Tuesday Volume 543 1 May 2012 No. 297 Part1of2

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Tuesday 1 May 2012

£5·00 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2012 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Parliamentary Click-Use Licence, available online through The National Archives website at www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/information-management/our-services/parliamentary-licence-information.htm Enquiries to The National Archives, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 4DU; e-mail: [email protected] 1371 1 MAY 2012 1372 House of Commons Her Majesty’s Most Gracious Speech

Mr Speaker: I have further to acquaint the House that Tuesday 1 May 2012 the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, one of the Lords Commissioners, delivered Her Majesty’s Most The House met at half-past One o’clock Gracious Speech to both Houses of Parliament, in pursuance of Her Majesty’s Command. For greater PRAYERS accuracy I have obtained a copy, and also directed that the terms of the Speech be printed in the Journal of this House. Copies are being made available in the Vote Office. [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] The speech was as follows: MESSAGE TO ATTEND THE LORDS My Lords and Members of the House of Commons COMMISSIONERS My Government’s legislative programme has been based Message to attend the Lords Commissioners delivered upon the principles of freedom, fairness and responsibility. by the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod. My ministers have made it their paramount priority to The Speaker, with the House, went up to hear Her reduce the deficit and restore economic growth. To this Majesty’s Commission; on their return, the Speaker sat end legislation has been enacted to establish the Office of in the Clerk’s place at the Table. Budget Responsibility and legislation has been introduced to reform the financial services sector. ROYAL ASSENT My Government has set out plans to restore the public Mr Speaker: I have to acquaint the House that the finances to a sustainable position and meet its fiscal targets. House has been to the House of Peers where a Commission The Duke of Edinburgh and I were pleased to visit under the Great Seal was read, authorising the Royal Canada and also Australia to attend the Commonwealth Assent to the following Acts: Heads of Government Meeting in Perth. Water Industry (Financial Assistance) Act 2012 We received a warm welcome on our State Visits to the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 United Arab Emirates, Oman, the Republic of Ireland Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders and on our visit to the United States. We were glad to Act 2012 welcome his Holiness the Pope, His Highness the Emir Scotland Act 2012 of Qatar, His Excellency the President of the Republic of Sunday Trading (London Olympic Games and Paralympic Turkey and the President of the United States of America Games) Act 2012 on their visits to the United Kingdom. To mark the Diamond Jubilee, city status will be bestowed on Chelmsford, Perth and St. Asaph and the City of Armagh will be granted a Lord Mayoralty. The Duke of Edinburgh and I intend to travel across the United Kingdom and my family will travel throughout the Commonwealth to take part in the Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Legislation has been passed in advance of the Olympic and Paralympic Games which are to be held in London later this year. Legislation has been passed with regard to my armed forces who continue to serve valiantly in Afghanistan and other places across the globe. My Government has worked to address the threat of Iranian nuclear proliferation and to help build a stable Afghanistan. My Government has worked to stem the violence in Syria and to support political and economic freedom in Libya, Egypt and Tunisia. Legislation has been enacted to reform the constitutional arrangements of the United Kingdom, including an Act to establish fixed parliamentary terms of five years. Legislation has been passed to empower local communities, to provide for elected mayors and to establish elected police commissioners in England and Wales. My ministers have worked to restore trust in political institutions and have sought to rebalance the relationship between the state and the citizen. In pursuance of this aim existing regulatory burdens have been reviewed and legislation has been passed to repeal unnecessary laws and to abolish identity cards. 1373 Her Majesty’s Most Gracious Speech1 MAY 2012 Her Majesty’s Most Gracious Speech 1374

Legislation has been enacted to ensure that Parliament to examine the Welsh devolution settlement. My Government and citizens are involved in any proposals to transfer powers is committed to working closely with the Northern Ireland to the European Union. Measures have been passed to Executive to rebalance the economy and build a shared reform legal aid and the sentencing of offenders. future in Northern Ireland. Reform of the public services has been a priority for my Members of the House of Commons: ministers. To this end, legislation has been enacted to I thank you for the provisions which you have made for reform the National Health Service, postal services and the work and dignity of the Crown and for the public other public services. My Government has also taken services. forward policies aimed at encouraging greater individual My Lords and Members of the House of Commons and social responsibility. I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may rest upon Legislation has been enacted to provide teachers with your counsels. greater freedom over the curriculum, to help more schools establish academy status and to allow new providers to run state schools. PROROGATION Legislation has been enacted to reform pensions and the welfare system. My Government established a Commission Mr Speaker: The Commission was also for proroguing to consider wider reforms to public sector pensions and this present Parliament, and the Chancellor of the has committed itself to bringing forward legislation to Duchy of Lancaster said: implement the findings of that Commission. An Act has “My Lords and Members of the House of Commons: been passed to make fair and transparent payments to By virtue of Her Majesty’s Commission, which has now Equitable Life policy holders. been read, we do, in Her Majesty’s name, and in obedience to Her Majesty’s Commands, prorogue this Parliament to My Government has championed efforts to tackle climate Wednesday the ninth day of May to be then here holden, change and legislation has been passed to improve energy and this Parliament is accordingly prorogued to Wednesday efficiency and security. the ninth day of May.” My ministers have worked to foster a strong working End of the First Session (opened on 25 May 2010) of relationship with the devolved administrations. Legislation the Fifty-Fifth Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great has been enacted to strengthen the devolution settlement Britain and Northern Ireland in the Sixty-First Year of in Scotland. In Wales, a Commission has been established the Reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second. 57WS Written Ministerial Statements1 MAY 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 58WS

