 2009 and the PCT now operates with quality at the centre that is reserved for Monitor. My right hon. Friend the of all that we do.” Secretary of State has made his comments about the CQC, but I think that he really needs to look at Monitor. My constituent Tom Berry might take issue with that In my experience, the work of Monitor has been very statement. Tom is a gifted young man who is pursuing a disappointing. In Basildon it was not keen to take any degree at Wolverhampton university but suffers from enhanced action. Its view was that the trust was not spinal muscular atrophy, which means that he can barely doing as badly as it had been in 2009 and so the move. He has round-the-clock care from a team of direction of travel was positive, even though it was carers. When he needs to cough, those carers have to failing to meet the basic standards of care that the compress his torso—that is the kind of help that he public should be able to expect. I do not think that is needs. However, those at the Staffordshire NHS cluster good enough. It goes to the heart of what we are seem to have forgotten his needs and want to change his debating today: the collective failure of institutions in care package, against his wishes, against the wishes of the NHS to hold people to account when things go his family and carers, and against the advice of his GP.I wrong. I urge my right hon. Friend to look at whether have tried to help him, but the head of continuing care Monitor is really fit for purpose. in Staffordshire refuses to answer my letters and hides behind lawyers in refusing to acknowledge my calls to Since I started challenging Basildon and Thurrock heed the advice of Tom’s GP. NHS Foundation Trust, I have been very heavily criticised, as if by holding the hospital to account for its performance When I threatened to blow the whistle on that conduct I am attacking the NHS and its staff. The contrary is in this House, I secured a conference call from the chief true. If we really believe in the NHS and in providing executive of the Staffordshire NHS cluster, Graham the best possible health services for our constituents, we Irwin. He did not bring to that conference call the head must challenge it when things go wrong. We should of continuing care, or a clinician, or a carer—he brought have zero tolerance of failure. Do we not owe it to the his press officer, which suggests to me that, in Staffordshire, staff who do their job well to ensure that those who do medical care runs second to media management. Although not are disciplined and held to account for poor conduct? he was very insistent that Tom’s care package should Thankfully, Basildon and Thurrock NHS Foundation still be changed, he said that he did not even know Trust is now under new leadership. There are new whether a proper impact assessment had been done on non-executive directors who will provide a challenge. the effect of that change on Tom’s health. He said that We have a new chairman, a new chief executive and a he would go away and look into it, but three weeks later, new medical director, and I am encouraged by the after another phone call and another letter, we still do messages I have received from them. However, when not know what is happening. senior management have been excusing poor practice If Francis is right when he said that our for so long, there is a need for profound cultural change “comfortable set of assumptions about the NHS have been misplaced”, to get things fixed. An NHS with a stronger emphasis on accountability would have allowed us to start that he is certainly talking about what is going on in Staffordshire process in Basildon so much sooner and to save many lives. now. We still have a culture of complacency allied to determined obfuscation. I say to my right hon. Friend 4.28 pm the Secretary of State that if we are to restore the Christopher Pincher (Tamworth) (Con): I would like battered credibility of care in my county, we need to to make two brief points. First, will my right hon. ensure that we put patients, and not the godhead of Friend the Secretary of State, when he comes to review targets, front and centre. We need to ensure that we the Francis report, heed the cause of Robert Francis, recruit, recognise and reward the best people and sack and indeed the passionate appeal of my hon. Friend the the worst people. As my right hon. Friend the Member Member for Wycombe (Steve Baker), by extending the for Mid Sussex (Nicholas Soames) said, we cycle too provisions on criminal liability so that in the final many bad people through our public services. We need analysis charges of wilful obstruction of complaints to make sure that when there is wrongdoing, people are and wilful neglect can be preferred? Had such sanctions punished not in the court of public opinion but in a been in place 10 years ago, we would have seen charges court of law. If we do that, we can rebuild and restore preferred at Mid Staffordshire, and then we might have confidence in our health service in Staffordshire, and we seen the interesting spectacle of Ministers and former will have a system about which we are prepared to blow Ministers being called to the witness box to give evidence the trumpet, not blow the whistle. in defence of those public officials who were claiming that they were only obeying orders and pursuing the 4.33 pm policies of their political masters. I think that sort of Tracey Crouch (Chatham and Aylesford) (Con): I sanction would be enough to focus the minds of any congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Bristol Minister, past and present, even those who wriggle and North West (Charlotte Leslie) on securing this very twist to try to avoid their responsibilities. interesting debate, which has covered lots of issues to Secondly, I wish to make a point about culture change. do with accountability and transparency, not only at We have had the report and the debate, but it would be Mid Staffordshire but throughout the entire country. It foolish to assume that there have been any great strides is clear from the speeches by the right hon. Member for forward as part of a culture change in Staffordshire. I Cynon Valley (Ann Clwyd) and my hon. Friend the will give one example. After the Francis report was Member for Wycombe (Steve Baker) that these concerns published on 6 February, South Staffordshire PCT issued go beyond the appalling events at Mid Staffs. My own a press release which said: constituents need reassuring about their patient care, “Much has been learnt”— the quality of the information they are receiving and, 577 Accountability and Transparency in 14 MARCH 2013 Accountability and Transparency in 578 the NHS the NHS [Tracey Crouch] Greater transparency in the NHS is not just about honesty and accountability,but about better communication. unfortunately, the mortality rates at Medway Maritime As the most recent ombudsman report highlighted, the hospital. Like other hospitals, it is now under investigation, common pitfalls are also the result of equivocal language and we await the outcome with interest. over care, the use of technical language and the failure It often takes a very long time for the truth about of insincere apologies. We need to learn the lessons of these matters to be completely uncovered. In the past, the Francis report; patients from those families who use the quality of patient care has, in many respects, been my local NHS services deserve nothing less. secondary to the hospital meeting its targets. That is a shame, and it is part of the culture that we need to 4.38 pm change. I do not want to believe that there is a culture of cover-up in the NHS. Like my hon. Friend the Member Nick de Bois (Enfield North) (Con): I will never for Totnes (Dr Wollaston), I think that all those who forget the last time I saw my mother. It was three days work in the NHS—the nurses, the doctors and the before the general election in 2005. She had secondary consultants—do a brilliant job in delivering good quality cancer, but she was a fighter, though I make no comparison care and the best patient outcomes. Unfortunately, that between her circumstances and the Francis report and was not the case at Mid Staffs, and concerns about the horrors that people went through at Stafford. quality of care and mortality rates are spreading. As I There are many reasons why someone might remember have said, constituents are now concerned about the the last time they saw their mother, but my experience is care they receive at the Medway Maritime hospital. overshadowed by a sense of guilt. During my mother’s The trust is always incredibly good at responding to long stay in hospital—she had been in and out—my my questions, whether they be about what I consider to brother, who lived abroad, had often been with me and be the high use of the Liverpool care pathway at the he persistently picked up that the pervading culture on hospital, constituent complaints, dementia care or specific the ward was that he who shouted loudest got attention. patient services. However, I fundamentally believe that My mother would describe how much pain and discomfort if a constituent has to involve an MP in a complaint, she was in—other Members have mentioned similar the system has failed. There is a growing perception that problems—and say, as elderly people do, “Don’t make a if someone complains, it is their fault and they are in fuss.” To his credit, my brother dealt with it by shouting the wrong, while the hospital paints itself as the victim loud. On that last day, my brother was not with me of the complaint rather than the other way around. because he had returned abroad. Unfortunately, I did That is wrong. not shout that day. I went back to the election and my mother sadly died. I am not drawing a comparison with The Medway Maritime hospital is under investigation what happened in Stafford, but many patients and for higher than expected hospital standardised mortality relatives will recognise that one has to shout loudly to rates, and there is currently a specific outlier alert on get heard. That points to a problem with the culture. septicaemia. Worryingly, this is not the first time this has happened. Discrepancies in coding were highlighted In 2005, to their credit, the last Government were way back in 2008 with the discovery that 8% of deaths increasing spending on the health service. However, that were being recorded as end-of-life care when the proportion suggests to me that the answer to improving outcomes should have been 37%. Adjusting the mortality index to and care is not about money. We can pour a lot of exclude those deaths reduced the hospital’s score by money in, but it will not do the trick. It has its role, but more than a third. A clear manipulation and distortion it is not the final driver. I hope that one of the legacies of the information only served to damage the best of Francis will be that we can recognise that the debate outcomes and services for the patients. I hope that that needs to move on. It should not be a bidding war will not happen again. However, as an outsider it appears between different political parties and ideologies about to me that the complexity of coding is part of the money. It should be about the thing that matters most: problem with the lack of transparency. will patients get better, will they receive quality care and will they be treated with respect and dignity, come what A culture of bullying and its suppression within the may? If we drive a mature debate in this country, we can NHS has been mentioned. The latest staff survey at achieve outcomes on that basis. the Medway Maritime hospital shows that there is still a perception that bullying is widespread. If we want to As Opposition Members have said, perhaps we can improve standards in patient care—which is a key aspiration step aside from politics. I am not naive and I do not for the newly restructured NHS—that has to be one of believe that that will happen. However, every time we the most important issues to address. I welcome today’s debate these matters, let us remember that we have a far announcement by the Secretary of State, but may I greater chance of achieving what we are here to do, make a practical suggestion that was put to me by a GP which is to provide a health service that is the envy of this morning? One of the problems with the system for the world, if we have a mature debate. I say cautiously complaints is that they stay within the hospital—they and with respect that in the light of Francis, our health go up to the management board and do not really go service cannot currently be the envy of the world, but its beyond it. Instead, complaints could be delivered on a ideals are most definitely the envy of the world. We have quarterly basis to the new clinical commissioning groups, a duty in this place to set the standards that will make it which would enable people outside the hospital structures the envy of the world once more. to look at potential trends and patterns of poor quality, I am very conscious of the time, but I would like to and at whether there are concerns about specific consultants. make one quick point. We have heard a lot about the We could end up taking the responsibility from the culture, but we cannot change it just like that. Culture is hospital, having the outsider look in, and making more thoroughly and utterly inbred within any institution. It practical changes. starts with the new people it trains—the includes the 579 Accountability and Transparency in 14 MARCH 2013 Accountability and Transparency in 580 the NHS the NHS people who are there now—and it touches everything question of governance. Governance applies everywhere that it does. Everything that an institution does should and must be accessible, transparent and something in reflect its culture, and changing the culture therefore which people have confidence. As hon. Members have takes time. pointed out, there is far too much buck-passing and Where I disagree with some in this House is in my evasion, and that will not help us arrive at a decent belief that leadership is where culture starts. This House, culture for patients, which is what we should be focusing managers in hospitals and trainers all have a role to on. Of course we are right to talk about “patients” play. However, every time I consider the role of the rather than “targets”, but we also need patients to feel current chief executive, Sir David Nicholson, I come comfortable with the system in which they are operating. back to the point that although he has voiced sentiments My hon. Friend the Member for Enfield North (Nick that I welcome in that he said that to achieve care we de Bois) made a good point about speaking out. Many need an open, transparent and care-led culture, that it is of us can speak out and do so nearly every day on a vital for staff to be seen as an asset, and that it is vital variety of subjects. Some patients cannot, however, and for staff to be able to challenge their leaders, the reality need additional advocacy that sometimes does not come is that he is a command-and-control manager. That is easily to them or their friends and family. Just imagine his legacy and others have paid a price for it. I believe them in a management system in which people cannot that his departure, whenever it may happen, is absolutely listen or talk to each other, let alone take into account necessary to change the culture because we need to start the views of patients! at the top and feed it throughout the business. I say that We must have a change of culture and, as the old with a heavy heart, because I do not believe that we saying goes, a fish rots from the head. This is about should be chasing scalps. However, as I said at the leadership and shaping a culture that effectively manages beginning, we should be chasing the ultimate outcome to spread out everywhere. That culture must be inclusive, of serving our patients and that is one way of doing it. transparent and open and effective at empowering people at every level, rather than shutting them down and 4.43 pm isolating them in systems that are too complicated to Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con): This debate has feel comfortable in. been thorough and, at times, moving. I congratulate my Finally, I welcome the appointment of a chief inspector hon. Friend the Member for Bristol North West (Charlotte for hospitals. That is a necessary appointment and will Leslie) on securing it. I was impressed by the moving make a huge difference. They must, however, look at the speech of the right hon. Member for Cynon Valley leadership of what he, or she, is inspecting. Leadership (Ann Clwyd) because it demonstrated the tragedy that is fundamental and matters, and we must ensure it is lies behind this debate. responsible and accountable. The Francis report is a disturbing document in many ways. The Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for 4.48 pm Health are right that we should not be looking for Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con): It is a scapegoats. I do not want us to find any scapegoats and pleasure to contribute to this important debate, and I I am sure that you, Mr Deputy Speaker, do not what us congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Bristol to find any scapegoats. We must remind ourselves what North West (Charlotte Leslie), and other Members, on a scapegoat is: it is somebody who gets the blame for securing it. Transparency and accountability are the somebody else’s behaviour. The question that we must hallmark of good governance, but they can involve ask is who is responsible. That is at the core of this issues such as whether a patient is on the Liverpool care debate. If we cannot find out, we must produce a system pathway, whether that is transparent and whether their that has a mechanism for responsibility. families know, not solely about the running of a particular When someone accepts responsibility, it is refreshing trust. and empowering. If a manager avoids that responsibility, I welcome freedom of information requests, which they are effectively acknowledging that they are weak are among the most useful tools available to a Member and insufficient at their job. If someone cannot answer of Parliament trying to secure information on data those questions and does not feel able to say, “The buck held by hospitals, ambulance services and so on. It is stops with me”, they are not doing their job properly. extraordinary, however, that we must resort to those We need to think about that system of responsibility tools to try to get that information and help in holding and accountability. the people running our services to account. Can gagging be consistent with effective, decent line I accept that the NHS is a complex organisation— management? Absolutely not. A person is effectively imagine a hospital that has issues with bed-blockers, saying that someone beneath—or even above—them social care, or people trying to find a place in a home, or cannot say what they need to say. A show cannot be run where ambulances are exceeding their handover targets. with that kind of mechanism, and we should certainly Those are interlocking issues. I still think, however, that not be content with the number of gagging clauses we it is important to hold the chief executives and boards have heard about today. I welcome the end of gagging of these trusts to account. clauses, and pose the same question that others have I was late today because I was at a meeting with the asked the Secretary of State: is the move retrospective? chairman and chief executive of our ambulance trust. Line management is also about culture because we This is not the first time I have had to work with other must be able to trust people when we ask for something MPs to highlight particular failures. In a Westminster to be done, and know that the message is getting out Hall debate, I called for the chairman of James Paget and is clear and fair. That is what good management is. hospital to step aside. I have not made that call today. It is not just an issue in the health service; it is an issue I have asked the chairman of the board to consider in any organisation, and that brings us to the overall carefully the potential issues arising from the CQC 581 Accountability and Transparency in 14 MARCH 2013 Accountability and Transparency in 582 the NHS the NHS [Dr Thérèse Coffey] indeed has the shadow Secretary of State. I think there can be general agreement that there has been a catastrophic report that is due to come out at any moment. It is failure of leadership. That was well and forensically frustrating that in trying to hit the target people often expressed by my hon. Friend the hon. Member for miss the point. The point is to care for patients. North East Cambridgeshire (Stephen Barclay). It is The Care Quality Commission and Monitor were worth nothing that although there may have been mentioned earlier. I welcome the changes made by the instances—there certainly have been—of clinical failures, right hon. Member for South Cambridgeshire (Mr Lansley) it is only possible to hold to account those managers to introduce unannounced spot checks by CQC. A lot who have a medical qualification registered with the of issues were unveiled as a result of the changes and General Medical Council. that is to be welcomed. I welcome the recommendation We had a blast of reality from the moving and to merge CQC and Monitor, as there is a risk of extraordinarily memorable speech by the right hon. ambiguity over exactly which body is holding people to Member for Cynon Valley (Ann Clwyd). I thank her, account. I welcome the move by the Secretary of State and the people who wrote to her, for sharing their tragic to have Ofsted-style inspections. I am sure he will learn stories. We had powerful and thoughtful speeches from lessons and ensure that they are focused on clear issues, Members involved in the Mid Staffs tragedy, including and not just on myriad matters that get away from the my hon. Friends the Members for Cannock Chase key point of patient care. (Mr Burley), for Stafford (Jeremy Lefroy) and for Stone MPs in the east of England came together and, by (Mr Cash). The debate benefited from the experience of speaking to the CQC and providing evidence, we managed Members who have worked directly in the NHS, including to stop the ambulance trust gaining foundation trust my hon. Friends the Members for Totnes (Dr Wollaston) status, because of the issue of care. Politicians therefore and for Bracknell (Dr Lee), and from the political can and should intervene when there is evidence of experience of those such as the right hon. Member for things going wrong, and not just accept the initial Holborn and St Pancras (Frank Dobson). I thank recommendation of Monitor. everybody for their contributions. I pay tribute to David Hill, chief executive of James This has been an important debate, in that it has Paget hospital. He had been chief executive of the finally provided a voice for many people who have been hospital before and went elsewhere in the health care kept silent for so long. Another lesson that we can draw system. He came back and within a week I could see from it is that it is not systems but people who care in that he had made a difference in the attitude to care. A our health service. We can take away from the debate year on, I am delighted to report that all the warning the many mechanisms of accountability and transparency notices have gone and that in the latest unannounced that have been suggested, as well as suggestions of how inspection it was given a clean bill of health. That is we can nurture the professionalism and the best instincts great news for the patients and great news for the staff. of those who work in our NHS. Let that be a mission It is a reminder that being brave and being prepared to for all of us. We must also really ensure—perhaps in incur the wrath of people who assume one is attacking contrast to what has been done before—that patients the NHS when one is actually trying to defend the NHS are at the very heart of what the NHS is all about. and patients, can be worthwhile. That leads me on to the matter of the difficult jobs we The debate has been enormously important, and I have to do. We have to remind all our governors and hope that it marks the beginning of a consensus and of board members that they are there to represent the a cross-party drive to ensure that the scandals and patients. They should not feel cowed. They should be tragedies that we have seen throughout our health system tenacious in pursuing the outcomes that everybody wants never occur again. I also hope that this marks the in the NHS. These are not easy times—I appreciate that. forming of a platform for the many people out there Let us not have too much hand-wringing about how who do not have the benefit of parliamentary privilege. hard it is. We all know it is, but I believe that politicians It is our duty to ensure that their silence—in many of all parties are here to try to support the people. We cases, a deadly silence—is ended by this debate and that will not do that by ducking the reality that we have to be a new era of transparency and accountability, which accountable. That is true in this House if we let down should be seen in by a new set of personnel in our NHS, our constituents, but it is also true for the members of begins here. boards who do not hold their chief executive to account Question put and agreed to. and demand nothing but the best for their patients. Resolved, 4.53 pm That this House believes that in the wake of the Francis Report it is clear that accountability and transparency are of paramount Charlotte Leslie (Bristol North West) (Con): This has importance to patient safety and trust in the NHS; and further been an excellent debate. I thank the Secretary of State, believes that across the NHS individuals found to have breached who has been here for the duration of the debate—as those principles should face the appropriate consequences. 583 14 MARCH 2013 Immigration Rules: Sponsors 584

Immigration Rules: Sponsors where the sponsor is in work and is a British citizen, but does not earn enough. By way of illustration, I want to Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House outline the details of three cases. My constituents said do now adjourn.—(Anne Milton.) they were happy for me to provide the details of their cases, but they did not want their identities revealed. I Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): Before I call shall refer to them as “Mr X” and so on. Kerry McCarthy, I must explain that, at 5 o’clock, the hon. Lady will be interrupted so that the same question The first case relates to Mr X, who for 10 years has can be put by the Whip. It is a procedural thing that will lived in Thailand with his Thai wife and their three-year-old no doubt be looked at by the Modernisation Committee. child in a long-established relationship. He now needs to return to the UK to look after his elderly parents who are recovering from cancer and are no longer able 4.56 pm to travel to Thailand— Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): The issue of immigration is, as ever, highly topical—I cannot remember 5pm a time in my nearly eight years in Parliament when it Motion lapsed (Standing Order No. 9(3)). was not—but I want to focus today on one specific Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House aspect of the immigration rules that has put some of my do now adjourn.—(Anne Milton.) constituents in a difficult position. I know from the responses I have received from other Members that it Kerry McCarthy: As I was saying, Mr X needs to has affected some of their constituents, too. A number return to the UK to look after his elderly parents who of Members have asked me whether I would be prepared are recovering from cancer. They used to go on a fairly to take interventions during the debate, and I am happy regular basis to visit him, his wife and child, but they to do so. are now too ill and infirm to visit. Mr X has a professional The Government have introduced a new minimum job in Thailand, which he has held down for a long income threshold of £18,600 for someone who wishes time. It is a decent salary according to local rates, but it to sponsor the settlement in the UK of a spouse, is not the equivalent of the £18,600 earnings limit in the partner, fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner whose UK. It is enough to provide him with the same living nationality is not that of one of the European economic standards in Thailand as he would have if he were on area countries. A higher threshold applies if the partner—I that sort of salary in the UK—it is obviously a lot shall use that term as shorthand from now on—has a cheaper to live there. Under the new rules, Mr X will child who requires sponsorship, too. It is £22,400 for have to leave his wife behind while he finds work in the one child and an additional £2,400 for each further UK, which he is not prepared to do—by which I mean child. There are also rules about adult and elderly not that he is not prepared to find work, but that he is dependants, which I do not have time to address here. not prepared to leave his wife behind. They are now The British Medical Association, among others, has considering moving to Spain instead, so that he is raised concerns with me about the operation of those reasonably close to his parents and it will be easier for rules. his wife to join him, perhaps becoming a Spanish national, Significant concerns have also been raised with me which would then allow them to enter the UK. about the time it takes to process applications that meet Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab): I congratulate all the rules but, again, I do not have time to address my hon. Friend on securing this debate. She is describing them in detail tonight. I will just say that no newly a situation that we on the all-party group inquiry into married couple wants to contend with delays when one family migration have heard several times. Does she partner is trying to join the other in this country, and it agree that there is a further nonsense to the situation would be helpful, and humane, if such cases could be she describes? If the family is not able to come in and speeded up, especially when they comply with all the look after the parents, instead of the family providing rules and it is just an administration problem that is care, this will pile costs on for public social care and holding things up. public health services. Today, however, I want to talk specifically about the income limits. I accept, as do my colleagues on the Kerry McCarthy: My hon. Friend makes a very good Labour Front Bench in the Home Affairs team, that point, as she always does. If I understand the Government’s family immigration rules should be firm, but they also ideological position on this issue, they want to support need to be fair. We need to keep the rules under review, families and very much approve of carers taking on and to adjust them as appropriate to deal with possible responsibility for elderly parents or others within their abuses and to manage migration at acceptable levels. I family network. The rule that we are talking about do not feel that it is right, however, that the rules should operates to prevent that from happening. be used to prevent those in genuine, loving relationships The second case features Mr Z and Ms Z who came from being able to share a life together in this country, to see me in my constituency surgery a few weeks ago. when one of them is already a British citizen. They were married in the UK in March 2011. She is We have always had the “no recourse to public funds” British citizen and her husband, who had been living rule, and I have dealt with many cases in which that has and working in the UK for six years under a valid work proved an obstacle to people wanting a partner to join permit, is South African. He was in highly paid professional them here, but I accept the need for such a rule to work in the UK, but soon after they married, he was protect UK taxpayers, provided humanitarian grounds made redundant. Although he could probably have for exception can be applied. We are not, however, secured another job at a similarly high salary in the UK, talking about cases where the people involved would be they decided to take a chance and move to Cape Town dependent on state support. We are talking about cases for a couple of years. 585 Immigration Rules: Sponsors14 MARCH 2013 Immigration Rules: Sponsors 586

[Kerry McCarthy] The couple cannot live in the Philippines together, which is an option that they explored. If my constituent After two years in South Africa, however, they have were in a relationship with an undivorced woman in the decided that they want to return to the UK, but the Philippines, he could face seven years in jail and she rules changed while they were away. He will not be could face three to four years. allowed to join his wife in the UK unless she earns more It turned out, after we had looked into it, that my than £18,600—despite the fact that he is a highly skilled constituent’s income is just enough for him to qualify computer programmer who could expect to earn perhaps under the rules. He came to see me because he had £60,000 a year in the UK. Before they left for Cape heard about the £62,000 savings limit, and thought that Town, my woman constituent was earning £26,000 a he was expected to have that much money in the bank year as a pub manager. As she has been out of work for on top of his income. However, if he had earned just two years in Cape Town, however, there is a gap in her £100 a month less, he would not have been able to bring CV, so she is unlikely to be able to walk straight back his partner to the United Kingdom either. They were into a manager’s position, although she aspires to do so exploring the possible options. His partner was considering in a couple of years’ time. Wages in the pub trade are going to Canada, and he thought that perhaps he would not particularly high, so it is likely she will start on a be able to join her there. salary below £18,600. As I said, they would have a joint income as a family of about £75,000 because her husband The situation is ridiculous. My constituent has family could get a well-paid job, but under the new rules it is responsibilities, and is settled in employment in the UK. based on her income, so he would not be able to join The fact that he would have been forced to go to the her. other side of the world to be with his partner when she could join him here seems nonsensical to me. Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab): My hon. Friend Mr Virendra Sharma (Ealing, Southall) (Lab): Does cites a number of cases. I think this whole process is my hon. Friend agree that the rules go against the basic unfair because it is quite clear that families who can principle that families should be united rather than afford to maintain themselves without making any demands divided? These financial conditions are dividing not on public funds are being kept apart. My hon. Friend only husbands and wives but parents, grandparents and has cases of people returning to the UK, and just this others. Are they not unfair and discriminatory, especially week I have had two constituents contact me about to those outside European Union countries? similar issues. One case was a man returning here from India who has £82,000 in a UK bank. Clearly, he and his wife could properly maintain themselves. However, Kerry McCarthy: I think that the Government are savings do not count. The man is self-employed, but trying to avoid circumstances in which spouses or fiancées, will not have the long record of employment needed to for instance, are used as a form of chain migration. I meet the £26,000-plus requirement, so he is unable to have seen that happen, and I accept that the system is have his wife here with him. The other person— open to abuse and should not be abused in that way. I have come across instances in which people first apply for permission for a spouse to join them in this country, Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): I am sorry to and then extend the application to elderly parents, or interrupt the hon. Lady, but this is supposed to be an perhaps younger brothers and sisters. I accept that we intervention, not a speech. have to manage migration to this country, and that we ought to control such situations. However, none of the Kerry McCarthy: Perhaps when I have spoken for a cases I have cited involves anything like that. little longer, my hon. Friend the Member for Slough People are increasingly working and studying abroad. (Fiona Mactaggart) will be able to intervene again and People are going off to university in other countries, make her second point. Indeed, if she intervenes several meeting their partners there, and then not being able to more times, she may eventually be able to tell the whole return to the United Kingdom with their partners until story. they have established themselves on the career ladder. It I understand that those who earn less than £18,600 is not uncommon now for graduates to start work—if can top it up if they have savings, up to a maximum of they can start work; they may be on unpaid or paid £62,000. A constituent who was in that situation came internships or low-paid jobs for the first couple of years to see me the other day. Perhaps the Minister will be after graduating—but to be unable to bring their partners able to clarify the position when he responds, but I into this country. I recognise the need to ensure that think that people have to show that they have had the new migrants to the UK do not increase the burden on money in their accounts for six months and it has not the British taxpayer, but many couples survive on less just been lent to them. than the average income without being a burden on the The final case to which I want to refer is that of a taxpayer. constituent whose girlfriend is based in Hong Kong, but is of Philippine origin. He wants her to join him in the Fiona Mactaggart: The earning capacity of the spouse United Kingdom, but they cannot marry. She was from overseas cannot be taken into account. I received married to an abusive husband in the Philippines—she a tragic e-mail today from a man who wrote “I cannot fled to Hong Kong to get away from him—but divorce get the money. I fell in love with my wife. What can I do? is illegal in the Philippines, which in itself raises interesting I am really scared.” His wife speaks fluent English, and questions. What happens if someone from the Philippines is a qualified science teacher in Algeria. She would have comes to this country and wants to marry a British been able to contribute to science education in my citizen? What will be the impact on that person’s constituency, but she is not going to be able to come immigration status if that is not allowed? here. 587 Immigration Rules: Sponsors14 MARCH 2013 Immigration Rules: Sponsors 588

Kerry McCarthy: That is a valid point and I was throw it back at the hon. Lady and the hon. Member for about to come on to it. Why is this based only on the Ealing, Southall (Mr Sharma), people can come here to sponsor’s salary? As I mentioned, it is highly likely the establish their family lives, but we ask that they should couple currently living in Cape Town would have a joint not expect the taxpayer to fund that. income of £75,000 or more, so they would not in any The hon. Lady raised the point about no recourse to way be a burden on the state. public funds, which has always been in place, and Basing things solely on the sponsor’s income will suggested that was a sufficient protection for the taxpayer. inevitably have a differential impact on women who The problem with that is twofold. First, under the seek to bring their partner here, because, sadly, it is still immigration rules only some things the taxpayer funds a fact of life that women are likely to earn less than their are classed as public funds. The things that are not partner. Of course, this is even more likely when a child considered as public funds are NHS costs, social care, is involved. If a couple wish to return to the UK contribution-based jobseeker’s allowance, incapacity benefit, because the woman is about to give birth—which means maternity allowance, retirement pension and statutory she will not be working for the next year or so—they maternity pay. A range of funds, therefore, are not will not be able to do so, even if the man has an offer of excluded under the no recourse to public funds measure. a well-paid job here, unless he meets the increasingly If someone comes to the UK under no recourse to stringent rules for getting a work visa, which would public funds, we would still have to provide health care mean he would have to work in a specific field where to them, therefore, which may well be a burden on the there is a skills shortage. taxpayer. I want to make a point about flexibility, too. In the current economic climate, people can lose their jobs at Fiona Mactaggart: Most of the benefits to which the the drop of a hat, and these rules do not deal with the Minister has referred are contribution-based, and therefore realities of life. People can be earning a decent income are not relevant. On health care, however, I think most one day but not the next day, and then be back in work of our constituents would be quite happy if there were a a month or two later. How can the rules be sufficiently requirement looking at some way of paying for health flexible to deal with such situations, rather than just care, because part of the point of this is that there are penalise people? lots of cases where people will have enough money on What representations has the Minister received about any system, but not on this rule. cases that fall into this category? From the research I have done, it is clear there are many such cases. Stories Mr Harper: Let me come back to that. The specific have been reported in the newspapers, too, and many cases that the hon. Lady and the hon. Member for MPs have constituents who are caught up in this situation. Bristol East raised can I think be dealt with elsewhere in What analysis has the Minister done of the sort of the immigration rules; that comes back to the point people caught under these new rules, and in the light about representations. of some of the human stories he has heard—stories of couples who simply want to be able to spend their lives Kerry McCarthy: It seems to me wrong that if someone together in the UK—has he given any consideration to is earning a modest income, their partner or child revising the rules and allowing more flexibility in decision cannot access the NHS, but if they are wealthy, they making? can. Surely that goes completely against what the NHS is meant to be about. The Minister is saying that there is 5.11 pm a different rule for people who earn more, meaning that their partners can get NHS treatment. The Minister for Immigration (Mr Mark Harper): I am grateful to the hon. Member for Bristol East (Kerry Mr Harper: No, the hon. Lady misunderstands me, McCarthy) for giving me an opportunity to set out the which I am sure is my fault for not explaining the Government’s thinking. As she was speaking, I was situation. The point is that if someone comes here and thinking through a number of responses, and I hope I we say they have no recourse to public funds, they do can also respond to the multiple instalment story from have access to the NHS. I think the hon. Lady was the hon. Member for Slough (Fiona Mactaggart), who arguing that because someone on a modest income who finally got it all out, I think. brings their family member here could not access public Let me first set out a bit of background to put this funds, that would not place a burden on the taxpayer. matter in context. As part of our general reform of the My point was that if, for example, that person needed to immigration system across all the routes coming to the access the NHS, they could, and of course that burden United Kingdom, we undertook a major overhaul of would fall on the taxpayer, even though the income-earner’s the family routes. There were three aims: to prevent contribution to the Exchequer may be very modest. burdens on the taxpayer, to promote integration, and to The other, wider, issue concerns the way our welfare tackle abuse. The hon. Member for Bristol East’s focus system works. The presence of the partner may of has been on the financial requirement, which is the course increase the benefits that the British national is minimum income threshold of £18,600 a year to be met entitled to. Although the migrant might not be entitled by those wishing to sponsor a partner of non-European to housing benefit, for example, their presence may well economic area nationality to settle in the UK, with increase the amount that the UK citizen is able to claim. higher levels for those who also sponsor dependent That may give rise to a genuine issue about how our non-EEA national children. welfare system works—that is another debate—but given The point of the requirement is to prevent burdens how it works, it is not quite as simple as saying that, from falling on the taxpayer and to promote successful because there is no recourse to public funds, there is no integration. To put the story round the other way and to burden on the taxpayer from their presence. 589 Immigration Rules: Sponsors14 MARCH 2013 Immigration Rules: Sponsors 590

[Mr Harper] that to mean income equivalent to the level of income support for a British family of that size, which was I want to say something about a change relating to about £5,500 a year for a couple at that time. Our view integration, albeit briefly as it does not fall within the was that that level of income was not an adequate basis category of finance. We think English language skills for sustainable family migration and did not provide are very important, which is why, from October, we are adequate assurance that UK sponsors and their migrant increasing the level of English language skills we expect. partners could support themselves and their children That is partly to give those who come here the best over the long term. possible chance of integrating—participating in the The previous regime also required quite a complex workplace and being part of the community. assessment, both for applicants and caseworkers, of current and prospective employment income and other Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con): The Minister is making financial means. It made decision making difficult, as a really important point. People are welcome, providing was highlighted by the independent chief inspector’s they can contribute to the society they are joining. That report of 24 January on the processing of applications is surely good for them, too. Does the Minister agree under the old rules for spouses and partners. Again, that the central point regarding language and income is that was partly why we wanted a financial requirement that they feel comfortable, involved and included? that was clear and transparent; applicants would know where they stood, and we could make clear and timely Mr Harper: I do, and that goes back to the central decisions. point of the debate. The minimum income threshold is £18,600 a year, I was about to give a little background to how we with a higher amount with those sponsoring dependent arrived at the particular sums of money involved, because children—it is £22,400 for those sponsoring one child that is helpful— and an extra £2,400 for each further child. We based Fiona Mactaggart: Will the Minister take this opportunity that on the expert advice of the independent Migration to commit to making sure that in every country, applicants Advisory Committee. It gave us a range of figures and who are trying to come here to join a spouse can that was at the low end. Its figures went up to about actually get the qualifications he is going to require of £25,000, a level at which someone would be making a them? net contribution to the Exchequer. The £18,600 level we settled on is broadly the income at which a couple, once Mr Harper: My understanding is that people are able settled here, cannot access income-related benefits. It is to do that. I can tell from the way the hon. Lady is not an exact match, but it was as close as we can get. looking at me that there is a point behind her question, Our approach broadly says, “If they are here earning so if she will do me the courtesy of dropping me a line, I that amount of money, they are going to be able to will examine the argument she is making and get back stand on their own two feet and not expect the taxpayer to her, rather than diverting the debate away from its to support them.” central point. Kate Green: I understand the logic the Minister is Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con): At the risk outlining, but when benefits are assessed for a household of diverting the debate for just a fraction longer, I worry they are assessed on a household basis. So this approach a bit about this language test. I come from a third-generation does not appear to address the point that has been immigrant family, and my grandfather to the end of his made about ignoring the income of the incoming spouse. life spoke English haltingly and with a thick foreign accent. What mattered was that he was able to undertake Mr Harper: The hon. Lady makes a very good point, a productive trade, and that his children and grandchildren which I am coming on to address. In most cases—this were not cosseted by being taught in the language of the comes back to the point about representations—including country they had left, but were properly educated in the one of the cases the hon. Member for Bristol East language of the country they had joined. To have too raised and the one mentioned by the hon. Member for stringent a language test is to look at the problem the Slough (Fiona Mactaggart), there is often an alternative wrong way round. way, through the immigration rules, of someone getting to the United Kingdom. So the reason we do not take Mr Harper: I was listening very carefully to what my into account— hon. Friend said, and I will reflect on it. I thank him for making that point. Kerry McCarthy rose— Let me say a little more about the financial changes— Mr Harper: Let me just develop the point, because Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con): I am glad either I will answer it satisfactorily or I will not and the that my hon. Friend is moving on to that point, because hon. Lady will then be able pick up the point she thinks residents in my constituency are surprised that the limit I have not answered adequately, rather than getting in of £18,000 is so low, given that we hear concerns about first. I will make two points. First, we do not take into the benefits cap of £26,000. I am delighted that he is account the previous income of the migrant partner going to explain why the limit is £18,000—of course, it when they apply for entry clearance mainly because is more for people with children. what someone happened to be earning elsewhere is no guarantee of their finding work here. However, in the Mr Harper: The previous requirement, which I think case she highlighted of the female British citizen with a has been alluded to, was that applicants had to be South African husband and in the case that the hon. “adequately maintained”. The courts generally interpreted Member for Slough mentioned of the skilled science 591 Immigration Rules: Sponsors14 MARCH 2013 Immigration Rules: Sponsors 592 teacher, although the partner may not be able to get Dr Thérèse Coffey: Does my hon. Friend agree that entry clearance to come to the United Kingdom as a plenty of companies in this country regularly secure spouse, they would of course be able to apply under our permits to bring talented people to fulfil specific roles? tier 2 skilled working visa to come to the United Kingdom. So, it happens now and we are proud to welcome talent They could then get entry clearance on that basis and into our country to fill those roles. once here in work, earning an income, they would be able to switch into the family route. They could then Mr Harper: My hon. Friend is right. If people have show that they could earn that level of income and that married or are with a partner, they are looking at a would then be taken into account. So people who would particular route. It is worth saying, and her intervention be able to come here to work in a skilled job could come highlights this, that there are alternative routes for here under an alternative route and once they have people under the immigration rules for some of these established the fact of earning that level of income, they difficult cases. would be able to change their status under the spouse route, with the appropriate route to settlement. So Neil Carmichael: May I go back to the qualification certainly the South African husband could follow that period, for both savings and income? Why did the route and it would work for him. Government choose six months?

Kerry McCarthy: My understanding is that he would Mr Harper: It was to ensure that people could not be able to do that only if his job could not be filled by a abuse the system by holding the money for only a day or UK person. He is a computer programmer and, obviously, two, making the application, succeeding and then giving there are a lot of those in this country already, so he the money back. It is to make sure that the money is would not meet the criteria: no employer would say that genuinely under someone’s control and available to the skills they required could be met only by him and them rather than their borrowing money that belongs not by anyone else. He has worked in the UK for six to someone else for a short period. We felt that six months years under a work permit and it was unfortunate that met that requirement without being overly burdensome the couple left the UK for a short time and the rules and putting unreasonable requirements on individuals. changed while they were out of the country. Had they Perhaps I will follow up the point made by the hon. not done so, they would have been able to go down the Member for Slough if she speaks to me about the route that the Minister suggested. specific case. Inspiration has told me that the savings do not count in that way with self-employed people. If she Mr Harper: Under the tier 2 rule, it has to be a skilled has a specific case, which it looks like she has, perhaps job and they have to undergo a resident labour market she will draw that to my attention and I will look at it test. So if he has a particular employer in mind, the and see whether I think the rules are sufficient to deal rules may be a little more inflexible in the sense that he with it. may not be able to say a specific employer, but if he has skills to offer, there are many occupations in which Thomas Docherty (Dunfermline and West Fife) (Lab): there is a shortage of people. If it is an occupation on I beg to move, That the House sit in private. the shortage occupation list, the employer is not required to undergo a resident labour market test. There are Question put forthwith (Standing Order No. 163). therefore opportunities in certain cases for someone to The House proceeded to a Division. come here. The hon. Member for Slough highlighted the issue of 5.48 pm savings. Despite the fact that I managed to throw together Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): On a point of some maths A-levels, that was a long time ago so I will order, Mr Deputy Speaker, the Division seems to be not try to do the maths in my head. Savings can be used taking an excessively long time. to make up the difference. We look at the amount of savings above £16,000, which is the threshold that is Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): I am sorry, generally disregarded for income-related benefits. If I did not hear the hon. Gentleman. someone holds savings for the period that they are hoping to come to the United Kingdom, which would Paul Flynn: My point of order was about the length be 30 months, the savings count as long as the applicants of time the Division is taking given the small number of have them under their control for at least six months. Members present. Are people playing games? Fiona Mactaggart: Even if they are self-employed? Mr Deputy Speaker: Mr Flynn, I cannot believe that that could possibly happen. If somebody is playing Mr Harper: I believe that the answer is yes. If inspiration games, I am not sure who it is. You made your point of does not strike me before the end of the debate to order just as I was rising to ask the Serjeant at Arms to confirm that, I will write to her. investigate the delay in both Lobbies. In the immigration rules laid today, we have made some changes to the evidential requirements. For example, 5.52 pm we had cases in which people were in receipt of tax-free stipends from universities. The net amount was below Mr Deputy Speaker: I am on the verge of sending £18,600 and the rules were previously unclear about somebody to see where the Serjeant at Arms has gone. whether people could gross it up. I had a couple of cases Has this got anything to do with Comic Relief by any raised with me and I thought it self-evident that people chance? It is that time of year. should be able to gross it up. So we have made it clear that that is indeed the case. Mr Harper): Comic Relief is tomorrow. 593 Immigration Rules: Sponsors14 MARCH 2013 Immigration Rules: Sponsors 594

Mr Deputy Speaker: We may still be sitting tomorrow! Thomas Docherty: On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. There is some confusion over whether it is The House having divided: Ayes 3, Noes 82. technically possible under “Erskine May” to call for a Division No. 190] [5.29 pm Division on the Adjournment. Of course, you are the gatekeeper and the guardian of good order, but my AYES understanding is that there have been occasions on Brown, Lyn Tellers for the Ayes: which the House has divided on the Adjournment. I Docherty, Thomas Alison McGovern and believe that after an Adjournment debate on Norway in Flynn, Paul Julie Hilling 1940, there was a Division on the Adjournment. Any guidance that you can give me would be gratefully NOES received. Abbott, Ms Diane Jones, Andrew Abrahams, Debbie Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald Mr Deputy Speaker: I thank the hon. Gentleman for Aldous, Peter Lee, Dr Phillip his point of order. I know that the House is waiting Alexander, Heidi Lefroy, Jeremy with eager anticipation for the answer. The answer is Amess, Mr David Leslie, Chris that it is gone 5.30, so the Question would not be put in Bailey, Mr Adrian Lewis, Dr Julian any event. Therefore, the Question cannot be put. Baker, Norman Lilley, rh Mr Peter Barclay, Stephen Mactaggart, Fiona Thomas Docherty: Further to that point of order, Benn, rh Hilary May, rh Mrs Theresa Mr Deputy Speaker. I am incredibly grateful for that Benyon, Richard McCarthy, Kerry clarification. I had a brief opportunity in the few moments Blackman-Woods, Roberta McIntosh, Miss Anne that I spent in the Aye Lobby to look at “Erskine May”, Bottomley, Sir Peter Metcalfe, Stephen but I could not find that reference. Is it possible for it to Brake, rh Tom Miller, Andrew Brooke, Annette Munt, Tessa be circulated, for the benefit of Members such as me Bruce, Fiona Parish, Neil who are not as knowledgeable as Mr Deputy Speaker, Buckland, Mr Robert Penning, Mike so that we do not waste any more of the House’s time? Carmichael, Neil Percy, Andrew Clark, Katy Pound, Stephen Mr Deputy Speaker: Some people may interpret what Coaker, Vernon Randall, rh Mr John is going on now as being a waste of time, but certainly Coffey, Dr Thérèse Reckless, Mark not the Chair. I am absolutely certain that clarifications Cooper, Rosie Rees-Mogg, Jacob on the rules of procedure will be made. The Question Crausby, Mr David Reid, Mr Alan could have been put before the moment of interruption, Creagh, Mary Rosindell, Andrew for instance at 5.29, which, as the hon. Gentleman has Crouch, Tracey Rutley, David pointed out, has happened in the past. I think that the Cruddas, Jon Selous, Andrew last time it happened was in the 1970s. On this occasion, Dorrell, rh Mr Stephen Sharma, Mr Virendra we have clearly gone past the moment of interruption Dowd, Jim Sheerman, Mr Barry Doyle-Price, Jackie Slaughter, Mr Andy and, therefore, the Question will not be posed. Eagle, Ms Angela Smith, Henry Elliott, Julie Swayne, rh Mr Desmond Jacob Rees-Mogg (North East Somerset) (Con): On a Evennett, Mr David Syms, Mr Robert point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. If the Question Gardiner, Barry Timms, rh Stephen that this House do now adjourn cannot be put, how can Goodwill, Mr Robert Tomlinson, Justin we decide whether the House is to adjourn or not? Green, Kate Weatherley, Mike Surely if we have missed the opportunity for putting Gyimah, Mr Sam Whitehead, Dr Alan that Question, we need to carry on sitting. Hames, Duncan Wiggin, Bill Hands, Greg Williamson, Chris Mr Deputy Speaker: Thank you, Mr Rees-Mogg, for Harper, Mr Mark Wollaston, Dr Sarah that point of order. We are past the moment of interruption. Hollobone, Mr Philip Young, rh Sir George Had the Minister carried on speaking until half past 5, Horwood, Martin I would have just stood up and not put the Question. Jamieson, Cathy Tellers for the Noes: Javid, Sajid Anne Milton and Johnson, Joseph Nicky Morgan 5.56 pm House adjourned without Question put (Standing Order Question accordingly negatived. No. 9(7)). 145WH 14 MARCH 2013 FCO: Human Rights Work 146WH

The Committee’s human rights report concluded that, Westminster Hall in pursuing interests alongside values, the UK runs the risk of operating double standards. It urged the Government to be more transparent and to set out the contradictions Thursday 14 March 2013 in the public domain. The Government rejected our recommendation, but I invite the Minister to consider [MR DAI HAVARD in the Chair] whether the approach that we proposed would in fact be more open and realistic. Could it expose the Government to less criticism in the long run, without sacrificing our FCO: Human Rights Work principles? [Relevant documents: The FCO’s human rights work in The Committee noted that nearly two thirds of the 2011, Third Report of the Foreign Affairs Committee, FCO’s report was taken up with commentary on human HC 116, and the Government response, Cm 8506.] rights in countries of concern. The section on countries Motion made, and Question proposed, That the sitting of concern is a valuable source of information, but it be now adjourned.—(Mr Swire.) has difficulties, such as certain controversial omissions and vague criteria, although I note that the Government 1.30 pm response says that the FCO will report fully on the criteria in its next report. We warned that the list of Richard Ottaway (Croydon South) (Con): I am pleased countries of concern would lose credibility if political to open this debate on the Select Committee on Foreign and strategic factors were allowed to colour decisions Affairs report on the human rights work of the Foreign on designation. Such decisions, we said, should be and Commonwealth Office. We are lucky to live in a based purely on the assessment of human rights standards functioning, flourishing democracy, underpinned by the and should stand up to objective comparison. rule of law. Sometimes, we are accused of going too far in our quest to protect the sanctity of human rights, Bahrain is a case in which we questioned the Foreign particularly those of criminals who seek refuge on Office’s judgment. At least 35 people died and 2,000 British shores, but it is a price that we pay for freedom were arrested following repression in early 2011. The and a fair society. The question is whether we have a report by the Bahrain Independent Commission of moral duty to export the values and rights that we hold Inquiry, although substantial and respected, is being so dear. Of course we do, but perhaps not at the expense implemented slowly, and there is still much to be done. I of our national interests. Matching the UK’s support am keen to keep an open mind on the issue, as we are for human rights and democratic values with its pursuit still in the midst of our inquiry into the UK’s relations of trade, security, energy and strategic interests is central with Saudi Arabia and Bahrain and have yet to hear to much of the Foreign Office’s work. their Governments’ side of the argument. However, the In addressing the conflict between interests and values, injustices in Bahrain in February and March 2011 were a good starting point is the Prime Minister’s speech to undeniable, and the events in Bahrain did not seem any the Kuwait national Parliament in February 2011: less serious than those in other countries that were listed as countries of concern. I know that the Foreign “For decades, some have argued that stability required highly controlling regimes, and that reform and openness would put that Office is not persuaded—it says that Bahrain has a stability at risk. So, the argument went, countries like Britain better record than many countries in the region—but it faced a choice between our interests and our values. And to be is only fair to give notice to the Minister that one of the honest, we should acknowledge that sometimes we have made first things that Committee members will do when the such calculations in the past. But I say that is a false choice.” FCO publishes this year’s report is to turn the pages to A careful balance needs to be struck between our see whether Bahrain has been designated a country of interests and our values, and the Committee’s report on concern, as we believe it should be. the Foreign Office’s human rights work in 2011 explored Deportation with assurances was another area that. In general, we found that the Foreign Office, which highlighted in the Committee’s report. Countries receiving I congratulate on its report, was doing a lot of excellent deportees from the UK give assurances that their human work, at times under difficult circumstances, but we rights will be respected on their return. Arrangements believe that Ministers should be bolder in acknowledging are already in place with Jordan, Lebanon, Ethiopia, contradictions between the UK’s interests overseas and Algeria and Morocco. As a Committee, we are aware of its human rights values. Such contradictions are a theme the widespread criticism that promises by Governments that recurs constantly in inquiries by the Foreign Affairs with a chequered record of treatment of detainees are, Committee. A good example is our report on the Arab to quote one of our witnesses, not worth the paper that spring; some witnesses thought that a conflict between they are written on. The case of Abu Qatada, which has the two could not always be avoided. provoked great anger and frustration in recent weeks, is Giving evidence in the current inquiry into Bahrain a prime example. I welcome the Government’s response and Saudi Arabia, Sir Tom Phillips, a former UK that David Anderson, QC, the independent reviewer of ambassador to Saudi Arabia, told the Committee only terrorism, will conduct a one-off review of the policy on a couple of weeks ago about working with the grain of deportation with assurances and that the conclusions particular societies in Saudi Arabia to advance UK will be made public. However, the Committee asks the values. He added, significantly: Foreign Office to provide more information on the “I never interpreted the working-with-the-grain mantra as arrangements for monitoring detention conditions. The meaning that one should not be clear when necessary about our Foreign Office agreed in its response to provide details principles on any particular issue.” of the monitoring bodies and the arrangements for Throughout our human rights inquiry, the issue surfaced following up monitoring. When will that information again in relation to Bahrain and Burma. be provided? 147WH FCO: Human Rights Work14 MARCH 2013 FCO: Human Rights Work 148WH

[Richard Ottaway] The UK can refuse to grant a visa for a non-European economic area national to enter the UK if there is We also concluded that the DWA arrangements are “independent, reliable and credible evidence that an individual of such significance in Parliament that greater accountability has committed human rights abuses”. is warranted. We suggested that the text of the memorandum of understanding underlying the The Government have come under pressure to deny UK arrangements should be laid before Parliament and that entry visas to those people thought to have played a Members should have 14 days to object. The Government part in Mr Magnitsky’s death. Perhaps the Government rejected the recommendation, pointing out that have already done exactly that, but we do not know, memorandums of understanding are not legally binding, because the Government’s policy is not to routinely but I hint to the Minister that the FCO missed the point publicise the identity of those who are banned from slightly. We are talking about agreements of considerable entering the UK. We concluded that there was value in political significance and concern to Members throughout publicising the names of those who were denied entry the House. I urge him and his Foreign Office colleagues to the UK on human rights grounds, if that power was to rethink. used sparingly. There is some debate whether pressure should be The Government response confirmed that it could applied in public or in private. We devoted a section of disclose the names of those denied entry “when justified”. our report to the FCO’s use of public pressure such as That is all very well, but how often do the Government sanctions, boycotts and the like, but sometimes private feel that publication is justified? It seems to me that it is pressure is the way forward. Sir Tom Phillips, the former very rarely, and I wonder whether the Government are UK ambassador to Saudi Arabia, told us that he strongly missing an opportunity to draw attention to our advocated private pressure for reform on human rights determination to uphold high standards of human rights in countries such as Saudi Arabia, though he did not by shaming those who blatantly disregard them. rule out public pressure. As we have touched on the subject of Russia’s It is generally accepted that there are occasions on questionable human rights record, I also draw attention which public pressure, particularly concerted multilateral to Mikhail Khodorkovsky, the former head of the action, can be valuable in indicating widespread disapproval Yukos oil company, who fell out with the Kremlin after of a foreign state’s human rights practices; whether or challenging official corruption. He is currently serving not it works is another matter. On sanctions in Burma, his 10th year in a prison cell, on grounds that are it would not be difficult to argue that the EU sanctions distinctly flaky and based on a trial that did not comply on Iran have been effective in contributing to the current with the standards that we would recognise in the west. parlous state of the country’s economy, but it would be In conclusion, I reaffirm our praise for the FCO’s harder to make that argument for the sanctions imposed work on this highly sensitive and morally complex area. on Burma by the EU. The FCO is working in the real world, and the Committee’s The EU agreed last April to a partial suspension of job is to support it as a critical friend. We hope that its sanctions against Burma, for one year. The Committee some of our recommendations will help the FCO to was satisfied that enough progress had been made towards strike a better balance, so that its global influence and reform in Burma to justify that. We believe, however, credibility grow stronger. We live in an age of 24/7 news, that there is still some way to go. By current estimates, where intelligence can be disseminated worldwide at the there are still some 200 political prisoners in Burma. We click of a button. We also have the unprecedented urge the FCO to press for better access for independent emancipation of previously suppressed peoples, and observers to Rakhine state, where violence against the they might be suspicious of the motives of foreign Rohingya minority reached a peak last year. countries meddling in their affairs. It would therefore be The EU Foreign Affairs Council will need to agree a naive Foreign Office that imagines that it can pretend whether to extend the partial suspension of sanctions to act solely in the interest of human rights, when it has next month. We would be grateful to the Minister if he its own citizens and national interests to protect. told us what the FCO’s preferred outcome is for those discussions. If he is in favour of continuing the partial suspension, will the UK make that conditional on further 1.44 pm commitments to reform by the Burmese Government? Mike Gapes (Ilford South) (Lab/Co-op): I am grateful Will he clarify his statement in answer to a parliamentary to be called early, Mr Havard. I begin by taking up the question in February, when he said that, if unanimity at question on Russia, which my friend the Chairman of the EU Foreign Affairs Council cannot be reached, the Committee, the hon. Member for Croydon South “sanctions will fall away in their entirety”?—[Official Report, (Richard Ottaway) left us with. The chairman of the 28 February 2013; Vol. 559, c. 668W.] Duma international relations committee, Alexei Pushkov, On denying entry visas on human rights grounds, was on “Newsnight”yesterday, and I am sure the Minister hon. Members will be familiar with the tragic case of will have been shown a transcript of what he had to say. Sergei Magnitsky—a lawyer who died in pre-trial detention He said—I am paraphrasing, because I do not have a in Russia in November 2009, following the denial of transcript—that Blair and Brown were hostile to Russia medical treatment. No one has yet been convicted of and raised questions on human rights and other matters, any offence in relation to his death. In passing, I register but that David Cameron’s attitude was different and the my dismay at the decision of the Russian authorities to British Government have a new approach. Will the proceed with the posthumous prosecution of Mr Magnitsky Minister clarify the Government’s position, given that for defrauding the state. I hope that the Foreign Office there have been discussions with the Russian Foreign will make it clear to the Russians that that is a vindictive Minister and Defence Minister in London in the past and callous action, which we condemn. week? 149WH FCO: Human Rights Work14 MARCH 2013 FCO: Human Rights Work 150WH

Is there a new approach that downgrades human leaders at a higher level. Canada has made its position rights concerns about events in Russia and ignores the on that clear. Is it still the British Government’s position murder by polonium on the streets of London of a man that it is too early to judge? If so, what criteria will need with connections with Russia and the UK? We also to be met before our Prime Minister attends that have outstanding issues, which date back to the harassment Commonwealth meeting? of our ambassador in Moscow, and I understand that Finally, I want to raise a general point about the need harassment of British diplomats is ongoing. There are for human rights issues to be at the centre of the also issues relating to the British Council. To coin a approach to such matters internationally. I was concerned phrase, has there been a reset of relations with Russia, when the UK Border Agency and the Home Office such that human rights and concerns of a bilateral started to have a lead role on some of these issues. nature are no longer on the agenda, or is Mr Pushkov Potentially, there is a downgrading of the concerns that mistaken? I hope he is, but it would be interesting to are expressed by Human Rights Watch, Amnesty hear from the Government whether that is the case. International and other organisations that look at those The second thing I will talk about is Sri Lanka. I have matters worldwide. If the approach in Government is a long-standing constituency interest in Sri Lanka, because that policy priority is given to economic benefits—or many of my constituents fled from the terrible violence other matters, but that human rights issues are of the Sri Lanka civil war. I also have many constituents subservient—and if we have a policy that is driven by who came to Britain several decades ago and did not the desire to keep down the number of foreign nationals flee from that war. They are happily settled in the UK coming to the UK, that raises concerns about how we and have a different narrative to tell. I am increasingly will deal with people who are at risk of persecution, concerned that there is a policy to remove people back torture, and even of their lives, because other criteria to Sri Lanka following the civil war’s end when we do are being given priority by the Government. I hope that not have the necessary guarantees about the human that is not the case, and I will be grateful to hear the rights situation and the treatment of those individuals Government’s response. on their return. In our Select Committee report on the matter, we referred to concerns of that kind, as well as to the policy and relationship of the FCO and the UK 1.52 pm Border Agency on decisions about the human rights Sir John Stanley (Tonbridge and Malling) (Con): I situation in Sri Lanka and the forced removal of Tamil am pleased to follow the present Chairman of the people living in the UK. The Government have recently Foreign Affairs Committee, my hon. Friend the Member had to respond to a freedom of information request for Croydon South (Richard Ottaway), and his predecessor, from an organisation called Freedom from Torture, the hon. Member for Ilford South (Mike Gapes). I very which I understand raised some further concerns. much endorse the comments of my hon. Friend, when When the Select Committee raised the issue, we were he said that the Government would do well to acknowledge told that there are no credible allegations on the torture that there is an inherent conflict between the Government of individuals who have been returned to Sri Lanka. We pursuing their legitimate commercial interests, on one were also told that the Government do not yet have hand, and also standing up fearlessly for human rights substantiated evidence that people who have been returned on the other. The same point and representations have have been mistreated. We asked about the processes been made by the Committees on Arms Export Controls, they go through, how they check, who they speak to which I chair, and the Government would do well to and how they gather information. A substantial section acknowledge that inherent conflict, rather than expressing of the Government response refers in passing to those a position of trying to pretend that no such conflict issues, but I will not quote it now. Do the Government exists. still believe that there are no credible allegations? Are I say to the Minister that I shall raise a number of there still no substantiated cases where there is evidence points, and I entirely understand that he may not have of mistreatment? the time or information to reply to them immediately at I understand that in response to a freedom of information the end of the debate. I will be very glad to receive request, which was issued on 6 February this year, it was replies subsequently in writing, if he so wishes. suggested that a number of people who had been forcibly I want to start with China, which remains a one-party, returned to Sri Lanka have been subsequently given totalitarian, police state. Rightly and necessarily, it continues asylum, or at least a leave to remain of some kind, in to feature in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s this country. How many of those are Tamils who were list of countries of concern with regards to human returned due to concerns about their mistreatment? I rights. As the FCO’s human rights report reminds us, have been told—I do not know whether it is correct—that when there were calls in China for a “Jasmine Revolution” there are either 13 or 15 people in that category. It to follow the Arab spring: would be helpful to know how many of those allegations of torture were found to be credible, because that “Public order and security bodies detained and harassed lawyers, information is not in the public domain. bloggers, human rights campaigners and other activists, without allowing them recourse to their legal rights.” Given that we have concerns about what is happening in Sri Lanka—about the treatment of opposition figures Very considerable numbers of human rights activists and journalists, and about the very large military presence are in jail, including, of course, the immensely courageous in the north of the island—is our Government’s position Nobel peace prize winner, Liu Xiaobo, who is still in still the same, as regards the Commonwealth Heads prison serving an intolerable sentence for the so-called, of Government meeting that is supposed to be held this catch-all offence of “subversion”. year in Colombo? Some other Commonwealth countries I want to raise a particular aspect of human rights in —no doubt this will be debated later this afternoon—have the context of China, and it concerns the Government’s said that they will not send their Prime Ministers or policy on arms exports. China is rightly subject to an 151WH FCO: Human Rights Work14 MARCH 2013 FCO: Human Rights Work 152WH

[Sir John Stanley] In light of the dismal and concerning developments that I have set out, are the British diplomatic staff arms embargo. However, in the latest figures published reporting a reduction in their ability to further the by the Government on the Department for Business, human rights agenda and objectives of the British Innovation and Skills website, for the third quarter of Government in North Korea? Can the Minister assure 2012, the Government have stated that they approved us that the Government will do all that they can to arms export licences for components for military electronic support our embassy and NGOs in North Korea in the equipment; equipment for the use of military extraordinarily important and difficult human rights communications equipment; military communications and humanitarian work that they do? equipment; military electronic equipment; and technology I now come, with considerable regret but absolutely for military communications equipment. Will the Minister no apology, to an area that I think that I have raised in explain how it is that when the British Government have every one of these debates since they were first initiated— signed up to the EU arms embargo on China, they are Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. As with still none the less approving military arms export licences my previous contributions, I emphatically do not do so to China for the type of equipment that, on the face of in any one-sided or partial manner. The Hamas rocket it, could be used for internal repression and the violation attacks into Israel—I have been to the communities in of human rights purposes? Israel where those rockets have landed—are wholly Like my hon. Friend the Member for Croydon South unacceptable and totally intolerable. Indeed, I regard and the hon. Member for Ilford South, I want to discuss Hamas as a disgrace to the Palestinian cause and a very Russia, which is rightly listed as a country of concern serious impediment to the Palestinian wish to achieve by the FCO. From my perspective and that of most, if proper democratic progress towards an independent not all, in the House, under President Putin, human and viable Palestinian state. rights in Russia are going backwards, not forwards— That said, the Israeli Government cannot escape the particularly in the area of the freedom to express, the criticism that they encounter, both within Israel to some freedom to criticise and the right of peaceful protest. extent and more widely internationally, for the relentless The laws that are now being put through the Duma, and continuing violation of basic Palestinian rights. I which is controlled effectively by those who support consider the FCO to be entirely correct in including President Putin, are particularly concerning. The laws Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories as a include, for example, fines for unsanctioned demonstrations country of concern in its human rights report. and measures to oblige NGOs to register as “foreign agents”. Mike Gapes: Does my friend agree with me that the I noted with interest and concern what the mould- formation of a Government in Israel today is a chance breaking former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev said for a renewed emphasis on and impetus for the restarting about the new Putin laws in a recent BBC interview: of negotiations that will lead to the two-state solution that is the only viable way to deal with this conflict? “The common thread running through all of them is an attack on the rights of citizens.” Sir John Stanley: I agree with my friend that that is an In the face of those new laws being passed and an opportunity, but to be wholly frank and honest, I have increasingly hostile environment to basic human rights grave doubts about whether it will be seized, because I in Russia, will the Minister, in his reply, give us any fear that since the assassination of Prime Minister assurance that the British Government will do all they Rabin, there simply has not been a majority in the can to protect British nationals in Russia, and, in particular, Knesset that is really willing to embrace the concept of locally employed staff of organisations such as the creating a separate, independent, viable Palestinian state. British embassy, the British Council and those who are In recent years, we have seen the Israeli Government working for international human rights NGOs in Russia? ending the movement of Palestinians between Gaza The country that probably has the worst human and Israel, turning Gaza into one of the biggest prisons, rights record in the world—indeed, this is stated in the de facto, in the world. We have seen the relentless and Foreign Office’s human rights report—is North Korea. continuing removal of Palestinian families from East The previous Labour Government took what I considered Jerusalem, with the clear political objective of preventing to be an entirely justified step—we were one of the first East Jerusalem from ever becoming the capital of a European countries to do so—to re-establish a diplomatic Palestinian state. We see the continuation of the intolerable presence in Pyongyang in order to give us the possibility violation of Palestinian human rights on the west bank. to exercise some degree of leverage on human rights To expose that, we need go no further than the Israeli issues, among other things, in the capital, and also to NGO—I stress that it is an Israeli NGO—B’Tselem in provide a point of contact for human rights and its last annual report. It said: humanitarian NGOs working in North Korea. With the “In the West Bank, two and a half million Palestinians live arrival of Kim Jong-un as the “supreme leader” of under Israeli military occupation while settlers live in enclaves of North Korea—that is how he styles himself—we have in Israeli law within the same territory. Individual acts of violence by extremist settlers periodically capture the headlines, and recent weeks and days seen an alarming escalation of discriminatory and inadequate law enforcement is indeed a concern. hostile actions and statements. We have seen a ballistic However, the major human rights violations result from the missile test. We have seen a nuclear explosion. We have settlements themselves: their extensive exploitation of land and seen the Government of the Democratic People’s Republic water, the massive military presence to protect them, the road of Korea claiming nullification of the armistice that network paved to serve them and the invasive route of the ended the Korean war in 1953. We have seen the cutting Separation Barrier, which was largely dictated by the settlements.” of the hotline to Seoul. Very recently, a public statement Having made many visits to the British consulate-general was made that North Korea was ready for “all-out in Jerusalem, I am well aware of the sterling and excellent war”. work that is done by the Foreign Office from the consulate- 153WH FCO: Human Rights Work14 MARCH 2013 FCO: Human Rights Work 154WH general in trying to support and uphold Palestinian achieved a breakthrough on freedom of expression as human rights in the occupied territories. However, in far as Commonwealth countries are concerned. The first my view, a step change will be needed in the Israeli declaration of Commonwealth principles, made in Singapore Government’s policy towards the Palestinians and towards in 1971 and followed by a repeated declaration of the the occupied territories if we are to see a genuine principles 20 years later in the 1991 Harare declaration, improvement in human rights. Does the Minister see was a major step forward in human rights for the any such prospect? From where I sit, and having seen Commonwealth, but in neither the Singapore declaration the human rights deterioration taking place over so nor the Harare declaration were Commonwealth countries many years, I fear that we are moving to a position in able to agree on including freedom of expression as a which Gaza continues for the foreseeable future as one key Commonwealth principle and human right. gigantic prison, East Jerusalem becomes an area where house after house belonging to a Palestinian family is Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Lab): Like the taken over by the Israelis and, sadly, the west bank loses right hon. Gentleman, I welcome the Commonwealth the possibility of becoming the core of an independent declaration, which is a good step forward, but there Palestinian state and becomes what I can only describe must be concerns about the treatment of lesbian and as a middle-eastern version of a Bantustan. Perhaps gay people, in Uganda and Malawi for example. Although I am being too gloomy. I hope that I am, but I fear that the Governments appear to be able to sign the declaration, I am not, given the progress of events. it remains to be seen whether that signature will translate I now come to a different part of the world and a into any change in attitude, policy or law in either different human right. I want to raise the case of Colonel country. Kumar Lama, a Nepalese citizen who came temporarily to the UK and who has now been arrested in the UK on Sir John Stanley: The hon. Gentleman is correct. In the grounds of allegations of torture, committed not in some countries to which he refers, national law Britain but in Nepal and committed not against British conspicuously contradicts the Commonwealth charter nationals but against Nepalese nationals. I wish to that has just been announced. inform the House that although I have no registered I am glad to say that we now seem to have had a interest to declare, I am the chairman of the all-party significant breakthrough as far as Commonwealth countries Britain-Nepal group. are concerned. In the text of the Commonwealth charter, which the Foreign Secretary has just laid before the I am raising this issue not because I want to take any House as a Command Paper, we were all glad to see, for position or make any comment on Colonel Lama’s the first time, a statement that freedom of expression is specific case, but because it calls into question some an essential Commonwealth principle. I must say that very important human rights policy issues for the the wording of the paragraph is not entirely as I would Government. In his letter to me this week, my right have wished. It contains no reference to the right of hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has said that the peaceful demonstration or protest and instead of referring arrest of Colonel Lama has been carried out to fulfil the to “a free media” refers to “a free and responsible UK’s obligations under the UN convention against media,”which will of course provide grounds for countries torture. I cannot believe that Colonel Lama’s case is an that regard any form of criticism of the Government of isolated one. I cannot believe that Colonel Lama is the the day as irresponsible to snuff out freedom of expression. only foreign national in the UK against whom allegations We have made a significant step forward however. Freedom have been made of torture committed against non-British of expression is now within the Commonwealth charter— nationals in foreign countries. Surely there must be something we have never achieved before. scores and possibly even hundreds of others in the same category, so the key policy issue that I have to put to the In conclusion, I wish to add my congratulations to Minister is this. Will he now confirm that, in the light of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on producing the Colonel Lama case, the British prosecuting authorities this substantial report—all 388 pages, all well worth the and the police will now arrest, in fulfilment of the UK publication cost. I have said before, but I want to put on Government’s obligations under the UN convention record again, that we owe the initiative entirely to the against torture, all other foreign nationals in Britain late Robin Cook, who began these particular FCO against whom there are allegations of torture committed annual reports. I consider it imperative that the FCO against non-British nationals in foreign countries? That continues to produce these annual human rights reports— is the central policy question the Colonel Lama case and produces them in hard copy, please. It is equally raises. I look forward to the Minister’s reply. imperative that they should be scrutinised annually by the Foreign Affairs Committee and that the Committee’s The key human right of freedom of expression embraces, scrutiny comes annually before the House. in my view, freedom of speech, a free media and freedom to demonstrate peacefully. Freedom of expression is Mr Dai Havard (in the Chair): Before I call the other becoming ever more important in this electronic age, speakers, may I advise hon. Members of the time? I which gives Governments who are so-minded greater would like to give the two Front Benchers and Mr Ottaway and greater ability to suppress human rights and human a few minutes to respond and I have two speakers on my rights activists. It enables Governments to combine list, so it would be helpful if, between the two of you, unprecedented access to information acquired electronically you kept to eight to 10 minutes, with interventions. with an unprecedented ability to carry out surveillance electronically. 2.16 pm I shall turn from freedom of expression generally to developments in that key human right in the Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Lab): Thank you, Commonwealth. I am glad to say that we seem to have Mr Havard. I am pleased to take part in the debate. 155WH FCO: Human Rights Work14 MARCH 2013 FCO: Human Rights Work 156WH

[Jeremy Corbyn] When the Minister responds to the debate—obviously there are many issues and I guess he will not be able to I shall take as my starting point the end of the speech reply to all of them—I would be grateful if he could by the right hon. Member for Tonbridge and Malling answer this narrative issue. I welcome the way in which (Sir John Stanley) on how the late Robin Cook, as our representatives at the Human Rights Council in Foreign Secretary, introduced the concept of an annual Geneva, which I quite often attend on behalf of a human rights report from the Foreign and Commonwealth non-governmental organisation, regularly and effectively Office. In return, the Foreign Affairs Committee must take up the issue of the death penalty; they are to be monitor it and put forward proposals, and then we get a commended on that. It is quite noticeable that on every debate in Westminster Hall, which seems to be a poor single report that comes up from a country that retains return for the amount of work put in by both the FCO the death penalty, the UK representative gets up and and the Committee, particularly as the debate is limited objects to its use in that jurisdiction; I absolutely welcome to an hour and a half. I reiterate what I said last year, that. and I have said every year about the debates: the debate I am interested in taking international human rights should be for at least three hours, in the main Chamber and human rights law further. The International Criminal on a Thursday afternoon or another appropriate time— Court is an enormous step forward—there is no question possibly in Government time. If we are to be taken about that—but the non-participation of certain countries seriously as a country concerned with human rights and in it, particularly the United States, obviously weakens with the influence that we can bring to bear on human it. Since the first world war, the US has had mixed rights around the world, we have to take ourselves feelings about involvement in any international organisation. seriously. Although I respect all hon. Members taking What pressure was the Minister able to bring to bear on part in the debate, it needs to be given greater prominence. the United States regarding its participation, or indeed I am sure the Chair of the Select Committee, the hon. on the many other countries that still need to participate? Member for Croydon South (Richard Ottaway), would agree, because it would mean that he could speak in the I am an officer of the all-party group on human main Chamber, rather than here. rights, and a vast number of human rights abuse issues are brought to our attention. We try to take them up in the best way we can with our very limited resources. I Richard Ottaway: I am inscrutable. want to bring up a general issue, but I will first deal with some specific countries. I notice how rapidly human rights issues can change. Jeremy Corbyn: He is utterly inscrutable. He and I In the “Human Rights and Democracy: The 2011 Foreign had an interesting debate in Cambridge two weeks ago, and Commonwealth Office Report”, one country that and he was less inscrutable then. has not been listed for particular attention is Bangladesh. I wanted to raise many issues, but I shall try to be Yesterday, there was a demonstration outside this building brief to take on the points you made, Mr Havard, about concerning the current wave of attacks on minorities the length of the debate. We should consider the fact and the conduct of the war crimes tribunal in Bangladesh. that the parliamentary process of human rights monitoring Amnesty International reported last week: is complex. We have the Human Rights Act 1998, which “A wave of violent attacks against Bangladesh’s minority applies to UK law. I am a strong supporter of it and our Hindu community shows the urgent need for authorities to provide participation in the European convention on human them with better protection…Over the past week, individuals rights and the European Court Of Human Rights. You, taking part in strikes called for by Islamic parties have vandalised Mr Havard, chair the Joint Committee on Human more than 40 Hindu temples across Bangladesh.” Rights, which the 1998 Act set up. I welcome the Joint The report goes on to describe the attacks against Committee and its work. It has been a valuable way to religious minorities. To the credit of those who attended monitor what has gone on, but I remain to be persuaded the small demonstration yesterday in Parliament square, that, with all the other responsibilities the Foreign there were representatives from Hindu, Buddhist, Christian Affairs Committee has, it would not be better to have an and Muslim organisations. They wanted to see the international human rights Committee of the UK retention of the secular constitution in Bangladesh and Parliament to deal with international human rights to question the conduct of the war crimes tribunal. issues and to put forward the strong cases that many I have no problem whatever with any country deciding Members make on many occasions about human rights to investigate what were the most abominable abuses of issues around the world. human rights and the war crimes committed during the Things have moved on, in that Britain is a signatory independence war of 1971. However, the case would be to the International Criminal Court and our courts strengthened if international observers were specifically have pronounced a universal jurisdiction for human appointed to attend all the sessions, to give it a degree of rights offenders and potential war criminals where there support and approval, which was done in war crimes is prima facie evidence against them. That was a huge tribunals in other parts of the world. It is not to say that step forward. We have spent a lot of time raising human the war crimes tribunal is a bad thing—I think it is a rights in Chile and the need to put General Pinochet good thing—but observer presence should be strengthened. and others on trial for what they did there, so I welcome While I understand the deep anger that many people the universal jurisdiction declaration. Much less welcome feel and the terrible sense of loss that many have suffered, however is that Parliament has reduced its applicability I cannot, under any circumstance, support the death by limiting the arrest warrant to an application by the penalty for anything; indeed, that is now a narrative of Director of Public Prosecutions rather than an application our policies. I hope that we will make that clear, and also from an individual citizen to Westminster magistrates make it clear that the mobs that are attacking minority court. That has not done our reputation much good. communities or anyone who is not seen to approve what 157WH FCO: Human Rights Work14 MARCH 2013 FCO: Human Rights Work 158WH they want are totally unacceptable. We should be saying to the Canary islands in the Atlantic or travel through that clearly to the Bangladeshi Government. I do not Mexico to get to the United States, where they hope to blame the Bangladeshi Government for the activities of gain some kind of economic salvation. We must address the mobs, because those activities are largely directed the collective human rights issues of millions of people against the Government, but all Governments have a around the world who suffer the most appalling privations responsibility to protect minorities and people in what and often death while trying to find a place of economic is an extremely difficult situation. There is a large and political sanctuary. It is up to us to be more alert Bangladeshi community in this country. and aware of the causes. That is surely what being in a The right hon. Member for Tonbridge and Malling democratic Parliament is about. rightly drew attention to the situation in Palestine. I was Mr Dai Havard (in the Chair): I must correct Mr Corbyn: in Gaza three weeks ago, on a delegation with colleagues it is not my Committee. The good work is down to from the Liberal Democrat and Conservative parties, Dr Hywel Francis who is the chair of the Joint Committee organised by Interpal. The issue of human rights and on Human Rights, not me. It is probably because we are the treatment of prisoners are very current. Issues such both Welsh that we have a great interest in human as Palestinian parliamentarians still being held in prison, rights. the frequent use of executive detention and the hunger strikes that have taken place, and continue to take place, 2.29 pm among the prisoners are not going to go away. Martin Horwood (Cheltenham) (LD): I commend my Effectively, 1.7 million people are in a prison called hon. Friend the Member for Croydon South (Richard Gaza, with very limited access to Israel and no access Ottaway) and the Committee on securing this debate; it whatever, as far as I can see, to the west bank through is important that we have it. Perhaps it would be better Israel. The population is imprisoned unless Egypt can done at a more popular time of the week and on the be persuaded to open the Rafah crossing fully, which Floor of the House, as it raises important issues regarding would in turn make Gaza part of Egypt rather than human rights and other Government policies and part of Palestine. That may well be the intention of Departments that affect human rights around the world. some, but we must be firm that the continued corralling That is one of the themes I will pick up on today. of people in Gaza is an abuse of their human rights on I first want to congratulate the coalition Government, a collective scale. of whom the Liberal Democrats form a part, on how There is something tragic in talking to brilliant young they have been prepared to take up human rights issues. people in Gaza. Some 55% of the population are university There are easy targets in the human rights report—such graduates—the best educated population in the whole as North Korea, Sudan and Iran—but, significantly, it region—but unemployment is at 70%. Their life chances also covers countries that are potentially embarrassing and career possibilities are limited. It is a cauldron, of for the UK to talk about, because of their economic course, that explodes from time to time, and unless the importance. Such countries raise the kind of conflicts fundamental issues are addressed, that cauldron will talked about by my right hon. Friend the Member for continue to explode. Tonbridge and Malling (Sir John Stanley), between our I support what my hon. Friend the Member for Ilford diplomatic and perceived economic interests, and the South (Mike Gapes) said about Sri Lanka and the importance of speaking out about human rights. treatment of Tamil people. I hope that the Government It is therefore important that Saudi Arabia is mentioned will continue to put all the pressure they can on the Sri in the report, that China is covered in detail and that Lankan Government. Above all, I hope that the embassy such very sensitive areas as Israel and the Palestinian and particularly the Home Office will follow up cases in territories are also included. It is notable that the Foreign which someone is forcibly removed to another jurisdiction. Secretary has been increasingly robust and assertive in My final general points are about thematic issues. his comments on Israel. He has talked about Israel not Dalit people in India and many other countries suffer a just generally, but specifically in relation to the settlements. collective abuse of human rights because of a perverted He has also spoken about the potential for the European view of Hinduism. Hundreds of millions of people Union to take further steps in its relationship with suffer from that. We have an opportunity to support Israel—that is very beneficial economically—and the what the House of Lords has done and defend its consequences that might flow from Israel simply not amendment to our legislation that would mean that it abiding by the international community’s expectations will be illegal to discriminate by caste and descent in about respecting Palestinian human rights. My right this country. That is illegal in the Indian constitution, hon. Friend remarked on the complete unacceptability but collective discrimination takes place on a massive of targeting Israeli civilians by organisations such as scale. While the Department for International Development Hamas, and those remarks were obviously very well has done well in targeting aid programmes, which ensures made. that that does not happen in any project that we fund, I want to get across to the Minister my theme about we must be as tough as possible with the Indian human rights in respect of other Departments in addition Government and other Governments in whose territory to the FCO. The FCO has a very proud record of discrimination by caste and descent takes place. speaking out on human rights and of raising human Around the world, there are individual and collective rights even when it is difficult to do so. However, many abuses of the human rights of people in the circumstances interrelated areas—such as trade, security and energy— that we have outlined. There is also an appalling lack of involve other Departments. human rights, dignity and access to democracy for large The arms trade has been mentioned. The coalition numbers of desperately poor migrants around the world. was quite right to revoke a whole series of 170 or more They are the people who are exploited in big cities and arms licences across north Africa and the middle east. who die when they try to cross the Mediterranean, get The licences were inherited from the Labour Government, 159WH FCO: Human Rights Work14 MARCH 2013 FCO: Human Rights Work 160WH

[Martin Horwood] Member for Tonbridge and Malling about China are very important. The issue is significant not only in as we have sometimes pointed out, but even the coalition relation to human rights within China’s borders—where did not act on them quickly. It was only the Arab those borders lie is arguable; it is now accepted that awakening that highlighted the importance of revoking Tibet is part of China, but the ongoing human rights those licences, because arms were being supplied to situation there is very serious—but in relation to the almost every regime, of whatever record on human influence, support and friendship that China has given rights, right across north Africa and the middle east, to some quite odious regimes over the years, from including Syria, Libya and other dictatorial regimes Burma to North Korea, Sudan and Zimbabwe. If China then in place. is to become a responsible member of the family of In that respect, it is important to highlight the arms nations, I am afraid that it really needs a responsible trade treaty negotiations that will soon resume in New record on human rights around the world. Unfortunately, York. The Minister who represents us at those talks, the the current example in Syria shows that it is another Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth country to add to the list, alongside Russia. Both Russia Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for North East and China need to step up to the plate and to support Bedfordshire (Alistair Burt), has a very strong record of the international community in taking on the murderous arguing for a robust treaty. However, we must not allow Assad regime. the qualms expressed by the United States last year at those negotiations to scupper that important global I welcome the comments made by the Select Committee process and the progress that is being made towards a in its report, particularly on the need for a more open robust arms trade treaty. Last year, when the American and objective approach to the definition of countries of election was imminent, its position was understandable, concern, and the points about Bahrain were well made. but we must not allow domestic American politics to jeopardise a massively significant international initiative The Committee was right to raise the issue of the that I hope will help to protect human rights all over the removal and deportation processes. High-profile cases, world and save millions of lives. such as the case of Abu Qatada, have coloured the On security policy, the well-established building security whole public debate. We must not return people to overseas strategy, which has been mentioned, is an area countries where they are at risk of torture and there is a of co-operation between the Ministry of Defence, the risk that human rights are abused. In a way, it was Department for International Development and FCO. important that it was not the dreaded European Court It would be interesting to hear from the Minister how of Human Rights, but the British Special Immigration the strategy is developing. We have heard less about it in Appeals Commission, that eventually kept Abu Qatada recent months than we did earlier in the coalition in the country. That case is still to be resolved, and we Government, but if anything, it has become more should probably not discuss its details in this Chamber. important. It is important, however, that our approach to such For example, it would have been much better if the issues is not dictated by the Daily Mail and the Daily UK, and perhaps the French, had put pressure on the Express, but by a real concern for human rights. Malian Government many years ago more clearly to recognise the human rights of the Tuareg and of other Finally, it is important to have a robust arms trade peoples in the north of Mali, and had not provided the treaty, and Britain should play a strong part in that. We breeding ground first for the civil war and then for the should not only preach and produce reports about incursion by foreign al-Qaeda fighters and others. That human rights, but act in international forums in a way has made the situation in Mali so much more difficult that reinforces human rights. That is sometimes a difficult to resolve now, so that it has had to involve military balance to strike. It was difficult for Robin Cook, with intervention. The building security overseas strategy his ethical foreign policy. It was probably quite difficult ought to look at the whole of the middle east and north for the former right hon. Member for Midlothian, the Africa region and other countries round the world to proud Liberal Prime Minister William Gladstone, all see where we can use human rights to prevent instability the way back in 1876, with his Midlothian campaign, arising in the first place and prevent even a discussion when he was the first politician to make human rights of military intervention. absolutely central to British politics. I am very proud to Energy policy also has an impact. We think of it as stand in that tradition. I am also proud to support the completely unrelated to human rights, but if, for example, coalition Government when they have raised human we decide to accept European biofuel targets, that will rights, but they must act as well as speak. impact on the likelihood of illegal incursions into rain forest areas in countries such as Brazil. In turn, that will 2.39 pm impact on the human rights—particularly, the collective Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): As ever, it is a rights to the land—of tribal peoples around the world pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Havard. who have very few people to speak out for them. On I join in the congratulations to the Chair of the Foreign that front, I lobbied the Government very hard to sign Affairs Committee, the hon. Member for Croydon South or ratify International Labour Organisation convention (Richard Ottaway) and to Committee members for 169, which helps to defend tribal peoples’ rights around bringing their report to Westminster Hall today. However, the world. I very much regret that the Government I echo the comments of my hon. Friend the Member for decided not to sign or ratify it, and I very much hope Islington North (Jeremy Corbyn) about the need to that the decision will be reconsidered. spend much longer debating it. We had the same problem In the closing minutes of my speech, I want to second last year, and we could easily spend a whole day on it in and welcome some of the comments made by other the main Chamber to do justice to the issues raised. I Members. Those made by my right hon. Friend the hope that that matter will be considered next year. 161WH FCO: Human Rights Work14 MARCH 2013 FCO: Human Rights Work 162WH

Both the Chair of the Select Committee and the including Bahrain as a case study rather than as a Chair of the Committees on Arms Export Controls, the country of concern, and tell us who was involved in right hon. Member for Tonbridge and Malling (Sir John taking that decision? Stanley), have brought their considerable experience to Will the Minister commit to introducing more bear in their speeches. If we look around the Chamber transparency and clear criteria for the designation of today, we will see that the entire political spectrum is countries of concern, especially as Human Rights Watch covered, and yet we are all committed to pursuing the have described the current rationale as “vague and issue of human rights and trying to ensure that the UK unconvincing”? I also echo the questions that were gives the matter greater priority. That is the one thing posed about the Bahrain grand prix. It was a matter that has come through in all the speeches we have heard that we discussed in some detail last year. There seemed this afternoon. to be a lack of clear guidance as to whether it was The right hon. Member for Tonbridge and Malling appropriate for the 2012 grand prix to go ahead. Will used his expertise to talk about North Korea and Russia, the Minister advise us on the FCO’s position on the as did my hon. Friend the Member for Ilford South 2013 grand prix? (Mike Gapes). Last year, I went to Moscow to observe Boycotts are also mentioned in the report. As some two days of the trial of Pussy Riot, which is an issue Members have said, they can be a blunt instrument if that is quite dear to my heart. This year is the they are used in a seemingly arbitrary way. As the Select 10th anniversary of Khodorkovsky’s arrest, and the two Committee reported: band members were held in the same glass box that was “It is difficult to discern any consistency of logic” used to contain him when he came to court. From the people I met on that visit and from the numerous events in the Government’s approach last year. Indeed, with that I have been involved in since calling for the release the Euro 2012 matches in Ukraine, the Minister seemed of the two remaining members of Pussy Riot who are to suggest that the Government would keep the attendance still being held in penal colonies, it is clear that the under review. It was said that if the England team human rights situation in Russia has deteriorated progressed to the later stages of the tournament, the significantly. Human Rights Watch said recently that Government might be prepared to attend, but they 2012 saw the worst crackdown since the fall of the would boycott the earlier stages, which seemed rather Soviet Union. It will be interesting to see how that is inconsistent and gave the impression that the Government addressed in next year’s report. were willing to attend if they received good PR and a nice photo opportunity back at home but were not too My hon. Friend the Member for Ilford South mentioned bothered about the earlier stages of the game. the deportation issue in Sri Lanka. I am also speaking in the next debate about Commonwealth day, so I will Conflicting interests were a prominent concern in the be covering that issue then as well. His points were well Select Committee report as they were in the 2010 report. made. We need to revisit the issue of who we are The Committee said: deporting to Sri Lanka and the situation that they “It is inevitable that the UK will have strategic, commercial or might face there. security-related interests which have the potential to conflict with My hon. Friend the Member for Islington North and its human rights values.” the hon. Member for Cheltenham (Martin Horwood) The previous Minister with responsibility for human discussed in some detail the matter of Israel and Palestine. rights, the hon. Member for Taunton Deane (Mr Browne), I will not refer to it here, as it is a topic that is discussed advised that the Government saw no inherent contradiction in quite some depth elsewhere. For example, in Foreign between the Government’s pursuit of commercial interests Office questions last week, about half of the questions overseas and the promotion of human rights, and the on the Order Paper were about Israel and Palestine. Government’s official response this year stated again None the less, let me echo the concerns that have been that they “do not agree”with the Committee’s assessment. expressed, especially about the failure of international It is troubling if the Government are not alive to the law to make any progress. It is all very well to condemn danger that their pursuit of financial investment from the human rights situation, the illegal settlements, the some countries could compromise or overshadow their route of the wall and, of course, the abuses on the other message on human rights. Does the Minister at least side, but there is always this sense of déjà vu; what can acknowledge that there is the potential for conflict, and the Foreign Office do to address those issues, make will he set out the Foreign Office’s strategy for managing some progress and try to ameliorate the situation for the that and ensuring transparency so that the Government’s many people who suffer human rights abuses? human rights work is not compromised? Let me turn now to the detail of the report. Last Only last month, there were reports that the Cabinet year’s report noted the Foreign Office’s decision to omit was split over how robust the UK should be on China’s Bahrain from the list of countries of concern in its 2010 human rights record given the country’s economic human rights report, which was described as a “glaring importance. Yesterday, along with other Members, I omission” by Human Rights Watch. The Government’s met a couple of constituents from Tibet, who were here response last year argued that many of the most serious to lobby us about continued human rights abuses in events in Bahrain fell outside the 2010 period covered their country. I had to say that I strongly suspected that by the report, but that they undertook to ensure that the matter of Tibet was not a priority for Ministers next year’s report—the one we are discussing now—would when they visit China, and I said that it should be. address them. None the less, Bahrain is still not included The Prime Minister’s answers to my parliamentary as a country of concern, and the Committee has once questions suggest that he did not discuss the use of the again concluded that it should have been. death penalty during his recent visit to India. The FCO’s report included a case study of Bahrain, but Human Rights Watch has described it as “very The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth weak”. Will the Minister elaborate on the reasons for Office (Mr Hugo Swire): I did. 163WH FCO: Human Rights Work14 MARCH 2013 FCO: Human Rights Work 164WH