Lloyds TSB, Deloitte, Airwave, Atkins, GlaxoSmithKline, Written Ministerial Next, Thames Water, Thomas Cook, Sainsbury’s, Cadbury/ Trebor, and John Lewis. Statements Collectively, they are powerful advocates for London 2012, both in the UK and in overseas markets, and have made possible community, sporting and education Tuesday 1 May 2012 programmes that will make these games stand apart, such as LOCOG’s schools based Get Set programme which now reaches children in 80% of schools across the UK. Many have gone much further, such as Sainsbury’s CABINET OFFICE sponsorship of the school games. Their partnership with London 2012 will reach communities across the UK. To highlight but a few—GE’s £4.8 million funding Ministerial Pensions of a new intensive care unit in Homerton hospital, Coca-Cola’s sponsorship of street games, and McDonald’s financial and training support for the London 2012 The Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster games makers. Sponsors’ contributions depend on their General (Mr Francis Maude): On 15 March I laid before ability to secure exclusive association with the games the House an amendment scheme to the ministerial within their sector for purposes of marketing and other pension scheme to introduce an increase in member promotional activity. contributions from April 2012 and set out the detail in a To ensure that suppliers, who have been engaged on written ministerial statement, Official Report, column commercial terms and have not purchased sponsorship 33WS. In order to ensure that this change in contributions rights, do not prejudice LOCOG’s ability to benefit does not inadvertently increase the benefits earned by from the significant value provided by its sponsors, the members of this pension scheme, which are determined contracts with suppliers contain the London 2012 “No by a complex calculation, it is now necessary to make Marketing Rights Clauses”. However, to enable the some further small technical changes by way of an appropriate identification by businesses of the way in amendment scheme. which they have contributed to the games, LOCOG has I have notified the trustees of the Parliamentary developed a detailed protocol which allows businesses Contributory Pension Fund, the Independent Parliamentary that have supplied goods and services to the games to Standards Authority and the Government Actuary of refer to that fact in different contexts. For example, such the need for this further technical amendment scheme businesses may mention the work they have undertaken to deliver the contribution increase on which I consulted in relation to the games in the form of an accurate last year. factual statement in the following materials: The details of the amendment scheme have been laid client lists; before the House. pitch documents; annual and statutory reports; social or informal business contexts; CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT internal communications. Full guidelines, including examples of what suppliers London Olympics 2012 (Suppliers’ Marketing Protocol) may say about their work on the games are set out in the protocol issued by LOCOG and available on its website at: The Minister for Sport and the Olympics (Hugh Robertson): http://www.london2012.com/mm/Document/ London 2012 has already generated thousands of Publications/StategiesPolicy/01/25/45/23/L2012 opportunities for businesses throughout the country. SuppliersNoMarketingRightsProtocolpublishedSept10 This written ministerial statement seeks to set out how _Neutral.pdf. businesses that have worked on the games can make the The protocol also provides that businesses that wish to most of their extraordinary achievement and experience refer to their work relating to the games in other within the terms of their contracts. contexts should talk to LOCOG about whether and The Government, the London Organising Committee how this should be done. of the Games (LOCOG) and their partners are absolutely One of the major benefits of staging the Olympic and committed to creating a lasting business legacy from the Paralympic games in 2012 is the significant boost the Olympic and Paralympic games. As part of that legacy, games will give to the UK economy. With the Olympic it is important that businesses who have won a contract Delivery Authority (ODA), Government and other key are able to identify to potential customers and in recruiting stakeholders, LOCOG has developed and implemented new employees the contribution they have made towards a pragmatic approach which allows case studies, the success of the games. promotional events and visits to be used to showcase The costs of staging the games have been funded with what London 2012 as a whole has brought for the UK. a significant contribution from sponsors—in excess of This permits a level of publicity that is proportionate £l billion from international sponsors, broadcast rights- and made in the context of promoting the business holders and domestic sponsors, including 44 domestic benefits of the games. This includes most recently the sponsors who are major British-based businesses such publication of the Beyond 2012 legacy document, as as British Airways, British Telecom, British Petroleum, well as the Springboard to Success suppliers directory. 59WS Written Ministerial Statements1 MAY 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 60WS

2012 is a unique opportunity to showcase and promote Actis is a fund management business which promotes wider British business. The GREAT campaign will showcase and manages private equity funds on behalf of third-party to the world all that is best about the UK as a place to investors in a range of developing countries. visit and do business. Actis was created in 2004 as a spin-out from CDC I am also placing copies of the protocol in the Libraries Group plc (CDC), the UK’s development finance of both Houses. institution, following a reorganisation in which CDC moved from being a direct investor to being an intermediated investor. CDC sold a 60% stake in Actis DEFENCE to Actis management for £373,000. I would refer the House to the written statements of 8 January and 8 July Afghanistan 2004 by the then Secretary of State for International Development on the reorganisation of CDC. DFID does not take part in the day-to-day operations The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Philip Hammond): of Actis, has no board representation and very limited I wish to clarify answers that I gave in response to governance rights. questions from the hon. Member for Ilford South (Mike Since 2004 Actis has performed well. It is now established Gapes) and my hon. Friend the Member for Banbury as a leading and successful fund manager in its own (Tony Baldry) as printed in the Official Report, 26 April right, with some US$4.6 billion of funds under 2012, columns 1124 and 1130 respectively. management. Yet despite the successful performance of Column 1124 funds managed by Actis, as a consequence of the ownership The hon. Member for Ilford South (Mike Gapes) structure and financial arrangements put in place in asked the following: 2004 under the previous Government, DFID has not In 2014 or 2015 when our combat role has ended, who will received any payment whatsoever or direct financial provide force protection for our trainers? benefit from Actis. The final sentences of my response should have been: In my evidence to the International Development The Afghan national officer training academy is being built Committee of this House in January 2011 and in the within the perimeter of an Afghan facility, the perimeter of which context of that Committee’s report on the future of will be defended by Afghan troops. CDC, I said that I thought that the arrangement entered Inside this Afghan National Army perimeter, UK personnel into in 2004 by the then Government represented poor based at the Academy will operate from within a coalition force Operating Base, and will therefore be protected by UK or coalition value for the taxpayer, that there was no reason for the military personnel. Government to retain their shareholding in Actis and Column 1130 that moreover, if we can realise proper value for it, in the interests of the taxpayer, then we should do so. The My hon. Friend the Member for Banbury (Tony International Development Committee took a similar Baldry) asked the following: view as it subsequently recommended in its report that Because of the need to balance the Ministry of Defence DFID’s shareholding in Actis should be sold, but that budget, a number of service personnel will be made redundant later this year, including, I suspect, a number who have recently care must be taken to achieve maximum value. returned from Afghanistan and a number based in my constituency DFID’s financial adviser on the sale process—Canaccord with the Royal Logistic Corps. However, those people have skills Genuity Hawkpoint Limited (Hawkpoint)—has looked that are much sought after by local employers, so will my right closely at the Government’s position and rights within hon. Friend ensure that MOD officials work with the local Actis and at Actis’s future prospects. Hawkpoint has community to set up a social enterprise to ensure that the skills of the service personnel who are made redundant are made known advised that, even if Actis continues to be successful, to local employers as swiftly as possible, and so that as many of the Government have no realistic prospect of receiving those skills and those people can be brought into the local labour direct profit distributions in the foreseeable future. market as swiftly and speedily as possible? Hawkpoint estimates the current value of the Government’s The first sentences of my response should have been: 40% ownership stake in Actis at US$ nil to US$3 million. Exemption from redundancy extends to anyone who is within The Government followed an open and competitive sale six months of deploying to Afghanistan, is on operations, or is on process. Our advisers identified and approached a number their Post Operational Leave or any accrued Operational Rest of potential bidders who were believed to have the and Recuperation. strategic rationale and the financial capacity to acquire Therefore, the majority of service personnel would be exempt the DFID stake. DFID also advertised publicly in the from compulsory redundancy for a period of between four and Financial Times (Worldwide) that the DFID stake was seven weeks after returning from operations in Afghanistan. for sale. Following Hawkpoint’s discussions with potential I apologise to the House for the errors in my original bidders, no third-party bidders subsequently came forwards answers. with a credible offer for the DFID stake as currently constituted. The Government therefore decided to proceed on the basis of the offer made by Actis management. INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT The Government have now concluded their negotiations with the management team. In consideration of the sale Sale of Actis of its stake in Actis, DFID will receive both an upfront cash payment and a share in the future profitability of Actis’s funds. The cash element will comprise US$13 million The Secretary of State for International Development payable in two equal instalments, the first instalment (Mr Andrew Mitchell): I wish to inform the House of payable on completion and the second instalment 12 months the Government’s decision to sell its residual 40% ownership after completion. The profit share element will comprise interest in Actis Capital LLP (Actis). a 10% share of carried interest profit of Actis Emerging 61WS Written Ministerial Statements1 MAY 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 62WS