Kerry McCarthy: I was about to mention the fact Finally, it was troubling that the Government were so that the Minister did, but the Prime Minister did not, reticent in providing information on the number of staff despite India’s recent resumption of the use of the working full-time on human rights. I know that the death penalty, and the abolition of the death penalty Foreign Affairs Committee eventually ascertained that being included among the priorities of the Foreign there are 14 staff working across the 28 countries of Secretary’s human rights advisory group. As the Minister concern and four case-studies countries. Does the Minister has just advised me from a sedentary position—I was have any plans to increase that number? going to mention it anyway—he discussed the death To conclude, I welcome the Government’s continuing penalty with representatives in India, but if commitment to their annual human rights report and, “the promotion and protection of human rights” as I have already said, I hope that next year we can have a fuller and more public discussion of the 2012 report in really is at the heart of UK foreign policy, as the the main Chamber. Foreign Secretary states in his foreword to the 2011 report, does the Minister not think that that should be the case at every level of Government and that it should Mr Dai Havard (in the Chair): May I ask you, Minister, not be given to—if the Minister will forgive me for to give Mr Ottaway a couple of minutes at the end of saying so—a junior Minister in the Department rather the debate? than the Secretary of State to raise such issues? Richard Ottaway indicated dissent. Similarly, when I asked the Prime Minister about what discussion there was of human rights when he Mr Dai Havard (in the Chair): Mr Ottaway is indicating visited the UAE and Saudi Arabia, he would say only that he does not need more time. that “no subject is off limits”.—[Official Report, 13 November 2012; Richard Ottaway: I give my time to the Minister. Vol. 553, c. 143W.] That rather gave the impression that human rights had Mr Dai Havard (in the Chair): Excellent. Thank you not been discussed in detail with the Government. Will very much for that. I call the Minister. the Minister advise us on whether or not human rights were discussed and, given that Saudi Arabia is listed as a country of concern, will he tell us what the Government’s 2.50 pm policy is on ministerial and prime ministerial visits to The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth countries of concern, and whether there is clear guidance Office (Mr Hugo Swire): Mr Havard, I welcome the about whether and when human rights should be included opportunity to set out in this debate the Foreign and on that list? Commonwealth Office’s work on human rights. I begin The Prime Minister’s visit to Saudi Arabia brings me by thanking the Foreign Affairs Committee for its positive neatly on to the arms trade. It is deeply concerning that and constructive engagement with us on our human the Committee found that the Minister with responsibility rights work. I am delighted to speak for the Government for human rights was not even aware let alone consulted today on behalf of Baroness Warsi, the Minister with about which countries appeared both on the FCO’s list responsibility for human rights. of countries of concern and as one of the priority Given the slight shortage of time, I am rather inclined markets for arms exports for the Department for Business, to support the idea that we should debate these matters Innovation and Skills. Will the Minister assure us that for longer and I will simply be unable to respond to all in future there will be more co-ordination between the hon. Members who have spoken. I have made a note of two Departments, and can he outline the FCO’s guidance hon. Members’ questions—they are extremely good on arms exports to countries of concern? With the questions—and I will try to answer them, but if I do not imminence of the UN conference on the arms trade I will commit to writing my replies. treaty, will he assure us that the UK will be the champion At the outset of the debate, there was some discussion of a strong treaty and not a broker for a weak one? and some concern about the UK’s overseas interests Given the short time we have left, I will leave my and our human rights agenda, as if they were in some comments on Sri Lanka for the Commonwealth day way contradictory. I do not really share some of the debate. None the less, I echo the concerns that have cynicism that was expressed, because the promotion been raised about the human rights situation there. and protection of human rights is at the heart of our foreign policy. Britain stands for democratic freedoms, I was in Burma over the weekend and had the fantastic universal human rights and the rule of law. We believe opportunity to attend the first-ever conference of Aung that individual demands for a better life can only be San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy. It had truly satisfied in open and democratic societies, and that been banned for 25 years from holding a party conference. it is peaceful, open economies that allow trade and It gives one such hope to visit a country where there has investment to flourish. been progress on both human rights and democracy. We hope that in 2015, there will be democratic elections I turn first to the 2011 report that we are debating, which will see Aung San Suu Kyi become President of and our work in that year, and then I will move on to Burma. I wanted to mention my visit because it shows human rights developments during the course of 2012. that improvements can happen. Last year, the EU took In response to the Committee’s feedback on the the decision to suspend sanctions. Given what I have 2010 report, we made a number of changes to the observed of the situation in Burma, I think that that 2011 report. We featured an in-depth look at the Arab was the correct decision and indeed it is something that spring and a chapter on our human rights priorities, the NLD supported as well. and we reintroduced case studies to highlight issues of 165WH FCO: Human Rights Work14 MARCH 2013 FCO: Human Rights Work 166WH concern in countries whose overall record did not merit my Foreign Secretary and the Minister for Europe met their inclusion in the countries of concern list. the Russians and raised these issues with them repeatedly. In terms of achievements in 2011, the UK made a As is well known—my right hon. Friend will know it if significant contribution to the promotion and protection he has read the papers today—the Foreign Secretary of human rights worldwide. I shall limit myself to met Russia’s Foreign Secretary Lavrov yesterday, and mentioning just three countries in particular. On Libya, we will continue to raise these issues and bring those we were instrumental in negotiating UN Security Council responsible for Sergei Magnitsky’s death to account. We resolutions that paved the way for NATO action to also raised concern over the new measures restricting protect civilians threatened by Gaddafi’s forces. Across freedom of expression and putting pressure on civil the middle east and north Africa, the £110 million Arab society. It is worth saying that we fund a number of partnership fund helped us to build more open and free projects to support Russian civil society, and we continue societies on key issues such as empowering women, and to meet and provide support to those who are subject to promoting democracy and the rule of law. In Burma, harassment. I give an assurance that we will continue to my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary witnessed at do all we can to protect British nationals and our staff first hand the positive changes that have taken place in in Russia, as my right hon. Friend asked us to do. the country when he became the first British Foreign Secretary to visit Burma since 1955. I subsequently Mike Gapes: On the issue of Russia, will the Minister visited Burma in December last year, and was able to give way? visit Rakhine state, which is a subject of great interest to the House. Mr Swire: I must continue. All right, I will give way. Jeremy Corbyn: Will the Minister give way? Mike Gapes: I am very grateful to the Minister for giving way. Can he just say on the record that the Mr Swire: I will take just one intervention; I ask other remarks by the chairman of the Russian Duma’s Members to let me make some progress. international relations committee on “Newsnight”yesterday were wrong? Jeremy Corbyn: I will make a very brief intervention. We obviously welcome all the democratic changes in Burma, but in his discussions in Burma did the Minister Mr Swire: I did not see those remarks, so I will go and express any concern about the treatment of Muslim study them and then get back to the hon. Gentleman. minorities and other minorities in the country at the The 2011 report also highlighted the progress that we present time? have made against our six specific human rights priorities. These priorities are: torture prevention; the death penalty; Mr Swire: Yes, I can confirm that I have been doing a women’s rights; freedom of religion or belief; freedom lot of work on that issue. I was the first Minister from of expression online; and business and human rights. In Europe to go to Rakhine; I went to Sittwe and five 2011, we saw significant strengthening of our focus on different camps, and ever since then I have been raising torture prevention through the publication of torture the issue of the Rohingya people. and mistreatment reporting guidance and the strategy My hon. Friend the Member for Croydon South for the prevention of torture, which we understand is (Richard Ottaway), the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs the first such national strategy in the world. Committee, asked a number of questions about Burma, My right hon. Friend the Member for Tonbridge and including about the sanctions against Burma. The EU Malling raised the issue of Colonel Lama of Nepal. As Foreign Affairs Council will review the sanctions against the Minister with responsibility for Nepal, I know about Burma in April. We have always said that the outcome the particular incident and I just say that the Government of that review will depend on the progress that the are very mindful of our obligations under the UN Burmese Government have made against the benchmarks convention against torture, and every case will of course set out in the council’s conclusions of 12 January, be subject to the due process of the law. including the need for meaningful progress on reconciliation In 2011, we also reviewed our death penalty strategy, with armed ethnic groups. and we continue to pursue abolition, restriction, or—at My hon. Friend also asked about political prisoners the least—adherence to international minimum standards. in Burma, which is another issue I have raised repeatedly The long-term trend is positive and we judge that the with the Burmese. Independent experts estimate that number of countries now carrying out executions has there remain about 240 political prisoners in Burma, dropped by half since the mid-1990s. and we welcomed the announcement by the Burmese Government that the International Committee of the Since publication of the 2011 report, the Foreign Red Cross has access to all jails and prisoners. We also Secretary has launched the preventing sexual violence welcomed President Thein Sein’s announcement on initiative to strengthen and co-ordinate international 7 February that the prisoner review mechanism will efforts to prevent and respond to atrocities involving contain civil society leaders and Members of Parliament. sexual violence, and to break down the culture of impunity We really want to see that happen. around such crimes. As I speak, the UN Commission on the Status of Women meeting is in its final sessions On the issue of Rakhine, which was mentioned earlier, and we hope for a more positive outcome this year. My I have just told the hon. Member for Islington North hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for International (Jeremy Corbyn) about my work there. Development and other ministerial colleagues have been My right hon. Friend the Member for Tonbridge and active in lobbying for a strong set of agreed conclusions. Malling (Sir John Stanley) raised the issue of Russia Incidentally, I very much welcome my hon. Friend’s and the whole question of Mr Magnitsky. Yesterday both campaigning work to end female genital mutilation. 167WH FCO: Human Rights Work14 MARCH 2013 FCO: Human Rights Work 168WH

[Mr Swire] We will continue to focus on countries where we have not seen any improvement in human rights and democracy, As the Minister with responsibility for human rights, such as Iran, where the regime continues to violate Baroness Warsi has made freedom of religion or belief human rights with impunity. a personal priority. She hosted a cross-regional meeting Hon. Members mentioned North Korea, and we are of Ministers in London in January to build political concerned about the situation there. We take every momentum to combat discrimination against people opportunity to try and influence North Korea’s Government based on their religion or belief. We also remain a and work to improve the lives of vulnerable groups. strong supporter of freedom of opinion and expression, However, given the lack of progress, we will co-sponsor not least on the internet. We speak out on countries that a resolution in the current session of the Human Rights oppose or abuse this right, pressing them to uphold Council to recommend that the UN establishes a their international obligations. As the Committee knows, commission of inquiry into human rights abuses there. we played a leading role in supporting the development of the UN guiding principles on business and human We share the Committee’s concern, particularly that rights, which were endorsed by the UN in June 2011. of the hon. Member for Ilford South (Mike Gapes), We have developed a strategy to implement and promote about human rights in Sri Lanka—we might discuss those principles. that in the debate following this one—not least relating In February 2012, we published our updated national to disappearances, political violence, free expression action plan on UN Security Council resolution 1325 on and judicial independence. More needs to be done, women, peace and security, which highlighted work in particularly on political settlement, accountability and Afghanistan, Iraq and the middle east, as well as in the reconciliation. It is worth putting on the record again UK’s own security operations. We became the first that the Government have yet to make a decision about country to publish human rights guidance for our overseas attending this year’s Commonwealth Heads of Government security and justice sector work, and we reviewed and meeting. We look to Sri Lanka, as with any other improved our already robust arms export controls. CHOGM host, to show its commitment to upholding the Commonwealth’s values. All Commonwealth member In April last year, the Foreign Secretary announced states have agreed the Commonwealth charter setting an additional £1.5 million in funding for human rights out these values, which was signed by Her Majesty the projects, with particular emphasis on the countries of Queen, as Head of the Commonwealth, earlier this concern covered in the 2011 report. We have also made week. I look forward to debating these and other issues changes to the ways in which we bring in external later this afternoon. expertise, which I think was one of the recommendations of the Foreign Affairs Committee, to inform and challenge We acknowledge the Committee’s strong interest in our policy formulation. deportations with assurances. We firmly believe that we The Foreign Secretary’s human rights advisory group should be able to deport foreign nationals who are has met twice yearly since it was first established in engaged in terrorist-related activities, but we will not December 2010. This group of experts has brought deport someone if there are substantial grounds for valuable challenges to us on many human rights issues. believing they will face a real risk of torture in their We consulted the group on criteria for deciding the home country, or where the death penalty will be applied. countries of concern for the 2012 report. We intend to We recognise the considerable interest in the House in report fully on the methodology used in the coming our DWA arrangements. Although there is no statutory report. The report will be published in April and we requirement to lay memorandums of understanding look forward to the Committee’s response. I hope that before the House, the Government will, of course, the report will be published in hard copy too; I shall continue to notify Parliament by written ministerial ensure that the comments by my right hon. Friend the statement when new MOUs are signed and to place Member for Tonbridge and Malling are taken on board. copies in the Library. We should never be complacent about human rights. Both Syria and the Sahel, mentioned by the hon. No matter what progress is made, there remain huge Member for Cheltenham (Martin Horwood), remain challenges all over the world. We shall remain steadfast high on the Government’s agenda. We condemn the in support of human rights and democracy in the ongoing human rights violations and abuse in Syria in middle east and north Africa as difficult transitions the strongest terms. We call on all sides to put an take place. The Arab partnership initiative will help us immediate end to the violence, to respect international to do that. humanitarian and human rights laws, and to pursue a genuine Syrian-led political transition. We will continue My right hon. Friend the Member for Tonbridge and to do all we can to help bring to account those responsible Malling, the hon. Member for Islington North and my for human rights violations and abuses. The International hon. Friend the Member for Croydon South raised a Criminal Court should play a role in this. number of issues involving Bahrain. I am well aware of the Committee’s interest in Bahrain and the middle We are encouraging partners in the Sahel region to east. We welcome the national consensus dialogue that build their capacity to tackle terrorism in a human has begun and encourage all parties to remain engaged. rights-compliant manner. Allegations of human rights However, the ongoing tensions are of concern, particularly violations by members of the Malian armed forces are the events around the 14 February anniversary. We of concern. In line with Security Council resolution condemn violent acts by any side, which will only 2085, those responsible for violations and abuses must hinder efforts towards reform and reconciliation. We be held accountable. The UK has pledged 40 trainers remain supportive of the reforms underway and encourage for the EU training mission to the Malian armed forces, Bahrain’s Government to show renewed energy in three of whom are civilians who will provide human implementing them. rights training. 169WH FCO: Human Rights Work 14 MARCH 2013 170WH

This has been a constructive debate. I have left a BACKBENCH BUSINESS number of issues that I would dearly love to address, not least the situation in Israel and with the Palestinian authority, and the hope we all have in President Obama’s Commonwealth Day visit there shortly. However, there is a time limit in this debate. If any questions remain unanswered, I will be happy to write to hon. Members who asked them. [MR PHILIP HOLLOBONE in the Chair] [Relevant documents: The role and future of the Commonwealth, Fourth Report of the Foreign Affairs Committee, HC 114, and the Government response, Cm 8521.]

3.4 pm Mr Philip Hollobone (in the Chair): In this debate I can think of no more pre-eminent parliamentarian to lead us off than Sir Alan Haselhurst.

Sir Alan Haselhurst (Saffron Walden) (Con): Mr Hollobone, I am grateful to you for calling me to speak in that generous manner. I am not sure that I can quite live up to that billing, but I appreciate the opportunity to address you in the Chair. I am also grateful to the Backbench Business Committee for agreeing, at a congested time in the parliamentary programme, that we could have a debate on the Commonwealth. It has been my initiative, as chairperson of the international executive of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, to try to encourage universally throughout the Commonwealth a debate on a wide canvas, not necessarily to any rigid format, but to allow issues connected with the Commonwealth to be raised, as much as anything else just to hoist the flag and show that there is membership of the Commonwealth in each of the legislatures, that it ought not to be forgotten and that there should be a regular review of some issues affecting it. It is a rather good week, apart from being the week in which Commonwealth day occurs, because the new charter has been signed by Her Majesty the Queen. That in itself is a notable event, which we are right to recognise in this House. It might be asked, what really is the Commonwealth? To even pose the question is a reminder that many people are unaware of the existence of the Commonwealth in their daily lives. That is worrying in respect of the Commonwealth concept having meaning and if people are to understand its breadth and the opportunities it provides. It is, importantly, a voluntary association. Nobody has to be a member of the Commonwealth. The modern Commonwealth is not a British Commonwealth; it is the Commonwealth of nations, in which there should, indeed, be parity of esteem. It is an example of countries slowly edging together, towards wider circles of understanding and co-operation, beginning to see that there are opportunities that were perhaps not recognised 10, 20 or 30 years ago. The Commonwealth embraces one third of the world’s population, and half of the population of the Commonwealth is under 25. We should be particularly concerned about that young section. Just as we tend to accept the world as it is at the moment we are born, so the Commonwealth can pass over the heads of many young people, weighed down, perhaps, by what they see as immediate issues around them, rather than realising that they are also part of this greater entity. The Commonwealth must have meaning for them. That is why there is particular importance in the promulgation of the charter, affirming the commitment of the 171WH Commonwealth Day14 MARCH 2013 Commonwealth Day 172WH

[Sir Alan Haselhurst] will look to this country for guidance, including help from Clerks about procedural matters or creating robust Commonwealth to the principles enshrined at Harare, Standing Orders. Singapore and Trinidad and Tobago, and focusing on Given the churn rate of Members of Parliament in respect for human rights and equality for all, the rule of the different jurisdictions, people find themselves elected law and good governance. and then wonder what they have to do next. We can all It is correct that we should ask all members of the learn from the interchanges that take place under the Commonwealth continually to assess themselves, and CPA’s auspices; we can learn from each other. We might be assessed, against those values, but some degree of say to someone, “Well, that’s interesting: I have that tolerance has to be allowed. There is never going to be a problem, but I didn’t know you had it as well. How do rigid standard to which at all times all nations are going you tackle it?”There is mutual advantage in such exchanges. to conform, for a variety of reasons. Indeed, looking at Similarly, strengthening parliamentary institutions is a our systems of government, it could be argued that topic for almost never-ending discussion. none of us are perfect. It is not too clever for British There are also the diplomacy aspects. When politicians to say to their partners in the Commonwealth, parliamentarians talk to one another, whether in structured “You should be doing more about the representation of seminars or on their margins, when one meets afterwards women in your Parliament”, when we in this country for a meal or a drink, we begin to understand each have not attained the levels that we would like to have other’s problems and points of view. That is not megaphone achieved. diplomacy; it is about quiet discussion and respecting We cannot always expect the laws in certain other the people we are with. There lies the strength of the Commonwealth countries to conform to where we are; interchanges I mentioned. Such things are, no doubt, we have changed our minds on some issues, and the easily mocked by the press. If someone strays outside laws in our country have developed. We need to be their own jurisdiction to visit another, that may be careful about the extent to which we scold other countries seen as being somehow a diversion from their main for not marching in step with us. What is needed is a duties, but it should not be, because such exchanges are process of persuasion—sometimes rather slow extremely valuable. Strengthening Parliaments across persuasion—to move countries towards what might be the Commonwealth to improve the quality of governance seen as full conformity with the values of the charter. is the key to their ultimate success in ensuring the prosperity and welfare of their people. In concluding the wider debate that preceded this one, the Minister mentioned the upcoming Heads of Richard Ottaway (Croydon South) (Con): My right Government meeting in Sri Lanka. I visited that country hon. Friend is talking a lot of sense about the interchange for last year’s Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and networking opportunities in the Commonwealth. conference. I had the privilege of giving a lecture in the Is he aware that more than 70 organisations are linked series commemorating the late Lakshman Kadirgamar, inside the Commonwealth? They cover journalists, Sri Lanka’s former Foreign Minister. He was a accountants, actuaries, local government officials and contemporary of mine at university, whom I admired endless others, all of whom have an expanded network then and whom I grew to admire even more during his within the Commonwealth. legal and political career. In my lecture, I laid down views as to what our friends in Sri Lanka needed to do to give confidence to their partners in the Commonwealth Sir Alan Haselhurst: I am grateful to my hon. Friend. and to ensure there was full-hearted support for their Yes, I am indeed aware of that. However, given that I hosting of the Heads of Government meeting later this happen to be the chairperson of the CPA, I thought I year. It is perhaps worrying that they have not yet would concentrate on the organisation for which I have demonstrated, to the complete satisfaction of their some responsibility, rather than range over the whole friends in the Commonwealth, that all is moving in the field. Of course I acknowledge what my hon. Friend right direction. says, as well as the need for many of the organisations he mentioned to work together. In some cases, what There must, therefore, continue to be persuasion so these different interests are trying to do overlaps, so if that countries understand the importance of adhering they co-operate and pool their resources, they can increase to the values of the charter. The Commonwealth ministerial their impact and usefulness. action group must take a more active role in chivvying, to ensure that people are not allowed quietly to forget, The CPA has the advantage of embracing the small reject or abrogate the principles behind the charter. The states and the overseas territories, in a way that is not CPA has a valuable role to play in that respect. It is not mirrored at Heads of Government level. We also have as effective as it could be. It is divided into nine regions, the separate Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians and a lot of valuable work is done, but more could be organisation, but it is not yet strong in all the CPA’s nine done if there was the will and if there were the resources. regions, and I am seeking to put that right. I am also seeking to have established the principle that the What does the CPA do? It concentrates on strengthening Commonwealth Youth Parliament should meet every parliamentary institutions. One has only to look around year, because it has met just five times over the past 50 to see all sorts of possible improvements. Some Members or 60 years, which is not enough. Young people expect of the House would say that improvements have to be continuity; they do not want to be picked up every now made in the way Westminster works. We never reach a and then, asked, “Are you interested? Have you got destination; there is always a desire to see how much something interesting to say?” and then forgotten about. more we can improve. However, bigger steps need to be There needs to be a continuing process whereby young taken in certain other countries. Many of those countries people’s voices are heard at the highest level. 173WH Commonwealth Day14 MARCH 2013 Commonwealth Day 174WH

What is the Commonwealth? It is an extraordinary a letter today from the Minister about the 92% turnout association of nations. When we celebrate it on in the referendum. If only we could have that in Commonwealth day, we are entitled to extol its rich Northamptonshire or Dunfermline, I am sure that we heritage and recognise its enormous reach. In 2013, I would get similar acclamation. Turnout was similar in should like to see a significant deepening of social, recent elections in overseas territories such as the British economic, cultural and sporting links between Virgin Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands, at Commonwealth countries—our nations, our citizens 80-plus per cent, which shows that we have things to and, pre-eminently, our parliamentarians. learn. I hope that the Government will make a commitment The Commonwealth’s theme this year is opportunities to invite the CPA to send an election observer mission through enterprise, and that is opening up a whole new to the UK, as it did in 2010, for the next general possibility for Commonwealth countries. In the past, election. their economic relationships were perhaps imbalanced; I am sure that the Minister will join me in welcoming now there are more opportunities for trade and for the new Government of Malta, which was elected a taking a common position on trading matters in wider couple of weeks ago. He will notice that that was world bodies. a Labour landslide, ending 15 years of conservative We will let ourselves down if we fail to engage in a rule. I hope that the UK will move a bit faster towards continual programme of reform and renewal. An annual a change of Government. check-up such as this, at parliamentary level, is valuable An issue on which there is cross-party agreement is and should continue. There is so much to think about; I defence and security co-operation. My right hon. Friend have merely scratched the surface in general terms. the Member for East Renfrewshire (Mr Murphy), the There is so much to work towards. I fervently believe shadow Defence Secretary, made an excellent speech at that all nations in our Commonwealth gain strength the end of last year, building on the comments of the from developing their links and deepening their friendships. Chief of the Defence Staff about what more the UK can do towards capacity building in defence and security, Several hon. Members rose— particularly in north and central Africa. The Chief of the Defence Staff was right to point out that there is a Mr Philip Hollobone (in the Chair): Order. After that role that we can play; I hope that the Minister will excellent start, let me announce how we will proceed outline the role that the Foreign Office and the Ministry with the rest of the debate. I will ask Sir Alan to of Defence think we should play in the Commonwealth respond to the debate for a couple of minutes before countries of Africa, to build their capabilities and capacities 4.30 pm. At 3.55 pm, I will call the Opposition spokesman. at an early stage. At no later than 4.10 pm, I will call the Minister. Several As someone who takes a keen interest in the overseas people have tried to catch my eye who have not informed territories, Mr Hollobone, you will be aware that 90% of the Speaker they wish to speak, but, being the nice chap the biodiversity in the United Kingdom is contained in I am, I will do my best to ensure everybody has a say. those territories. There has been something of a debate Given the numbers wishing to speak, I could impose a recently about turtle farming in the Cayman Islands, time limit, but I am not going to; I am going to rely on but there is a much broader issue about how the UK your good judgment. However, it would be helpful if Government assist and support our overseas territories. you could restrain yourselves and make five-minutes Will the Minister briefly outline the support being speeches; if you go over that, I am afraid somebody will provided to the overseas territories on various challenges lose out. not only by the FCO and the Department for International Development, but by the Department for Environment, 3.19 pm Food and Rural Affairs, the Department for Transport Thomas Docherty (Dunfermline and West Fife) (Lab): and the Department of Energy and Climate Change? It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship this Those challenges include—for DECC, for example— afternoon, Mr Hollobone. I have the privilege of serving hydrocarbons in the Falkland Islands and the management under the chairmanship of the right hon. Member for of fishing stocks in the Caribbean. Saffron Walden (Sir Alan Haselhurst) on the Administration The right hon. Member for Saffron Walden mentioned Committee and the Commonwealth Parliamentary that sport is an important part of the Commonwealth, Association executive. The right hon. Gentleman spoke and I am sure that the Minister looks forward to the of leadership, and I think that the whole House would next Commonwealth games, which Scotland will host agree that he has provided leadership to the CPA at a next year. I hope that he will take time out from his worldwide level, in the 18 months since he took summer schedule to come and watch Scotland claim chairmanship of the executive committee. many well-deserved gold medals. I am conscious of the time and will restrict myself to brief observations on five areas. As has been mentioned, Mr Philip Hollobone (in the Chair): I commend the the CPA has a vital parliamentary strengthening role, as hon. Gentleman’s excellent time keeping, which I hope do the Commonwealth institutions themselves. The right will serve as an example to all. hon. Gentleman was right to speak of a two-way learning process. The process at the general election was not all it 3.24 pm could have been. There were queues in many cities, Mr Henry Bellingham (North West Norfolk) (Con): because of poor administration. In the light of the way It is a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Dunfermline many other Commonwealth countries run their elections, and West Fife (Thomas Docherty). I pay tribute to my we may need to learn from them. There was also noteworthy right hon. Friend the Member for Saffron Walden (Sir Alan turnout on a couple of recent occasions. I am wearing Haselhurst) for the way that he chairs the CPA and for my Falkland Islands cufflinks for this debate: I received his excellent opening speech. 175WH Commonwealth Day14 MARCH 2013 Commonwealth Day 176WH

[Mr Henry Bellingham] of the Sri Lankan Government and especially their attitude to accountability still leave a great deal to be I walked around Parliament square on Monday and desired. There is still a climate of fear and helplessness was moved to see the flags of the founding members of in the country. the Commonwealth movement and of some of the I do not think that it is good enough for the Minister largest and oldest members, and then those of the most and the Foreign Secretary to say that they will make up recent members, notably Rwanda and Mozambique. their minds about whether Britain will attend the meeting. That brought home to me the fact that countries want Her Majesty’s Government should work tirelessly with to join this extraordinary organisation. the secretariat to ensure that certain conditions and I welcome the charter. The Commonwealth cannot benchmarks are laid down for the CHOGM’s going stand still. Like any organisation, it must move forward. ahead. It would be odd for the head of the Commonwealth, It is excellent that it has now got over some post-colonial Her Majesty, not to attend a CHOGM. In fact, a hang-ups and guilt, and looks to the future as a truly CHOGM would not be complete without the head of extraordinary network of like-minded nations with a the Commonwealth. shared history. For the first time, with the charter, we I agree with my right hon. Friend the Member for have a single document setting out the core values and Saffron Walden that the Commonwealth has done some aspirations of the members of the Commonwealth. excellent work over the past few years, but a great deal One reason why I welcome the enhanced role of the of progress can still be made. I do not want to see that ministerial action group, with the power to respond to progress undermined by what will be a long drawn-out violations of core values, is that without stability we debate on Governments’ attendance of CHOGM, because cannot have flourishing business. I strongly believe that we need action, we need benchmarks and we need the trade and investment side of the Commonwealth is conditions. crucial. Commonwealth trade is worth £3 trillion—not dollars, but sterling. Indeed, the GDP of Commonwealth 3.30 pm countries will overtake that of the EU by 2015. The opportunities are huge, and it is essential that Britain Mike Gapes (Ilford South) (Lab/Co-op): It is a pleasure should make the most of them. I believe that we can do to follow the former Minister, the hon. Member for that and use some of those shared values—particularly North West Norfolk (Mr Bellingham). I completely shared legal systems and philosophies on regulatory agree with his remarks on Sri Lanka and the CHOGM. frameworks—to our advantage. What does the Minister I will not refer to what I said in the previous debate; intend to do, along with UK Trade & Investment and people can read Hansard tomorrow to see what I said. other Departments, to make the most of those opportunities It is important that we recognise the enormous potential in future? in the Commonwealth, but, as the report published by A role that the Commonwealth could pursue with the Select Committee on Foreign Affairs at the end of enhanced vigour relates to regional trade integration. last year made clear, the Commonwealth is currently Trade Mark East Africa involves mainly Commonwealth failing to realise that potential. The report also criticised countries and has been a great success in breaking down the Government and stated that trade barriers between them. Above all, single points of “the FCO’s rhetoric about the importance of the Commonwealth entry between different countries have obviated the is not being matched by its actions.” need for multiple checks at borders. The same is true I exempt the hon. Member for North West Norfolk and also of a tripartite agreement that has been pioneered the former Minister in the Lords, Lord Howell, from by the Southern African Development Community. that criticism, but there is an issue with how the The hon. Member for Dunfermline and West Fife Government, including Departments such as the mentioned the overseas territories, as did my right hon. Department for Education, collectively work with Friend the Member for Saffron Walden, briefly. One of Commonwealth institutions and organisations. More the key aspects of a recent White Paper on the overseas could be done to build on the Commonwealth networks, territories was enhanced engagement by other Departments. to which the Chairman of the Select Committee, the A unique selling point of that White Paper is that it hon. Member for Croydon South (Richard Ottaway), harnesses the power, influence, knowledge and skills of referred in his intervention. other Departments to the benefit of those tiny territories, We also criticised the past closure of diplomatic which lack capacity. I suggest that the Commonwealth missions, particularly in the Pacific, Swaziland—I have can also play an important role in that approach. For personal experience as a former Voluntary Service Overseas example, it helped when the Turks and Caicos Islands teacher in Swaziland—and Lesotho. There is a question had to go into special measures and came under direct on how seriously our current approach accounts for the rule. Thankfully, home rule has now been restored; but fact that we no longer have diplomatic representation in in the interim period, Canada put a great deal of effort a number of Commonwealth countries. Those countries and investment into the islands and, for example, seconded may be small, but they are politically significant in an a police commissioner and deputy police commissioner organisation that works through consensus. there. Both those officers made a significant difference. There is also a question about the BBC World Service, I want to mention the Commonwealth Heads of which we referred to in our report. The Chairman of Government meeting that is scheduled to take place in the Select Committee and I visited the World Service’s Colombo. I feel strongly that the future credibility of excellent new facilities this morning. the Commonwealth is closely linked to its ability to In the time left to me, I will address the role of the uphold and protect the values set out in the new charter. Commonwealth and the Commonwealth Parliamentary We must be completely realistic. In spite of numerous Association in building capacity and developing democracy. warnings and the announcement of red lines, the conduct I declare an interest, because the CPA sent me on a 177WH Commonwealth Day14 MARCH 2013 Commonwealth Day 178WH capacity-building mission to the Maldives in November have an ever greater role in the world’s economy. We 2011. Sadly, within three months there was an engineered must ensure that all those countries feel ownership of coup in which the democratically elected President, the Commonwealth and accept that they have a part to Mohamed Nasheed, was removed. His successor, President play in defining its future. As we debate such things, it is Waheed, embarked on various measures in an assault important that we encourage Parliaments in those countries on democracy, including the harassment and arrest of to engage with and take ownership of that agenda. I members of the Opposition. Former President Nasheed would like to see the Commonwealth charter as the had to seek refuge in the Indian high commission, and, beginning of that process, and not as the end. having left the high commission, he was recently arrested. In a week in which we have seen another great That is all part of a ploy to try to stop a truly democratic international organisation, the papacy, pass from the election from taking place. old world to the new, it is a good time to look at That is shocking to me, because my discussions with Britain’s place in the world and consider where we members of that country’s embryonic democratic ought to be trading and to which organisations we institutions in November 2011 convinced me that there should be reaching out. The Commonwealth is undoubtedly was a role, which the FCO facilitated, in helping to one of those organisations. build a committee structure, in training and in democracy- My late father made his maiden speech in the House building. All that is being set back by the events of the of Commons on the importance of Commonwealth past year and a half. I hope the CPA and the British trade, and in that speech he said that we should not give Government will continue to press for a truly free and up the enormous potential of trade with the world and fair election in the Maldives and for a democratic with the Commonwealth for the “potage”of opportunities outcome that is acceptable, not just to the people of the in the so-called common market of Europe. Many Maldives, but to the democratic values of the international Conservative colleagues might feel that we have gone too community. far down that route over the years, but, as my hon. Friend the Member for North West Norfolk (Mr Bellingham) 3.35 pm has pointed out, with the Commonwealth set to overtake Mr Robin Walker (Worcester) (Con): It is a pleasure the EU in GDP in 2015, it is an important relationship to speak under your chairmanship, Mr Hollobone. I for the future. thank the Backbench Business Committee for agreeing I want briefly to touch on a couple of issues that we to this debate, and I congratulate my right hon. Friend have not yet heard about in this debate: the importance the Member for Saffron Walden (Sir Alan Haselhurst) of collaboration on education across the Commonwealth on securing it. and the importance of reaching out to students from I will begin by reading the first paragraph of the across the Commonwealth, as the Prime Minister Commonwealth charter that Her Majesty the Queen recently did in India, to persuade them to come to study signed this week: in the UK. In his speech in 1961, my father said that “Recognising that in an era of changing economic circumstances we should seek to create a Harvard Business School for and uncertainty, new trade and economic patterns, unprecedented the Commonwealth. If we had such an institution, it threats to peace and security, and a surge in popular demands for would be enormously valuable in the 21st-century world. democracy, human rights and broadened economic opportunities, We should be looking at the opportunities for Britain the potential of and need for the Commonwealth—as a compelling to reach out, to engage and to play an active role in the force for good and as an effective network for co-operation and Commonwealth, and we should ensure that we are for promoting development—has never been greater”. humble about our position. We should feel not that we That neatly summarises some of the points that have own that organisation but that we are an active and engaged already been made on the importance of trade and member along with the other major powers and great human rights in the Commonwealth and the value of nations that form the 21st-century Commonwealth. the new charter. My comments will focus on creating a proper sense of ownership of the Commonwealth in all those countries 3.39 pm across the world that belong to it. Often, when listening Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) to debates in this House, people might think that the (LD): I am happy to serve under you, Mr Hollobone. I Commonwealth is something that belongs to Britain. am grateful to my right hon. Friend the Member for Of course, it is not; it is an organisation, a network, in Saffron Walden (Sir Alan Haselhurst) for not only for which we have an important role, but of which we are his introduction to the debate but his work the year only one member. round. As my right hon. Friend pointed out, the Commonwealth I want to make four brief points; first, to commend represents 30% of the world’s population and a huge the Select Committee report and the Government’s number of young people—there is a huge amount of positive response to many of the recommendations. As dynamism. The Commonwealth also represents a huge a Parliament, it is good that we understand that the proportion of the world’s resources. In the ever smaller Commonwealth is a vital part of our foreign affairs, and ever more interconnected world in which we live, that it consists of our oldest friends and that the club of the Commonwealth has an important role in meeting which we are the oldest member—or, the oldest club of the world’s need for resources. Companies such as Shell which we are a member—is one that we sustain, encourage, talk about the resource nexus between energy, water build up and support. I have always been a fan of the and food becoming greater than ever. Commonwealth, not to the exclusion of support for Member countries such as Australia and Canada are the European Union or the English-speaking world, resource rich, and member countries such as India but because they are all complementary. It plays to our are immense consumers of the world’s resources and strengths but, under all Governments, we have never 179WH Commonwealth Day14 MARCH 2013 Commonwealth Day 180WH

[Simon Hughes] work and changes the lives of thousands; I hope that the FCO will find a way to support it continuing into given the Commonwealth the priority that it deserves. the future. My first request to the Minister therefore is for the Government, as suggested by the Select Committee 3.44 pm report, to look at and beef up our commitment to Commonwealth in all ways and all Departments, Mr David Amess (Southend West) (Con): I congratulate to show that we want to be a serious player. my right hon. Friend the Member for Saffron Walden (Sir Alan Haselhurst) on securing the debate and on his Various areas could be usefully prioritised. In a second, leadership of the Commonwealth Parliamentary I will come back to one that has already been the Association. Last year, I had the privilege of being part subject of a debate, but last week we had a good debate of a delegation he led to Sri Lanka for the 58th conference, in the main Chamber about the death penalty elsewhere at which a commitment was given in the hope that all in the world, about the people on death row in India CPA members would hold a debate annually at around with the return to executions in that country. We could this time of year, so I am glad that we are having the reasonably seek to persuade those Commonwealth countries debate. I also pay tribute to my hon. Friend the Member that still have the death penalty that it is not a necessary for North West Norfolk (Mr Bellingham) for his role in part of a law and order policy, which is better without such matters. it. To work with our friends in India and other countries The Commonwealth is an extraordinary and wonderful would be helpful. We also need to persuade other organisation of which, frankly, we do not make enough. countries such as Uganda that persecuting homosexuals I am delighted to have the charter described in a little is not appropriate for a Commonwealth Government. detail by my right hon. Friend the Member for Saffron We need to ensure the right support for people of all Walden. In particular, I praise article IX, which recognises backgrounds, colours, castes, faiths, sexes and sexuality, the need for sustainable development, and article X, irrespective of where in the Commonwealth they come which declares that we need to conserve our natural from. I am also keen that we elaborate and clarify our ecosystems. commitment to the educational exchanges which have The only country that I want to mention specifically been touched on for students from Commonwealth is the Maldives, so I am glad that the hon. Member for countries. We have cut back on Commonwealth student Ilford South (Mike Gapes) did so as well. I declare my scholarships, which is a short-sighted failure, because interest, which is as chair of the all-party British-Maldives building up historic links that have been present for a group. I do not wish to be critical of our Government, long time is hugely important. whether past or present. President Gayoom, however, Secondly, I want to say a word about Sri Lanka. I had led the Maldives for 30 years, and democracy is not greatly appreciate the comments of my hon. Friend the easily developed or won. We gave plenty of support to Member for North West Norfolk (Mr Bellingham), the elections in 2008, but the idea that that was fine, that recently a Minister in the FCO. We cannot be supportive democracy was then up and running and that we could of the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting move away could not be further from the truth. Without going on in Sri Lanka without a sea change in the boring the Chamber and going into lots of detail, a attitude of the Sri Lankan Government. I do not have number of issues should have been dealt with more an antipathy to Sinhalese people, a Sinhalese Government robustly, as the hon. Gentleman said. Nevertheless, I or a Sinhalese President but clearly, over the years, the meet regularly with the high commissioner, and I am minority communities and in particular the Tamils have glad that the upcoming elections appear to be on track. been ill served. Tests include the disappearance and At our meeting only two weeks ago, I was reassured assassination of journalists, one of the lowest rated that the elections would be fair and free, with former categorisations for press freedom in the world and an President Nasheed a likely and unhindered participant. inability for foreign countries and agencies such as the Perhaps my right hon. Friend the Minister might reflect UN or the Red Cross to be present in the country freely. on that and, when he has time, write to us in a little Sri Lanka has to change. I know the FCO position and more detail. The point I wanted to make is that the that we are withholding our engagement, but unless Commonwealth should help in every way it possibly there is significant change our response needs to be can, not only with observers but in the build-up to the stronger. elections. Some may say, “Oh, the Maldives, wonderful holiday resort”, but life in the Maldives for many people Thirdly, I have had a long interest in Cyprus. I is not like that. It would be a great shame if we abandoned congratulate President Anastasiades on his recent election this fledgling democracy. as the President of Cyprus. There is an opportunity to I am optimistic about the future of the Commonwealth. resolve the half-century of dispute over Cyprus—in I salute the charter, which sets out clearly some important effect, since its independence from the United Kingdom. principles to which all Commonwealth nations should There is good will in the north, in the unrecognised adhere and probably already do. That is not to say that Government of northern Cyprus, and I hope for huge there are not huge challenges: many hundreds of millions encouragement from the Foreign and Commonwealth of Commonwealth subjects still live in poverty; many Office. children do not have access to education; and AIDS is still rife in many member states. I would not claim to Finally, I have a request that the Minister knows is have all the answers, but we are much stronger working coming: the Commonwealth Youth Exchange Council, within the Commonwealth than alone. Our shared cultures in which I have had a part over the years, has lost its and close trading ties are pivotal, and I hope to see a funding from the British Council and needs about £100,000 renewed and continually developing Commonwealth a year in public support to keep it going. It does great emerge over the coming years. 181WH Commonwealth Day14 MARCH 2013 Commonwealth Day 182WH

3.48 pm in step with us through the democratic reforms and the expansion of human rights that we have experienced, Martin Horwood (Cheltenham) (LD): I, too, congratulate but it is something of a matter of shame that no fewer the right hon. Member for Saffron Walden (Sir Alan than 36 of the 58 countries where capital punishment Haselhurst) on securing and leading the debate and on is still lawful are Commonwealth countries and that his work at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, many of those countries still criminalise homosexuality which he serves with great distinction. and have a hostile response to gay rights. When the The Commonwealth is an extraordinary organisation Prime Minister called for Commonwealth countries to and family of nations, bringing together shared values, reconsider the criminalisation of homosexuality, some often a shared language and shared culture, with sporting countries responded positively—Malawi began to repeal links and many other dimensions of what I suppose these legislation—but others, such as Uganda, went in the days we call soft relations or soft power. It is important opposite direction. It is important to emphasise the to emphasise the importance of the Commonwealth as totality of human rights for all Commonwealth citizens. an avenue for the exercise of soft power, in contrast to Zimbabwe is not currently a member of the many much more formalised, rigid and confrontational Commonwealth, but I think that many people would international arenas. The Commonwealth is enormously still regard it as part of the family of Commonwealth important in that. nations. Again, if the Commonwealth can do anything Some Commonwealth members deserve particular to support the conduct of the forthcoming elections in attention; the one probably most at risk in terms of the Zimbabwe, so that they are free and fair, and to support shared values and international relations is Pakistan. the people there trying to establish Zimbabwe as a The Commonwealth and the British Government should thorough democracy once again, that would be valuable. certainly be doing their utmost to support the traditions The right hon. Member for Saffron Walden referred of democracy, freedom, peace, security and human briefly to the Commonwealth ministerial action group. rights in that country, while not underestimating the Such groups and the secretary-general’s office need to threats posed to it by internal and external forces. The be a bit more active and assertive in giving the terrible but inspiring case of Malala Yousafzai, who Commonwealth teeth to promote in various countries had to struggle first for her education and then for her the shared values expressed brilliantly in the charter. very life against some of those forces, is instructive. There is room for domestic effort as well. The Foreign Perhaps it has started to shift some of the political Affairs Committee referred to the BBC World Service, forces within Pakistan. The more that we can celebrate and my right hon. Friend the Member for Bermondsey the courage of people such as Malala through the and Old Southwark (Simon Hughes) rightly referred to Commonwealth and other arenas, the more that we can student visas. Student links are part of what makes soft support Pakistan in protecting those traditions. cultural relationships valuable, and we must reinforce Reference has been made to Sri Lanka as the host of them at all opportunities. the next Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting. The Queen, as head of the Commonwealth, must attend the meeting, but her health has been frail lately and it is 3.54 pm conceivable that she might be unable to attend. The Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): As ever, it is a reasons would be purely innocent, as we understand pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Hollobone. that her personal commitment to the Commonwealth is I congratulate the right hon. Member for Saffron Walden strong. If she attends, it will be difficult for the British (Sir Alan Haselhurst) on securing this debate and thank Government not to attend, because we would not want the Backbench Business Committee for scheduling it to embarrass Her Majesty. If she does not attend for during the week when we celebrate Commonwealth day. other reasons, it might provide an opportunity to reflect As we have heard, there is much to celebrate, including on whether Britain should attend the meeting. At the our trading links with other Commonwealth countries, moment, only the Canadian Government are saying our cultural links and the number of students who that they will not attend, but we must reflect on the come to study in this country and who go from the UK situation in Sri Lanka and make a stand if we can. to other countries. I understand that the trade in goods The Government in Sri Lanka stand accused of war within the Commonwealth is now worth £250 billion crimes, a politically motivated impeachment process each year. This year’s Commonwealth day theme, and dismissal of their own chief justice this January. “Opportunity through enterprise”, focuses on how the They are also accused of continuing human rights benefits of the Commonwealth can be shared by all abuses in the form of disappearances, a culture of members and citizens. impunity and a misuse of security laws. In its 2012 As the Commonwealth Secretariat states: annual report, Amnesty said of Sri Lanka: “Commonwealth Day is an opportunity to promote understanding “The government continued to arbitrarily detain, torture or on global issues, international co-operation and Commonwealth’s ill-treat people and subject people to enforced disappearance. It organisations, which aim to improve the lives of its citizens.” failed to address most instances of impunity for violations of human rights and humanitarian law. The government rejected It is therefore important that we use the day not only to repeated allegations of war crimes committed by both sides of the consider the Commonwealth’s successes but, if we are conflict that ended in 2009, prompting Amnesty International to to improve the lives of its citizens, to consider its reiterate calls for an independent international investigation.” shortcomings. I am afraid—this is beginning to sound a little critical— In addition to shared history in many cases, the that there are other examples of the Commonwealth Commonwealth is bound—it is said—by the shared sometimes not living up to all its values. I accept, as the values of democracy, freedom, peace, the rule of law right hon. Member for Saffron Walden said in his and opportunity for all. As we heard from many participants introduction, that we cannot expect every nation to proceed in this debate, that is not always the case. There are 183WH Commonwealth Day14 MARCH 2013 Commonwealth Day 184WH