Markets Fund 3 and Actis Infrastructure Fund 2, which base. Beyond that initial contribution, CDC has continued have to date invested in 34 businesses across the developing to support the viability and economics of Actis through world, and a 7.5% share of carried interest profit in its formative years via its commitment to invest in Actis’ latest Fund 4, which is currently being raised. further substantial funds raised and managed by Actis. The carried interest consideration will be payable On the back of that support, Actis has built a successful over time and its value will depend on the size and business measured in terms both of investment performance future performance of Actis’s funds. However, if Actis’s and third-party funds raised. Under previous arrangements, funds continue to perform strongly, as they have done the UK taxpayer was not able to benefit directly from historically, then this profit share would generate a the success of the Actis business. By giving the Government substantial return for the Government and for the British the chance to share in the future profits of funds taxpayer, which mid-point calculations developed by managed by this successful business, I believe that this sale our financial advisers indicate could over time deliver represents a much fairer and better deal for the taxpayer. an amount in excess of US$100 million (undiscounted). The US$13 million cash element of the consideration In the event of a subsequent transaction taking place is alone significantly above Hawkpoint’s estimate of the within the next five years which attributes a significantly value of DFID’s existing stake at between US$ nil and higher value to Actis, provisions have been agreed enabling US $3 million, with significant scope for upside beyond the Government to share in the proceeds of that transaction. this through Government’s share in carried interest. The Actis business has been created through combined I am today publishing Hawkpoint’s fairness opinion contributions from CDC and the Actis partners. CDC to Government and other information about the sale on contributed the initial investment portfolio to be managed, the DFID website and will also place copies in the the people and their associated infrastructure and knowledge Library of the House.

1265W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1266W

the (a) A120 and (b) A120 between Braintree and Written Answers to Marks Tey per day was in each of the last 10 years; and what estimate she has made of daily traffic volume in Questions each of the next 20 years. [105635]

Monday 30 April 2012 Mike Penning: The A120 trunk road runs between the M11 junction 8 and the Parkeston roundabout at [Continued from Column 1264W] Harwich. It is split by the A12 at Colchester between junctions 25 and 29. Current and recent traffic flows, TRANSPORT from 2005 are set out in the following table. The data A120 prior to 2005 is incomplete and considered unreliable.

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the average number of vehicles using

Average daily A120 traffic flows Road section/link 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

A120 West Total M11 to Panners 36,866 38,709 41,257 40,910 41,526 40,820 41,142 Interchange Eastbound A120 between M11 18,274 19,217 20,541 20,429 20,643 20,266 20,465 J8 and A130 (AL3904) Westbound A120 between A130 18,592 19,492 20,716 20,481 20,883 20,554 20,677 and M11 J8 (AL3905) Total Panners 27,886 29,099 30,337 30,617 31,006 31,157 30,640 Interchange to Galleys Roundabout Eastbound A120 between A130 13,814 14,433 15,084 15,156 15,406 15,557 15,345 and A131 (AL3906) Westbound A120 between A131 14,072 14,666 15,253 15,461 15,600 15,600 15,295 and A130 (AL3907) Total Galleys 14,072 14,666 15,253 15,461 15,600 15,600 15,295 Roundabout to Marks Farm RBT Eastbound A120 between A131 12,773 13,196 13,667 13,583 13,692 13,704 13,783 and A131 (AL3908) Westbound A120 between A131 12,764 13,176 13,605 13,598 13,670 13,716 13,548 and A131 (AL3909) Total Marks Farm RBT 23,187 23,643 24,206 23,744 23,716 23,951 1— to A12 Eastbound A120 between A131 11,732 11,958 12,249 12,009 11,978 12,082 1— and A12 (AL3910A) Westbound A120 between A12 11,455 11,685 11,957 11,735 11,738 11,869 1— and A131 (AL3911A)