[Kerry McCarthy] were arrested under anti-homosexuality laws between March 2011 and 2012, and in South Africa, a 24-year-old concerns about human rights and democracy in several activist was brutally raped and murdered, seemingly Commonwealth countries, and I will touch on those in because she was gay and a human rights activist a moment, but the idea of the Commonwealth as an campaigning for LGBT rights. Two years later, no one institution with those shared values was underlined on has been arrested. Monday by the Queen’s signing the Commonwealth I do not want to dwell too much on the negative in my charter as Head of the Commonwealth, setting out the remarks. There have been more promising signs, particularly shared values and commitments agreed by all Heads of in the Caribbean. In Trinidad and Tobago, where Government. The charter has been widely welcomed, homosexual acts can be punished with up to 25 years in and it includes many important principles. I welcome its prison and it is illegal for gay people to enter the focus on democracy, human rights, international peace country, the Prime Minister reportedly wrote to the and security, good governance and the rule of law. Kaleidoscope Trust to confirm that she will act to put The charter highlights levels of poverty in many an end to all discrimination based on gender or sexual Commonwealth countries and the threat of climate orientation. She shares the view that change, emphasising the need for sustainable development “the stigmatisation of homosexuality in Trinidad and Tobago is a and the duty to protect the environment. It includes matter which must be addressed on the grounds of human rights access to health, education, food and shelter, essentials and dignity to which every individual is entitled under international that some Commonwealth citizens can now take for law.” granted but that remain unobtainable for far too many. In Jamaica, where there are also anti-homosexuality In many ways, the charter illustrates the diversity, and laws and reports of attacks and harassment of gay indeed inequality, within the Commonwealth. It could people, the Prime Minister has said that no one should provide a basis for reducing the inequality while continuing be discriminated against because of their sexual orientation. to respect and celebrate the diversity. I agree entirely With apologies for focusing on the negative, the hon. with the right hon. Member for Saffron Walden that we Member for Cheltenham (Martin Horwood) raised the should not enforce exactly the same criteria across the issue of the death penalty. It is another area of concern Commonwealth; we should tolerate diversity within the that is touched on in the charter’s clauses on human Commonwealth and accept people’s right to their own rights, the rule of law and justice, but it is not explicitly way of doing things. However, in some areas, we must referenced. As the Foreign Affairs Committee has noted, try to unify the Commonwealth around a certain set of 36 of the 58 countries where capital punishment is values. lawful are Commonwealth members. Although some of The Foreign Affairs Committee report on the role those countries are abolitionist in practice, in that they and future of the Commonwealth noted that do not carry out the death penalty, their citizens are still “the moral authority of the Commonwealth has too often been sentenced to death and so remain on death row indefinitely. undermined by the repressive actions of member governments.” The UK’s long-standing position is to support the I now turn briefly to that issue. Over the weekend, the abolition of the death penalty in all circumstances. Will charter was lauded by some as a landmark development the Minister tell us to what extent we have led discussions for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender equality, but on the death penalty and LGBT rights within the the rights of LGBT people and the unacceptable Commonwealth, with respect to other countries’ rights discrimination that they still face were not mentioned in to determine their own policies? the charter. Gender equality is specifically included, Finally, I want to touch on the Commonwealth Heads and I certainly agree with the charter’s assertion that of Government meeting, which has been mentioned by “the advancement of women’s rights and the education of girls several speakers, both in this debate and the earlier one are critical preconditions for effective and sustainable development.” on human rights. I was interested to hear the Minister There is also a clause on tolerance, respect and say that the UK Government’s position on whether we understanding, explicitly covering religious freedom and would attend CHOGM was not decided. In a previous “respect and dignity for all human beings”, debate, I got the impression from one of his colleagues that it was fairly set in stone that the UK would attend but there is no reference to the LGBT community. It has and that the UK Government were not prepared to use been inferred that clause 2 covers the issue. I certainly the fact that CHOGM is approaching in Colombo in endorse the commitment to the universal declaration of November as leverage to try to persuade the Sri Lankan human rights and the opposition to all forms of Government to do more on the human rights agenda. discrimination, but given that the charter goes on to The right hon. Member for Bermondsey and Old specify Southwark (Simon Hughes) suggested that that was an “discrimination…rooted in gender, race, colour, creed and political ideal opportunity, and I think the hon. Member for belief”, North West Norfolk (Mr Bellingham) mentioned that sexuality is a startling omission. as well. It is important that we do not just allow Sri I accept that when charters explicitly cover religious Lanka to use the CHOGM to promote the regime and freedom, it often comes into conflict with LGBT rights, present itself as a wonderful country. It is in some but we must address the issue, particularly as 41 respects a wonderful country—it is an amazing country Commonwealth countries—three quarters of them—still to visit on holiday—but we should use the intervening criminalise homosexuality. There is still the prospect of period between now and November to put pressure on the anti-homosexuality Bill in Uganda, which has caused the Government to make some progress. many people grave concern, and similar legislation in As I have said, I apologise if I have dwelt too much Nigeria could increase the penalties for gay couples or on the negative, but it is because I think the Commonwealth same-sex displays of affection. In Cameroon, 13 people has achieved a great deal. I was in Uganda a few years 185WH Commonwealth Day14 MARCH 2013 Commonwealth Day 186WH ago, just before it was due to host CHOGM. It was jubilee, the charter was signed by Her Majesty the interesting that people all over Kampala were not at all Queen on Commonwealth day. Her Majesty is, of course, interested that the Prime Minister or any other UK a staunch advocate of the work of the Commonwealth, politicians were coming to visit; they were interested which she heads. The charter’s agreement marked a that the Queen and Prince Charles were coming. All major milestone in the promotion of democratic values their questions were about that. It was clear to me how across the Commonwealth. For the first time in its important they felt their place within the Commonwealth 64-year history, the Commonwealth has a single statement was and how privileged they felt to be able to host defining the core values for which it stands. They are the CHOGM that year. CHOGM is immensely valuable for values that member nations think are important enough Britain and the other countries that take part, but we to bring together in one single document; values which should also use it to try to make progress on progressive affect the lives of millions across the Commonwealth values and to address the issues of poverty within the every day. Commonwealth, as well environmental issues and all As the hon. Member for Cheltenham (Martin Horwood) those other issues, otherwise it becomes something to and several others have made clear, it is simply untrue to celebrate, but not something that helps to change the say that all Commonwealth countries already adhere world. without exception to every value in the charter. By setting them out and agreeing to aspire to them, however, Mr Philip Hollobone (in the Chair): Before calling the we are on the road to ensuring that they become common Minister, I remind him to leave a few minutes at the end currency across the Commonwealth. I agree with the for the right hon. Member for Saffron Walden (Sir Alan hon. Member for Bristol East (Kerry McCarthy) and Haselhurst) to respond to this most interesting debate. the right hon. Member for Bermondsey and Old Southwark (Simon Hughes) when they talked about the role of the 4.3 pm charter and what Commonwealth countries can do on The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth LGBT issues. We fundamentally believe that we should Office (Mr Hugo Swire): The Minister will, Mr Hollobone, do much more and we remain concerned by recent therefore want to make a degree of progress. I start by attempts in several Commonwealth states to introduce congratulating my right hon. Friend the Member for punitive laws on homosexuality. As is well known, the Saffron Walden (Sir Alan Haselhurst) on securing this coalition Government are committed to upholding the important debate and expressing his thoughts on the rights and freedoms of LGBT people in all circumstances. subject so eloquently, based on the knowledge we all We are clear that discrimination is never acceptable. It is know he has. I highlight his valuable contribution to the important that these countries agree and have a goal to work of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. aim towards, because the Commonwealth’s future credibility is closely linked to its ability to uphold and protect core This is the first time the House of Commons has held democratic values. a debate on the Commonwealth during Commonwealth week, and I hope it will become a precedent. I know In recent years the Commonwealth’s reputation as an that my hon. Friend the Member for Gloucester (Richard organisation based on values has been tarnished by a Graham), the founder of the all-party group for the perceived silence on human rights concerns. We have Commonwealth, is determined that it becomes a regular heard today about concerns on the political will in some feature of the parliamentary calendar, and I pay tribute Commonwealth countries to uphold the values to which to his success as he stands down as the group’s chairman. they have committed under the charter. That undermines I also thank right hon. and hon. Members for their the credibility of the Commonwealth, which is why we thoughtful contributions. I will answer the specific questions are working to strengthen how the Commonwealth raised by Members throughout my speech, and if I have promotes and protects its values. We believe that the enough time at the end, I will try to answer other commitments in the charter should be upheld, adhered questions. to and kept under constant review. Making the Commonwealth ministerial action group that acts on I do not want to introduce a partisan element into those concerns stronger and more proactive is crucial. what has been a wholly unpartisan debate, but perhaps The group responded well to the crisis in Maldives, the hon. Member for Ilford South (Mike Gapes) had his which I will come to in a minute, and its continued tongue slightly in his cheek when he questioned how engagement is important. seriously the Government take the Commonwealth. He In common with other international organisations, talked about the closure of diplomatic missions. As the Commonwealth must evolve constantly if it is to someone who has been going around the world re-opening keep pace with changes in the wider world. That is diplomatic missions after the neglect of the past 13 years, particularly the case with trade and investment, as was I imagine he was just gently teasing us. The coalition pointed out by my hon. Friend the Member for North agreement sets out our vision West Norfolk (Mr Bellingham). In this year of “to strengthen the Commonwealth as a focus for promoting “Opportunity through Enterprise”—the Commonwealth’s democratic values and development.” theme in 2013—we must all work to strengthen the That is essential if we are to build a Commonwealth Commonwealth’s focus on trade and prosperity. fit for the 21st century. It is right that we take the In order to increase the UK’s prosperity, we must opportunity provided by Commonwealth day, and, work with and through every relevant international indeed, Commonwealth week, to look at how far the organisation to which we have access. In the case of Commonwealth has come in the past year, and where it trade, the EU, for example, represents 500 million people needs to go next. and 21 million companies. However, it is not only a In response to my right hon. Friend the Member question of trading with one organisation, or with just for Saffron Walden, I will focus my remarks on the one country or another; it is about trading with all of Commonwealth charter. Agreed in the year of the diamond them. I gently remind my hon. Friend the Member for 187WH Commonwealth Day14 MARCH 2013 Commonwealth Day 188WH

[Mr Hugo Swire] through the Commonwealth, and bilaterally. All I can say is that the Department for International Development’s Worcester £48 million Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility is (Mr Walker) that it is necessary to compare our trade supporting interventions in power and transport. A within the EU and recognise that trade with the business case has been pulled together to increase the Commonwealth is something that we should concentrate programme budget to £98 million. NIAF is playing a and focus on, and grow, but it is not likely to be a major role on power sector reform, which is the highest replacement, tempting though that may be for many profile and most important economic activity and reform Members of the House, for the vast levels of trade that under way. We are in the process of preparing support we do in the EU currently. I and my colleagues in the to scale up Mombasa port development, for example, to Government look forward to supporting work across the value of about $42 million. The programme is a the Commonwealth to boost intra-Commonwealth trade, mixture of hardware and software support. which I believe can act as a catalyst for change. The right hon. Member for Bermondsey and Old The Commonwealth is a natural place for us to do Southwark, and other hon. Members, rightly raised business. Among its members are some of the world’s what I consider to be the elephant in the room—the fastest growing economies—one thinks of India, where issues of CHOGM and Sri Lanka, and the attendance incidentally, we have just opened more offices, in of the Government. The Government of Sri Lanka, as Chandigarh and Hyderabad, as well as Nigeria, South we all know, face considerable challenges in building a Africa, Malaysia or Singapore. However, we need to see sustainable peace for all Sri Lankans, and they do so a more structured approach to taking advantage of the with the support of an international community eager in-built benefits that the Commonwealth offers us on to see lasting peace. However, with that support comes trade: our shared principles of democracy, the rule of scrutiny and expectations of genuine progress, and in law, good governance and our similar legal systems. We 2013 that will be particularly intense. This month, another should do all that we can to strengthen those attributes, country resolution on Sri Lanka is before the UN because that will help to create the conditions for trade Human Rights Council. The UK co-sponsored a resolution to flourish between Commonwealth countries. That last year and we will strongly support the United States means tackling corruption, cutting unnecessary red-tape, follow-up resolution on Sri Lanka later this month. and promoting transparency and accountability. Come November, whichever countries attend, and at whatever level, CHOGM—which marks the beginning Mr Robin Walker: The Minister is absolutely right to of Sri Lanka’s two-year tenure as chair-in-office of the talk about promoting transparency and accountability. Commonwealth—will be an opportunity either for Sri He may be interested to know that the all-party group Lanka to showcase its progress, or for pressure and on the extractive industries, which I attended yesterday, attention to be drawn to a lack of it. heard from the high commissioner from Tanzania about Some hon. Members suggested that the UK should approaches that have been made by the Commonwealth not be represented at a high level at this meeting. I can Business Council to establish best-practice working, in state on the record, absolutely clearly, that we have not terms of encouraging transparency in the extractive yet made any decisions about UK attendance. I would industries. Does he agree that we should be looking to also like to put something on the record—this was support that model across the Commonwealth? raised by my hon. Friend the Member for North West Norfolk and the hon. Member for Cheltenham—about Her Majesty’s attendance. It is absolutely clear that the Mr Swire: I most certainly do, and not only across Queen attends CHOGM as head of the Commonwealth, the Commonwealth. We have been encouraging that in not the UK Head of State. Her attendance is not a Burma, with some considerable success, but it is precisely decision for the UK Government; if she were to ask for that level of expertise that the Commonwealth can advice, it would be from all Commonwealth members. bring to countries that need it. We look to Sri Lanka, as with any CHOGM host, to What are we doing for other, smaller countries? The demonstrate commitment to Commonwealth values, hon. Member for Dunfermline and West Fife (Thomas which was a point made by the Under-Secretary of Docherty) asked what we were doing to improve the State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. links between the Commonwealth and the overseas Friend the Member for North East Bedfordshire (Alistair territories, and what support Her Majesty’s Government Burt), during his recent visit to Sri Lanka. During that provide through Departments to overseas territories. As visit he raised our concerns with the Sri Lankan our White Paper on the overseas territories, which was Government and urged the full implementation of published last year, makes clear, the scale of the challenge recommendations from Sri Lanka’s Lessons Learnt and facing the overseas territories is simply beyond the Reconciliation Commission, as well as wider measures means of one or two Government Departments. Our on accountability. Although some progress has been commitment is to a whole-of-Government approach. made in Sri Lanka, we are clear that much more is As the White Paper says: needed. We are aware that members of the Commonwealth “We want to strengthen interaction between the Territories ministerial action group share those concerns. and UK Government Departments and local Government. Each I turn to an issue raised by the hon. Member for Ilford UK Department has now assumed responsibility for supporting South and my hon. Friend the Member for Southend the Territories…in its own areas of competence and expertise. Departments have published papers setting out how they can West (Mr Amess). We support the Commonwealth’s provide support for and work with the Territories.” work on the Maldives. CMAG’s decisive and timely engagement with the Maldives during the political crisis We are now putting those commitments into action. last year was a demonstration of its commitment to The hon. Gentleman also asked what we were doing implement a stronger mandate. As the Commonwealth in terms of defence and security building in Africa continues to offer technical assistance to help strengthen 189WH Commonwealth Day14 MARCH 2013 Commonwealth Day 190WH the judiciary and other key democratic institutions there, Much has been said—rightly, because of the timing— the UK will maintain contact with all parties in the regarding the Commonwealth charter. I hope that now Maldives and with engaged international partners. Our that Commonwealth countries have set their hand to it, shared goal is a stable, peaceful and democratic future it will be seen as something to be promulgated on every for the Maldivian people. We welcomed, at the time, the occasion, a constant reminder of what the Commonwealth appointment of Sir Donald McKinnon in March last is for and something that may give hope to people, year as the Commonwealth special envoy. He has used wherever they may be in the Commonwealth, who his extensive expertise and experience to work with all despair of their future, or who feel at the moment the parties. Both he and the Commonwealth secretary- disadvantaged or oppressed, that there is a standard to general have stressed the importance of moving forward which to aspire and to which we are all trying to work. to “free, fair and inclusive” elections in the Maldives. It is pretty evident from everything that has been said Sir Donald was most recently there in January. We have that we are all conscious here of the need for good sought and received assurances from President Waheed governance at the centre of any state that professes to that any trial of former President Nasheed will be be a democracy. There is continuing work to be done, fair and free from political interference. We look to the and parliamentarians, along with all those others who Maldivian authorities to ensure that due process is followed are in the different Commonwealth networks, have a and that legal proceedings are fair and transparent. particular responsibility to ensure that the basic conditions The Government remain committed to the of democracy are met throughout the nations of the Commonwealth and to the values set out in its charter. Commonwealth. This financial year, UK contributions to Commonwealth I made the suggestion to the Sri Lankan Government organisations will amount to approximately £40 million, a few months back and also to the Commonwealth and we look forward to hosting the Commonwealth Secretariat that perhaps it would be helpful—reassuring, games in Glasgow in July 2014. I very much look indeed—if we were to stage a Commonwealth democracy forward to being entertained at that time by the hon. forum as part of the proceedings of the CHOGM, Member for Dunfermline and West Fife, and I readily because parliamentarians other than the Heads of accept the hospitality that he has proffered to me—at Government have not had a particularly prominent role least that is the way that I chose to interpret his earlier at a CHOGM. Many other organisations of a civil point. nature have done that, so it is rather strange that We are clear that we must capitalise on all the networks parliamentarians have been somewhat subdued in this and relationships at our disposal in order to promote context. The idea has not so far been progressed, but I the UK’s prosperity, stability and security. The think that it would be a useful symbol, linked with the Commonwealth—a long-standing network of old friends, charter, to show what parliamentarians are all about. as I think the right hon. Member for Bermondsey and Old Southwark described them—lends itself perfectly If we in the United Kingdom really do attach importance to that ambition. to the Commonwealth, as many of my hon. Friends have demonstrated today, we should, I believe, mark I firmly believe that the Commonwealth can and will that attachment by a debate every year, akin to an go from strength to strength. In a world of many annual review, because there will be just as many issues bilateral and multilateral regional agreements and to discuss a year from now as we have heard about associations, the Commonwealth still offers something today. Therefore, although I reiterate my thanks to the unique, and countries recognise that. It is an important Backbench Business Committee for providing us with institution that many outside the club want to join, and this opportunity in Commonwealth week, I ask the through dedication and reform, it can become stronger Government please to note that there will be, a year and speak with a louder voice than ever before. from now, another Commonwealth day and therefore I encourage all hon. Members to get involved with there will be the same pressure to hold and interest in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, so ably holding a debate of this kind, perhaps with more time chaired by my right hon. Friend the Member for Saffron available for it. Walden, and with the all-party group for the I thank the Minister in particular for what he said Commonwealth. We should leave outside observers in towards the end of his speech, which seemed to echo my no doubt that the Commonwealth matters to this House, interest in establishing the precedent of this debate, and to the British people and to this Government. The therefore I hope that throughout the House there will United Kingdom will remain steadfast in its support for be enthusiasm and persistence to try to ensure that an the organisation, working with it and through it to occasion as valuable as this becomes a regular feature of make the Commonwealth more efficient, more focused the parliamentary calendar. and ever more relevant in today’s world.

4.20 pm Mr Philip Hollobone (in the Chair): I thank all right hon. and hon. Members for taking part in a most Sir Alan Haselhurst: Thank you, Mr Hollobone, for interesting debate. allowing me to say a few words to wind up the debate. I Question put and agreed to. thank those colleagues who have participated. I thank the shadow Minister, the hon. Member for Bristol East (Kerry McCarthy), and the Minister. We have had a good demonstration of why such a debate is very 4.24 pm appropriate for us to conduct. Sitting adjourned.

13WS Written Ministerial Statements14 MARCH 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 14WS

Presidential guidance to help ensure that judges are dealing Written Ministerial with hearings in a consistent manner which ensures parties know what to expect and what is expected of them; A simplified procedure for withdrawing and dismissing claims; Statements A new procedure for preliminary hearings that combine separate pre-hearing reviews and case management discussions. Thursday 14 March 2013 It is the Government’s intention that the new rules of procedure will be published to coincide with the introduction of employment tribunal fees, which will require additional BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS changes to the rules of procedure. Government believe that while the original intention was to introduce the “Employment Law 2013: Progress on Reform” Underhill changes to the rules in April, it is preferable to make both sets of changes to the rules of procedure at the same time, rather than in a piecemeal way. This The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, will allow users of the system to familiarise themselves Innovation and Skills (Jo Swinson): The Government with one new set of rules, rather than different versions. want to ensure that the UK has the best framework of It is expected that the new rules of procedure will be employment law to create a flexible and fair labour laid before Parliament in due course, and in good time market, which is necessary to support economic growth. before they come into force this summer. It enables employers to turn demand into jobs and enables individuals to find and keep jobs that suit them. Copies of the documents being published today have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. The UK labour market currently performs well. Over a million private sector jobs have been created in the last two years. With employment at 29.7 million there are Apprenticeships in England: Next Steps now more people in employment than ever before. Businesses are creating jobs at a rapid rate and we believe that our “light and even” employment regulation The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Skills regime has helped in this. But some businesses believe (Matthew Hancock): Today the Government have published that UK employment laws are burdensome and have “The Future of Apprenticeships in England: Next Steps generated perverse incentives that encourage workers to from the Richard Review”, our response to Doug Richard’s seek out the courts rather than mediation. independent “Review of Apprenticeships”. It sets out our long-term vision for apprenticeships, together with Through the Employment Law Review we are looking our proposals for achieving this. at all aspects of regulation affecting the employment relationship and employment life-cycle with the aim of The Richard “Review of Apprenticeships”was published reducing unnecessary burdens and making the underpinning in November 2012, and the report set out a compelling legislation as simple and effective as possible while vision for the future of apprenticeships in England. Our protecting essential worker rights. Our aim is to ensure response firmly agrees with the review’s assessment of that regulation is targeted appropriately, keeping the the challenges and opportunities ahead, in particular to state out of areas where the parties are best placed to place employers at the heart of all aspects of apprenticeships manage the employment relationship themselves. and to ensure rigour, and endorses his vision and the key steps we will need to take to get there. Today the Government are publishing “Employment Law 2013: Progress on Reform” which sets out our Apprenticeships are a success; the quantity has risen continuing vision of creating a flexible, effective and by a record amount, with half a million starts over the fair labour market. It outlines key achievements made last year. We must ensure consistently good quality, too. to date and looks ahead to ongoing and future work The reforms we are proposing are challenging and streams to support this. far-reaching. We want to work closely with employers, We are also publishing the Government response on educators and others with an interest in apprenticeships, the recommendations following the “Fundamental Review on how best to turn these principles into practice. That of Employment Tribunal Rules”by Mr Justice Underhill. is why today we have launched a consultation to inform Mr Justice Underhill made a number of our next steps. recommendations to simplify and streamline the A copy of the response has been placed in the Libraries. employment tribunals system and has drafted new rules The consultation will stay open until 22 May. We will of procedure for employment tribunals, which the carefully consider responses over the summer and will Government have consulted on. In addition. Government publish our detailed implementation plan in autumn also took the opportunity to ask some questions about 2013. the non-payment of employment tribunal awards. The Government, alongside Mr Justice Underhill, have considered all the responses to the consultation, and DEFENCE where appropriate, have reflected these changes in the new rules of procedure. Other responses may be considered Armed Forces Pay Review Body 2013 Report as part of the presidential guidance, which will be drafted by the presidents of the employment tribunal in England, Wales and Scotland to accompany the new The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Philip Hammond): rules. The 2013 report of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body The main changes include: (AFPRB) has now been published. I wish to express my New procedures aimed at addressing potentially weak claims thanks to the chairman and members of the review and more robust case management; body for their report. 15WS Written Ministerial Statements14 MARCH 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 16WS

In line with the Government’s 2011 autumn statement, European semester: discussion of certain thematic issues— which announced that public sector pay awards will report on quality of public expenditure average 1% for the two years following the public sector Ministers agreed Council conclusions on the report, pay freeze, the AFPRB has recommended an increase which addresses fiscal adjustments and finds that fiscal of 1% to base military salaries for 2013-14. In addition, consolidation and promoting growth are not alternatives the AFPRB has recommended an increase to X-factor and can go hand in hand. of 0.5% and a 1% increase in specialist pay and Closer economic and monetary union: response to President compensatory allowances. The AFPRB has also of the European Council recommended an increase to accommodation charges, Ministers held an exchange of views on closer economic but a reduction to food charges, together with a number and monetary union integration. of targeted measures, including a new commitment bonus for certain categories of personnel joining the Follow-up to G20 meeting of Finance Ministers and Territorial Army. governors in Moscow, 15-16 February 2013 The AFPRB’s recommendations are to be accepted The presidency and the Commission updated Ministers in full, except for the recommendation to increase X-factor, on the meeting. which would result in costs for which the Department has not currently budgeted. This recommendation is ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS therefore under consideration as part of a wider review of departmental expenditure and I will inform the House of the result in due course. All other Agriculture and Fisheries Council recommendations will become effective from 1 April 2013, except where the AFPRB report indicates otherwise. The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Copies of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body report Affairs (Mr Owen Paterson): I attended the Agriculture are available in the Vote Office. and Fisheries Council on 25 and 26 February in Brussels covering agricultural issues. I was accompanied by the Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and TREASURY Rural Affairs, responsible for the natural environment, water and rural affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Newbury (Richard Benyon), who spoke on fisheries ECOFIN issues. Alun Davies AM, Richard Lochhead MSP and Michelle O’Neil MLA also attended. The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr George Osborne): This statement updates Parliament on the outcome A meeting of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council of discussions of all agenda items at the February was held in Brussels on 5 March 2013. Ministers discussed Council with the exception of the AOB point on the the following items: mislabelling of beef products. I reported on this item in Revised capital requirements rules (CRD IV) my written parliamentary statement of 27 February, Official Report, column 26WS. Ministers discussed a revised legislative package. I Agriculture—CAP Reform—Basic Payment made clear that the UK would not support the proposals as they stand. The UK currently has one of the toughest Council began with a range of views on its revised remuneration regimes in the world and the current text on the CAP basic payment. On the main issue of remuneration proposals in CRD IV would risk the internal convergence, those member states who have perverse effect of driving up fixed pay, making banks long opposed the move to full convergence of payment less resilient. The proposals would also make it more levels within a member state or region (i.e. moving from difficult to claw back pay where appropriate, thus reducing a system based on historical payments to one using area accountability in the banking sector. The presidency payments), welcomed the revised text and its lower level noted that a majority of member states supported the of ambition. The UK along with some other member revised package: however further work was required to states supported strong Commission calls for a more negotiate outstanding technical issues before Council ambitious proposal. I argued that full internal convergence would formally approve the measures. was required, although I did welcome the extra flexibility the text granted to member states about how they Current legislative proposals reached that point. The presidency updated Council on the state of play Member states agreed with the proposal that they of the following legislative proposals currently under could scale back entitlements for some claimants if consideration: revised rules for markets in financial there would be a large increase in entitlements across instruments, the single supervisory mechanism, the bank the member state. The proposed redistributive payment recovery and resolution directive, the mortgage credit also received support, although some queried its complexity. directive and the market abuse directive and regulation. Most new member states continued to push for continuation VAT fraud: quick reaction mechanism (VAT QRM) of the single area payment scheme (SAPS).The presidency Ministers discussed political guidelines for an anti-fraud acknowledged this as an issue to which the Council package including the QRM. The UK and others stressed would need to return. the importance of decisions on tax matters being made CAP Reform—Transparency of CAP Beneficiaries Data by the Council and being subject to unanimity. The The Council confirmed broad support for the presidency will continue its work in this area. Commission’s proposals on publication of CAP Economic governance “two pack” beneficiaries’ data, above a set threshold. The UK and Council noted the agreement reached with the European some other member states argued that we should go Parliament. further by publishing names and receipts of all CAP 17WS Written Ministerial Statements14 MARCH 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 18WS beneficiaries, without exempting small farmers. Others FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE opposed the Commission’s proposals on the grounds that they were not clearly in line with the recent ECJ ruling, or that publication of names was unnecessary to G8 UK Presidency: Foreign Ministers’ Meeting meet the objectives of public control and transparency. While views on whether a threshold was required and at what level it might be set differed the presidency felt The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth able to conclude that there was sufficient political support Affairs (Mr William Hague): The G8 Foreign Ministers’ for the Commission proposals. meeting will be taking place on 10 and 11 April 2013 in AOB—European Protein Strategy London. I wish to inform the House about the Austria presented a paper calling for co-ordinated Government’s objectives for this meeting, further to my support for EU protein crop producers. They called for right hon. Friend the Prime Minister’s written ministerial a mechanism to support research and information sharing, statement about the UK’s G8 presidency of 9 January but also for protein crops to be eligible for cultivation 2013, Official Report, column 20WS. on environmental focus areas as part of CAP reform. This received support from a significant number of The G8 represents a group of nations with a broad member states. The UK called for a WTO-compliant range of global interests and responsibilities. We have a approach, noting that there was already a sophisticated collective responsibility and opportunity to use our market for protein crops; and that reform was meant to influence to address some of the most pressing issues in move away from coupled support. There was therefore the world. no need for specific EU support. We will be inviting G8 nations to provide leadership Fisheries on the following issues: Fisheries business at this Council consisted of an First, we will seek a clear statement of intent and update on negotiations on the EU-Morocco fisheries concrete commitments to begin to shatter the culture of partnership agreement and a substantive negotiation on impunity for those who use rape and sexual violence as outstanding elements of CFP reform. a weapon of war, including support for a new international The Commission gave an update on discussions with protocol on the investigation and documentation of Morocco over a new protocol to the EU-Morocco sexual violence in conflict and practical assistance in fisheries partnership agreement. Some member states countries affected by this problem. Tackling rape and were pressing for a swift agreement while others, including sexual violence in conflict is a major challenge for our the UK, emphasised the importance of a good deal generation, and I am grateful for the expressions of which safeguarded value for money and sufficiently support voiced during the debate in this House on this addressed the needs of Western Sahara. subject on 14 February. With regard to reform of the CFP, Council revisited Secondly, we will encourage the G8 to provide high-level the general approach agreed in June 2012 to finalise the political support for Somalia in advance of an international outstanding details left undecided. The discussion focused conference on Somalia in London in May, which will be primarily on measures to eliminate discards through co-chaired with the Somali Government. G8 Ministers landing obligations, or “discard bans” (in articles 15 will consider how best to support the re-engagement of and 16), although it also touched on integration of the the international financial institutions with Somalia. CFP with environmental obligations (article 12). Thirdly, I intend to propose ways we can build greater The Irish presidency tabled a number of proposals, trust and security in cyberspace as a means of expanding including amendments to the deadlines for the introduction the growth potential of the global digital economy. The of landing obligations, increased “de minimis”exemptions, G8 can show leadership on international capacity-building new species-based exemptions, and proposals for mandatory efforts, following up the UK initiative announced at the swapping of quota between member states. Budapest cyber conference last October. Firm deadlines for the introduction of landing obligations Fourthly, support for Burma will also be a priority. were agreed, although some deadlines were moved back Following a remarkable period of political reform we one year from what had been proposed. Despite pressure believe that the G8 should, in partnership with the from a significant bloc of member states to water down Burmese leadership, support a framework for responsible the detailed discards provisions and to expand the international investment. flexibilities available, the principles of progressively implemented landing obligations across all quota species Fifthly, we will follow up on the Deauville partnership remain intact. which represents G8 and partners’ support to countries undergoing transition following the Arab spring. Over The final package maintained de minimis provisions, the course of 2013 the G8 and its partners will oversee but blanket species-based exemptions that risked damaging several Deauville partnership initiatives, centred on trade the credibility of the ban were ultimately rejected. Proposals and investment, promoting small and medium-sized that would have required member states to swap away a enterprises, and supporting women’s economic certain percentage of their quota were also removed empowerment. from the package. The Council position now incorporates these provisions In addition to these issues, Foreign Ministers will on discards, alongside the other measures agreed in the also discuss urgent foreign policy issues. This agenda general approach, for example on fishing at sustainable will be determined closer to the time, but will certainly levels, and processes to deliver more regionalised decision include the situation in the middle east, including Syria making. The final package will be agreed between Council and Iran, security and stability across north and west and the European Parliament, with a process of “trilogue” Africa, DPRK and climate change. discussions expected to begin shortly. I will keep the House informed of progress. 19WS Written Ministerial Statements14 MARCH 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 20WS

HEALTH Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration

Informal Health Council The Secretary of State for Health (Mr Jeremy Hunt): I am responding on behalf of my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the 41st report of the Review Body The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration (DDRB). The (Anna Soubry): EU Health Ministers met in Dublin, in report has been laid before Parliament today (Cm 8577). Ireland, on 4 and 5 March. I represented the UK. The Copies of the report are available to hon. Members agenda included discussions on childhood obesity, the from the Vote Office and to noble Lords from the impact of the economic crisis on health systems, children Printed Paper Office. I am grateful to the chair and with complex developmental needs, patient safety, and members of the DDRB for their report. on moving towards a smoke-free environment. We welcome the 41st report of the Review Body on The meeting began with a discussion on childhood Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration and note its obesity. There was broad agreement that it was beneficial observations and: to continue to develop voluntary collaboration between accept its recommendations in respect of salaried doctors member states in this field. This discussion was followed and dentists; and by a debate on the impact of the economic situation on accept the recommendation of a 1% increase in GP pay but health systems, focusing on avoiding or mitigating a abate the recommended allowance for GP practice staff negative impact on the provision of health services. costs from 3.4% to 1% to reflect public sector pay policy, There was also a discussion of complex developmental giving an overall increase in general medical services payments needs in children, with a particular focus on autism. of 1.32% rather than the 2.29% recommended by DDRB. We will take forward DDRB’s suggested actions, The second day included discussions on smoke-free which will help us continue to improve our support for environments and patient safety. The discussion on the DDRB’s important work. patient safety focused on healthcare associated infections, and the experience of member states in preventing and combating these. HOME DEPARTMENT The Council also gave the opportunity to stress the UK position on the economic cost of not addressing the causes of non-communicable diseases and that Terrorism Acts (David Anderson Report) prevention is vital to the health of UK patients and the UK economy. It is therefore important that the UK The Secretary of State for the Home Department works with other member states in tackling issues such (Mrs Theresa May): I announce today the publication as tobacco misuse and obesity and the Council provided of the Government’s response to the report of Mr David a forum to share best practice at the European level. Anderson QC on the operation in 2011 of the Terrorism The meeting concluded with an AOB item on the Act 2000 and part 1 of the Terrorism Act 2006, which importation of active pharmaceutical ingredients from will be laid before the House today. third countries, following the coming into force of the I thank David Anderson QC for his report and have falsified medicines directive. A number of member states, carefully considered his recommendations after consultation including the UK, called on the Commission to redouble with other relevant Departments and agencies. their efforts to ensure that there were no shortages of The Government’s response is available in the Vote active pharmaceutical ingredients following the Office and online. implementation of the legislation. Justice and Home Affairs Council NHS Pay Review Body

The Secretary of State for the Home Department The Secretary of State for Health (Mr Jeremy Hunt): (Mrs Theresa May): The Justice and Home Affairs I am responding on behalf of my right hon. Friend the (JHA) Council was held on 7 and 8 March in Brussels. Prime Minister to the 27th report of the NHS Pay My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Justice Review Body (NHSPRB). The report has been laid and I attended on behalf of the United Kingdom. before Parliament today (Cm 8555). Copies of the Roseanna Cunningham MSP also attended on behalf report are available to hon. Members from the Vote of the Scottish Administration. The following items Office and to noble Lords from the Printed Paper were discussed. Office. I am grateful to the chair and members of the The Council began in mixed committee with Norway, NHSPRB for their report. Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland (non-EU Schengen We welcome the NHS Pay Review Body’s 27th report, states) where the Council agreed that the second generation note its observations and accept its recommendations in Schengen information system (SIS II) would go live on full. 9 April 2013. The UK supports this date and has I am pleased to confirm that: planned for integration into SIS II in the fourth quarter of 2014. all NHS staff on agenda for change pay, terms and conditions will receive a 1% rise in their basic pay effective from 1 April Next the presidency introduced a state of play on 2013: and Bulgaria and Romania’s accession to the Schengen area. those NHS staff on agenda for change pay, terms and Although it was clear that the required unanimity to lift conditions who work in London will receive a 1% increase to all internal borders did not exist, they considered that a the minima and maxima of their high cost area supplement. two-step approach (lifting air and sea borders before 21WS Written Ministerial Statements14 MARCH 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 22WS land borders) could offer a way forward. The presidency fund. Figures were still being examined, and work was concluded that the Council would address the issue expected to continue on these matters in the coming again by the end of 2013 on this basis. months. The Commission presented the new smart borders The Spanish delegation informed Ministers of its package aimed at enhancing EU border security and intention to establish a platform in Bogota for the strengthening the Schengen area through an entry/exit exchange of information on transatlantic cocaine trafficking. system (EES) while facilitating travel through the proposed This would follow the example of similar platforms in registered travellers programme (RTP). The Commission Accra and Dakar and bring together operational staff said that there had been extensive consultation and from EU member states in Colombia. analysis in the preparation of the proposed package, The Commission gave a brief overview of the and £949 million has been earmarked in the external radicalisation awareness network high-level symposium borders element of the internal security fund for that took place in January. Both the presidency and the development costs. Despite some positive welcomes for Commission saw a need to revise the current EU the package, the high implementation cost dominated radicalisation and recruitment strategy; input to this the exchange of views with calls for lessons to be learnt would be provided through Council conclusions in June from other large scale IT projects. Many member states and a Commission communication in the autumn. pressed for the inclusion of law enforcement access and The Commission updated the Council on the Morocco biometrics from the start of the system in order to mobility partnership negotiations following Commissioner justify the cost and ensure added value in tackling Malmström and President Barroso’s visit to Rabat, illegal immigration. The presidency noted the exchange during which broad agreement on the political declaration of views and looked forward to discussions at expert of the mobility partnership was reached. It was made level. The UK will not be participating in either component clear that visa facilitation and a readmission agreement of the smart borders package as they build on the part would be negotiated together. The Commission thanked of the Schengen agreement in which the UK does not the countries that had agreed to take part in this partnership, participate. However there is value in the successful including the UK (which has offered to share best introduction of an entry/exit system that would enable practice on border management with Morocco), and better measurement and control of illegal migration in invited Ministers to sign the declaration upon completion the Schengen area. of negotiations. Under AOB the presidency provided an update on Over lunch the Council received presentations from several legislative proposals. They were continuing Frontex and the European Asylum Support Office on negotiations with the European Parliament and hoped the recent trends at the external borders and resulting to find a solution on the visa regulation (539), Eurosur pressures on member states’asylum systems, with particular (border surveillance) regulation and the Schengen focus on developments in Syria and Mali, and the governance package. continuing volatile situation in north Africa. A number of member states stressed the need for an EU-wide The main Council started with a joint presentation response to migratory pressures on the external borders from Guilles de Kerchove (EU counter-terrorism and some member states, including the UK, expressed co-ordinator), Pierre Vimont (Secretary-General of the their concern at the deteriorating situation in Syria. EEEAS), Frontex, Europol and Eurojust on the situation Ministers agreed to continue discussing this issue with in the Sahel and Maghreb and the associated threat to the assistance of statistics and data from Frontex and internal EU security. In recognising the success of the the European Asylum Support Office (EASO). French-led military effort, member states acknowledged The justice day began with the presidency presenting that much remained to be done to develop police and its progress report on the data protection regulation. criminal justice capabilities in the region. The counter- They noted that they had made significant progress, in terrorism co-ordinator, supported by the UK, stressed completing a first read through of the text and proposing the importance of work to counter extremist narratives changes to the text on the rights of data subjects and and the need to strengthen aviation security. The UK the obligations on controllers and processors. The majority argued that terrorist groups in the region had benefited of member states welcomed the presidency paper and from ransom payments and restated the long-held position the risk-based approach. There was broad consensus of the UK Government not to pay ransoms or grant from member states on the need for legislation that other substantive concessions to hostage-takers. The provided flexibility and respected national laws and UK also noted that data-sharing, in particular passenger structures. name records, was vital for detecting individuals travelling to conflict zones. Finally, the UK highlighted the importance The presidency agreed to task the expert working of sending a clear signal that terrorist attacks on EU group to consider the risk-based approach and flexibility soil would not be tolerated. If there was compelling for the public sector in greater detail. evidence linking the military wing of Hezbollah to the The Commission presented the draft directive on Bourgas attack, the UK said that the EU had a protection of the euro and other currencies against responsibility to consider that evidence and take action. counterfeiting by criminal law. The Commission stressed the importance of this instrument in protecting the Under AOB the presidency updated the Council on Union’s financial interests and the eurozone generally. the progress of the asylum procedures directive, seasonal Member states were broadly in agreement about the workers and intra-corporate transferees proposals. On scale and impact of the problem, and supportive of the the multi-annual financial framework, the presidency central objective, although the majority of delegations noted that trilogue negotiations had started in February opposed a key feature of this directive, the introduction on the asylum and migration fund and internal security of minimum penalties. The UK argued that the proposal 23WS Written Ministerial Statements14 MARCH 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 24WS was in danger of breaching the principle of subsidiarity, Migration Advisory Committee. I have also made changes as well as constraining judicial discretion which is a that will remove the need to continually lay further rules fundamental principle of the criminal law in the UK. changes to renew the tier 2 (general) limit. This means The UK was also unconvinced by the need to establish that the limit will continue to be set at 20,700 places per extra-territorial jurisdiction over its own nationals. The year unless further rule changes are made to amend it. presidency summarised that a vast majority opposed We have previously confirmed that the current limit will minimum penalties, and this would provide the basis for remain in place until April 2014. expert discussions on the matter in due course. Changes are being made to tier 4, recently announced Political agreement was reached on the first reading by the Home Secretary, that will extend the opportunities deal on mutual recognition of protection measures in for talented graduates to stay and work after their civil matters. The presidency indicated that the EP studies. All completing PhD students will be allowed to plenary vote would take place in the next few weeks and stay in the UK for one year beyond the end of the it was expected the proposal would return for formal course to find skilled work or to set up as an entrepreneur. adoption at the June JHA Council. The Commission The provisions in tier 5 for temporary workers coming welcomed this final element of the victims’ package. to the UK under the relevant commitments in certain The presidency outlined the state of play on other international trade agreements to which the UK is a current negotiations. They were optimistic about reaching party are being updated. a conclusion on the access to a lawyer directive in June. The changes will delete temporary immigration rules It might also be possible to conclude the European which facilitated the entry and stay of certain Olympic investigation order during the Irish presidency. The and Paralympic participants and personnel during the European Parliament vote on the confiscation directive 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games. The rules ceased had been delayed until the end of March; but agreement to have effect on 9 November 2012. with the Parliament on the justice funding programme Minor changes are being made to the immigration and the rights, equality and citizenship programme was rules on long residence and on work-related settlement, within reach. including clarifying the treatment of time spent working; The Council concluded with a lunch discussion on in business or self-employment; or other economic activity the EU justice scoreboard. The presidency said that in the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. most had recognised there was a relationship between Minor changes and clarifications are being made to efficient justice systems and growth and suggested the the immigration rules relating to family and private life, discussion could move to senior officials for further mainly reflecting feedback from legal practitioners and discussion. UK Border Agency caseworkers on the operation of the new rules. Immigration Rules The changes also include the removal of the now obsolete provision in the immigration rules for parents and siblings of EEA national children who exercise free The Minister for Immigration (Mr Mark Harper): My movement rights in the UK as self-sufficient persons, right hon. Friend the Home Secretary is today laying following the amendment of the Immigration (European before the House a statement of changes in immigration Economic Area) Regulations 2006 to create provision rules as set out below. for such persons which is compliant with European and Minor changes will be made to the general visitor domestic case law. This provision gave effect to the rules to guard against abuse by those whose repeat visits judgment of the Court of Justice of the European amount to de facto residence. Union in the case of Chen (C200/02). New provisions are being made in the tier 1 (graduate In the subsequent case of M (Chen parents: source of entrepreneur) route, which we introduced last year. The rights) Ivory Coast [2010], the upper tribunal found category is being expanded to include additional places that “Chen” carers persons have a right of residence for talented MBA graduates from UK higher education under European law. This determination effectively institutions (HEIs) and to accommodate UK Trade and prevented the UK Border Agency continuing to require Investment’s elite global graduate entrepreneur scheme, Chen carers to apply for leave under the immigration which was announced by my right hon. Friend the rules, because section 7 of the Immigration Act 1988 Chancellor in his autumn statement and will target the says that a person who has “an enforceable Community brightest and best entrepreneurs from overseas HEIs. right” shall not require leave to enter or remain in the Changes are being made to the tier 1 (exceptional UK. talent) route, for world leaders in science, engineering, Amendments were made to the Immigration (European humanities and the arts. These changes split the application Economic Area) Regulations 2006 (“the regulations”) process so that applicants will no longer have to pay the on 16 July 2012 to recognise a right of residence for full fee up front, or have their passports held by the UK persons with a derivative right of residence on the basis Border Agency while a designated competent body is of Chen and to create provision for such persons to be considering whether to endorse them. issued with documentation confirming this right under Changes are being made to tier 2, the route for skilled the regulations. This provision rendered paragraphs migrant workers with a job offer from a licensed employer. 257C-E of the immigration rules obsolete, as all applications These changes further improve flexibility for intra-company for a document confirming a right of residence on the transferees and for employers carrying out the resident basis of Chen are now assessed under the regulations. labour market test. They also update the shortage Changes will be made to safeguard against an offender occupation list, codes of practice for employers, overall returning to the UK lawfully but in breach of a conditional salary thresholds and minimum appropriate salary rates caution. It replicates the effect of paragraph 320(7B)(vii) for individual occupations, following reviews by the of the general grounds for refusal. 25WS Written Ministerial Statements14 MARCH 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 26WS

A new protection route is being introduced recognising JUSTICE stateless persons who are unable to leave the UK. According to article 1(1) of the 1954 UN convention an Legal Services on the International Stage individual is stateless if they are not considered to be a national of any state under the operation of its law. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice This new route has been formulated in line with the (Mrs Helen Grant): The Ministry of Justice, in conjunction 1954 convention relating to the status of stateless persons with UK Trade and Investment, later today launches in co-operation with UNHCR and Asylum Aid. It is “Legal Services on the international stage: underpinning limited in its scope and requires applicants to demonstrate growth and stability”, an action plan which outlines the that they are stateless and cannot leave the UK. next steps in the promotion of UK legal services abroad. Changes are being made to ensure the requirements This follows the publication of the “Plan for Growth: necessary for granting discretionary leave to unaccompanied Promoting the UK’s Legal Services Sector”, published asylum seeking children are within the immigration in May 2011, which outlined 11 action points to promote rules. the UK’s legal offer. It is now important that we maintain Finally, there are also a number of minor technical the momentum and explore new ways in which we can changes, corrections and updates to lists contained in promote our legal services internationally. the immigration rules. Details of these are set out in the The new action plan focuses upon three main themes: explanatory memorandum laid today to accompany the the inclusion of all UK jurisdictions when promoting changes. our legal offer, the promotion of the UK legal education sector and promoting legal services alongside other sectors. In addition we will be continuing the work Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures begun under the plan for growth, namely lobbying for Act 2011 market liberalisation of those states that have restricted legal markets. Copies of “Legal Services on the international stage: The Secretary of State for the Home Department underpinning growth and stability”, have been placed (Mrs Theresa May): Section 19(1) of the Terrorism in the Libraries of both Houses. Prevention and Investigation Measures Act 2011 (the Act) requires the Secretary of State to report to Parliament Review Body on Prison Service Pay as soon as reasonably practicable after the end of every relevant three-month period on the exercise of her TPIM powers under the Act during that period. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice The level of information provided will always be (Jeremy Wright): The 12th report of the Prison Service subject to slight variations based on operational advice. Pay Review Body (PSPRB) (Cm 8574) has been laid before Parliament today. The report makes recommendations TPIM notices in force (as of 28 February 2013) 8 on the pay for governing governors and other operational TPIM notices in respect of British citizens (as 7 managers, prison officers and related support grades in of 28 February 2013) England and Wales in 2013-14. Copies are available in TPIM notices extended 6 the Vote Office and the Printed Paper Office. I am TPIM notice revoked 1 grateful to the chair and members of the PSPRB for TPIM notices expired 2 their hard work in producing these recommendations. TPIM notice revived 1 The PSPRB key recommendations for 2013 are as Variations made to measures specified in TPIM 21 follows: notices endorsement of the introduction of the new bands 4, 5, 7, 8, Applications to vary measures specified in TPIM 12 9, 10 and 11 pay ranges as the final stage of the wide-scale notices refused reforms to pay systems being introduced across NOMS endorsement of adjustments to the pay ranges for the previously During the reporting period: one TPIM notice was endorsed bands 2 and 3 revoked as the subject was remanded in custody; one pay progression increases of one pay point for staff in TPIM notice expired as the subject was remanded in bands 2 to 5 and of 1.5% for staff in bands 7 to 11 custody and was later revived upon his release. As non-consolidated payments of 1% of base pay for staff in Parliament is aware, one individual subject to a TPIM bands 7 to 11 who have achieved an “outstanding”performance notice (Ibrahim Magag) absconded on 26 December assessment 2012; the TPIM notice against him subsequently expired non-consolidated awards of £250 for prison officers, senior officers and remit group manager G staff on the maximum during the reporting period. of their closed pay scales at 31 March. A TPIM review group (TRG) keeps every TPIM The PSPRB makes a number of other recommendations notice under regular and formal review. The TPIM that do not affect pay for remit group staff this year but review group met four times during this reporting period. highlight issues which it wishes parties to address as Two individuals were charged in relation to an offence part of the next pay round. under section 23 of the Act (contravening a measure The recommendations for 2013-14 will be implemented specified in a TPIM notice without reasonable excuse) in full. The cost of the award will be met from within during the period. the delegated budget allocation for the National Offender Section 16 of the 2011 Act provides rights of appeal Management Service and are in accordance with public in relation to decisions taken by the Secretary of State sector pay policy. under the Act. Two appeals were lodged under section Note: PSPRB makes no recommendations for band 6 16 during the reporting period. as there are no operational staff in it. 27WS Written Ministerial Statements14 MARCH 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 28WS

Trusts (Capital and Income) Act 2013 Senior Military Officers The Government have accepted the recommendation The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice of an increase of 1% to base military salaries for all 2, (Mrs Helen Grant): The Trusts (Capital and Income) 3 and 4-star officers. Act 2013 (c.1) received Royal Assent on 31 January. The Judiciary Act provides that the provisions of sections 1 to 4 The Government have accepted the recommendation (inclusive) of the Act are to be brought into force on that the salaries of the judiciary should be increased such date as the Secretary of State may by order made by 1%. by statutory instrument appoint. The remaining provisions As a result of the current fiscal challenge and public of the Act are already in force. sector pay policy it is not possible at present to respond I am pleased to announce that a commencement to the SSRB’s latest recommendations about the major order is to be made bringing sections 1 to 3 (inclusive), review. The Government note the proposals but will not which deal with the apportionment and classification of be able to respond at this time. capital and income in trusts, in to force on 1 October Very Senior NHS Managers 2013. The Government have accepted the recommendation In relation to the provisions of section 4 of the Act, to increase the pay of those NHS very senior managers the commencement order will bring the new section within the remit of the SSRB by 1%. 104B of the Charities Act 2011 in to force on 6 April The Government have not accepted the recommendation 2013. This section empowers the Charity Commission that all very senior managers should be migrated to the to make regulations relating to total return investment terms of the pay framework published in May 2012 as by charities. we do not think this is the best use of scarce resources. The remaining provisions of section 4 relate to the The new pay framework is clear that it must apply to all new section 104A of the Charities Act 2011. Section 104A new appointments and that where very senior managers specifies when charities may adopt total return investment. are employed in the same organisation on different I will make a further announcement about the frameworks, employers should undertake an equal pay commencement of these provisions in due course following review and remedy any inequalities identified. This satisfies the completion of the proposed consultation by the all of the requirements of employment law and good Charity Commission on the content of the regulations practice. to be made under section 104B. The Charity Commission The Government therefore have also rejected the expects to issue a consultation paper in the relatively recommendation to suspend performance-related pay near future. in 2013-14 as we believe this plays a useful role in the recruitment, retention and motivation of very senior PRIME MINISTER managers and should continue as a feature of the pay system. Review Body on Senior Salaries Other Review Body reports for 2013-14 Separate statements from the Secretaries of State for Justice, Health and Defence will also be laid today on The Prime Minister (Mr David Cameron): The 35th the reports of the Prison Service Pay Review Body, the report of the Review Body on Senior Salaries (SSRB) is Doctors and Dentists Review Body, the NHS Pay Review being published today. This makes recommendations Body and the Armed Forces Pay Review Body in respect about the pay of the senior civil service (SCS), senior of pay for the relevant workforces for 2013-14. The military officers, the judiciary and very senior NHS Government’s response to those reports is consistent managers. Copies have been laid in the Vote Office, the with the need for senior public servants to show leadership Printed Paper Office and the Libraries of both Houses. in the exercise of pay restraint. I am grateful to the chairman and members of the review body for their work on this year’s report. While we are mindful of the need to ensure that we TRANSPORT are able to recruit, retain and motivate staff with the right skills and experience, it is important in the current Door to Door Strategy economic climate that senior public servants continue to show leadership in the exercise of pay restraint. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport Senior Civil Service (Norman Baker): I am today publishing a door to door The Government have accepted the recommendation strategy that will help create growth and cut carbon by to consider which elements of the Northern Ireland making it easier and more convenient for people to senior civil service (SCS) pay model may be appropriate make their whole journey by sustainable transport—public for the home SCS, but cannot give any commitments transport supported by cycling and walking. By improving about implementation at this time. the whole journey, how each part connects and how to The Government have accepted the recommendations better integrate those parts, more people will be encouraged on minimum salaries for SCS pay bands 2 and 3 but has to use sustainable transport to get from their front door not accepted the recommendations for pay bands 1 to the door at their destination. and 1A. Currently for journeys of less than five miles, 54% of The Government have not accepted the recommendation people use the car. For longer journeys this increases to to give all staff a 1% increase and to increase the maximum 80%. of each pay band by 1%. We have also not accepted the The door to door strategy brings together for the first recommendation to retain the existing caps on the size time the key work the Department is undertaking with of individual non-consolidated performance awards. all the key players in the transport sector. I am very 29WS Written Ministerial Statements14 MARCH 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 30WS grateful for the support from the rail and bus sectors, to identify the type of scheme and approach that might and those promoting cycling and walking, for their help be most suitable in their area, and clarifies the legal in producing this strategy and their endorsement of it. issues surrounding introduction of these tickets. It focuses on the key areas of reliable information, Publication of the guidance is the first of the Competition convenient ticketing, better connectivity, and safe, Commission’s suggested remedies to the local bus market comfortable transport facilities. that has been fully addressed by DFT, and reaffirms the The benefits of improving the door-to-door journey Government’s commitment to improving bus services will be felt in a number of ways: for passengers. by increasing use of sustainable transport we can help protect Light Dues the environment by reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality; by improving connectivity and interchange we can help to The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport support economic growth as we better link our businesses (Stephen Hammond): The three general lighthouse and markets and ensure public transport journeys are fast authorities for the United Kingdom and Ireland ensure and reliable; the navigability of the seas around our islands, preserving by providing a well-connected and accessible transport system the lives of mariners and the integrity of our marine that is safe and secure we can help improve public health, environment. We entrust this vital task to these historic quality of life and wider well-being; and organisations, each of which protects ships visiting and by integrating the door-to-door journey as a whole we are trading within our shores. delivering a good deal for the traveller by helping to make Our collaboration with the Irish Government in the travel more reliable and affordable. provision of marine aids to navigation around the whole The door to door strategy sets out our vision for of Ireland is also symbolic of the friendship that exists using new information technologies, improving ticketing between our two nations, and what we can achieve choices, increasing choice and enhancing interchange, through working together. all of which will make the door-to-door journey more Over many years, the general lighthouse authorities seamless. We will be working with transport providers, have built up great expertise and capabilities in maritime local authorities and representative organisations to operations. This has enabled each authority to market challenge them further and help to make our vision a their skills to earn commercial income and reduce the reality. call on light dues payers, but only where it does not I will be placing a copy of the door to door strategy interfere with their core statutory activities. in the Library of the House. It will also be published on I remain committed to the efficient and effective the Department’s website at: provision of marine aids to navigation. I have therefore decided that light dues will be frozen at the current https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/door-to- levels for 2013-14. This Government have delivered a door-strategy. 12% reduction in real-term light dues levels since 2010, To support the door to door strategy I have also and confirmation of this further freeze will give certainty today published the multi-operator ticketing guidance over the coming year to those asked to pay for this vital for local transport authorities. The guidance helps them service.

281W Written Answers14 MARCH 2013 Written Answers 282W

Prior to the submission of the Hybrid Bill later this Written Answers to year we will publish an updated estimate of the costs for Phase 1 of HS2. Questions High Speed 2 Railway Line

Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Thursday 14 March 2013 Transport what estimate he has of the number of jobs created (a) directly and (b) indirectly in the North West by the construction of High Speed 2. [147520] TRANSPORT Mr Simon Burns: HS2 Ltd’s appraisal, which does Euston Station not address the potential regional economic impacts of HS2, suggests that on the western leg to Manchester the Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport proposed terminus station at Manchester Piccadilly is what the proposed cost of the remodelling of Euston predicted to support an estimated 29,700 jobs, and the station was at the time of publication of plans for High proposed interchange station at Manchester airport Speed 2 between London and Birmingham; and what would support an estimated 300 jobs. Further details the current estimate is of the cost of that project. can be found in the Sustainability Summary document [147852] published on 28 January and placed in the Libraries of both Houses. Mr Simon Burns: The proposed base costs of plans Phase Two of the scheme overall would be expected for High Speed 2 between London and Birmingham of to support the creation of some 60,000 jobs in the cities the remodelling of Euston station were £1,170 million of the Midlands and the North. Up to 10,000 jobs are (at second quarter 2011 prices) at the time of publication anticipated in construction; 1,400 in operation and in January 2012. maintenance jobs; and almost 50,000 around the proposed As is normal with large infrastructure projects like stations. HS2 we are continuing to develop and refine our designs Plants as we learn more about issues at specific sites on the route and gain more certainty about the precise challenges Andrew Bridgen: To ask the Secretary of State for we need to overcome. Transport how much his Department spent on indoor There are of course challenges on budgets, but equally and outdoor plants and trees in each year from 2005 to there are significant opportunities for the efficient delivery 2010. [147163] of HS2. HS2 Ltd is working closely with DFT, IUK and the wider industry to drive efficiencies into the Norman Baker: The requested information is provided delivery of HS2 including our approach to Euston in the following table. I have also provided information station. for the most recent years for the sake of completeness.

£

2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Central Department

Headquarters1 5,253 6,488 8,140 12,370 13,449 9,295 423 423

Air Accidents Investigation Branch 2— 1,214 0 0 0 0 0 0

Marine Accident Investigation Branch3 00000 800

Rail Accident Investigation Branch4 2,330 2,467 2,467 2,150 1,396 1,883 1,228 880

Government Car Service5 1,225 1,470 1,225 1,855 0 0 0 0

Executive Agency

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency6 2,535 2,015 2,071 5,361 2,421 0 0 0

Driving Standards Agency7 3,346 3,346 2,933 7,500 8,420 6,110 1,925 1,764

Highways Agency8 61,451 84,216 74,300 57,862 46,645 10,741.24 0 0

Maritime and Coastguard Agency9 000230 1000

Vehicle Certification Agency 0 0 0 280 0 0 0 0 283W Written Answers14 MARCH 2013 Written Answers 284W

£ 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Vehicle and Operator Services Agency10 ————— ——— 1 Expenditure on plants is set to be approximately £450 per annum with effect from March 2011. Data for 2005 to 2008 based on yearly costs as HQ facilities management contract runs from July to July. Costs previously covered cover site visits by an outside sub-contractor, as well as maintenance and replacement (where necessary) of plants located in the lobbies and public areas of Great Minster House, London. Expenditure in 2010-11 also includes termination cost of maintenance agreement 2 During 2005-06 AAIB spent £8,392.85 on landscaping. Costs included external plants and labour, with labour being the larger element. However, these costs cannot be separated. 3 Relates to purchase of one plant for ‘Families Room’ (where MAIB speak to bereaved relatives etc). 4 Relates to hire and maintenance and not purchase at two sites, provided under two contracts, one of which has expired and the other will not be renewed upon expiry. 5 Relates to maintenance 6 The expenditure on pot plants relates to the interior landscaping of the Richard Ley Development Centre (RLDC) and some of the local vehicle registration offices. The RLDC hosts external events, which are income generating. As a consequence, interior landscaping (plants and flowers) are necessary due to the need to ensure the facility demonstrates a professional outlook and provides an image that is comparative with similar venues. The expenditure incurred for the RLDC relates to the rental of the displays. There are also interior plant displays in some of the public areas of the local vehicle registration offices. The expenditure on these is primarily for the maintenance of the displays. 7 Data from 2008-09 are based on the contracted costs for the provision and maintenance of pot-plants. All figures are net of VAT. 8 The above figures do not include costs incurred planting trees and plants as part of the environmental and screening works on major projects and schemes. The above costs are indicative of spend on outdoor and indoor plants and trees. The Highways Agency does pay additional ‘grounds maintenance’ charges to its landlords and managing agents, but any spend on plants or trees cannot be split out from the service charge. The increase in 2006-07 costs relate to Highways Agency Regional Control Centre estate coming on-stream and office relocation in Bedford that involved extensive planting as part of the ‘fit out’. All plant contracts have now expired and will not be renewed. 9 Relates to winter bedding plants. Costs at agency HQ and training centre are built into the maintenance contract of the estate and to extract this level of information would be at disproportionate cost. 10 Not recorded. VOSA do not record this level of detail and to extract this level of information would be at disproportionate cost.

Roads: Freight on Jobs and the Economy of Meeting the Requirements of MARPOL Annex VI; and if he will make a statement; Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport [147756] what discussions he has had with the road freight industry (2) what assessment he has made of the potential on the use of dual-fuel tracks to reduce carbon emissions. effect that (a) shipping route closures arising from and [147691] (b) other consequences of meeting MARPOL Annex VI requirements will have on UK economic Stephen Hammond: In July 2011, the then Secretary competitiveness. [147757] of State for Transport, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), met Stephen Hammond: The Department welcomes the with a number of representatives of the road freight report commissioned by the Chamber of Shipping and transport industry to discuss the barriers preventing the Department will consider its findings carefully. The market uptake of low emission HGVs. Following this, a evidence about potential route closures from this and Task Force was established under the 2011 Logistics other relevant studies will be incorporated into the Growth Review to promote the use of fuel efficient, low Department’s Impact Assessment on the new sulphur emission road freight technologies. Also announced requirements, which will be published later this year. under the Logistics Growth Review was a low carbon Our assessment will also consider the economic cost to truck and infrastructure trial. 13 projects were subsequently the UK as well as the benefits in terms of improved chosen to receive funding to trial alternatively-fuelled public health and reduced damage to the environment. trucks including over 300 dual fuel trucks. Since joining the Department, I attended a meeting Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for of the Task Force in November 2012 to hear the views Transport what assessment he has made of the effect of of the industry on issues including alternatively fuelled MARPOL Annex VI on the viability of vital shipping vehicles. routes; and if he will make a statement. [147838] I met with the Freight Transport Association (FTA) in November 2012 on a range of issues including measures Stephen Hammond: Last year, in response to concerns to reduce carbon emissions from freight. raised by industry, I invited shipping and port stakeholders I met with UPS in January 2013 and discussed the use to give substance to their concerns about possible modal of biomethane as an alternative fuel for HGVs. shift and the viability of some services. In response, the In February 2013 I attended the Department’s annual UK Chamber of Shipping commissioned a study the “Listening to Industry” event hosted jointly with the results of which were published on 8 March 2013. The FTA and attended by over 100 representatives from the Department will carefully assess the study and consider freight industry where many issues, including the its findings. Department’s approach to alternative fuels, were raised. Officials are in regular contact with a range of Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for representatives of the road freight industry on the use Transport what assessment he has made of the effect of of dual fuel trucks to reduce carbon emissions. MARPOL Annex VI on diesel prices for consumers; and if he will make a statement. [147839] Shipping: Exhaust Emissions Stephen Hammond: Most studies which have considered Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for the impact of the new limits recognise the difficulty in Transport (1) what assessment he has made of the forecasting such price changes. The effect that MARPOL report by the UK Chamber of Shipping entitled Impact Annex VI would have on diesel prices paid by road 285W Written Answers14 MARCH 2013 Written Answers 286W users depends critically on the behaviours and investment Network Rail decisions of both shipping operators and refineries. The Kings Place full impact on prices will only be evident after the 90 York Way implementation date for the sulphur requirements of London N1 9AG MARPOL Annex VI. Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Shipping: Registration Transport what recent discussions he has had about implementation of the Crewe to Shrewsbury modular John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for signalling scheme. [147712] Transport when he last met with officials in the Maritime and Coastguard Agency; and whether the Maritime Mr Simon Burns: The Secretary of State for Transport, Labour Convention was discussed. [147567] my right hon. Friend the Member for Derbyshire Dales (Mr McLoughlin) has not had any recent discussions Stephen Hammond: Ministers in the Department meet regarding the implementation of this scheme, which is with officials from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency an operational matter for Network Rail. on a regular basis to discuss the work of the agency. In particular I met with officials on Thursday 10 January, Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport and during that meeting matters relating to the Maritime whether any safety concerns have been expressed to him Labour Convention (MLC) were discussed. More recently, about implementation of the Crewe to Shrewsbury I met with representatives from the shipping industry modular signalling scheme. [147713] and other Government Departments on Monday 11 March to discuss growth opportunities for the UK maritime sector. This included ratification of the MLC. Mr Simon Burns: The Secretary of State for Transport, my right hon. Friend the Member for Derbyshire Dales (Mr McLoughlin) has not received any representations Shipping: Regulation concerning the safety of this scheme.

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which regulations applying to the maritime Telephone Services industry his Department has proposed to ministerial colleagues in the Cabinet Office for consideration as Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for part of the Red Tape Challenge. [147568] Transport how many (a) 0800, (b) 0808, (c) 0844, (d) 0845 and (e) 0870 telephone numbers for the public Stephen Hammond: Over 200 maritime regulations are in use by (i) his Department and (ii) the agencies for were examined as part of the Red Tape Challenge. A which he is responsible. [147826] full list of these regulations can be found on the Red Tape Challenge website at: Norman Baker: The Department for Transport and http://www.redtapechallenge.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/themehome/ its six Executive Agencies have two 0800 numbers and a maritime/ single 0870 number which the public can call. One is a The Government plans to make a public announcement DVLA number which members of the public can use to on the outcome shortly. obtain information for applications and the other is VOSA’s Whistle Blower Intelligence Line. These are Shipping: Training free phone numbers so there is no cost to the public to use them or associated revenue for the agencies. Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport MCA has the 0870 public enquiry number, which is if he will meet representatives of the National Workboat charged at national rate. The MCA receives no revenue Association to discuss the establishment of an from this line. internationally-recognised Certificate of Competency for officers on workboats under 500 gross tonnage in the UK. [147910] ATTORNEY-GENERAL Stephen Hammond: I am happy to meet the National Workboat Association (NWA) to discuss this matter. The NWA should contact my office to arrange a suitable Crown Prosecution Service time for this meeting. John Hemming: To ask the Attorney-General how Shrewsbury-Crewe Railway Line many Crown prosecutors have been disciplined for misconduct since January 2000. [147843] Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what safety assessment has been conducted The Solicitor-General: Centralised records are not of implementation of the Crewe to Shrewsbury held for the period before 2009 and the Crown Prosecution modular signalling scheme. [147711] Service (CPS) would incur disproportionate costs in collating that information. Mr Simon Burns: This is an operational matter for The number of Crown prosecutors disciplined for Network Rail and any questions should be directed to misconduct in subsequent years is given in the following the chief executive at the following address: table: 287W Written Answers14 MARCH 2013 Written Answers 288W

Brandon Lewis: The Department receives records of Number incidents attended from fire and rescue authorities across 2009 13 Great Britain. Spreadsheet table 18 of Fire Statistics Great 2010 34 Britain contains numbers of fires by type of building 2011 22 with groupings for both industrial arid commercial 2012 14 premises. This is available up to the financial year 2011-12 2013 to date 2 and can be found on the Department’s website at: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for- communities-and-local-government/series/fire-statistics-great- Pay britain Housing: Armed Forces Chi Onwurah: To ask the Attorney-General pursuant to the answer of 6 February 2013, Official Report, Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for columns 775-76, on overtime, what the average cost of Communities and Local Government what discussions overtime per member of staff in (a) the Law Officers’ he has had with the Secretary of State for Defence on Departments and (b) each of their arm’s length bodies housing for British forces and their families returning was in (i) 2010-11, (ii) 2011-12 and (iii) 2012-13 to date. from Germany. [147173] [148071] Mr Prisk: This Department and MOD continue to The Attorney-General: I refer the hon. Member to my discuss matters of shared interest including housing for answer of 4 March, Official Report, columns 775-76W, service personnel and their families. which contained information on the average cost of The Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. overtime per member of staff in the Law Officers’ Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge Departments. I am not responsible for any arm’s length (Mr Hammond), announced on 5 March 2013 the bodies. Regular Army Basing Plan and the return of troops from Germany, detailing the Government’s intention to invest £1 billion in new and refurbished MOD accommodation. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT Service personnel and their families have already been given priority for Government’s affordable home Fires ownership schemes, including FirstBuy. Additionally, I have recently made changes to legislation to make it Peter Aldous: To ask the Secretary of State for easier for service personnel to access social housing, Communities and Local Government what steps his and statutory guidance has been issued to councils on Department is taking to reduce the number and severity how their allocation schemes can give priority to current of fires in industrial and commercial premises. [147719] or ex-service personnel, for example using local preference criteria or local lettings policies. Brandon Lewis: Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 all those responsible for non-domestic Right to Buy Scheme: Cannock Chase premises are required to carry out a fire risk assessment and put in place adequate fire precautions to minimise Mr Burley: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities the risk to life in the event of a fire. The Department and Local Government whether Cannock Chase district makes available a range of detailed premises-specific council has taken up the offer from his Department to guidance on fire safety.This is designed to help ‘responsible help promote the Right to Buy scheme. [147633] persons’ understand the risk assessment process and Mr Prisk: My Department has offered support to all offers technical advice on a range of fire safety, measures stock-owning local authorities, including delivering a which it may be appropriate to consider to deliver Right to Buy tenant roadshow in partnership with them compliance. It can be viewed at: in the local area. I understand that Cannock Chase do https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department- not wish to take up our partnership offer at this time. I for-communities-and-local-government/series/fire-safety-law- have recently visited an excellent Right to Buy roadshow and-guidance-documents-for-business in Basildon and have seen at first hand the value tenants Fire and rescue authorities are also required by the place oh receiving advice and help to explore home Fire and Rescue National Framework to have in place ownership further. I would encourage Cannock Chase and maintain an integrated risk management plan. This and all stock-owning local authorities to consider the identifies local need and sets out a plan to tackle needs of their tenants and work with my Department to effectively both existing and potential risks to communities. hold a Right to Buy roadshow. The integrated risk management plan enables each fire and rescue authority to tailor the allocation of its resources to local circumstances, such as where fire INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT stations appliances are positioned, by evaluating where risk is greatest and determining its priorities in relation Afghanistan and Pakistan to prevention and response accordingly. Rehman Chishti: To ask the Secretary of State for Peter Aldous: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she is taking to Communities and Local Government how many fires reduce the regional differences in female access to (a) in industrial and commercial buildings there were in education and (b) healthcare in (i) Pakistan and (ii) the UK in 2011. [147720] Afghanistan. [147216] 289W Written Answers14 MARCH 2013 Written Answers 290W

Mr Duncan: DFID has played a significant role Mr Duncan: DFID has regular discussions with partners improving female access to education and healthcare in in India and Nepal (DFID does not have a bilateral aid Afghanistan and Pakistan over the last decade. programme in Bhutan) on regional development issues. In Afghanistan UK funding to the Afghanistan For example, DFID is working closely with the Government Reconstruction Trust Fund supports the delivery of of Nepal through its Multi-Stakeholder Forestry basic public services. Significant progress has been made: Programme to address deforestation and illegal logging. 57% of the population now lives within one hour’s The programme aims to increase the area of forest walking distance of a public health facility compared to covered by local forestry groups and improve forestry 2002 when only 9% of the population had access to any and natural resource policies in Nepal. basic health care. Almost half of all pregnant women now receive antenatal care and 2.3 million girls attend Developing Countries: Family Planning school, compared with virtually none under the Taliban. Supporting girls’ access to education and women’s Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for access to health is a top priority for UK Aid to Pakistan. International Development what recent assessment she DFID has helped to more than double the number of has made of the effect of programmes funded by her lady health workers to 100,000 since 2002. In Punjab Department on average family size. [147762] skilled birth attendance rates have increased from 33% in 2006 to nearly 60% and student attendance has Lynne Featherstone: DFID has a significant commitment increased by over 700,000 since 2011. By 2015 we will to programmes which increase girls’ and women’s help to support over 2 million girls in school; prevent empowerment, including their ability to access contraceptive 750,000 women from developing anaemia during services, supplies and information. The desire to have pregnancy; and make it easier for people to get skilled smaller families is complex and driven by many factors help from community midwives and skilled birth attendants. including: rising incomes, improved life expectancy, lower infant mortality, better education and increased savings, as well as changing cultural and social norms. Bangladesh Developing Countries: Human Trafficking Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she Michael Connarty: To ask the Secretary of State for has made of the effectiveness of her Department’s International Development what projects her Department policy of matching contributions to a scheme to assist is funding to tackle human trafficking; in which countries residents in Sunamganj, Bangladesh deal with severe any such projects are based; and what amount of funding flooding. [148058] for what duration is given by her Department to these projects. [147362] Mr Duncan: DFID agreed to provide £5 million in match funding for Islamic Relief’s 2012 Ramadan appeal. Lynne Featherstone: DFID is currently supporting a A proposal to use £1.5 million of this match funding in regional anti-trafficking project in South Asia, focusing Bangladesh, for a project helping communities to better on India, Bangladesh and Nepal. The funding commitment cope with natural disasters and climate change, is currently is £3 million for 2012-15. DFID also currently supports under consideration, but funding has not been confirmed. Anti-Slavery International’s global anti-trafficking project that has a funding commitment of £1,435,049 for 2008-13. Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she Overseas Aid has made of the potential contribution of deforestation in India, Nepal and Bhutan to annual flooding in Sunamganj, Bangladesh. [148059] Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what percentage of her Mr Duncan: The UK Government has not assessed Department’s budget is provided to other countries in the potential contribution of deforestation in South the form of (a) budget support, (b) aid given with Asia to flooding in Sunamganj district. Specifically, governance conditionality, (c) professional expertise however, we closely monitor Bangladesh’s vulnerability and (d) specific project funding. [147519] to flooding and natural disasters and respond in areas of high vulnerability.In Sunamganj, UK support provided Mr Duncan: DFID uses a range of ways to deliver through the Comprehensive Disaster Management bilateral aid. It is delivered through non-governmental Programme will deliver embankments, canal excavation organisations and multilateral agencies in the recipient and village walls to protect communities from flooding. country, in the form of technical assistance, as humanitarian Across Bangladesh, DFID’s climate change and disaster aid, and as financial aid (including budget support) to resilience programmes will provide 15 million people partner governments. with access to early warning systems for floods and A full list of project categories and expenditure against cyclones. these types of spending is available for 2011-12 from the following table: Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State http://www.dfid.gov.uk/Documents/publications1/sid2012/ for International Development if she will discuss with Table20-broad%20sector.xls her counterparts in (a) India, (b) Nepal and (c) In 2011-12, the Department delivered approximately Bhutan the effect of deforestation on (i) Sunamganj, 13% of DFID’s total bilateral aid (or 7% of total aid) in Bangladesh and (ii) other habitats and communities the form of budget support. This compares to 20% of supported by aid provided by her Department. [148060] DFID’s bilateral aid in 2008-09 (or 11% of total aid). 291W Written Answers14 MARCH 2013 Written Answers 292W

A further 13% of DFID’s total bilateral aid (7% of Letter from Glen Watson: total aid) was delivered in the form of technical assistance. As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have This compares to 16% of DFID’s bilateral aid in 2008-09 been asked to reply to your question asking the Minister for the (or 9% of total aid). Cabinet Office, with reference to the Census, how many (a) UK and (b) foreign-born citizens over the age of 18 are qualified to Uganda vote in UK parliamentary elections in each English and Welsh parliamentary constituency. 148503 Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for International ONS does not have the data required to answer your question. Development how her Department is supporting civil Information regarding residents born by ″country of birth, by society groups in Uganda campaigning for lesbian, gay, age″ will be available when the next phase of Census outputs are published in June 2013. bisexual and transgender rights. [147624] Employment: Kent Lynne Featherstone: Her Majesty’s Government is committed to ensuring that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and Rehman Chishti: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet transgender (LGBT) people around the world are free Office how many and what proportion of people in (a) to live their lives in a safe and just environment. We are Gillingham and Rainham constituency, (b) Medway concerned about the proposed Anti-Homosexuality Bill and (c) Kent were employed by small and medium- being considered by the Ugandan Parliament and have sized enterprises in each of the last five years. [147212] raised our concerns regularly at all levels of Government. We are in close contact with Ugandan Civil Society Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Groups and support their efforts to improve Human responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Rights in Uganda. For example, the UK with the Foreign asked the authority to reply. and Commonwealth Office playing the lead role on this Letter from Glen Watson, dated March 2013: issue has provided support for training, advocacy and As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I the cost of legal cases related to the protection of have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question LGBT communities’ human rights. asking how many and what proportion of people in (a) the Gillingham and Rainham constituency, (b) Medway and (c) Kent were employed by small and medium-sized enterprises in each of the last five years. (147212) CABINET OFFICE Annual statistics on the number of businesses (enterprises) are Electoral Register available from the ONS release—UK Business: Activity, Size and Location at: Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/bus-register/uk-business/ index.html Office with reference to the Census, how many (a) UK and (b) foreign-born citizens over the age of 18 are The table shows the employment count of small and medium-sized businesses and that employment count expressed as a proportion qualified to vote in UK parliamentary elections in each of people living in (a) Gillingham and Rainham constituency, (b) English and Welsh parliamentary constituency. [148503] Medway and (c) Kent. Employment counts are shown from 2008 to 2012 but population counts are only available up to 2011. Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Small businesses have been defined as those with an employment responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have between 0 and 49 and medium-sized businesses as those with an asked the authority to reply. employment between 50 and 249.

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Small Med Small Med Small Med Small Med Small Med

Gillingham and Rainham Employment 7,564 2,472 7,671 2,654 7,087 2,006 6,879 2,653 7,048 3,334 count1 Population 62,979 62,979 62,808 62,808 63,002 63,002 64,475 64,475 n/a n/a count2 Proportion % 12.0 3.9 12.2 4.2 11.2 3.2 10.7 4.1 n/a n/a

Medway UA

Employment 24,378 7,166 24,747 7,302 24,444 7,945 23,819 9,504 25,016 10,580 count1 Population 167,374 167,374 167,970 167,970 168,976 168,976 173,506 173,506 n/a n/a count2 Proportion % 14.6 4.3 14.7 4.3 14.5 4.7 13.7 5.5 n/a n/a

Kent county3

Employment 196,878 70,042 199,236 73,182 195,846 72,321 191,046 73,819 197,386 73,904 count1 Population 882,389 882,389 886,164 886,164 894,520 894,520 917,880 917,880 n/a n/a count2 293W Written Answers14 MARCH 2013 Written Answers 294W

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Small Med Small Med Small Med Small Med Small Med

Proportion % 22.3 7.9 22.5 8.3 21.9 8.1 20.8 8.0 n/a n/a 1 Employment counts are taken from extracts of the Integrated Business Register (IDBR) during March of each year. 2 Population counts for 2008 to 2010 are mid-year estimates and relate to 30 June. Census day was on 27 March 2011. Census day figures are used for 2011 as mid- 2011 estimates are not yet available for parliamentary constituencies. The mid-year estimates for mid-2008 to mid-2010 have not yet been revised to bring them into line with the 2011 census results. This means that there is a step change between the mid-2010 and the census day figures. 3 The Kent figures cover the current administrative county of Kent. If figures for the ceremonial county of Kent are required then the figures for Kent and Medway should be added together. Note: Please note that these numbers do not include very small businesses, typically those below the threshold for VAT and PAYE. Source: Office for National Statistics

Energy: Cumbria DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER EU Countries John Woodcock: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many people in (a) Barrow and Furness Keith Vaz: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how constituency, (b) Barrow-in-Furness local authority many times he has visited member states of the European area and (c) South Lakeland local authority area are Union in an official capacity since 2010. [147873] employed in the energy sector. [147615] The Deputy Prime Minister: I have made 17 trips to Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the member states of the European Union in an official responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have capacity since 2010. asked the authority to reply. Population Letter from Glen Watson, dated March 2013: As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I Chris Ruane: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister in have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question which parliamentary constituencies was the number of concerning how many people in (a) Barrow and Furness constituency, persons on the electoral register in 2011 greater than (b) Barrow-in-Furness local authority area and (c) South Lakeland local authority area are employed in the energy sector. [147615] the number of adults recorded in the 2011 Census; and if he will make a statement. [148106] Annual employment statistics are available from the Business Register and Employment Survey (BRES). Table 1 as follows Mr Hurd: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the contains the latest figures available, which show the number in employment in 2011 for industries that are considered to be in the Cabinet Office. energy sector for Barrow and Furness constituency, and the local The information requested falls within the responsibility authority districts of Barrow-in-Furness and South Lakeland. of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority National and local area estimates for many labour market to reply. statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant Letter from Glen Watson: count are available on the NOMIS website at As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I http://www.nomisweb.co.uk have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question in which Figures are rounded to the nearest 100. parliamentary constituencies was the number of persons on the electoral register in 2011 greater than the number of adults Table 1: Employment in Barrow and Furness constituency and the recorded in the 2011 Census; and if he will make a statement. local authority districts of Barrow-in-Furness and South Lakeland for 148106 the electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply sector I attach a file containing 2011 Census Table QS103EW which Electricity, gas, steam and air provides the information you have requested for Parliamentary Geographic area conditioning supply Constituencies. This was previously sent to you under PQ reference Barrow and Furness 200 142060. constituency This information is also freely available for download from the Barrow-in-Furness local 200 NOMIS website: authority district www.nomisweb.co.uk South Lakeland local authority 0 I also attach a file containing the number of people who on district 1 December 2011 were registered to vote in local and parliamentary Note: elections in the UK. The industries given above are based on the Standard Industrial As both tables are quite large, they will be stored in the library Classification (SIC) 2007. of the House. Voluntary Work: Young People

BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS John Woodcock: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many young people in (a) Barrow and Copyright Furness constituency and (b) Cumbria participated in the National Citizen Service in the last 12 months. Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for [147617] Business, Innovation and Skills what types of content he intends researchers to be able to mine under a Mr Hurd: In 2012 115 young people took part in non-commercial exception for data analytics; what National Citizen Service in Barrow and Furness and consultation he has carried out with regard to those over 500 young people took part in Cumbria. proposals; and if he will make a statement. [147571] 295W Written Answers14 MARCH 2013 Written Answers 296W

Jo Swinson: The Government do not propose to The Government is establishing a new framework, restrict the types of content to which the non-commercial with increased responsibility placed on universities to exception for data analytics will apply. This measure widen participation. This includes arrangements for was recommended by the independent Hargreaves Review new annual access agreements and a new National of Intellectual Property and Growth (2010-11) and was Scholarship Programme. Universities plan to spend over consulted on by the Government between December £670 million in 2016/17 on measures to widen participation 2011 and March 2012 along with other copyright measures. through their access agreements. To make sure that we Technical review of draft regulations to implement this are doing everything possible to widen participation change is planned for later this year. and promote fair access BIS Ministers asked the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and Energy: Industry the Office for Fair Access (OFFA) to develop a shared strategy for access and student success which will include Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for advice to ensure we achieve the maximum impact from Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer spending by Government, HEFCE and institutions. of 28 February 2013, Official Report, column 635W, on HEFCE and OFFA are due to deliver the strategy in energy: industry, when he plans to set out the details of autumn 2013. support to be provided to energy intensive industries. [148064] Planning Permission: Devon Michael Fallon: We expect to publish guidance once the European Commission has cleared the Government’s Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, proposals to support energy intensive industries (EII); Innovation and Skills whether (a) he or (b) Ministers our current plans envisage publication in April. For in his Department have had any discussions with Councillor Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) compensation, we Graham Brown of East Devon District Council about expect to commence payments by the end of July. planning matters since May 2010. [147875] Our plans for indirect carbon price floor compensation Jo Swinson: No discussions have taken place between are still under consideration by the Commission, we Ministers in the Department for Business, Innovation expect state aid clearance to take longer than for ETS and Skills and Councillor Graham Brown of East Devon compensation. However, we are hopeful that we will be district council about planning matters since May 2010. in a position to commence payments in the autumn. Executives: Pay

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT Innovation and Skills what strategies his Department has put in place to monitor top executive pay and Public Libraries: Closures bonuses. [148120] Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Jo Swinson: The Government has no plans to centrally Media and Sport with reference to the Government monitor top executive pay and bonuses as there are response to the Third Report of the Culture, Media already a range of organisations which successfully and Sport Committee of Session 2012-13, on library carry out this task, such as the High Pay Centre, proxy closures, Cm 8535, page 6, when her Department plans voting agencies and remuneration advisers. to issue guidance highlighting potential efficiencies Government reform of the way executive pay is reported from sharing services. [148072] on by companies will make it easier for these organisations and investors to monitor pay. Company remuneration Hugh Robertson: The lessons learned from the Future reports will have to provide clear and comparable Libraries Programme, a joint Local Government information and, for the first time, a single figure showing Association (LGA)/DCMS initiative, were published by the amount each director received in a particular year. the LGA in “Local solutions for future local library These reforms will come into force on 1 October 2013. services” in June 2012. The publication includes advice Higher Education: Admissions and examples of shared services work being undertaken by local authorities, as well as the potential benefits that can be derived. In addition, Arts Council England Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for (ACE) developed the Library Development Initiative to Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking test new approaches to library service delivery, including to ensure children from less privileged backgrounds are shared services. LGA and ACE have also now engaged not deterred from applying to university. [147526] directly with nearly 100% of elected councillors with executive responsibility for the library service through Mr Willetts: The coalition Government has been joint leadership seminars and peer support, and this very clear about the importance of widening participation included learning about models for shared library services. and improving fair access in higher education—all those A crucial part of the LGA’s work is to spread best with the ability should have access to higher education practice, including shared services, and they also have a irrespective of family income. wider programme looking at shared services across all Under our student finance reforms no eligible student kinds of services, not just libraries. The Department pays up front for their first degree. Loans are only will continue to engage with LGA and ACE and provide repaid once graduates have jobs and are earning over further information relating to sharing services as it £21,000. becomes available. 297W Written Answers14 MARCH 2013 Written Answers 298W

Telephone Services Cybercrime Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for the Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Home Department what the Government’s policy is on Culture, Media and Sport how many (a) 0800, (b) engagement with the European Cybercrime Centre 0808, (c) 0844, (d) 0845 and (e) 0870 telephone numbers operated by Europol. [148068] for the public are in use by (i) her Department and (ii) the agencies for which she is responsible. [147814] James Brokenshire: The Government supports the creation of the European Cybercrime Centre. We will Hugh Robertson: The Department does not have any engage with the centre through the existing management 0800, 0844, 0845, and 0870 telephone numbers for the structure for Europol to ensure that it is focused on the public information relating to our agencies is not held development of an approach to tackling cybercrime centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate that supports member states, including the use of joint cost. investigation teams to tackle cross-border cybercrimes, skills and capability development and best practice sharing, as well as being a significant avenue for the sharing of law enforcement intelligence with other member states. We will encourage the centre to engage closely at HOME DEPARTMENT operational level with the new National Cyber Crime Unit, and with its equivalents in other member states. British Overseas Territories Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations the Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for Government has made to Europol on the European the Home Department how many full-time equivalent Cybercrime Centre. [148069] civil servants in her Department are working on matters related to the UK Overseas Territories. [147111] James Brokenshire: In the Explanatory Memorandum of 23 April 2012 relating to the proposals for a Europol European Cybercrime Centre (EC3), the Government James Brokenshire [holding answer 11 March 2013]: broadly supported the proposals. We set out a number There are a small number (fewer than five) of full-time of concerns relating to the detail of the centre, which we equivalent civil servants working for the Home Office were successful in negotiating on with the Commission. on Overseas Territories matters. This figure includes Since then we have been working to ensure that the UK-based staff and some overseas staff on secondments. Commission and the Cybercrime Centre Project Board Some of the latter may be included in the Foreign and respect these conclusions as they develop the Commonwealth Office figures. implementation plans for the centre. Europol has produced a blueprint, setting out how Constituencies the EC3 will operate, and what it will do to support work to tackle cybercrime across the EU. We are currently Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the considering our response to Europol. Home Department what representations she has made Detica to other Ministers in her Department on constituency issues; on what date such representations were made; Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for the and to which Minister each such representation was Home Department what support BAE Systems Detica made. [122358] has provided to her Department in (a) 2009, (b) 2010, (c) 2011, (d) 2012 and (e) 2013. [147234] Mrs May: I make representations on behalf of my James Brokenshire [holding answer 11 March 2013]: constituents on a wide range of issues. It is not Home The Home Department and its agencies have received Office practice to disclose the details of MPs constituency support from BAE Systems Detica through the contracts correspondence to a third party. detailed in the following table:

Supplier name Contract name Date commenced

Detica Ltd Data Analysis service investigating Fraud and Corruption in UKBA 2 January 2013 Detica Ltd Maintenance of IT System(SACU) from Dec 12 to March 13 (Qrt 4) 9 November 2012 Detica Ltd Technical Design and Assurance Manager 1 August 2012 Detica Ltd Business Objects 17 May 2012 Detica Ltd IT Maintenance 20 April 2012 Detica Ltd Scoping Study—SACU Continuity Project 27 March 2012 Detica Ltd Programme Test Manager 19 October 2011 Detica Ltd Netreveal Training 18 August 2011 Detica-Ltd SACU Case System 19 May 2011 Detica Ltd Data Analyst 8 November 2010 Detica Ltd Project Cyclamen 2 September 2010 Detica Ltd CLAS Consultant 27 August 2010 Detica Ltd Parasol Hardware/Software Support 21 July 2010 Detica Ltd NGIST—Technical Architect 10 June 2010 299W Written Answers14 MARCH 2013 Written Answers 300W

Supplier name Contract name Date commenced

Detica Ltd EU Return Fund 17 December 2009 Detica Ltd Public Key Infrastructure Analysis 11 December 2009 Detica Ltd CSAFS SACU Proactive Analytics Support 12 November 2009 Detica Ltd ID Cards—Foreign Nationals 22 October 2009 Detica Ltd Server Enhancement 28 August 2009 Detica Ltd NGIST—Business Analyst 26 August 2009 Detica Ltd UKBA Intelligence Group 24 August 2009 Detica Ltd SACU Network Enhancement 3 July 2009 Detica Ltd NGIST—Programme Support Officer 5 June 2009 Detica Ltd Business Analyst/Architect 18 May 2009 Detica Ltd Provision/Installation of COTS Analytics Software 30 March 2009 Detica Ltd Encryption Strategy Scoping 16 March 2009 Detica Ltd NGIST—Enterprise Technical Architect 2 March 2009 Detica Ltd Portfolio Analysis 12 February 2009 Detica Ltd Snr Enterprise Architect 13 January 2009 Detica Ltd OCIO—Clientside Support 28 August 2008 Detica Ltd OCIO—EA Modeller 14 August 2008 Detica Ltd ROCI Implementation 23 July 2008 Detica Ltd OCIO—Architect 3 July 2008 Detica Ltd CJS Business Analysis 21 January 2008 Detica Ltd Business Analysis Review 7 January 2008 BAE Systems Surface Ships Support Refill/recharge of eight x 50ltr air cylinders 27 November 2012 BAE Systems Surface Ships Support Refill of Breathing Apparatus Cascade Air Trailer Cylinders 30 June 2010 BAE Systems Surface Ships Support Vessel debris removal 29 June 2010 BAE Systems (Ops) Ltd Universal CB Detector Platform 14 February 2008 BAE Systems (Ops) Ltd Command and Control Information Systems 15 April 2010 BAE Systems Detica Communications Capabilities Development programme 2009 BAE Systems Detica Communications Capabilities Development programme 2010 BAE Systems Detica Communications Capabilities Development programme 2010 BAE Systems Detica Communications Capabilities Development programme 2011 BAE Systems Detica Communications Capabilities Development programme 2013

Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for the The introduction of shortened online application forms and Home Department whether her Department holds a streamlined requirements for Approved Destination Scheme customers contract with BAE Systems Detica to provide support (ADS). to the Communications Capability Development The establishment of a business network with dedicated embassy Programme. [147235] staff to assist businesses and investors with their UK visa requirements. A service for business travellers and ADS tourists which allows James Brokenshire [holding answer 11 March 2013]: customers to keep their passport while their visa is being processed. BAE systems Detica are contracted to provide support This means that they can travel or apply for another visa if they under three ongoing contracts as part of the need to thus reducing the time it takes to obtain two visas. Communications Capabilities Development programme. A mobile biometric service which will be available for applicants who wish to have their biometric information taken at a location Entry Clearances: China more convenient to them, rather than visiting a visa application centre. Priority visa eligibility which has been expanded to include Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the Tier 4 students and those who have previously travelled within Home Department what steps her Department is taking Schengen. to ensure that the visa system enables Chinese tourists Improvements to the online application process, including the and business people to come to the UK whilst retaining introduction of help text in Mandarin. control of immigration; and if she will make a statement. [147758] Human Trafficking Ministerial Group Mr Harper: The Government supports economic growth by delivering an effective visa service which processed Michael Connarty: To ask the Secretary of State for over 296,000 applications for visas in 2012 from China. the Home Department when the Inter-departmental China is one of the UK’s priority markets and our Ministerial Group on Human Trafficking met in each visa service is working well—97% of visas are processed of the last three years; which Ministers attended these within 15 days, and last year (2012) the number of visas meetings; and when the Group is next due to meet. issued to Chinese nationals was up by 5%. [146901] In December 2012 the UK Border Agency announced a package of further enhancements to the UK visa Mr Harper: Since the Inter-Departmental Ministerial service for Chinese tourists and business. These changes Group was refocused in May 2010 the group has met which will be implemented over the next six months five times. A list of Members and attendees for these include: meetings is provided in the following tables: 301W Written Answers14 MARCH 2013 Written Answers 302W

Meeting date: 11 March 2013 Meeting date: 17 April 2012 Name Title Name Title

Attendees Jeremy Browne MP Minister of State, FCO Mark Harper MP Minister for Immigration (Chair) Crispin Blunt MP Minister for Justice Oliver Heald QC MP Solicitor-General Baroness Hanham MP Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Helen Grant MP Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities Victims and the Courts and Parliamentary Under- David Jones MP Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales Secretary of State for Equalities David Ford MLA Minister of Justice, Northern Ireland Executive David Ford MLA Minister of Justice, Northern Ireland Executive Jo Swinson MP Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Employment relations, consumer and postal affairs Apologies Carl Sargeant AM Minister for Social Justice and Local Government, Welsh Assembly Government Lynne Featherstone Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for MP Equalities and Criminal Information Baroness Randerson Wales Office, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Stephen O’Brien MP Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development1 Anne Milton MP Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Public Apologies Health1 Edward Timpson MP Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Chris Grayling MP Minister for Employment1 1 Children Kenny MacAskill Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Scottish Executive1 David Mundell MP Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for MSP 1 Scotland David Mundell MP Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Kenny MacAskill Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Scottish Executive1 Scotland1 MSP Carl Sargeant AM Minister for Social Justice and Local Government, Hugo Swire MP Minister of State for the Foreign and Welsh Assembly Government Commonwealth Office1 Edward Garnier QC Solicitor-General1 Anna Soubry MP Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for MP Health1 Lynne Featherstone Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Meeting date: 11 October 2011 MP International Development1 Name Title Mark Hoban MP Minister of State for Work and Pensions1 Attendees Baroness Hanham MP Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities1 Damian Green MP Minister for Immigration (Chair) Jeremy Browne MP Minister of State for Crime Prevention Lord Wallace of Advocate General for Scotland Tankerness Meeting date: 17 September 2012 Baroness Hanham MP Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Name Title Communities Jeremy Browne MP Minister of State for the Foreign and Attendees Commonwealth Office Mark Harper MP Minister for Immigration (Chair) David Jones MP Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales Jeremy Browne MP Minister of State for Crime Prevention Stephen O’Brien MP Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development Helen Grant MP Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Victims and the Courts and Parliamentary Under- Secretary of State for Equalities Apologies Anna Soubry MP Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for 1 Health. Edward Gamier QC Solicitor-General MP David Ford MLA Minister of Justice, Northern Ireland Executive Tim Loughton MP Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Kenny MacAskill MSP Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Scottish Executive Children and Families1 Edward Timpson MP Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Anne Milton MP Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Public Children Health(1) Michael Moore MP Secretary of State for Scotland1 Apologies Lynne Featherstone Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for MP Equalities and Criminal Information Oliver Heald QC MP Solicitor-General1 Kenny MacAskill Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Scottish Executive1 Baroness Hanham MP Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for MSP Communities1 David Ford MLA Minister of Justice, Northern Ireland Executive1 Hugo Swire MP Minister of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office1 Carl Sargeant AM Minister for Social Justice and Local Government, Welsh Assembly Government1 Lynne Featherstone MP Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development1 Crispin Blunt MP Minister for Justice Mark Hoban MP Minister of State for Work and Pensions1 Baroness Wilcox Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills Carl Sargeant AM Minister for Social Justice and Local Government, Welsh Assembly Government1 Lord Freud Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Welfare Reform David Mundell MP Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland1 Meeting date: 17 February 2011 Stephen Crabb MP Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Wales Name Title Meeting date: 17 April 2012 Attendees Name Title Damian Green MP Minister for Immigration (Chair) Attendees Crispin Blunt MP Minister for Justice Damian Green MP Minister for Immigration (Chair) Kenny MacAskill Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Scottish Executive MSP Tim Loughton MP Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children and Families Edward Gamier QC Solicitor-General MP 303W Written Answers14 MARCH 2013 Written Answers 304W

Meeting date: 17 February 2011 The Home Office publishes quarterly and annual Name Title statistics on the number of persons removed or departed Tim Loughton MP Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for voluntarily from the UK and on persons refused entry Children and Families to the United Kingdom within Immigration Statistics. David Jones MP Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales The data on removals and voluntary departures by type Lynne Featherstone Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for are available in the latest release, Immigration Statistics: MP Equalities and Criminal Information October-December 2012, tables rv.03 and rv.03.q, and data on those who were refused at entry are available in Apologies tables be.08 to be.08q from the Library of the House Anne Milton MP Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Public and from the Home Office Science, research and statistics Health1 web pages at: Jeremy Browne MP Minister of State for the Foreign and http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/science-research/research- 1 Commonwealth Office statistics/migration/migration-statistics1/ David Ford MLA Minister of Justice, Northern Ireland Executive1 Stephen O’Brien MP Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development1 Police: Pay Baroness Hanham MP Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities Michael Ellis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Chris Grayling MP Minister for Employment Home Department how many (a) chief constables and David Mundell MP Scotland Office, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (b) other police officers of the Association of Chief Carl Sargeant AM Minister for Social Justice and Local Government, Police Officers rank are paid more than the Prime Welsh Assembly Government Minister. [147646] 1 Indicates official level deputies present at the meeting. Damian Green: The basic salary for chief constables and other chief officers is set out in the determinations under the Police Regulations 2003 which are published Immigration: EU Nationals under Home Office circular 013/2010. The Home Office does not hold information on the total remuneration provided to individual senior officers. Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Police and crime commissioners, and previously police Home Department how many people from other EU authorities, are required to publish details of senior member states have been (a) deported and (b) refused police officers’ remuneration in their accounts. entry in each of the last four years. [147763] Police: Recruitment

Mr Harper: The following table provides the total Michael Ellis: To ask the Secretary of State for the number of enforced removals and those who were initially Home Department what steps she is taking to ensure refused entry to the United Kingdom for nationals of that graduates entering the police force as direct the EU, in each year from 2009 to 2012. entrants are of the highest calibre. [147644] Enforced removals and cases initially refused entry for nationals of the EU1,2, 2009-12 Damian Green: The Government wants to attract the Enforced removals3,4 Initially refused entry5 very best candidates into policing. We are currently 2009 768 467 consulting on the implementation of direct entry into 2010 963 463 the police following recommendations from Tom Winsor’s 20116 1,293 558 Independent Review of Police Officer and Staff 20126 1,726 671 Remuneration and Conditions. 1 Nationals of the EU consists of 26 countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, While no decisions have been taken pending conclusion Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, of the consultation, under any direct entry scheme Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and candidates will only be appointed if they possess exceptional Sweden. qualities, and have demonstrated that they are fully 2 Cases of initially refused entry at port do not necessarily relate to enforced capable of exercising the powers and discharging the removals in the same period. 3 Enforced removals are where it has been established that a person has duties of the rank. Such duties must be carried out breached UK immigration laws and has no valid leave to remain within the safely, professionally and in such a way as to inspire and United Kingdom. enhance the confidence of the officers and staff in their 4 Removals are recorded on the system as at the dates on which the data extracts were taken. command, and the public who depend upon their decisions 5 Initially refused entry relates to non-asylum cases dealt with at ports of entry. for their protection. 6 Provisional figures. Figures may be revised later due to data cleansing exercises that take place after the extracts are taken. Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures Deportations are included in published enforced removals statistics which are either following a criminal conviction Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the (foreign national offenders) or when it is judged that a Home Department what the first High Court judgment person’s removal from the UK is conducive to the granting (a) a control order and (b) a terrorism prevention public good; the deportation order prohibits the person and investigative measures order for each individual returning to the UK until such time as it may be subject to a terrorism prevention and investigation measure revoked. It is not possible to separately identify deportations order was; and on what date each such judgment was from enforced removals. made. [146432] 305W Written Answers14 MARCH 2013 Written Answers 306W

James Brokenshire [holding answer 5 March 2013]: Mr Heath: There were 19 responses to the consultation, Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures (TPIM) which either requested confidentiality or were anonymous. notices may be imposed by the Secretary of State for the The consultation exercise commenced on 16 October Home Department following the grant of permission last year and we began analysing the responses as soon by the High Court (in urgent cases permission may be as they were received. A final decision on the future of granted retrospectively), and are then subject to a full the board was not taken until all the responses had been High Court review. properly analysed. The proceedings to grant permission to impose a We are satisfied that the consultation was fair and TPIM notice, as previously for control orders, are ex transparent. parte and are therefore not in the public domain. After a TPIM notice has been served, this information may Air Pollution form part of the subsequent High Court review. However, for operational reasons, this might not always be the case. Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to his answer of 28 February 2013, Official Report, column UK Border Agency: Correspondence 612W, on air pollution, what the sources are of the rising emissions he identifies of (a) ammonia, (b) Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for the arsenic and (c) hydrofluorocarbons in recent years. Home Department how many letters from hon. Members [147613] to the UK Border Agency’s MPs’ Liaison Unit were responded to (a) within 20 working days and (b) after Richard Benyon: The increase in emission of ammonia 20 working days; and how long each letter which was between 2010 and 2011 has principally come from the responded to in more than 20 days took to be responded increasing use of anaerobic digestion and increases in to. [145166] emissions from fertiliser use. The increase in emissions of arsenic between 2010 Mr Harper: The UK Border Agency received 28,564 and 2011 arises mainly from increases in the combustion letters from hon. Members during the period January to of coal and the production of metals between these December 2012 of which 22,475 letters were replied to years. within 20 working days and 6,089 letters exceeded the Rising emissions of hydrofluorocarbons have come 20 working day target. from sources such as losses from refrigeration and air The following table shows a breakdown of the days conditioning equipment and emissions from industrial taken to reply to letters that exceeded the 20 working aerosols and metered dose inhalers. day target. Chromium Number Percentage

Total number of cases 6,089 — Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for outside service standard Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will institute an inventory of all emissions of hexavalent chromium Between 20 and 30 days 2,230 37 in the UK. [147550] Between 30 and 40 days 1,168 19 Between 40 and 50 days 796 13 Richard Benyon: The National Atmospheric Emissions More than 50 days 1,315 22 Inventory contains an estimate of all the UK’s chromium emissions to air. The UK Pollutant Release and Transfer Cases still outstanding 580 10 Register contains details of significant emissions of Notes: chromium to air and to water from individual industrial 1. The figures only include letters received from the hon. Members installations. Both these sources are readily accessible 2. The figures provided are from management information and are therefore through DEFRA’s website. provisional and subject to change from published data. This information has not been quality assured under National Statistics protocols. Measurements of hexavalent chromium emissions 3. All percentage figures have been rounded to the nearest whole number. are not routinely made, given the lack of agreed measurement methods. A national inventory of hexavalent chromium with acceptable accuracy and precision is therefore not available. The measurement methods ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS generating the information on total chromium emissions held in the inventory and register include hexavalent Agricultural Wages Board chromium and therefore the information provides a “worst case” picture. Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered answer of 7 February 2013, Official Report, column 371W, Species on Agricultural Wages Board, how many of those who responded to the consultation requested anonymity and Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State on what basis; how long his Department spent on for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress examining responses to the consultation; and what steps is expected (a) in Africa and (b) generally following he is taking to improve the transparency of future the recent CITES Conference of the Parties in Bangkok. departmental consultations. [146553] [147192] 307W Written Answers14 MARCH 2013 Written Answers 308W

Richard Benyon: The 16th Conference of Parties to Fisheries: Protection the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) is currently ongoing. Until the outcomes Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for of the conference are known, it is not possible to say Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans he what progress will come about as a result in Africa or has for Fisheries Protection vessels; and whether his more generally. However, the UK is working towards Department has discussed the future of such vessels the agreement of measures that will secure better protection with (a) the Ministry of Defence, (b) the UK Border for species subject to unsustainable levels of trade, and Agency and (c) the Home Department. [143716] tackle the crisis in poaching and illegal wildlife trafficking. Such action will help conserve endangered species in Richard Benyon: The Marine Management Organisation Africa and throughout the world. is an NDPB sponsored by DEFRA and four other Crayfish: Pembrokeshire Government Departments. It has a remit as the regulator of marine activity including fishing in English waters. Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for The Royal Navy has an agreement in place to provide Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many licences support to the MMO in meeting its regulatory duties, the Environment Agency has issued for crayfish trapping including monitoring fishing activity, through its fishery in Pembrokeshire in the last three years. [145843] protection vessels. This agreement expires on 31 March 2013. A revised agreement covering 1 April 2013 to Richard Benyon: The Environment Agency has not 31 March 2016 is nearing completion. issued any authorisations for crayfish trapping in this The current overall mission of the RN Fisheries area in the last three years. Protection Squadron is to patrol the fishery limits of One application was received in 2010. This was later England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In respect of withdrawn by the applicant because there were no crayfish defining future surveillance requirements, a study is present in the river they had applied to fish. There were currently being undertaken collaboratively by the Defence no applications received in 2011 or 2012. Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) on behalf of the cross- The data presented is from the area in which Government Maritime Security Oversight Group. It Pembrokeshire sits; these areas are defined by catchment will consider the cross-government coastal and offshore and not county boundaries. maritime enforcement, surveillance and interdiction Environment Protection: Seas and Oceans capability required to counter both present and future UK maritime risks. This work is currently scheduled to report by June 2013. All relevant bodies will continue to Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, discuss how best to manage risks to UK maritime Food and Rural Affairs what estimate his Department interests. has made of the economic benefits of (a) individual marine conservation zones, (b) an ecologically coherent network of marine protected areas and (c) marine Flood Control biodiversity in UK seas. [147553] Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Richard Benyon: The UK marine environment provides Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much has a range of benefits which can be assessed in terms of been spent on partnership funding expenditure on ecosystem services. These are described in the National flood defence in each of the last three years; and how Ecosystem Assessment (2011). much is planned to be spent in such fashion in each of The Impact Assessment accompanying the consultation the next three years. [147509] on the designation of Marine Conservation Zones launched in December 2012 provides an overview of potential Richard Benyon: The following tables summarise the increases in ecosystem services which could be attributed total external contributions that supplemented Government to designation of MCZs. These potential increases could spending on flood and coastal risk management projects include:’ in England in the previous three years and the amounts fish populations and the condition of marine habitats and that are anticipated in each of the next three years. species generally will benefit from greater protection and reduced In 2012-13, the Environment Agency updated the sea bed disturbance, flood and coastal risk management projects programme nature-based recreation activities (diving, angling, bird watching) to reflect the new Partnership Funding approach. can benefit from enhanced user experiences, Partnership Funding clarifies what level of investment protection of marine resources will benefit research and education communities can expect so that they can secure funding and improve understanding of the long-term impacts of human from other sources to allow schemes to go ahead. It activities on marine ecosystems, therefore gives local people more choice in how their many people will also gain satisfaction from knowing that rare, community is protected as well as a method by which threatened and representative marine species, habitats and taxpayer funding can be spread further and achieve features of geological or geomorphological interest are being conserved for current and future generations. more. These benefits cannot be readily quantified and the The figures for the financial years up to 2011-12 majority are not traded, so cannot be easily valued. represent the total amounts spent. Further work is taking place to advance the evidence The figures for 2012-13 onwards are current best base, including a DEFRA commissioned project on the estimates of the amounts to be spent, based on expected benefits of benthic habitats as well as National Ecosystem contributions. They are subject to change based on final Assessment Follow-on work. scheme outturns and final negotiations with all partners. 309W Written Answers14 MARCH 2013 Written Answers 310W

None of the figures quoted include local levy income Incinerators from Regional Flood and Coastal Committees. Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for External contributions spent in Financial year England (£ million) Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much his Department has spent in relation to bids under the 2009-10 4.0 private finance initiative for (a) the planned Allerton 2010-11 5.0 Waste Recovery Park incinerator, (b) the planned Bradford 2011-12 5.4 waste incinerator and (c) the planned Liverpool waste incinerator. [145290] Expected spend in England (£ Financial year million) Richard Benyon: During the period 2005 to 2013, 2012-13 11.6 DEFRA has spent £1.65 million providing specialist commercial and technical guidance to local authorities 2013-14 58.0 in the procurement of the three planned waste incinerators. 2014-15 73.0 This amount comprised £620,000 for Allerton, £440,000 for Bradford and £590,000 for Liverpool. This does not include DEFRA’s programme management costs, which Floods: Insurance are not readily identifiable. The offer of specialist support is made to local authorities in procurement, regardless of whether they have been Mark Garnier: To ask the Secretary of State for provisionally allocated waste infrastructure private finance Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions initiative (PFI) grants from DEFRA. Furthermore, no he has had with the insurance industry on flood risk waste infrastructure PFI grant has been paid to any of insurance in the last two weeks. [147625] these three projects.

Richard Benyon: I refer my hon. Friend to my previous Marine Protected Areas answer of 24 January 2013, Official Report, column 407W. Mr Bradshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Greenhouse Gas Emissions Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when his Department plans to complete development of an ecologically coherent network of managed marine protected areas. [147207] Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether, in Richard Benyon: The England Biodiversity Strategy complying with the Montreal protocol, he plans to states that by the end of 2016 in excess of 25% of introduce further controls on fluorinated gases used in English waters will be contained within a well managed heat pumps. [147549] Marine Protected Areas network. Our aim is for these sites, together with sites in UK offshore waters, to Richard Benyon: The Montreal protocol does not deliver the United Kingdom’s contribution to meeting currently place restrictions on the use of fluorinated the 2016 target for an ecologically coherent network of gases. Regulation (EC) No. 842/2006, which is already marine protected areas recommended by the Oslo and fully implemented in the UK, provides the regulatory Paris Convention for the Protection of the Marine regime under which emissions of fluorinated gases are Environment of the North East Atlantic. controlled as part of our commitments under the Kyoto protocol. We are, however, currently considering a draft Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for proposal from the European Commission for a new Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will publish regulation on fluorinated gases that, should it be agreed the report of the Marine Protected Areas and Mobile and implemented, would place controls on the availability Species desk study MB0114 at the earliest opportunity; and use of fluorinated gases of the type that are used in and if he will extend the deadline for submissions to his many applications including heat pumps. Department’s consultation on proposals for designation of marine conservation zones to take account of the Ian Swales: To ask the Secretary of State for time taken to publish that report. [147259] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps he is taking to address the concerns of businesses in the Richard Benyon: A copy of the draft report of the UK’s chemical sector with regards to the effects of the Marine Protected Areas and Mobile Species desk study European Commission’s proposals for revised F-Gas (MB0114) is now available on DEFRA’s website. I will regulation. [147779] not be extending the deadline for submission to the Consultation on proposals for designation of Marine Richard Benyon: We are at an early stage in the Conservation Zones (MCZs), as this will jeopardise consideration of the Commission’s proposals but have designation of MCZs planned for later this year. been working for some time to influence them and understand their impact. We are fully engaged in discussions Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, with businesses in the UK’s chemical sector as well as Food and Rural Affairs whether his Department plans with the Commission and member states. We will seek to continue to use the Ecological Network Guidance as to secure an agreement that is best for the UK and for the framework for establishing an ecologically coherent the environment as a whole. network of marine protected areas. [147554] 311W Written Answers14 MARCH 2013 Written Answers 312W

Richard Benyon: We have being working with the Failure Reference Number devolved Administrations on the UK commitment to Microchip Number an ecologically coherent network. In December 2012, Reason for Failure we published a joint statement that sets out our developing Failure Action Code view that the creation of a marine protected area network Accompanied by any other pets should be based on bio-geographic regions and our objectives to link together our network commitments Owner’s Name across the UK and with the wider OSPAR network. Whether the owner resides in Great Britain The science supporting the principles that underpin County where owner resides in GB (if applicable) an ecologically coherent network is still developing. The Owner’s postcode/zipcode Ecological Network Guidance was produced by the Owner’s country (if applicable) Joint Nature Conservation Committee and Natural England as practical guidance for the Regional Marine Conservation Polar Bears: Conservation Zone (MCZ) Projects to enable them to identify suitable locations for MCZs. It will not be used as the framework Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, for establishing the UK contribution to a wider ecologically Food and Rural Affairs what representations he has coherent network. made in support of a vote by the EU to introduce a ban on polar bear products at the CITES conference in Members: Correspondence Bangkok. [147272]

Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Richard Benyon: The UK supports greater protection Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when he intends for the polar bear under the Convention on International to reply to the letter dated 22 January 2013 from the Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). This issue is right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with being discussed at the 16th meeting of the Conference of regard to Mr R Butler. [147472] Parties to CITES (CoP16), currently taking place in Bangkok. Richard Benyon: The Secretary of State for Environment, EU member states take a common position at Food and Rural Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Conferences of the Parties on proposals to amend the Member for North Shropshire (Mr Paterson), replied to level of protection afforded to species. EU member this letter on 12 March 2013. states abstained when a proposal by the United States National Wildlife Crime Unit was put to a vote in Committee on 7 March. A compromise proposal by the European Union failed to achieve the required two thirds majority on the same date. The Neil Parish: To ask the Secretary of State for matter may be re-opened in plenary towards the end of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when he expects the Conference. to respond to the recommendations of the Environmental Audit Committee regarding long-term funding for the Scallops National Wildlife Crime Unit. [147513]

Richard Benyon: The Government submitted its response Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for to the Environmental Audit Committee’s report of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs with reference to its inquiry into wildlife crime, including on the the reporting of cumulative Western Waters’ (WW) recommendations relating to the funding of the National scalloping activity to the EC for December 2012 of Wildlife Crime Unit, on 8 March. The Committee will 3,523,130 KWD and November 2012 of 3,015,135 KWD publish the response in due course. and pursuant to the answer of 13 February 2013, Official Report, columns 741-2W, on scallops, that the WW Pets: Databases scalloping fleet used 141,858 KWD in December 2012, what proportion of the balance of the increase reported Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for for December 2012 was due to late reporting of activity Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what information for (a) November, (b) October, (c) September, (d) the Pets Statistics Database is collating. [147260] August, (e) July, (f) June, (g) May, (h) April, (i) March, (j) February and (k) January 2012. [144636] Mr Heath: Carriers are required to enter the following information into the Pets Statistics Database: Richard Benyon: Of the 507,995 KW days of additional fishing effort included in the data returns submitted to Carrier Name the Commission as part of the return for December Route (to/from) 2012, submitted on 15 January 2013, 141,858 KW days Service (Cargo, freight or passenger) related to fishing effort in December 2012. The remaining Certification Type (Pet Passport or Third Country Certificate) 366,137 KW days related to some instances of late Movement Date reporting of activity, but also to other factors such as Country (where paperwork issued) the completion of investigations into any issues related Type of Animal (Cat, Dog or Ferret) to data received by fisheries administrations. The proportion of this effort related to the other months of 2012 is Number of Passes given in the following table. As shown in the table, of Number of Fails the additional effort related to the other months; 1% For failures additional information is required: was from effort used in June, 25% was from effort used Type of animal that failed (Cat, Dog or Ferret) in July, and so on. 313W Written Answers14 MARCH 2013 Written Answers 314W

Mr Swire: Publically available figures indicate that Month of 2012 Percentage of increase (%) there are 476 individuals who have been sentenced to January 0 death in India. The Government has received no reports February 0 on the breakdown of this figure by religion. March 0 It is the long-standing policy of the British Government April 0 to oppose the death penalty in all circumstances as a May 0 matter of principle. While I was in New Delhi on June 1 19 February, as part of the Prime Minister’s delegation, July 25 I raised our concerns with Ranjan Mathai, the Foreign August 15 Secretary at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. September 16 The British Government will also continue to make its October 9 position clear to the Indian Government, both bilaterally November 34 and through the EU, and urge them to introduce a Total January to November 100 formal moratorium with a view to eventual abolition of the death penalty. I refer the hon. Member to the debate on the ‘Death Penalty (India)’ on 28 February 2013, Official Report, FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE columns 492-529. Bangladesh Plants Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether his Department is reviewing travel advice for British Andrew Bridgen: To ask the Secretary of State for citizens travelling to Bangladesh in light of recent Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much his violent protests in the country. [147788] Department spent on indoor and outdoor plants and trees in each year from 2005 to 2010. [147161] Mr Hague: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Travel Advice for Bangladesh is informed by up-to-date information which is under constant review, Mr Lidington: Our central records show the following with the utmost consideration for the safety of British spend on plants and trees in the Foreign and nationals. Commonwealth Office’s (FCO) UK estate for the years 2005-08 (to provide information for the FCO’s overseas Our Travel Advice currently states: network would incur disproportionate cost): “Demonstrations and protests are frequent. They can occur suddenly and quickly turn violent and may include the burning of £ buses and attacks on property, road blocks and confrontation with the police. There are regular enforced strikes, known locally 2005 0 as hartals. There has been serious violent disorder, which has 2006 527 claimed at least 70 lives across Bangladesh since 28 February... If you are intending to travel to Bangladesh, even if you are a 2007 1,824 regular visitor with family or business links, you should be aware 2008 4,588 that disruption to normal life has become frequent. You should follow developments in the news media and consult FCO Travel In December 2008, the Foreign and Commonwealth Advice regularly. You should also register with the British High Commission and take out comprehensive travel and medical Office (FCO) entered into a centrally managed facilities insurance before travelling.” management contract with Interserve FM. The contract provides for the maintenance and replacement of plants Eastern Europe and trees already in situ at no additional cost to the Department. Costs for the provision of additional trees Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and plants on the FCO’s UK estate in 2009-10 were as and Commonwealth Affairs how many times he has follows: visited Romania and Bulgaria in an official capacity since 2010. [147874] £ 2009 0 Mr Lidington: The Secretary of State for Foreign and 2010 2,720 Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), visited Bucharest in July 2012 to meet Prime Minister Victor Ponta. He has In addition, the following was spent on plants and not yet visited Bulgaria in his official capacity. plant stands for high profile international events at Lancaster House for the years 2008-10 (there is no India record available for spend at Lancaster House previous to 2008): Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received £ on (a) the number of people in prison in India who 2008 1,555 have been sentenced to death and (b) the proportion of 2009 645 those sentenced to death who are (i) Sikh and (ii) 2010 870 political prisoners. [147773] 315W Written Answers14 MARCH 2013 Written Answers 316W

Serbia Awards paid

Bob Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign 2010-11 39,750 and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he 2011-12 32,954 has made on the progress of EU-mediated talks between Kosovo and Serbia in the Northern Kosovo dispute and the effect of such discussions on Serbia’s bid for EU Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many complaints were made about delays accession talks. [147079] in awarding compensation by the Criminal Injuries Mr Lidington: The UK welcomes the focus on northern Compensation Authority in (a) 2010-11 and (b) Kosovo in the EU-facilitated Dialogue. Prime Ministers 2011-12. [147346] Thaci and Dacic have met on six occasions, under the chairmanship of Baroness Ashton, to discuss the difficult Mrs Grant: The Criminal Injuries Compensation issues that need to be addressed in order to make Authority (CICA) received 155 complaints in 2010-11 progress towards eventual normalisation of the Serbia- and 91 complaints in 2011-12 where delay was the Kosovo relationship. Some useful progress has been primary reason for complaint. Throughout this time made, including on integrated border management and CICA were dealing with approximately 50,000 active the exchange of liaison officers in Pristina and Belgrade. cases, meaning the ratio of complaints to cases is extremely The Prime Ministers will meet again on 20 March. low. When I met Serbian First Deputy Prime Minister Vucic on 7 March, I set out clearly the UK’s support for Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for the opening of accession negotiations with Serbia once Justice how many awards for compensation made by the conditions set out by the December General Affairs the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority were Council have been met, and in particular the need for made, having initially been refused and that refusal Serbia to dismantle its illegal security and judicial structures being subsequently overturned, in each of the last 10 in the north. We urge all parties to engage swiftly and years. [147347] constructively to reach an agreement and begin implementation. Mrs Grant: The following figures reflect cases where a Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) Syria claims officer overturned another claims officer’s decision to refuse compensation. This happens when the claimant asks CICA to review the case. This is distinct from an Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State appeal, which is heard by the Tribunals Service. for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the statement of 6 March 2013, Official Report, columns Awards made after initial refusal 961-4, on Syria, who will conduct the training of armed groups on their responsibilities and obligations under 2002-03 3,153 international law; who will be eligible for such training; 2003-04 2,686 and how such training will be funded. [147900] 2004-05 2,513 2005-06 1,987 Mr Hague: As I announced on 6 March to Parliament, 2006-07 1,856 we will be reinforcing to the Syrian opposition their 2007-08 2,184 obligations to respect human rights and international 2008-09 2,778 humanitarian law by providing training from international 2009-10 2,678 non-governmental experts in the law of armed conflict and appropriate conduct. This will be carried out in 2010-11 1,925 close coordination with the Syrian National Coalition 2011-12 1,713 who will play an active role in selecting participants. We take great care in identifying the recipients of our Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for assistance to ensure that they are legitimate members of Justice how many applicants for eligibility under the the opposition. The training is being funded from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme were (a) successful Government’s tri-departmental Conflict Pool (Foreign and (b) unsuccessful in being awarded payments for and Commonwealth Office, Ministry of Defence and loss of earnings in (i) 2010-11 and (ii) 2011-12. [147348] Department for International Development). Mrs Grant: The figures requested are as follows:

Successful claims for Unsuccessful claims JUSTICE loss of earnings for loss of earnings

Criminal Injuries Compensation 2010-11 903 1,654 2011-12 696 1,699 Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many awards of compensation were made Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority in Justice how many appeals were made by those seeking (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12. [147345] payment for loss of earnings under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme having been initially refused in Mrs Grant: The figures requested are as follows: each of the last 10 years. [147349] 317W Written Answers14 MARCH 2013 Written Answers 318W

Mrs Grant: The figures requested are as follows: offences, rather than defendants, charged for supply and possession offences for the last five complete financial Number of appeals against years. Offences for possession with intent to supply have decisions with a refused loss of been separated out for clarity. A single defendant may earnings component be charged with more than one offence. 2002-03 150 2003-04 144 Illegal Immigrants: Employment 2004-05 109 2005-06 82 Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 2006-07 73 how many employers were prosecuted for employing 2007-08 57 illegal immigrants in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012. 2008-09 67 [145590] 2009-10 67 2010-11 75 Jeremy Wright: The number of defendants proceeded 2011-12 78 against at magistrates courts for offences related to employing illegal immigrants, in England and Wales, from 2010 to 2011 (latest available), can be viewed in the Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for following table. Justice how many appeals made by those seeking Court proceedings data for 2012 are planned for compensation for loss of earnings under the Criminal publication in May 2013 Injuries Compensation Scheme were overturned following the appeal in each of the last 10 years. [147350] Number of defendants proceeded against at magistrates courts for offences related to employing illegal immigrants, England and Wales, 1,2 Mrs Grant: The figures requested are as follows. They 2010-11 reflect cases where the Criminal Injuries Compensation Offence description 2010 2011 Authority offered compensation for an injury but rejected Employing a person aged 16 and above subject to 52 the claim’s loss of earnings component, but the appeal immigration controll3 tribunal awarded loss of earnings. Employing a person knowing that they are an 82 adult subject to immigration control4 Loss of earnings decisions Employing accession state national subject to 10 overturned at appeal worker authorisation in accession period5 1 The figures given in the table relate to persons for whom these 2002-03 37 offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. 2003-04 37 When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences It 2004-05 37 is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence 2005-06 31 selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is 2006-07 36 the most severe. 2007-08 26 2 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are 2008-09 32 accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems 2009-10 32 generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care 2010-11 30 should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their 2011-12 28 inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. Drugs: Prosecutions 3 An offence under section 8 Asylum and Immigration Act 1996, amended Asylum and Immigration Act 2004. 4 An offence under s.21 Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for 2006 Justice pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for 5 Offence under R12(1)(b) and (6) Accession (Immigration and Islington South and Finsbury of 18 December 2012, Worker Authorisation) Regulations 2006. Official Report, column 717W, on drugs: prosecutions, Source: if he will provide a breakdown of the data requested by Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice police force for each of the last 10 years or for as many Immigration: Judicial Review years as possible within the cost constraints of this question. [143838] Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice pursuant to the answer of 30 January 2013, The Solicitor-General: I have been asked to reply. Official Report, column 845W, on judicial review, how The information requested is not available in the many of the applications for permission to apply for form requested but tables containing a breakdown of judicial review in immigration or asylum cases related the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) figures by CPS to immigration or asylum applications that, at the time areas have been placed in the Library of the House. of application, had not received a final decision by the Data to support this request is available only from the UK Border Agency. [143443] financial year 2007-08. Supply and possession of drugs offences are prosecuted Mrs Grant: Management information is not centrally under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. The records held collected on whether a final decision has been made by by the CPS identify the number of offences in which a the UK Border Agency at the time a judicial review is prosecution commenced and reached a first hearing in issued. This information is only available from the magistrates courts, rather than the number of defendants individual grounds on the claim form on each paper file prosecuted. The tables therefore show the number of and could be analysed only at disproportionate cost. 319W Written Answers14 MARCH 2013 Written Answers 320W

Life Imprisonment Probation

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many prisoners are serving life sentences; what (1) what the average number of meetings was between state benefits they are entitled to receive; and what the probation staff and offenders on licence who were estimated monetary value is of such benefits. [147893] originally sentenced for (a) murder, (b) rape, (c) violence against a person, (d) burglary, (e) sexual offences against a minor, (f) theft and (g) criminal damage to Jeremy Wright: The number of prisoners in England property during the first (i) zero to six, (ii) seven to 12, and Wales serving a life sentence as at 31 December (iii) 13 to 18, (iv) 19 to 24 and (v) 25 to 36 months of 2012 was 7,657. These figures have been drawn from their probation in each probation trust area in each of administrative IT systems which, as with any large scale the last five years; [144224] recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. (2) what the average number of days was between The legal position on prisoners and benefits is as release from prison and first engagement with a member follows: Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act of the probation staff in each probation trust area in 1992 section 113(1)(b) provides that a person who is (a) 2009-10 and (b) 2010-11. [144228] undergoing imprisonment or detention in legal custody is disqualified from receiving any benefit or pension to Jeremy Wright: The information requested is not which they are entitled and any dependency increases to held centrally and could be obtained only at which they are entitled. disproportionate cost. Probation staff are required to record meetings with offenders on the case management IT system for their Official Secrets Act 1989 trust as part of their day to day management of offenders. However, there is no central report that would provide the data that has been requested and to answer the question Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for would require each trust to interrogate its database to Justice if he will hold discussions with the (a) intelligence provide a report for NOMS. These data would then agencies, (b) Crown Prosecution Service and (c) Sentencing have to be reconciled and collated centrally. Board on increasing the tariff for breaches of the Official Secrets Act. [147075] Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what his reasons are for recommending a Mrs Grant: The Government is satisfied that the reduction in the number of probation areas to 16 prior maximum penalties available for the relevant offences to outsourcing of probation work. [146282] give the courts sufficient powers to deal with the cases which come before them. Tough maximum penalties are Jeremy Wright: The Ministry of Justice’s consultation available for offences under the Official Secrets Act, on plans for reforming the way in which offenders are with up to 14 years’ custody for the most serious cases. rehabilitated in the community closed on 22 February. We have no plans to discuss these matters with the The consultation document proposes that rehabilitation intelligence agencies, Crown Prosecution Service or services are commissioned within 16 geographical contract Sentencing Council. package areas. Our premise is driven by the need to achieve economies of scale and avoid undue complexity and duplication, while also ensuring areas are large Prisoner Escapes enough to support ’through the gate’ provision and facilitate Payment by Results. John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for We have also consulted on how best to structure the Justice how many offenders who have absconded from public sector probation service so it is organised in the prisons remain at large; and if he will make a statement. most efficient manner to delivery its new responsibilities. [145757] These are important issues and we will be looking carefully at responses to the consultation to ensure we Jeremy Wright: As of 8 February 2013, 85 prisoners get the details right. The response to the consultation of the 3,706 prisoners who absconded from prison will be published in due course. between 1 April 2004 and 31 March 2012 remain unlawfully at large. Reoffenders: Cumbria Absconds have been falling for nearly two decades. In 2011-12—the last full year when figures were available— John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for there were just 179 absconds compared to 956 in 1995-96 Justice what estimate he has made of reoffending rates which equates to a 81% reduction. of prisoners resident in (a) Barrow and Furness The majority of prisoners are recaptured and returned constituency and (b) South Lakeland in each of the to custody quickly, 92% are recaptured within six months. last five years for which data is available. [147618] To date, over 97% of prisoners who absconded between 1 April 2004 and 31 March 2012 have been re-captured Jeremy Wright: In response to a Ministry of Justice and returned to custody. On re-capture the prisoner will consultation in 2010 on improvements to reoffending be returned to a closed prison and referred to the police statistics, proven reoffending data is only produced at for consideration for prosecution for having been unlawfully the regional, probation area and local authority level at large. and not at constituency level. 321W Written Answers14 MARCH 2013 Written Answers 322W

Sexual Offences: Southwark However, officials continue to urge the Commission to treat the case with the importance which it deserves Ms Harman: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice and will continue to work with representatives from how many convictions for sexual offences were secured industry and Northern Ireland authorities to provide in the London borough of Southwark in each year the Commission with evidence to enable it to conclude from 2007 to 2012. [146166] its investigation as quickly as possible.

Jeremy Wright: The number of offenders found guilty Child Care Tax Credit of sexual offences at all courts in the London borough of Southwark for the period 2007 to 2011 (latest available), can be viewed in the following table. Tim Loughton: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Court proceedings data for 2012 are planned for how many people have been successfully prosecuted for publication in May 2013. fraudulent child care tax credit claims when no longer using the child care hours or provider stated on their Number of offenders convicted of sexual offences in the London borough of application in each of the last five years. [147920] Southwark 2007-111,2 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Sajid Javid: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is Camberwell Green 24 18 25 30 26 not a prosecuting authority. Where cases do proceed to Local Justice Area the criminal courts the prosecution is carried out by the Southwark Crown 67 79 71 56 33 Court relevant independent prosecuting authority. This is the 1 The figures given in the table for court proceedings relate to persons for Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in England and Wales, whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the in Scotland, and the Public Prosecution Service in Northern offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which Ireland (PPSNI). the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. Figures for all tax credit offences including those 2 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted conducted and prosecuted with or on behalf of another from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police Government Department are set out in the following forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection table: processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. Source: Prosecution Conviction Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice. 2012-13 to date 64 76 Wellingborough Prison 2011-12 71 68 2010-11 17 21 Mr Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, 2009-10 166 265 with reference to the press notice issued by the Cabinet 2008-09 196 276 Office on 13 March 2013, whether HM Prison 1 Cases Wellingborough has been sold; and if he will make a 2 Individuals statement. [148666] HMRCs management information does not include a breakdown to the level of information requested for Jeremy Wright: The former Wellingborough prison individuals prosecuted for tax credit offences. To gather site has not been sold. this information would incur disproportionate cost. A clerical error was made in the local press release Prosecution and conviction figures in any given year issued on behalf of the Cabinet Office in relation to two do not necessarily relate to the same individuals due to former prison officers’ quarters sold near Wellingborough. timing and length of case. Prosecutions in earlier years The word ‘by’ was accidentally removed so it then read were recorded on a case basis; a case may contain more ‘sold HMP Wellingborough’. The local media were than one individual. informed as soon as the error was identified.

Child Trust Fund

TREASURY Katy Clark: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will bring forward legislative proposals to prevent Aggregates Levy: Northern Ireland banks from imposing charges on child trust fund accounts. [147377] Ms Ritchie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the timescale for the Sajid Javid: Since the Child Trust Fund started, it has completion of the European Commission’s investigation been possible for account providers to make charges for into the Aggregates Levy Credit Scheme in Northern the management of accounts, providing the details are Ireland. [147785] made clear in the account terms and conditions. Around three quarters of all Child Trust Funds are stakeholder Sajid Javid: The process for, and duration of, the accounts, and charges on these accounts must not exceed European Commission’s investigation into the Aggregates 1.5% of the fund value. Levy Credit Scheme are determined by the Commission The Child Trust Fund rules allow transfers between itself. different providers and account types. 323W Written Answers14 MARCH 2013 Written Answers 324W

Debts Leave

Chris Ruane: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Priti Patel: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the level of household debt was in each region in how many officials in (a) his Department and (b) each each year for which figures are available. [148491] of its agencies and non-departmental public bodies qualify for privilege days; and what the total cost to the Sajid Javid: In the UK National Accounts the most public purse was of the number of privilege days utilised appropriate measure of household debt is the total each year by such officials. [147749] financial liabilities of the Household and Non Profit Sajid Javid: All employees of HM Treasury and Institutions Serving Households (NPISH) combined associated bodies currently qualify for two and half sector. Although the sectors are not split, NPISH (which privilege days or the equivalent in annual leave. Privilege includes for example, charities, trade unions and churches) days taken are not recorded separately or held centrally makes up less than 5% of the total financial liabilities. and therefore costs for their utilisation could be provided Data for the total financial liabilities of the Household only at disproportionate cost. and NPISH sector exists only at the UK national level PAYE and has a time series going back to 1987, as shown in Table 1. John Glen: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Annual data for 2012 is not yet available. Total financial what steps have been taken to ensure that PAYE in real liabilities of the Household and NPISH sector in 2012Q3 time has been tested on (a) businesses with fewer than was £1,538 billion. 10 employees and (b) businesses with one employee. This data is published by the Office for National [147421] Statistics. Mr Gauke: As part of the development of PAYE real Table 1: Total financial liabilities of the Household and NPISH sector, final time information (RTI), HMRC have been running a quarter of each year (apart from 2012) pilot with employers. To date, there are over 28,000 £ billion employers in the pilot with nine or fewer employees, of 1987 270 which over 12,000 have one employee. 1988 323 HMRC have also commissioned independent research 1989 372 exploring the impact of RTI during the pilot. This research 1990 418 is looking at confidence levels, ease and the overall 1991 450 impact of RTI on the employers’ businesses. The findings 1992 469 will be used in conjunction with a wider evaluation of 1993 486 the pilot, which will include an assessment of the impacts 1994 508 on HMRC. 1995 532 Revenue and Customs 1996 552 1997 589 John McDonnell: To ask the Chancellor of the 1998 628 Exchequer (1) if he will ensure that where HM Revenue 1999 677 and Customs’ inquiry centres currently provide face-to- 2000 734 face services they will remain in their location; [147565] 2001 810 (2) whether HM Revenue and Customs’ inquiry 2002 922 centres that provide face-to-face services will remain in 2003 1,049 their current locations. [145010] 2004 1,182 Mr Gauke: On 14 March 2013, HMRC announced a 2005 1,256 public consultation on a proposed new service for 2006 1,413 supporting customers who need extra help with getting 2007 1,521 their taxes and entitlements right. In June the Department 2008 1,550 will pilot that new service in the north east of England 2009 1,533 for a five-month period. 2010 1,541 2011 1,529 HMRC plans to introduce a new service for those 2012 (Q3) 1,538 customers that would replace the current inquiry centre network between February and May 2014. The Department has written to all MPs today outlining Excise Duties: Fuels their plans and they will run a number of events to discuss their plans. Guto Bebb: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer VAT: Tourism pursuant to the answer of 17 January 2013, Official Report, column 921W, on fuels: Wales, which other Dan Jarvis: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if remote parts of the UK are being considered for the he will consider the merits of introducing a reduced rate rural fuel discount scheme. [147728] of VAT on visitor accommodation and attractions in line with the practice in some other EU member states in order to stimulate this sector of the UK economy. Sajid Javid: The Government is currently considering [148061] which remote parts of the UK are likely to display similar cost characteristics to the islands currently in Mr Gauke: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given the scheme. to him on 12 March 2013, Official Report, column 140W. 325W Written Answers14 MARCH 2013 Written Answers 326W

WORK AND PENSIONS Steve Webb: I will place in the Library a table that shows, as of December 2012, the amount of child Access to Work Programme maintenance arrears owed by non resident parents, and of this amount how much is owed to the Parent with Care, by the parliamentary constituency of the Parent Mrs McGuire: To ask the Secretary of State for Work with Care. and Pensions how many people participating in (a) the Work Programme and (b) Work Choice have received Figures are sourced from the Agency’s internal debt Access to Work support after finding employment in book so breakdowns will not match the general ledger each quarter since the introduction of that scheme; and figures published in the December 2012 Quarterly Summary what proportion these people represent of the total of Statistics. number of people successfully supported into work. [148290] Community Care Grants: Kilmarnock Esther McVey: We do not collect data on people leaving the Work programme into work and receiving Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Access to Work. For Work Choice we have data from Work and Pensions how much was awarded in Kilmarnock October 2011 to October 2012 where 1,240 participants and Loudoun constituency under each category of the were supported by Access to Work. community care grant in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12. [147322] Carbon Monoxide: Alarms Steve Webb: Table 1 provides the expenditure by Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Work direction on Community Care Grants for residents in and Pensions whether information supplied by his the Inverness Social Fund Budget Area in 2010-11 and Department to recipients of the (a) winter fuel payment 2011-12. This is the Social Fund Budget Area covering and (b) cold weather payment states the importance of Kilmarnock and Loudon constituency. The information getting appliances regularly checked and serviced by a requested is not available at constituency level. gas-safe registered engineer and of purchasing a carbon Table 1: Community Care Grant Expenditure in the Inverness Social Fund monoxide alarm. [147717] Budget Area in 2010-11 and 2011-12 £ Steve Webb: Information on the importance of getting 2010-11 2011-12 appliances regularly checked and serviced by a gas-safe Direction 4(a)(i) People moving out of 384,500 362,700 registered engineer and of purchasing a carbon monoxide institutional or residential care is not issued directly to recipients as part of the winter Direction 4(a)(ii) Helping people stay in 1,477,800 1,181,600 fuel payment/cold weather payment notification process. the community Direction 4(a)(iii) Families under 2,616,800 2,391,900 Customers can obtain further information from the exceptional pressure Gas Safe Register (the Government appointed gas Direction 4(a)(iv) Prisoner or young 6,300 9,900 registration body) at: offender on release on temporary licence www.gassaferegister.co.uk Direction 4(a)(v) People setting up home 284,500 210,000 as a planned programme of resettlement Direction 4(b) Travelling Expenses 73,900 50,300 Children: Maintenance Total 4,843,900 4,206,500 Notes: 1. The information provided is Management Information. Our preference is to Pamela Nash: To ask the Secretary of State for Work answer all parliamentary questions using Official/National Statistics but in this and Pensions how much remains outstanding in child case we only have Management Information available. It is not quality assured maintenance arrears in (a) Airdrie and Shotts and (b) to the same extent as Official/National statistics and there are some issues with the data, for example, it does not include applications which were processed Scotland in 2012. [147500] clerically and have not yet been entered on to the Social Fund Computer System. 2. Data on Community Care Grants is not held by parliamentary constituency Steve Webb: As of December 2012, outstanding arrears but by Jobcentre Plus Social Fund Budget Area. The figures for the Inverness on cases where the Parent with Care resides in Airdrie Social Fund Budget Area cover areas other than Kilmarnock and Loudoun. and Shotts parliamentary constituency were £7,280,000. 3. The expenditure figures have been rounded to the nearest £100. Outstanding arrears for the same period in Scotland overall was £331,150,000. Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Full details of all arrears owed in local authorities Work and Pensions how many items were awarded in within Scotland are shown in the Regional Tables of the Kilmarnock and Loudoun constituency under each Child Support Agency’s Quarterly Summary of Statistics category in the community care grant in (a) 2010-11 published at: and (b) 2011-12. [147323] http://statistics.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/child_support/2012/ csa_qtr_summ_stats_regional_dec12.xls Steve Webb: Table 1 provides the number of items awarded under Community Care Grants for residents Pamela Nash: To ask the Secretary of State for Work in the Inverness Social Fund Budget Area in 2010-11 and Pensions what child support arrears are owed by and 2011-12. This is the Social Fund Budget Area non-resident parents to parents with care, by parliamentary covering Kilmarnock and Loudon constituency. The constituency, in the most recent period for which figures information requested is not available at constituency are available. [147771] level and cannot be split down by direction. 327W Written Answers14 MARCH 2013 Written Answers 328W

Table 1: Community Care Grant items awarded in the Inverness Social Fund Further details on the processes, outcomes and timetable Budget Area in 2010-11 and 2011-12 for reassessing DLA claimants for PIP have been published Number of items awarded on the Department’s website: the Government response 2010-11 56,800 to the consultation on the detailed design of PIP: 2011-12 48,100 www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/pip-detailed-design-response.pdf Notes: and a reassessments and impacts briefing note: 1. The information provided is Management Information. Our preference is to answer all parliamentary questions using Official/National Statistics but in this www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/pip-reassessments-and-impacts.pdf case we only have Management Information available. It is not quality assured to the same extent as Official/National statistics and there are some issues with the data, for example, it does not include applications which were processed Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for Work clerically and have not yet been entered on to the Social Fund Computer and Pensions what safeguards are in place for existing System. claimants of disability living allowance who have to 2. Data on Community Care Grants is not held by parliamentary constituency but by Jobcentre Plus Social Fund Budget Area. The figures for the Inverness apply for the personal independence payment for the Social Fund Budget Area cover areas other than Kilmarnock and Loudoun. first time. [147096] 3. All item figures have been rounded to the nearest 100. 4. These figures are the number of items awarded, not the number of awards. A person can receive more than one item per award. Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Crisis Loans: Birmingham Work and Pensions what support his Department makes available for people during transition from disability living allowance to personal independence Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for payment. [147253] Work and Pensions how many people in each Birmingham borough received a crisis loan in each of the last three Esther McVey: All DLA claimants are currently being years. [147504] sent information about personal independence payment (PIP) with their annual DLA uprating letters. The letters Steve Webb: The following table gives the number of provide information about when individuals may be people receiving crisis loans in the local authority of affected by the introduction of PIP and what they can Birmingham in 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12. This is do to plan in advance. Information about PIP, for both the lowest geographical level to which we can provide claimants and advisory organisations, is also available this information. on Gov.UK and the Department’s website. Crisis loans made in Birmingham LA in 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12 When existing recipients of disability living allowance Number of people receiving crisis (DLA) aged between 16 and 64 are invited to claim loans personal independence payment (PIP) they will have a 2009-10 27,000 period of 28 days in which to submit a claim. A reminder 2010-11 24,430 letter will be issued and an attempt to contact the 2011-12 23,560 individual by phone will be made if a claim has not Notes: already been received during this four week period. 1. The information provided is Management Information. Our preference is to Individuals who require additional time in which to answer all parliamentary questions using Official/National Statistics but in this case we only have Management Information available. It is not quality assured claim may ask for an extension which will be given if the to the same extent as Official/National statistics and there are some issues with request appears reasonable. Where an individual is identified the data. For example, they do not include applications which were processed clerically and have not yet been entered on to the Social Fund Computer as needing additional support we will consider a range System. of options to support them including directing them to 2. Local authority figures have been produced by linking Social Fund Computer local support organisations or by arranging a visit. System data with the National Benefits Database to obtain the local authority the person lived in at the time of application. There are up to 7% of cases where Communications with claimants will use their preferred we cannot link the records in this way. format, for example Braille or audio. 3. All figures are rounded to the nearest 10. 4. These figures are the number of people, not the number of applications or So long as the individual submits their claim within awards. Some people receive more than one award. time and complies with all other requirements, payment of DLA will continue until a decision on the claim to Disability Living Allowance PIP is made. Payment of DLA will cease no sooner than four weeks after the PIP decision has been taken. Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) whether existing claimants of disability Employment and Support Allowance living allowance will risk losing benefits if they fail to reapply for the personal independence payment and Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for Work why there is no automatic migration; [147095] and Pensions what his policy is on whether a claimant (2) whether existing claimants of disability living of employment and support allowance in the support allowance will risk losing benefits if they fail to reapply group who is referred to the Work Choice Scheme will for personalised independence payment; and for what be reassessed in a work capability assessment. [147088] reason there is no automatic migration. [148251] Mr Hoban: Individuals placed in the Support Group Esther McVey: Personal independence payment (PIP) of employment and support allowance (ESA) are those has different entitlement criteria to disability living who face the greatest barriers to employment. They are allowance (DLA) meaning that any current recipient of not expected or mandated to undertake any work-related DLA invited to claim PIP will need to be assessed activity. However, should they wish to participate in against the new criteria if they chose to claim. Where a work-related activity on a voluntary basis, the Government DLA claimant is invited to claim PIP, but chooses not has put in place programmes such as the Work Choice to do so, the outcome will be that their entitlement to Scheme, to provide individuals with the necessary tailored DLA will end. support to do so. 329W Written Answers14 MARCH 2013 Written Answers 330W

Everyone who claims ESA will undergo periodic Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for Work work capability assessments (WCAs) to ascertain whether and Pensions whether claimants of employment and they still meet the conditions for the benefit. When an support allowance in the support group are able to be individual has a WCA, the examining health care referred to a work psychologist. [147093] professional will give advice on when they should be assessed again. This advice is based on a likely improvement Mr Hoban: Employment and support allowance in the person’s condition over a three to 18-month claimants in the support group can volunteer to access period. Where the condition is unlikely to change the Jobcentre Plus Offer. significantly in the longer term, cases will be looked at This includes a diagnostic interview. At the interview again at a later date, normally within two years. Being an adviser will discuss support options with the claimant. on the Work Choice Scheme has no bearing on the This includes whether a referral to specialist support timing of future reassessment dates. might be appropriate, which may include a referral to a work psychologist. Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether a claimant of employment and Habitual Residence Test support allowance in the support group who asks to be referred to Work Choice will have to claim jobseeker’s allowance. [147089] Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when his Department intends to Esther McVey: The benefits Work Choice participants introduce the new habitual residence test. [147158] claim while on the programme are unaffected by their participation. Therefore claimants will not have to claim Mr Hoban: The Department is currently looking at jobseeker’s allowance if they are in receipt of employment ways of strengthening the habitual residence test to support allowance while participating in Work Choice. support the robust rules and guidance that the Department already has in place. Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether disability employment advisers Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Work are prohibited from referring a claimant of employment and Pensions what changes he plans to make to the and support allowance in the support group to the Habitual Residence Test for (a) citizens of the European Work Choice scheme. [147090] Area entering the UK and (b) non-EU citizens entering the UK and seeking to access public services. [147860] Esther McVey: Disability employment advisers make decisions on referring potential candidates to Work Mr Hoban: The Department is currently looking at Choice based purely on their suitability to the programme, ways of further strengthening the habitual residence including the barriers they face in accessing employment. test, and has robust rules and guidance on income Participation in Work Choice is voluntary and is available related benefits. regardless of any benefits being claimed. Housing Benefit Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what support is available to those in the Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Work support group of employment and support allowance and Pensions whether he has any plans to widen the who wish to voluntarily undertake employment support. definition of exempt accommodation in relation to [147091] support lodgings for housing benefit purposes. [148089] Mr Hoban: ESA claimants in the Support Group can Steve Webb: There are no plans to do so. access support from Jobcentre Plus and the Work programme on a voluntary basis. Housing Benefit: Social Rented Housing For claimants with more complex needs which cannot be met through the Work programme, they can access a range of specialist disability employment provision such Dr Alasdair McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State as Work Choice and Access to Work. for Work and Pensions what his policy is on the exemption of families with severely disabled people Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for Work from the social rented sector under-occupancy penalty. and Pensions what guidance is given by his Department [147765] to disability employment advisers on situations in which people in the support group of employment and support Steve Webb: Children who are unable to share a allowance wish to undertake disability provisions and bedroom because the nature and severity of their disabilities approaches them for their assistance. [147092] disturbs the sleep of the child who they would normally be expected to share with will be able to have a room of Esther McVey: Disability employment advisers (DEA) their own. Local authorities will have to satisfy themselves are trained to work with claimants who face complex that this is the case, taking into consideration the employment situations because of their disability or circumstances of each individual case. health condition. Operational guidance supports them Those who require an extra bedroom for a non-resident identify and refer to any provision a claimant may be overnight carer (or team of carers) will also be able to suitable for and this includes those in the ESA Support claim housing benefit for an extra bedroom. This is also Group. a matter for local authorities. 331W Written Answers14 MARCH 2013 Written Answers 332W

Dr Alasdair McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State The information for (iii) has been placed in the Library for Work and Pensions what criteria will be used to and can be found at: determine eligibility for the hardship fund for the social http://data.parliament.uk/DepositedPapers/Files/DEP2012- rented sector under-occupancy penalty. [147766] 1587/LibraryDocument125527.pdf Please note that as the benefit cap will be applied Steve Webb: The Department will issue guidance to through a phased roll-out from 15 April 2013 and at a local authorities on how best they can use discretionary national level from 15 July 2013, at present no households housing payments to support those who have been have been affected by the cap. The figures are consistent affected by the removal of the spare room subsidy, with the impact assessment published on 16 July 2012. including disabled people and other priority groups The figures in the table assume that the situation of who may require additional assistance. these households will go unchanged, and they will not take any steps to either work enough hours to qualify It is important that local authorities have discretion for working tax credit, renegotiate their rent in situ, or to consider individual claims which is why local authorities find alternative accommodation. The Department is continue to have responsibility for administering identifying and writing to all the households who are discretionary housing payments as they are best placed likely to be affected by the cap and we are offering to make decisions based on local circumstances. advice and support through Jobcentre Plus, including, where appropriate, early access to the Work programme Dr Alasdair McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State before the cap is introduced. for Work and Pensions what criteria will be used to Please note that household numbers are rounded to determine exemptions from the social rented sector the nearest 100. Areas with fewer than 100 households under-occupancy penalty for (a) people with children affected are denoted by ″..″, as additional disclosure with severe disabilities and (b) people who require control has been applied to these areas. For this reason, full-time care. [147767] figures will not sum to the total number of households affected in the July 2012 impact assessment for the Steve Webb: Children who are unable to share a household benefit cap. Due to these disclosure controls bedroom because the nature and severity of their disabilities we are unable to state the average loss due to the benefit disturbs the sleep of the child who they would normally cap in this constituency. be expected to share with will be able to have a room of their own. Local authorities will have to satisfy themselves Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Work that this is the case, taking into consideration the and Pensions (1) how many people live in supported circumstances of each individual case. lodgings and are exempt for housing benefit purposes Those who require an extra bedroom for a non-resident in (a) Garston and Halewood constituency, (b) overnight carer (or team of carers) will also be able to Liverpool and (c) England; [147876] claim housing benefit for an extra bedroom. This is also (2) how many people aged 16 or 17 live in supported a matter for local authorities. lodgings and are exempt for housing benefit purposes in (a) Garston and Halewood constituency, (b) Liverpool and (c) England. [147877] Dr Alasdair McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of (a) people who require full-time care Steve Webb: The information requested is not available. and (b) households with severely disabled children that The most recent information on the number of people will be exempt from the social rented sector under- in supported “exempt accommodation” is in the DWP occupancy penalty in Northern Ireland. [147782] research report No 714, “‘Exempt’ and supported accommodation’, published in December 2010. Steve Webb: The information requested is not available. Incapacity Benefit: Greater Manchester Sarah Champion: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in Rotherham constituency (a) have been and (b) will be affected by Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for the (i) housing benefit cap, (ii) social sector size criteria Work and Pensions when he expects the reassessment and (iii) benefit cap of £500; and what the average loss of individuals in Stalybridge and Hyde constituency in will be in each such case. [147791] receipt of incapacity benefit to be complete. [147250]

Mr Hoban: The incapacity benefit reassessment process Steve Webb: The caps to local housing allowance is expected to be completed by spring 2014. (LHA) rates do not apply in Rotherham because the LHA rates in Rotherham are lower than the caps. The information for ii is not available at constituency Jobseeker’s Allowance level. Estimates at a national and regional level are available in the impact assessment at: Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/social-sector-housing-under- Work and Pensions whether people who have had their occupation-wr2011-ia.pdf jobseeker’s allowance stopped as a result of missing a The social sector size criteria measure will come into single adviser appointment and who are on hardship effect from April 2013. payments are still categorised as jobseekers. [147168] 333W Written Answers14 MARCH 2013 Written Answers 334W

Mr Hoban: If a claimant has received a sanction for If contributors still consider their record to be incorrect, missing a single adviser appointment without good they can notify HM Revenue and Customs, who will reason, and is receiving hardship payments, then they investigate the matter and give a formal decision which are still categorised as jobseekers and therefore they are can be appealed. still included on the claimant count. Alternatively, claimants who do not contact HM Revenue and Customs but wish to appeal against their Members: Correspondence state pension award can appeal in the usual way using the form included in leaflet GL24, or in writing. Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he intends to reply to the Upon identifying that the appeal involves an NI letter dated 24 January 2013 from the right hon. Member contribution issue, the First-tier Tribunal will refer the for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Mrs Jacquie matter to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, my right hon. Friend the Member for Chingford and Gray. [147473] Woodford Green (Mr Duncan Smith), requiring him to refer the issue to an officer of HM Revenue and Customs Mr Hoban: The Secretary of State for Work and for a final decision. Upon receipt of the final decision a Pensions, my right hon. Friend the Member for Chingford decision maker acting on behalf of the Secretary of and Woodford Green (Mr Duncan Smith), replied to State will consider whether the benefit decision should the right hon. Member on 9 March 2013. be revised as a result. Mobility Remploy Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the Mrs McGuire: To ask the Secretary of State for Work support available to disabled people who require a large and Pensions what the average redundancy settlement wheelchair accessible vehicle and as such face higher paid to former Remploy workers has been. [147381] mobility costs due to low fuel efficiency of such vehicles. [147572] Esther McVey: The Department does not hold information about the average redundancy settlement Esther McVey: The Government has not made an as this is a matter between Remploy and their employees. assessment specifically on whether disabled people with wheelchair accessible vehicles have higher mobility costs The redundancy terms that were subject to collective due to low fuel efficiency of the vehicle. consultation between Remploy and employee representatives are those set out in the Remploy Accord. They are more However, disabled people with wheelchair accessible than double the average that would be received under vehicles are likely to be in receipt of disability living the statutory redundancy scheme. allowance which provides a contribution towards the extra costs of disability. Disability living allowance is flexible and recipients can spend the money in a way Mrs McGuire: To ask the Secretary of State for Work that best suits their needs. and Pensions how many former Remploy workers who wish to establish a social enterprise have received People in receipt of the higher rate mobility component working capital from his Department as part of the of disability living allowance can chose to lease or transitional support arrangements. [147382] purchase cars, powered wheelchairs and scooters through the Motability Scheme by using some or all of their benefit. In addition to the car or powered wheelchair/scooter, Esther McVey: In Stage 1, the Government made a as part of the lease agreement, scheme customers receive package of expert support available, up to the value of insurance and maintenance on the vehicle, free of charge. £10,000, to assist employee led groups in the development of their bids. The specialised vehicles fund, which Motability administers on behalf of the Department for Work and This fund is not available for the purpose of meeting Pensions, can provide financial assistance towards the working capital requirements; it is the responsibility of costs of complex vehicle adaptations. each bidder to secure appropriate funding to support their proposal. Pensions Mrs McGuire: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for and Pensions what arrangements have been made for Work and Pensions what appeals process exists for the disposal of any specialised equipment in Remploy claimants who, when checking their pension entitlement, factories. [147383] find that not all contributions that they have paid appear on their record. [147471] Esther McVey: In Stage 1, Remploy advised that organisations had until the end of August 2012 to register Esther McVey: Contributors can check the contributions an interest for any assets before they started the process they have paid by asking for a statement of their national of contacting relevant local organisations and advertising insurance account at the assets more widely. For Stage 2, the business exit http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/ni/intro/check-record.htm and asset disposal processes will run concurrently. by telephone on 0845 302 1479, or by writing to HM The disposal of Remploy sites and any associated Revenue and Customs, National Insurance Contributions assets (including specialised equipment) is a matter for and Employer Office, Benton Park View, Newcastle Remploy. Remploy are, as is the Department, under a upon Tyne, NE98 1ZZ. duty to dispose of assets in a way that ensures best 335W Written Answers14 MARCH 2013 Written Answers 336W value for money whilst, where possible and practicable, John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Work seeking to maximise the employment opportunities for and Pensions if he will take steps to ensure that disabled people. Jobcentre Plus staff in Wales are aware of the changes Full details of how to register an interest have been to the discretionary social fund to be administered by made available on the Remploy website: the Welsh Government in April 2013. [147086] www.remploy.co.uk Steve Webb: The Welsh Government will not be Social Fund administering the discretionary element of the social fund. Some discretionary payments are being abolished Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work from April 2013 and funding is being provided for new, and Pensions what assessment he has made of the better targeted local provision through arrangements guidance made available by (a) local authorities in made by the Welsh and Scottish Governments and local England, (b) the Welsh Government and (c) the Scottish authorities in England. Government to Jobcentre Plus decision-makers ahead Jobcentre Plus staff in Wales are aware of the of changes to the social fund in April 2013. [147082] arrangements the Welsh Government are making and Steve Webb: We are working very closely with English are having regular meetings with Welsh Government local authorities and the devolved nations of Scotland officials. This is so that claimants can get timely access and Wales to support them in delivering their new to the remaining support available from the Department schemes, including where they have developed their and from the new provision in their communities. guidance, so that claimants can get timely access to the remaining support available from the Department and Social Security Benefits from the new provision in their communities. Social Fund: Wales Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 27 February Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work 2013, Official Report, column 561W, on Social Security and Pensions what recent discussions he has had with Benefits: Greater London, what the minimum (a) volume Welsh Ministers on the devolution of the discretionary and (b) level of diversity is required in a local authority social fund. [147083] to make it a realistic preparation for the national roll-out of the benefit cap. [146472] Steve Webb: The discretionary social fund is not being devolved to the Welsh Government. Some Mr Hoban: The volume and diversity of households discretionary payments are being abolished from April in the local authority areas selected for phased rollout 2013 and funding is being provided for new, better are just two of the factors that determined the choice. targeted local provision through arrangements made by The approach has to be based on the right package so the Welsh and Scottish Governments and local authorities that lessons are learned through a controlled test in a in England. live environment. As such, it also needs to test all three The Department continues to actively engage with local authority IT systems, be in one regional area, with the Welsh Government on the issues. Ministers regularly bespoke account managers within the locations and in meet Welsh Ministers and discuss their plans and I had our delivery network. That provides us with the right an exchange of correspondence with the First Minister conditions for testing and achieves value for money. of Wales on 22 January 2013. Officials are also having regular meetings with Welsh Government officials. Mrs McGuire: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many claimants of (a) carer’s and Pensions how much funding has been allocated to allowance, (b) the middle rate of the care component the Welsh Government to administer the discretionary of disability living allowance (DLA) and (c) the higher element of the social fund in each of the next five rate of the care component of DLA; and what his financial years. [147084] estimate is of the number of claimants there will be in each category following the introduction of personal Steve Webb: The Welsh Government will not be independence payments. [147724] administering the discretionary element of the social fund. Some discretionary payments are being abolished Esther McVey: Current data on the number of claimants from April 2013 and funding is being provided for new, of carer’s allowance and of disability living allowance better targeted local provision through arrangements by care award can be found on the Department’s website made by the Welsh and Scottish Governments and local at: authorities in England. http://83.244.183.180/100pc/tabtool.html The administrative funding for Wales for the new Guidance for users is available at: provision for 2013-15 is set out in the following table. The allocation of future funding will be assessed and reviewed http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/tabtools/guidance.pdf as part of the next comprehensive spending review Following the introduction of personal independence settlement. payment (PIP), the forecast caseloads for each rate of the daily living component are in the December 2012 £ Reassessments and Impacts briefing note. This can be found on the Department’s website at: 2013-14 2,156,714 2014-15 1,976,862 http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/pip-reassessments-and- impacts.pdf 337W Written Answers14 MARCH 2013 Written Answers 338W

The estimated impact of PIP on carer’s allowance caseloads Mr Hoban: The design of universal credit is intended was published on 8 February 2013 and can be found at: to reduce errors including under and over payments. http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/pip-briefing-carers- Any underpayments will be rectified as soon as possible allowance.pdf to ensure claimants receive an amount of universal credit to which they are entitled. In exceptional Social Security Benefits: Greater London circumstances, it will be possible to make same day payments using the Faster Payments Service. Universal credit will have a process in place to identify Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work claimants who are vulnerable at the start of their universal and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 28 February credit claim. This information will be recorded and 2013, Official Report, column 609W, on social security where the needs identified are complex an appointment benefits: Greater London, how many of his Department’s will be made with an adviser. staff have been seconded to (a) Bromley, (b) Croydon, (c) Enfield and (d) Haringey to assist the early Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Work implementation of the benefit cap. [146898] and Pensions what impact assessments have been completed by his Department on the effects of the non-categorisation Mr Hoban: A senior Jobcentre Plus account manager of supported lodging schemes as exempt accommodation has been appointed in each of the four London boroughs under universal credit regulations. [147878] to co-ordinate local engagement and support, supported by an implementation manager working with the four Steve Webb: None. The treatment of housing costs in local authorities and DWP benefit cap project team respect of supported accommodation in universal credit members. is not different to that in housing benefit. The definition There are no staff formally seconded to the local of supported exempt accommodation in universal credit authorities but Jobcentre Plus staff have been co-located remains the same as that in housing benefit. in local authority premises to assist households likely to be impacted by the cap to ensure they have access to a Vacancies: North Yorkshire wide range of support. A total of 12 members of staff have been co-located Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for to provide this support. The breakdown by local authority Work and Pensions what the most recent job vacancy is as follows: figures for Thirsk, Malton and Filey are. [147511] (a) Bromley: one staff member Mr Hoban: In the three months to November 2012, (b) Croydon: two staff members the most recent period for which data is currently (c) Enfield: two staff members available, in Thirsk and Malton constituency employers (d) Haringey: seven staff members. reported over 1,800 new vacancies to Jobcentre Plus (JCP). Not all vacancies in the area would have been recorded on the JCP system, as some will be advertised Universal Credit through other recruitment methods or through word of mouth. In addition, some jobseekers in the constituency Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for will be looking at vacancies outside the immediate area. Work and Pensions (1) when the most recent gate A new service, Universal Jobmatch (UJ), has now review for the universal credit project was; at what stage replaced the previous system through which employers of the gateway review process it applied; and what that reported vacancies to Jobcentre Plus. It is still a new review concluded; [147774] system and while some statistics on vacancies available (2) whether an integrated assurance and approvals through UJ are published via the Directgov website: plan has been produced for the universal credit project; www.direct.gov.uk [147775] more detailed breakdowns, including by parliamentary (3) when any project assessment reviews for planned constituency area, are not yet available. The intention is assurance of the universal credit project have been to have a broadly similar set of data available to that conducted to date; [147776] under the previous Jobcentre Plus vacancy system and we are working towards this. (4) when any project assessment reviews have been requested for the universal credit project on a Work Capability Assessment consequential basis. [147777] Alison McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Hoban: An integrated assurance and approvals Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the plan (IAAP) is in place for universal credit. The IAAP effect of work capability assessments on the well-being determines the frequency of programme assessment of people who have a lifelong serious medical condition. reviews. Assurance reports are not routinely published. [147614] The next review point is planned for mid May. Mr Hoban: There is strong evidence that work is Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for good for physical and mental well-being, and that being Work and Pensions what contingency plans his Department out of work can contribute to poorer health and other has put in place in case of handling errors in universal negative outcomes. A claimant for whom a return to credit assessments that result in underpayments to work is considered unlikely within two years will be vulnerable households. [147778] reassessed after two years. This is because, even for 339W Written Answers14 MARCH 2013 Written Answers 340W claimants who are unlikely to see an improvement in Children: Custody their health and who are unlikely to sufficiently adapt to their condition, it is important that we do not write them off completely. Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for We recognise though that asking customers to attend Education if he will bring forward amendments to the an unnecessary examination is in no one’s interests. For Children and Families Bill to provide for a non-resident those whose condition is likely to qualify them for the parent to have more than every other weekend as the Support Group, healthcare professionals (HCPs) will, standard contact arrangement with their children; and where possible, advise using the available paper-based if he will make a statement. [145799] evidence. Only when there is insufficient evidence to make a recommendation would the HCP call a customer Mr Timpson: The Government recognises that, in to attend a face-to-face assessment. most cases, a child benefits from the involvement of both parents. The Children and Families Bill reflects Work Programme this. However, in making decisions about the care of child, the welfare of the child concerned must always be Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work the courts’ paramount consideration. Any steps to pre- and Pensions if he will review existing Work Programme determine a specific level of contact between a child contracts to provide added incentives to providers who and a parent would undermine this principle. For that achieve successful job outcomes with clients domiciled reason, the Government does not intend to amend the in the most deprived areas of the UK. [147502] Bill to provide for this.

Mr Hoban: We have no plans to offer extra incentives to providers who achieve job outcomes with clients Curriculum living in the most deprived areas of the UK. The Work programme offers providers significant incentives to support the hardest-to-help into employment, Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for and our payments focus on the individual’s disadvantages Education if he will introduce a quality assurance mark and barriers to employment. When providers originally for national curriculum learning resources. [146908] bid to deliver the Work programme, they had the opportunity to set the level of job outcome payments Elizabeth Truss [holding answer 11 March 2013]: below a maximum threshold; this allowed them to take There are no plans at present to introduce a quality local conditions into account when setting the appropriate assurance mark for national curriculum resources. Head level of incentives for contracts. teachers are best placed to know how the new national curriculum will be implemented in their schools, and it Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State is for these professionals to identify and access the for Work and Pensions when support for participants learning resources that they think will be needed for who complete the full two years of the Work them and their pupils. programme without finding a job will be put into place. [147899] Throughout the process of the national curriculum review we have been working with a range of Mr Hoban: Last year we ran a small-scale trial to stakeholders—including publishers, educational suppliers, understand how best to support very long-term jobseeker’s teaching schools and subject associations—to ensure allowance claimants who may reach the end of the that high quality support is available to schools when Work programme from 2013. the new curriculum is introduced. An initial evaluation and analysis of off-benefit impact was published on 6 December 2012. This evidence will Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for help inform the Department’s decisions on the development Education what assessment he has made of the effect of a national programme of support for Work programme of the time taken to publish final programmes of study leavers from the summer of 2013. and full assessment criteria on the timely publication of high quality learning resources. [146950]

EDUCATION Elizabeth Truss [holding answer 11 March 2013]: Throughout the process of the national curriculum review we have maintained close contact with a range of Chequers stakeholders—including publishers, educational suppliers, teaching schools and subject associations—to ensure Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for that high quality support and learning resources are Education pursuant to the answer of 4 February 2013, available to schools when the new curriculum is introduced. Official Report, column 57W, on Chequers, whether he Therefore, both publishers and suppliers are ready to was accompanied by his special advisers or other supply new textbooks and educational resources to departmental officials on his visit to Chequers. [146842] schools in time for the introduction of the new curriculum in September 2014. Many of these companies are already Elizabeth Truss [holding answer 11 March 2013]: It is talking to schools about their products and how these long standing Government practice not to provide further can be used to support the introduction of the new details of such meetings. curriculum. 341W Written Answers14 MARCH 2013 Written Answers 342W

First Aid: Education chemistry and physics GCSEs or regulated iGCSEs by pupils at the end of Key Stage 4 in 2011/12. Only Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for mainstream schools (including independent schools) Education what recent assessment Ofsted has made of published in the 2012 Secondary School Performance the prevalence of teaching of life-saving skills in Tables having more than five pupils at the end of Key schools; and if he will make a statement. [145300] Stage 4 are included in this answer. Health Education: Sex Mr Laws: This question is a matter for Ofsted. HM chief inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw, has written to the Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State hon. Member, and a copy of his response has been for Education (1) if he will develop sex and relationship placed in the House Libraries. education in primary schools to teach that violence Letter from Sir Michael Wilshaw, dated 27 February towards women is unacceptable including how to 2013: manage anger in appropriate ways to combat domestic Your recent Parliamentary question has been passed to me, as violence in later life; [147334] Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, for response. (2) what assessment he has made of the research Since 2005, maintained school inspections have been carried from Edinburgh Napier University into attitudes out under section 5 of the Education Act 2005, and more recently among children regarding violence towards women; the Education Act 2011. The teaching of life-saving skills is not a feature of section 5 inspections, so Ofsted has not conducted an and if he will use this research to develop improved sex assessment of the prevalence of this in schools. Inspectors do, and relationship education for primary school children however, make a separate judgement about the behaviour and to combat violence towards women. [147333] safety of pupils in the school as part of each inspection. A copy of this reply has been sent to David Laws MP, Minister Elizabeth Truss [holding answer 11 March 2013]: of State for Schools, and will be placed in the library of both Although primary schools are not required to teach sex Houses. education, they must have regard to the Secretary of Freedom of Information State’s Sex and Relationship Education Guidance when doing so. The guidance addresses issues such as those raised by the Edinburgh Napier University research by Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education ensuring that young people develop positive values and pursuant to the answer of 24 January 2013, Official a moral framework that will guide their decisions, judgments Report, column 396W, on Freedom of Information Act and behaviour. In addition, pupils should learn how to 2000, whether (a) he and (b) Ministers in his Department avoid being exploited and not to exploit others. have been consulted as a qualified person under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 on Internet responses to Freedom of Information requests submitted by the hon. Member for West Bromwich East made Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Education since May 2010. [146841] for what reason information regarding Ministers’ meetings with external organisations on the data.gov.uk website Elizabeth Truss [holding answer 11 March 2013]: Yes, is not available for the last two quarters of 2012; and as is required by the provisions of the Freedom of when such information will be made available. [145744] Information Act 2000. GCE A-level Elizabeth Truss: I can confirm that details of the Department’s Ministers’ meetings with external organisations for the quarter of July-September 2012 Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for are all now signposted, and can be found at Education what recent estimate his Department has made of the proportion of students taking (a) biology, www.data.gov.uk (b) chemistry and (c) physics at A-level. [145535] Detail of Ministers’ meetings with external organisations for the period of October-December 2012 is now being Elizabeth Truss: The percentage of A level students collated across all Government Departments, and will who entered biology in 2011/12 was 19.7%. The equivalent be published as soon as possible. figure for chemistry was 15.7% and for physics was Schools: Vending Machines 11.0%. These percentages relate to candidates in all schools and FE sector colleges who were entered for A levels in summer 2012. Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps he is taking to limit the number GCSE of junk food vending machines in schools. [145500]

Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for Elizabeth Truss: I refer the hon. Member to the reply Education what recent estimate his Department has given on 2 July 2012, Official Report, column 492W. made of the proportion of schools which offer split The decision as to whether or not to use vending sciences at GCSE level. [145548] machines rests with individual schools. Vending machines can be used to sell healthy food, and can be useful to Elizabeth Truss: The Department does not hold schools during busy lunch periods, and for events which information on the subjects offered by schools but does take place after the end of the school day. have data on the subjects that pupils were entered for. The Secretary of State for Education, my right hon. Data underlying the School Performance Tables show Friend the Member for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove), that 85% of mainstream schools had entries in biology, announced on 4 July 2012 that he had asked Henry 343W Written Answers14 MARCH 2013 Written Answers 344W

Dimbleby and John Vincent, the co-founders of Leon plan for key transition points so that young people do restaurants, to lead independent work to examine school not reach the end of any phase of their education food across the country. They have since been developing without being clear where they are going next and what a school food plan looking at good practice across the support they will receive. UK and abroad, drawing heavily on input from sector Regulations made under the Children and Families bodies, existing campaign groups, local authorities, caterers, Bill will ensure that local authorities maintain an EHC parents and schools. Mr Dimbleby and Mr Vincent are plan of any young person that is not in education, putting together an action plan which will build on the employment or training (NEET) while of compulsory successes of the past seven years, accelerate the participation age. They will also ensure that local authorities, improvements in school food, and define the role schools review the EHC plan of a 19 to 25-year-old at the point have to play in shaping eating habits. This is so that all they become NEET, and maintain support where children eating in English schools are offered good food re-engaging that young person in education or training and given an education that cultivates in them an is the best possible option for them. understanding of food and nutrition. The review will report in 2013. Any young person without an EHC plan can request an assessment for one at any point before their 25th Special Educational Needs birthday. Where the young person is aged over 18 the local authority must take their age into account when Sir Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for determining whether an EHC plan is appropriate. Education (1) what steps his Department is taking to ensure that children with special educational needs Sir Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for have adequate choice in further education; [146014] Education how his Department plans to monitor (2) what steps his Department is taking to ensure quality assurance for outcomes of vulnerable children choice in post-18 education for students with special as more power is devolved to schools. [146021] educational needs. [146019]

Mr Timpson: The Children and Families Bill, published Mr Timpson: The accountability system should be on 4 February, will help improve the range of choice for challenging, fair and transparent. It should reward schools young people with special educational needs in further that set high expectations for the attainment and progress education and for their parents. of all their pupils, including those with SEN, provide high-value qualifications, and teach a broad and a The Bill aims to give young people with special balanced curriculum. It should identify clearly schools educational needs the right to ask to attend a particular that under-perform. further education, sixth form or independent specialist college and for that institution to admit them, unless it To deliver this we are currently consulting on new is unsuitable for the young person, does not represent arrangements for secondary accountability. The proposals good value for money or would impact negatively on aim to tackle some of the perverse incentives in the the education of others. Our reforms will also ensure current system, which can prompt schools to focus on that colleges are more closely involved in arranging some pupils to the detriment of others. The consultation local provision for young people with special educational also asks for views about the approach for pupils whose needs through the local offer and co-operation duties. attainment might not, as now, be picked up by national The Bill intends to enable personal budgets to be offered assessments and exams. In particular, we shall consider to young people who want to take them up, giving refreshing the p-scales and examine how we can make young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan more use of the progress data that schools themselves and their parents much greater choice and control over collect. how their support is delivered. Proposals for the reform of primary assessment and accountability will also be issued shortly. Sir Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) whether the status of an education, In addition, there is already a considerable focus on health and care plan will change when a child reaches the performance of vulnerable pupils with SEN in the age of 16; [146016] accountability arrangements, and this will continue. In (2) whether under the provisions of the Children and particular Ofsted’s inspection framework has been revised Families Bill the proposed review of support for young to provide a renewed focus on SEN since September people with special educational needs at risk of 2012. It ensures that, in evaluating the achievement of becoming NEET will only happen at the point at which pupils in a school, inspectors consider how well disabled they finish compulsory education; [146023] pupils and those who have special educational needs have achieved since joining the school. The changes also (3) whether under the provisions of the Children and ensure that inspectors give a similar consideration to Families Bill a young person aged 19 to 25 who is not in those eligible for the pupil premium. Together this education would be able to request an assessment for means that outcomes for vulnerable children and young an education, health and care plan at any point before people with SEN are central to the inspection process. their 25th birthday. [146024] We shall also continue to collect and make available Mr Timpson: The status of an Education, Health and information about performance by specific groups, including Care (EHC) plan does not change when a child reaches those with SEN. Schools themselves have to publish a the age of 16 and will continue to be reviewed as a range of information for parents, including on how they minimum every 12 months. Local authorities will work are using the pupil premium, and Ofsted has reported with young people to ensure EHC plans anticipate and on how this might be improved. 345W Written Answers14 MARCH 2013 Written Answers 346W

Sir Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Gregory Barker: One option in the Electricity Demand Education (1) whether under the provisions of the Reduction consultation on options to encourage permanent Children and Families Bill a young person aged 16 to reductions in electricity use was to include Electricity 25 with special educational needs on an apprenticeship Demand Reduction in the Capacity Market; the capacity would be able to request an education, health and care market powers in part 2 of the Energy Bill already allow assessment; [146025] for this by allowing ″reducing demand for electricity″ to (2) how he intends that education, health and care be treated as a form of capacity. Following the close of plans should operate for young people on apprenticeships. the Electricity Demand Reduction consultation on 31 [146026] January, the responses are being analysed and a decision on the way forward will be taken shortly. Mr Timpson: Any young person without an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan can request an assessment for one at any point before their 25th birthday, including Energy: Prices while on an apprenticeship. Where the young person is aged over 18 the local authority must take their age into account when determining whether an EHC plan is Glyn Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy appropriate. and Climate Change what estimate he has made of increases in (a) domestic and (b) business energy bills An Education, Health and Care plan for a young arising from the use of renewable energy sources for person undertaking an apprenticeship will identify the each of the last five years. [146463] long and short term outcomes they are seeking and the special educational, health and social care provision required to help them achieve those outcomes. The Mr Hayes: The renewables obligation (RO) and small- local authority will work closely with the young person, scale feed-in-tariff scheme (FITs) place the obligation their learning provider and other interested parties to of supporting investment in renewable electricity generation agree the content of their plan. on energy suppliers. It is assumed that energy suppliers will pass the cost of these obligations onto their various Further guidance about EHC plans will be included energy customers (ie households and businesses) through in Regulations and the 0-25 Code of Practice. their electricity bills. Ofgem publish annual reports for both the RO and ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE FITs which include actual cost data. The last year for which data is available is 2011-12. The estimated average Carbon Capture and Storage amount added directly to domestic and non-domestic electricity bills is shown in Table 1. Michael Connarty: To ask the Secretary of State for Household estimates are based on annual costs of the Energy and Climate Change what recent progress he RO and FITs from annual reports published by Ofgem1 has made on the carbon capture and storage pilot multiplied by the share of total UK electricity sales projects. [147687] accounted for by households2 divided by the number of UK households3. The actual cost of the RO and FITs Mr Hayes: I know the hon. Member has a particular on each household’s energy bill in a given year may interest in carbon capture and storage, with one of the differ depending on how energy suppliers pass on the shortlisted bidders (Captain Clean Energy) located in costs of the policy to their customers. Grangemouth. Non-domestic estimates are based on an illustrative The Government is absolutely committed to carbon energy user with final electricity consumption of 11,000 capture and storage. Our £1 billion commercialisation MWh per year. programme aims to support practical experience of commercial scale CCS and drive forward this important RO banding levels may be reviewed every four years industry. The competition is progressing well and we to ensure that support levels are set as cost-effectively as will be making further announcements this spring. possible and deliver good value for money to consumers. The review for the period 2013-17 concluded last year Electricity and new bands will take effect from 1 April subject to state aid approval. Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for To help ensure that policies achieve their objectives Energy and Climate Change what steps he plans to cost effectively and affordably the Government introduced take to ensure that energy service companies delivering a framework to control levy funded spending by DECC permanent and verifiable savings of electricity use can at Budget 2011. This framework, which includes the RO participate in capacity mechanisms on a fair and and FITs, forms part of the Government’s public spending equivalent basis to generation. [147659] framework which the Treasury has responsibility for.

Table 1: Estimated annual impact of the renewables obligation and feed-in-tariff on domestic and non-domestic electricity bills 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 Real 2011-12 prices £% £% £% £% £%

Households

RO 13 2 15 2 17 3 18 3 19 3

FITs — — — — — — 0.2 <0.5 2 <0.5 347W Written Answers14 MARCH 2013 Written Answers 348W

Table 1: Estimated annual impact of the renewables obligation and feed-in-tariff on domestic and non-domestic electricity bills 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 Real 2011-12 prices £% £% £% £% £%

Medium-sized business user4 RO 32,000 4 38,000 4 42,000 4 46,000 5 53,000 5 FITs — — — — — — 500 <0.5 5,000 0.5 1 Calculated according to the DECC-HMT definition of RO support costs, ie RO support cost for year = obligation level for year (in ROCs) x RO buyout price for year. 2 Energy Trends table 5.5, available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-of-energy-climate-change/series/electricity-statistics 3 CLG projections. 4 Final electricity consumption of 11,000 MWh. Note: Numbers rounded.

Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for As at the end of September 2012, there was 1,582 Energy and Climate Change what steps he is taking to MW of operational installed capacity of solar schemes help families with the cost of living and the price of in the UK, covering around 361,000 installations1.Of energy; and if he will make a statement. [147681] this, 194 MW of installed capacity, across 143 schemes, had been through the planning process. Mr Davey: I refer to the answer given to the hon. 1 Number of solar photovoltaic installations accredited on the Member for Esher and Walton (Mr Raab), today. GB Feed in Tariff scheme—which covers the majority of schemes in the UK—as at the end of January 2013. Alun Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Sources: and Climate Change what steps he is taking to reduce 1. Total UK solar photovoltaic installed capacity: Energy Trends consumers’ energy bills. [147685] December 2012, table ET6.1: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-of- Mr Davey: I refer to the answer I gave to the hon. energy-climate-change/series/renewables-statistics Member for Esher and Walton (Mr Raab), today. 2. Number of solar photovoltaic installations: monthly central Feed in Tariff statistics: Peat Bogs https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/monthly- central-feed-in-tariff-register-statistics 3. Number and installed capacity of non-permitted solar photovoltaic Sir Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State schemes: for Energy and Climate Change how many wind power installations (a) installed, (b) approved and (c) Renewable Energy Planning Database: awaiting planning permission are sited on peatlands. https://restats.decc.gov.uk/app/reporting/decc/monthlyextract [146895] Wind Power Gregory Barker: The Department does not hold this information. Glyn Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate his Department has Solar Power made of the amount of time (a) onshore and (b) offshore wind turbines were not operational in each of the last five years. [146460] Charles Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what information his Mr Hayes: The Department for Energy and Climate Department holds on the total (a) number and (b) Change does not collect data on the amount of time installed capacity of small solar schemes below the onshore or offshore wind turbines are operational, but permitted development threshold in the UK. [148088] a 2011 report by the Centre for Sustainable Energy found that wind farms generate electricity around 80% Gregory Barker: There is no specific threshold for to 85% of the time. Wind power is converted to electricity permitted development of solar in the UK. Permitted efficiently, with none of the thermal waste inherent in development is based on criteria, which can be found fossil fuel plants1. Wind power is a source of energy that (for England) at: does not produce carbon dioxide. http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/ It should also be noted that generators are only paid commonprojects/solarpanels/ for the electricity they actually generate. (criteria may vary for Scotland, Wales and Northern 1 ‘Common concerns about windpower’(2011), Centre for Sustainable Ireland). Energy: As such, DECC does not hold information on the http://www.cse.org.uk/downloads/file/common_concerns_ total number and installed capacity of permitted about_wind_power.pdf development solar schemes. However, it does hold information on the overall number and installed capacity Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for of solar schemes, as well as the number and installed Energy and Climate Change how many wind farms capacity of solar schemes that have been through the have been built (a) onshore and (b) offshore in the last planning process (permitted developments are not required three months for which figures are available; and if he to go through the planning process). will make a statement. [147516] 349W Written Answers14 MARCH 2013 Written Answers 350W

Mr Hayes: Based on the Renewable Energy Planning Mr Francois: Fully serviced office accommodation in Database (REPD), which tracks renewable developments Ministry of Defence Main Building and the Old War through the planning system1, the number of wind Office is provided under a 30 year private finance initiative farms that have become fully operational over the past (PFI) contract signed in 2000 by the previous three months is: Administration. The contract payments reflect the costs (a) Onshore: for both sites, a service element and the repayment of November 2012: seven the bank debt under the terms of the PFI credit agreements. December 2012: one Given this, the maintenance costs for Main Building January 2013: one. cannot be separately identified. (b) Offshore: Nil However, the total cost of the contract for each of the 1 https://restats.decc.gov.uk/app/reporting/decc/monthlyextract periods requested is shown in the following table.

Financial year £ million

DEFENCE 2010-11 81.6 2011-12 82.4 Armed Forces 2012-13 85.3

Penny Mordaunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the average Defence what the cost was of heating his Department’s annual cost, excluding deployment in operations of (a) headquarters in Whitehall in (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12 Reaction Force Brigade and (b) Adaptable Force and (c) 2012-13. [147366] Brigade. [147864]

Mr Robathan: The future cost of a Reaction Force Mr Francois: Ministry of Defence (MOD) Main Building Brigade and an Adaptable Force Brigade will depend on is supplied with high-temperature hot water from the the size, role and manpower mix of the units within each Whitehall District Heating System (WDHS) and is used Brigade. Costs will be made up of a number of different to provide heating and domestic hot water throughout elements including personnel, training, infrastructure, the building. and equipment. Cost assessments will continue to develop Due to the metering arrangements and nature of the as these Brigades are established over the next few agreement with the WDHS supplier, only the combined years. cost of heating and domestic hot water can be provided, for the periods requested and are shown in the following Buildings table:

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Financial year £ million Defence what steps he is taking to sell his Department’s headquarters in Whitehall and move to cheaper 201011 0.99 2011-12 0.73 premises in outer London. [147363] 2012-13 (estimated) 1.3 Mr Francois: As part of the Ministry of Defence Under the Government’s transparency agenda, the (MOD) rebasing programme, all potential options to MOD publishes real-time energy data for Main Building make cost savings have been investigated, including at looking at the MOD buildings in Whitehall. The MOD intends to vacate the Old War Office during financial http://www.ecodriver.uk.com/MOD/ year 2014-15 and the Government is currently examining options to re-use the building. Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost was of lighting his Department’s Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for headquarters in Whitehall in (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12 Defence what the most recent valuation is of his and (c) 2012-13. [147367] Department’s headquarters in Whitehall. [147364] Mr Francois: The cost of lighting the Ministry of Mr Francois: The market value of Ministry of Defence Defence main building cannot be provided as it is not (MOD) property is normally only assessed when it metered separately from other electrical equipment. comes up for disposal. No such assessment has been However, the total cost of electricity in the periods made of MOD Main Building as it continues to be a requested is shown in the following table: core site. As part of the MOD’s quinquennial Asset Valuation Financial year £ million programme, in November 2008 the net replacement 2010-11 1.51 cost of Main Building and the land it stands on was 2011-12 1.74 valued at £209.4 million and £63 million respectively. 2012-13 (estimated) 2.25 The land value was reassessed in January 2012 at £61.3 million. Cybercrime Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the maintenance costs were for his Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Department’s headquarters in Whitehall in (a) 2010- Defence what steps his Department is taking to increase 11, (b) 2011-12 and (c) 2012-13. [147365] cyber defence capabilities. [148070] 351W Written Answers14 MARCH 2013 Written Answers 352W

Mr Robathan: As we set out in the strategic defence Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for and security review, we attach a high priority to the Defence (1) what determination of damage or loss has cyber-defence of our systems. been made by (a) UK and (b) German authorities in We are taking steps to ensure our cyber defences can respect of the condition of property in UK military match the developing threat. As part of this we are bases in Germany; [148108] investing in the Global Operations and Security Centre (2) what assessment has been made of any hazardous (GOSCC) at Corsham, which acts as our 24/7 defensive substance contamination of land in Germany by UK monitoring and management facility for cyber. The forces; and what estimate his Department has made of House of Commons Defence Committee recently the cost of remedying any such contaminations; recognised the GOSCC as a centre of excellence for [148112] good practice across Government. We are also working (3) what restorative or balancing measures his with our key industry partners to improve the cyber Department has undertaken to avoid any environmental security of our supply chains. burden arising from the presence by UK military bases Under the Defence Cyber Security Programme we in Germany. [148113] are raising the cyber awareness of Ministry of Defence civilian and armed forces personnel, as well as improving Mr Robathan: The requirement for resolution of any the ways in which we train and manage our key cyber environmental issues relating to the estate vacated by professionals. the British Forces in Germany (BFG) is detailed in the I cannot comment further on the detail of the measures Supplementary Agreement to the NATO Status of Forces we take to protect our systems since to do so would risk Agreement and the Ministry of Defence is committed compromising national security. to adhering to this in consultation with the German authorities. Negotiations are well under way with the German Future Large Aircraft authorities for a final, settlement of all financial claims arising from the release of accommodation. Previous settlements were conducted on either an annual or, Mr Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence more latterly, an ad hoc basis and have hitherto always whether he has varied the original specifications required amounted in a net payment to the UK. by his Department for purchase of the A400M aircraft. [147574] The Defence Infrastructure Organisation, in conjunction with the Regulator and German authorities, conducts Mr Dunne: The original requirement for the A400M regular assessments of hazardous substance contamination aircraft, which was set at the time of the original on the BFG estate, and carries out such work as is programme approval in May 2000, has not changed. necessary to remediate pollution on a day-to-day basis. Land quality assessments and risk assessments are available and shared with the German authorities when stations Mr Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence are closed. what studies have been conducted by his Department into the need for air to air refuelling capability by the Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for A400M aircraft. [147575] Defence pursuant to the oral statement of 5 March 2013, Official Report, columns 845-48, on Army Basing Mr Dunne: The Ministry of Defence has recently Plan, whether the £1.8 billion announced in the refreshed its study into Defence’s requirements for air-to-air statement is intended to cover payments to German refuelling capability. This concluded that Voyager will authorities regarding the withdrawal of sending states’ meet all requirements; therefore, there is no need for an forces from Germany, as provided for in the NATO air-to-air refuelling capability by the A400M Atlas. Status of Forces Agreement Supplementary Agreement of 1959. [148114]

Germany Mr Robathan: There is no intention to use any of the £1.8 billion to make any payment to the German authorities. Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Information Officers Defence what land has been procured for (a) UK military forces and (b) UK civilian components in Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Germany at a cost to the German Government; and at how many people work in his Department’s press what cost. [148107] office. [147530]

Mr Robathan: Approximately two-thirds of the estate Mr Francois [holding answer 12 March 2013]: As at occupied by the British forces in Germany is owned by 12 March 2013, the total number of press officer posts the Federal Republic of Germany, and made available in the central Ministry of Defence press office is 23. to the British forces free of charge under the Supplementary This total is made up of the Head of News, 18 posts for Agreement to the NATO Status of Forces Agreement. press officers specialising in every aspect of Defence, a The Ministry of Defence is not in a position to say military officer for each of the armed forces and a press how much this has cost the German Government. However, officer on deployment to Afghanistan. As the authorised all of this estate will be returned to the German authorities channel of communication with the news media, the on release by the British forces, and once any outstanding press office responds to inquiries from the national claims have been settled, the German Government will media and provides presentational advice to Ministers be able to utilise or dispose of this estate as they see fit. 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 353W Written Answers14 MARCH 2013 Written Answers 354W

Patrol Craft (2) what recent discussions he has had with (a) the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Agency and (b) other regulatory bodies on promoting Defence when he expects to make a decision on the synthesis of new antibiotics; [147867] whether to build new offshore patrol vessels; and if he (3) with reference to the Chief Medical Officer’s will make a statement. [147755] Annual Report, what steps his Department is taking to tackle antimicrobial resistance; [147868] Mr Dunne: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I (4) when he intends to publish the UK Antimicrobial gave on 18 September 2012, Official Report, column Resistance Strategy. [147870] 617W.

Porton Down: Animal Experiments Anna Soubry: As set out in the Chief Medical Officer’s report, we aim to take a cross-sectoral approach to reduce the development of antibiotic resistance and Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for spread of infection. This will include good practice, Defence pursuant to the answer of the hon. Member for prescribing decisions and encourage innovative approaches Ludlow of 12 February 2013, Official Report, column to new therapies. 634W, on Porton Down: animal experiments, how his Department disposes of the bodies of animals that die To support the need for new drugs, we are working in the experiments that take place at the Defence Science collaboratively nationally and internationally to stimulate and Technology Laboratory Porton Down facility. drug development in good time. For example, on an [147585] international basis we are exploring how to use the forthcoming World Health Organization Assembly and Mr Dunne: Deceased animals are sterilised as necessary other routes, such as the G8 to promote international and incinerated on site in compliance with nationally- activity to stimulate, the antibiotic pipeline. Nationally, recognised requirements under Health and Safety legislation. regulatory bodies, such as the Medicines and Healthcare- products Regulatory Agency will be involved in these Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for discussions. Defence pursuant to the answer of the hon. Member for We aim to publish the antimicrobial resistance plan Ludlow of 12 February 2013, Official Report, column in early summer. 634W, on Porton Down: animal experiments, if he will A copy of the Chief Medical Officer’s report has provide details of the purposes of the experiments in been placed in the Library and can be accessed at: which the animals were used at the Defence Science and https://www.wp.dh.gov.uk/publications/files/2013/03/CMO- Technology Laboratory Porton Down facility. [147586] Annual-Report-Volume-2-20111.pdf Mr Dunne: The animals that are utilised at DSTL Porton Down are involved in individual research studies Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State that form part of the overall Ministry of Defence for Health if he will take steps to ensure that the research programme to provide new and improved medical Government plays a leading role in encouraging countermeasures to UK armed forces, to enhance the pharmaceutical companies to develop new (a) antibiotics combat casualty care provision to service personnel and and (b) other drugs; and if he will develop a long-term to help save lives. strategy to ensure that research and development of antibiotics is sustained at a level sufficient to predict and respond to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. [148057] HEALTH Dr Poulter: The Government is taking a leading role Alcoholic Drinks: Misuse and showing leadership in encouraging the development of new antibiotics and showing leadership through Andy Burnham: To ask the Secretary of State for support for the strengthening of international partnerships Health what interventions on alcohol misuse linked to and coalitions, such as the Innovative Medicines sexual health risks were piloted by his Department Initiative—a joint undertaking between the European following the public health White Paper, Healthy Lives, Union and the European pharmaceutical industry. It is Healthy People. [147769] clear that progress on new development of antibiotics and other therapies will only happen if underpinned by Anna Soubry: the Department provided funding for collaboration at the international level. three local areas to pilot three different approaches to interventions on alcohol misuse linked to sexual health risks. We are currently following up the pilots, and, Doctors working with Public Health England, we will then consider the findings and next steps. Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer to PQ 146775, how Antibiotics many doctors other than those graduating from United Kingdom medical schools were taken on by the NHS in Mr Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for 2012; and how many doctors from abroad were allocated Health (1) what steps his Department is taking to to foundation programmes commencing in August 2012. reduce the over-prescription of antibiotics; [147866] [147790] 355W Written Answers14 MARCH 2013 Written Answers 356W

Dr Poulter: An annual census of medical staff is available for schools to order. It contains a teachers’ undertaken which shows the current number of doctors booklet which includes case studies and background employed in the national health service and where they information about the need for more donors and aims qualified—either within the United Kingdom/within to enable young people to see how they can make a the remainder of the European economic area (EEA), difference to people’s lives, by raising awareness about outside the EEA or in an unknown country of qualification. donation and demonstrating the benefits of blood, However, the census does not show when they joined organ and bone marrow donation. The pack also includes the work force. an interactive website that features games, quizzes, fact There were 7,089 Foundation Programme places for sheets and short films. The pack is aimed at students of FP 2012. 222 graduates from non-UK medical schools 14 and over but can be adapted specifically for students were allocated a place. Of the 6,867 who graduated aged 16 to 18. from UK medical schools a proportion will be students from overseas but the Department does not hold this General Practitioners figure. All UK medical graduates received a place on a Foundation Programme in 2012. Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many GPs per head of population there were in Donors: Young People (a) 1983 and (b) the latest date for which information is available. [147627] John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to encourage schools and Dr Poulter: The number of general practitioners (GPs) colleges with students over the age of 16 to promote per 100,000 population working in the national health blood, organ and bone marrow donation. [147616] service in England in 1983 and 2011 is shown in the following table. Anna Soubry: NHS Blood and Transplant has developed The information is collected by the Health and Social a free teaching resource pack called ‘Give and Let Live’, Care Information Centre.

General practitioners: Headcount per head of population in England: 1983 and 2011 Headcount 1983 20112

General practitioners1 23,717 35,415 General practitioners1 per 100,000 population 50.7 66.7 1 GP figures in 1983 include all GPs excluding trainees/registrars. 2011 figures include all GPs excluding retainers and registrars. GP registrars were first recorded in 1999 and have been omitted for comparability purposes. Data as at 1 October 1983 and 30 September 2011 2 Headcount Methodology: The new headcount methodology from 2010 onwards means this data is not fully comparable with previous years, due to improvements that make it a more stringent count of absolute staff numbers. Further information on the headcount methodology is available in the Census publication: https://catalogue.ic.nhs.uk/publications/workforce/numbers/nhs-staf-2001-2011-gene-prac/nhs-staf-2001-2011-gene-prac-work-rep.pdf Data Quality: The Health and Social Care Information Centre seeks to minimise inaccuracies and the effect of missing and invalid data but responsibility for data accuracy lies with the organisations providing the data. Methods are continually being updated to improve data quality where changes impact on figures already published. This is assessed but unless it is significant at national level figures are not changed. Impact at detailed or local level is footnoted in relevant analyses. Sources: 1. The Health and Social Care Information Centre care General and Personal Medical Services Statistics. 2. Office for National Statistics, Mid-1983 Population Estimates, revised in light of the results of the 2001 Census. 3. Office for National Statistics, 2011 Final Population Estimates (2011 census based).

Genito-urinary Medicine Anna Soubry: From April 2013, clinical commissioning groups, (CCGs) will assume statutory responsibility for Andy Burnham: To ask the Secretary of State for commissioning the majority of health care services. The Health with reference to the public health White Paper, NHS Act 2006, as amended by the Health and Social Healthy Lives Healthy People, when he plans to publish Care Act 2012, places strong duties on CCGs to ensure the results of an evidence review for sexual health. the involvement of public and patients in the commissioning [147770] of services. It will be for the NHS Commissioning Board to support CCGs and hold them to account, Anna Soubry: The Department carried out a review including, for example, by providing supportive of the evidence for the effectiveness of various sexual commissioning resources, tools or guidance. The Board’s health interventions in 2010. We are currently considering website contains specific resources for CCGs on public how the review could be updated and published to help and patient engagement which are available at: to support local authorities, clinical commissioning groups www.commissioningboard.nhs.uk/resources/resources-for- and the NHS Commissioning Board fulfil the ccgs responsibilities for commissioning sexual health services which they will assume on 1 April 2013. Health Services: Foreign Nationals Health and Social Care Act 2012 Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for what plans he has to restrict access to routine health Health what guidance he has given to NHS Commissioners care and access to diagnosis from (a) citizens of the on (a) assessing and (b) defining patients interests for EU, (b) legitimate migrants on short-term visas and the purpose of the Health and Social Care Act 2012. (c) people from outside the EU who are in the UK on [147378] visas permitting a stay of six months or more. [147859] 357W Written Answers14 MARCH 2013 Written Answers 358W

Anna Soubry: It is already the case that overseas in place on 1 April. In the small number of areas where visitors to the United Kingdom are not entitled to the Local Government Association has identified concerns, access free national health service hospital treatment they have been working to provide additional support, unless an exemption from charge applies under Regulations. helping each of the local authorities to commission The Department has concluded a review of charging services and develop contingency plans to make sure overseas visitors for NHS care with a view to making that people who use health and social care services will the current rules simpler, fairer and easier to implement. continue to be represented beyond April. An announcement on next steps will be made in due During the course of 2012-13 the Department has course. worked with voluntary sector organisations, local We will continue to provide immediately necessary government, local involvement networks (LINks), the treatment, which might include assessments and Care Quality Commission and Healthwatch England to investigations to make a diagnosis, to chargeable visitors raise awareness of the importance of capturing the even if payment has not been secured in advance. Charges LINks’ legacy and making good practice available to will be pursued afterwards in such circumstances. local Healthwatch organisations going forward. Healthwatch England Horse Meat Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what transitional arrangements are in place Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for between the end of local involvement networks and the Health if he will name the Polish meat plant identified establishment of Healthwatch; and if he will make a by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland as the source of the horsemeat found in UK burgers; and which statement; [147373] company owns it. [147514] (2) which areas an individual Healthwatch will cover; [147375] Anna Soubry: The Food Standards Agency has advised (3) which body will have responsibility for patient that it is aware of a number of Polish companies being representation in rural areas; and how any such body named in the media and of interest to Food Safety will be staffed and resourced. [147376] Authority of Ireland investigations but it would be inappropriate to comment as there is an on-going Norman Lamb: Local Healthwatch organisations will investigation in the United Kingdom as well as other be set up in each top-tier local authority area from 1 member states. April to help to ensure patients, service users, their families and carers as well as the wider community have Hospitals: North West the opportunity to have their say, make their views known about local services and to have their interests Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for represented with commissioners and providers of services. Health how many admissions to hospital with an Staffing and resources are matters for local decision. alcohol-related diagnosis via accident and emergency No single organisation is responsible for patient departments there were in (a) Tameside, (b) Stockport representation in rural areas. Rather a number of and (c) the North West in each of the last three years organisations have roles and responsibilities to ensure by trust area. [147716] that patients and the public can have a say in how their local services are run; Healthwatch is one of these Anna Soubry: Numbers of alcohol-related admissions alongside, for example, local authorities and clinical via accident and emergency (A&E) departments in commissioning groups. Tameside primary care trust (PCT), Stockport PCT In terms of transition, we are confident that at least and North West PCTs for the years 2009-10 to 2011-12 95% of local authorities will have a local Healthwatch are shown in the following table:

Alcohol-related A&E admissions by North West PCT 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 Total

Ashton, Leigh and Wigan PCT 4,607 4,922 4,833 14,362 Blackburn and Darwen PCT 6,267 — — 6,267 Blackburn with Darwen Teaching Care Trust Plus — 6,517 7,192 13,709 Blackpool PCT 3,769 4,380 4,946 13,095 Bolton PCT 3,239 3,422 3,296 9,957 Bury PCT 116 125 132 372 Central and Eastern Cheshire PCT 5,473 5,716 4,877 16,065 Central Lancashire PCT 5,121 5,155 4,635 14,912 Cumbria Teaching PCT 6,438 6,616 6,973 20,027 East Lancashire Teaching PCT 0 — — 0 Knowsley PCT 6,012 5,665 5,953 17,630 Liverpool PCT 12,960 12,783 12,824 38,567 Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Trust 98 131 128 357 Manchester PCT 20,013 22,150 20,727 62,890 Salford PCT 4,639 4,919 5,292 14,849 Sefton PCT 2,417 2,620 2,568 7,606 Stockport PCT 3,798 4,153 3,909 11,859 359W Written Answers14 MARCH 2013 Written Answers 360W

Alcohol-related A&E admissions by North West PCT 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 Total

Tameside and Glossop PCT 3,699 3,598 4,155 11,452 Trafford PCT 1,271 1,243 1,253 3,768 Warrington PCT 5,189 5,257 5,362 15,808 Western Cheshire PCT 2,680 2,572 2,626 7,878 Wirral PCT 5,546 5,657 5,577 16,780 North West PCTs Total 103,350 107,603 107,257 318,210 Notes: 1. The number of alcohol-related admissions is based on the methodology developed by the North West Public Health Observatory (NWPHO), which uses 48 indicators for alcohol-related illnesses, determining the proportion of a wide range of diseases and injuries that can be partly attributed to alcohol as well as those that are, by definition, wholly attributable to alcohol. The application of the NWPHO methodology has recently been updated and is now available directly from HES. As such, information about episodes estimated to be alcohol related may be slightly different from previously published data. 2. Alcohol attributable fractions are not applicable to children under 16. Therefore figures for this age group relate only to wholly-attributable admissions, where the attributable fraction is one. 3. These figures are not a count of people and do not represent an actual number of admissions that were attributable to alcohol. Alcohol attributable fractions (AAF) are based on the proportion of a given diagnosis or injury that is estimated to be attributed to alcohol. Some diagnoses or injuries will, by definition, be wholly attributable to alcohol and have an AAF of one, others however will only be partly attributable to alcohol and have an AAF greater than zero but less than one. Diagnoses or injuries that are not attributable at all to alcohol will have an AAF of zero. These figures are derived by summing all AAFs for the relevant admissions and should therefore only be interpreted as an estimate of the number of admissions that can be attributed to alcohol. 4. HES figures are available from 1989-90 onwards. Changes to the figures over time need to be interpreted in the context of improvements in data quality and coverage (particularly in earlier years), improvements in coverage of independent sector activity (particularly from 2006-07), and changes in NHS practice. For example, changes in activity may be due to changes in the provision of care. Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), The NHS Information Centre for health and social care.

Infectious Diseases CCGs will therefore have the primary responsibility for determining what steps are needed to minimise the Mr Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for disability resulting from musculoskeletal conditions. Early Health with reference to the Chief Medical Officer’s diagnosis will play a crucial part especially for inflammatory Annual Report, what steps his Department is taking to conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing mitigate the threat of infectious diseases. [147869] spondylitis. To support local commissioners, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has published clinical guidelines and other guidance on a Anna Soubry: The establishment of Public Health number of musculoskeletal conditions, and NICE Quality England will be a key development in our plan to Standards for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and mitigate the threat of infectious disease. Public Health other conditions are in preparation. In addition the England will deliver specialist public health services to NHS CB have recently announced the appointment of national and local government, the national health service a national clinical director for musculoskeletal conditions and the public, working in partnership, to protect the who will consider what other steps could be taken at public and minimise the health impacts from infectious national level to support high quality local commissioning. diseases. Comprehensive national immunisation programmes NHS are in place to tackle vaccine preventable infectious diseases, which are kept under review by the independent Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for expert Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation. Health which (a) Government Ministers, (b) NHS Equally importantly, work is under way on a cross- staff, (c) civil servants and (d) others were part of the Government basis to mitigate the threat of antimicrobial NHS Next Stages Review team. [147902] resistance. This will include good practice, prescribing decisions and encourage innovative approaches to new Anna Soubry: The national health service next stage therapies. review was commissioned by the right hon. Member for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath (Mr Brown), the then Musculoskeletal Disorders Prime Minister, and reported in 2008. The report was based on the contributions of a wide variety of organisations and individuals, primarily under the auspices Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for of the strategic health authorities, who themselves published Health what steps he is taking to tackle disability due their own strategic vision documents, upon which the to musculoskeletal conditions. [147527] final report drew considerably. The national review team was led by Professor the Lord Darzi of Denham, Norman Lamb: The mandate sets out the Government’s the then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the ambitions for the health service for the next two years. Department, with contributions from many other Ministers. It includes an objective for the NHS Commissioning The purpose of the review had been to seek contributions Board (NHS CB) to make measurable progress towards from people and organisations with direct, local experience making the national health service among the best in of the NHS. The review was therefore a year-long Europe at supporting people with ongoing health problems process that involved thousands of clinicians, NHS to live healthily and independently, with much better staff, patients, stakeholders and members of the public. control over the care they receive. It is for the board to The review was widely acknowledged at the time (for decide how they will carry this out; the Government will example, in the introduction to the report) as having hold them to account, and the board will in turn hold been a joint enterprise across the Department, the NHS clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) to account, for and other interested groups (such as the medical Royal the outcomes they achieve. colleges) as well as representatives of patient groups. 361W Written Answers14 MARCH 2013 Written Answers 362W

Many of the senior civil servants in the Department, Norman Lamb: The Department has not quantified and those in leadership roles in strategic health authorities, the potential size of the market for equity release products primary care trusts and NHS provider organisations that could be used to help people fund the costs of their during the period of the review would have been involved, care. However, we are currently working with the financial to varying degrees. It is not possible therefore to provide services industry, local authorities and the care sector a definitive list of participants. on implementation of the Dilnot Commission proposals Papers relating the review are available on the national including the role for financial services. We will consult archives website at: on this issue in the summer. http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/www.dh.gov.uk/ Public Health England en/healthcare/highqualitycareforall/index.htm NHS: Redundancy Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many staff previously employed by the National Treatment Agency now work for Public Andy Burnham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health England. [147478] Health how many NHS staff have been made redundant and subsequently re-employed by NHS organisations Anna Soubry: The National Treatment Agency for on a (a) permanent basis and (b) fixed-term contract Substance Misuse estimates there will be 171 members basis since May 2010. [147768] of staff who will transfer to Public Health England on 1 April 2013 in line with the Cabinet Office Statement of Dr Poulter: The number of NHS staff made redundant Practice on Staff Transfers in the Public Sector 2000. in the NHS since 1 May 2010 and subsequently re-employed by NHS organisations on a (a) permanent basis is Respiratory System: Diseases estimated to be 1,300 and (b) fixed term contract basis is estimated to be 900. Bob Blackman: To ask the Secretary of State for These estimates are based on staff recorded on the Health how much was invested in each of the last three Electronic Staff Record (ESR) Data Warehouse as having years by (a) his Department, (b) the Medical a reason for leaving as either voluntary or compulsory Research Council and (c) the National Institute for redundancy between 1 May 2010 and 30 September Health Research on research into (i) lung cancer, (ii) 2012, and who have a subsequent record on the ESR adult asthma, (iii) pneumonia, (iv) chronic obstructive Data Warehouse up to 30 November 2012. pulmonary disease, (v) idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, In April 2010 there were 42,515 full-time equivalent (vi) mesothelioma and (vii) childhood wheezing and (FTE) managers. Between April 2010 and November childhood respiratory infection. [147635] 2012 this figure has reduced by 6,905 to 35,610 FTE. Dr Poulter: Expenditure by the Department’s National The ESR Data Warehouse is a monthly snapshot of Institute for Health Research (NIHR) through research the live ESR system. This is the HR and payroll system programmes, research centres and units, and research that covers all NHS employees other than those working training awards on research on these specific topics is in General Practice, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS shown in the following table. Foundation Trust and Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and some NHS staff who have £ million transferred to local authorities and social enterprises. 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

NHS: Telephone Services Lung cancer 0.1 0.5 1.3 Adult asthma 1.3 1.4 1.3 Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of Pneumonia 0.2 0.2 0.2 State for Health what recent assessment he has made of Chronic obstructive pulmonary 1.1 1.3 2.7 disease the success of the introduction of the Harmoni NHS Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 0.2 0.1 0.1 111 telephone service; and if he will make a statement. Mesothelioma 0.0 0.0 0.0 [147897] Childhood wheezing and 0.7 1.0 1.7 childhood respiratory infection Anna Soubry: No assessment has been made of the performance of the NHS 111 service. Total spend by the NIHR on research on these topics is higher than the figures shown because expenditure by NHS 111 is locally commissioned and Harmoni is the NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) on these one of a number of providers delivering the service, topics cannot be disaggregated from total CRN expenditure. which will be available to the whole of England by June 2013. In addition, the Department’s Policy Research Programme funded research relating to asthma through Older People an award to the Social Medicine and Health Services Research Unit at Imperial College London that ended Jonathan Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for in 2011. The total value of the unit award was £2.9 Health pursuant to the answer of 4 March 2013, Official million. Report, column 887W, on older people, whether he has The Medical Research Council (MRC) is funded by assessed the size of the market for equity release products the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. that could be used to help people fund the costs of their Figures for MRC expenditure on these specific topics social care; and if he will make a statement. [147476] are not available.

ORAL ANSWERS

Thursday 14 March 2013

Col. No. Col. No. ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE...... 451 ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE—continued Biomass Conversion...... 459 Independent Power Generators...... 461 Deep-mine Coal Industry...... 453 Marine Renewable Sector...... 466 Electricity Infrastructure...... 454 New Generating Capacity (Investment) ...... 464 Energy Bills...... 457 North Sea Oil...... 463 Energy Efficiency...... 451 Plutonium Reuse (Sellafield) ...... 460 Energy Market Competition ...... 465 Topical Questions ...... 466 Fuel Poverty...... 462 Wind Farms (North Lincolnshire) ...... 461 Green Deal...... 456 WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Thursday 14 March 2013

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 13WS HOME DEPARTMENT...... 20WS “Employment Law 2013: Progress on Reform”...... 13WS Immigration Rules ...... 23WS Apprenticeships in England: Next Steps ...... 14WS Justice and Home Affairs Council...... 20WS Terrorism Acts (David Anderson Report) ...... 20WS DEFENCE...... 14WS Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures Armed Forces Pay Review Body 2013 Report ...... 14WS Act 2011...... 25WS JUSTICE...... 26WS ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL Legal Services on the International Stage...... 26WS AFFAIRS...... 16WS Review Body on Prison Service Pay ...... 26WS Agriculture and Fisheries Council...... 16WS Trusts (Capital and Income) Act 2013...... 27WS

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 18WS PRIME MINISTER ...... 27WS G8 UK Presidency: Foreign Ministers’ Meeting .... 18WS Review Body on Senior Salaries ...... 27WS TRANSPORT ...... 28WS HEALTH...... 19WS Door to Door Strategy...... 28WS Informal Health Council...... 19WS Light Dues ...... 30WS NHS Pay Review Body ...... 19WS Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ TREASURY ...... 15WS Remuneration ...... 20WS ECOFIN...... 15WS WRITTEN ANSWERS

Thursday 14 March 2013

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 286W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 296W Crown Prosecution Service...... 286W Public Libraries: Closures ...... 296W Pay...... 287W Telephone Services...... 297W

BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 294W DEFENCE...... 349W Copyright...... 294W Armed Forces ...... 349W Energy: Industry ...... 295W Buildings...... 349W Executives: Pay ...... 295W Cybercrime ...... 350W Higher Education: Admissions ...... 295W Future Large Aircraft ...... 351W Planning Permission: Devon ...... 296W Germany...... 351W Information Officers ...... 352W Patrol Craft...... 353W CABINET OFFICE...... 291W Porton Down: Animal Experiments...... 353W Electoral Register...... 291W Employment: Kent...... 292W DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ...... 294W Energy: Cumbria...... 293W EU Countries...... 294W Voluntary Work: Young People...... 293W Population ...... 294W

COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 287W EDUCATION...... 339W Fires...... 287W Chequers...... 339W Housing: Armed Forces ...... 288W Children: Custody...... 340W Right to Buy Scheme: Cannock Chase...... 288W Curriculum ...... 340W Col. No. Col. No. EDUCATION—continued HOME DEPARTMENT—continued First Aid: Education ...... 341W Cybercrime ...... 298W Freedom of Information ...... 341W Detica ...... 298W GCE A-level...... 341W Entry Clearances: China ...... 299W GCSE ...... 341W Human Trafficking Ministerial Group...... 300W Health Education: Sex ...... 342W Immigration: EU Nationals ...... 303W Internet ...... 342W Police: Pay...... 304W Schools: Vending Machines ...... 342W Police: Recruitment...... 304W Special Educational Needs...... 343W Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures . 304W UK Border Agency: Correspondence...... 305W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE...... 345W Carbon Capture and Storage...... 345W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 288W Electricity...... 345W Afghanistan and Pakistan...... 288W Energy: Prices ...... 346W Bangladesh...... 289W Peat Bogs ...... 347W Developing Countries: Family Planning...... 290W Solar Power...... 347W Developing Countries: Human Trafficking ...... 290W Wind Power ...... 348W Overseas Aid...... 290W Uganda ...... 291W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS...... 305W JUSTICE...... 315W Agricultural Wages Board...... 305W Criminal Injuries Compensation ...... 315W Air Pollution ...... 306W Drugs: Prosecutions ...... 317W Chromium...... 306W Illegal Immigrants: Employment...... 318W Convention on International Trade in Endangered Immigration: Judicial Review...... 318W Species ...... 306W Life Imprisonment ...... 319W Crayfish: Pembrokeshire ...... 307W Official Secrets Act 1989 ...... 319W Environment Protection: Seas and Oceans...... 307W Prisoner Escapes ...... 319W Fisheries: Protection ...... 308W Probation ...... 320W Flood Control...... 308W Reoffenders: Cumbria...... 320W Floods: Insurance ...... 309W Sexual Offences: Southwark...... 321W Greenhouse Gas Emissions...... 309W Wellingborough Prison ...... 321W Incinerators...... 310W Marine Protected Areas ...... 310W TRANSPORT ...... 281W Members: Correspondence ...... 311W Euston Station ...... 281W National Wildlife Crime Unit ...... 311W High Speed 2 Railway Line ...... 282W Pets: Databases ...... 311W Plants...... 282W Polar Bears: Conservation...... 312W Roads: Freight ...... 283W Scallops...... 312W Shipping: Exhaust Emissions ...... 283W Shipping: Registration...... 285W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 313W Shipping: Regulation...... 285W Bangladesh...... 313W Shipping: Training ...... 285W Eastern Europe ...... 313W Shrewsbury-Crewe Railway Line...... 285W India ...... 313W Telephone Services...... 286W Plants...... 314W Serbia...... 315W TREASURY ...... 321W Syria...... 315W Aggregates Levy: Northern Ireland...... 321W Child Care Tax Credit...... 322W HEALTH...... 353W Child Trust Fund ...... 322W Alcoholic Drinks: Misuse...... 353W Debts ...... 323W Antibiotics ...... 353W Excise Duties: Fuels ...... 323W Doctors...... 354W Leave...... 324W Donors: Young People ...... 355W PAYE...... 324W General Practitioners ...... 356W Revenue and Customs...... 324W Genito-urinary Medicine ...... 355W VAT: Tourism...... 324W Health and Social Care Act 2012 ...... 355W Health Services: Foreign Nationals ...... 356W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 325W Healthwatch England ...... 357W Access to Work Programme ...... 325W Horse Meat...... 358W Carbon Monoxide: Alarms...... 325W Hospitals: North West ...... 358W Children: Maintenance ...... 325W Infectious Diseases...... 359W Community Care Grants: Kilmarnock...... 326W Musculoskeletal Disorders...... 359W Crisis Loans: Birmingham ...... 327W NHS...... 360W Disability Living Allowance...... 327W NHS: Redundancy...... 361W Employment and Support Allowance ...... 328W NHS: Telephone Services...... 361W Habitual Residence Test...... 330W Older People ...... 361W Housing Benefit ...... 330W Public Health England...... 362W Housing Benefit: Social Rented Housing ...... 330W Respiratory System: Diseases...... 362W Incapacity Benefit: Greater Manchester...... 332W Jobseeker’s Allowance...... 332W HOME DEPARTMENT...... 297W Members: Correspondence ...... 333W British Overseas Territories...... 297W Mobility...... 333W Constituencies...... 297W Pensions...... 333W Col. No. Col. No. WORK AND PENSIONS—continued WORK AND PENSIONS—continued Remploy...... 334W Universal Credit...... 337W Social Fund...... 335W Vacancies: North Yorkshire ...... 338W Social Fund: Wales ...... 335W Work Capability Assessment...... 338W Social Security Benefits...... 336W Work Programme...... 339W Social Security Benefits: Greater London ...... 337W Members who wish to have the Daily Report of the Debates forwarded to them should give notice at the Vote Office. The Bound Volumes will also be sent to Members who similarly express their desire to have them. No proofs of the Daily Reports can be supplied. Corrections which Members suggest for the Bound Volume should be clearly marked in the Daily Report, but not telephoned, and the copy containing the Corrections must be received at the Editor’s Room, House of Commons,

not later than Thursday 21 March 2013

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CONTENTS

Thursday 14 March 2013

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 451] [see index inside back page] Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change

Alcohol: Minimum Unit Price [Col. 473] Answer to urgent question—(Mr Jeremy Browne)

Apprenticeships [Col. 486] Statement—(Matthew Hancock)

Business of the House [Col. 494] Statement—(Mr Lansley)

Jobseekers (Back to Work Schemes) [Col. 506] Bill presented, and read the First time

Backbench Business Justice Committee Report: Youth Justice [Col. 508] Motion—(Sir Alan Beith)—agreed to Accountability and Transparency in the NHS [Col. 514] Motion—(Charlotte Leslie)—agreed to

Immigration Rules: Sponsors [Col. 583] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Westminster Hall FCO: Human Rights Work [Col. 145WH] Commonwealth Day [Col. 170WH] Debates on motion for Adjournment

Written Ministerial Statements [Col. 13WS]

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 281W] [see index inside back page]