A120 East Total A12toCrown 19,463 19,367 17,954 19,432 19,520 18,842 19,656 Interchange Eastbound A120 between A12 9,749 9,637 9,810 9,717 9,791 9,456 9,919 and A1232 (AL221) Westbound A120 between 9,714 9,730 8,144 9,715 9,729 9,386 9,737 A1232 and A12 (AL220) Total Crown Interchange 41,000 40,396 41,332 40,824 41,146 40,030 40,182 to Hare Green Eastbound A120 between 23,737 23,088 23,596 23,357 23,643 22,935 22,908 A1232 and A133 (AL214) Westbound A120 between A133 17,263 17,308 17,736 17,467 17,503 17,095 17,274 and A1232 (AL215) Total Hare Green to 11,550 11,426 11,405 11,206 10,662 9,724 8,724 Harwich 1267W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1268W

Average daily A120 traffic flows Road section/link 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Eastbound A120 between A133 5,664 5,580 5,593 5,499 5,032 4,648 4,283 and A136 (AL3190) Westbound A120 between A136 5,886 5,846 5,812 5,707 5,630 5,076 4,441 and A133 (AL3189) 1 No Data

The Highways Agency does not have future year Bottom roundabout, litter is the responsibility of Dorset forecasts of daily traffic volumes along the A120 for Waste Partnership/East Dorset District Council. each future year. Each week, the Agency issues local authorities with a road space report, enabling them to identify opportunities Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for to use Agency traffic management creating a safe working Transport what representations her Department environment for their litter clearance. received from the regional development agency in Where the standards set by the Environmental Protection support of the dualling of the A120 between Braintree Act are not being met, and no contact has been received and Marks Tey between 2005 and 2010; and if she will regarding sharing traffic management, the Agency will place in the Library a copy of each item of write to the relevant authority asking for appropriate correspondence. [105636] action to be taken. Mike Penning: As part of the first round of the regional funding allocation (RFA) process, in January Addison Lee 2006 the Department received from the East of England regional assembly, on behalf of it and the East of Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for England Development Agency, the document entitled Transport what contracts her Department holds with “RFA—Advice to Government from the East of England” Addison Lee. [105958] which supported the inclusion of the A120 Braintree to Marks Tey scheme in the region’s RFA programme. Norman Baker: To the best of my knowledge, the This was followed up in February 2009 with a further Department for Transport holds no current contracts document setting out the East of England’s updated with Addison Lee. advice to the Government on the second RFA round which made no mention of the A120 scheme. Air Travel Organisers’ Licence Copies of both documents will be placed in the Library of the House. Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) how many applications for FlightPlus Air Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Travel Organisers’ Licensing she estimates the Civil Transport how many and what proportion of journeys Aviation Authority will process before 30 April 2012; along the (a) A120 and (b) A120 between Braintree [104522] and Marks Tey were made for (i) residential or (2) how many new Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing commuter and (ii) businesses purposes in the latest (ATOL) holders with a FlightPlus ATOL she expects period for which figures are available. [105640] will be fully licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority by 30 April 2012. [104524] Mike Penning: Current traffic information held by the Highways Agency for the A120 trunk road does not Mrs Villiers: The Civil Aviation (Air Travel Organisers’ include data relating to the type of journey undertaken Licensing) Regulations 2012 come into force on 30 April and consequently the proportion of residential or commuter 2012. To help industry adapt to the new requirements or journeys for business purposes is not known for the the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has provided details A120. of its transitional approach to enforcement during May, including for travel firms requiring an ATOL licence or A31 Accredited Body membership for the first time. Details are available on their website: Mr Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/2094/ Transport what steps she is taking to ensure that the 20120412ImplementationPolicy1%200.pdf A31 between the Hampshire border and the Canford Accordingly, the CAA anticipates that there will be Bottom roundabout is cleared of litter; and if she will two hundred new ATOL licence holders by the end of publish the arrangements that are in place for litter May 2012. More than one thousand further businesses clearance. [105114] are anticipated to be compliant with the 2012 ATOL regulations through membership of an Accredited Body, Mike Penning [holding answer 24 April 2012]: The also by the end of May 2012. Highways Agency regularly monitors cleanliness of the all purpose trunk roads. Under the Environmental Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Protection Act 1990 Code of Practice on Litter and Transport how many organisations she expects will Refuse, the responsibility for litter collection on trunk receive Accredited Body status under her revised Air roads falls with the local authority. On the A31 trunk Travel Organisers’ Licensing regulations by 30 April road, between the Hampshire border and the Canford 2012. [104523] 1269W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1270W

Mrs Villiers: The Civil Aviation Authority expects Neither I nor officials in the Department for Transport that at least three organisations will have Accredited have had meetings with Helioslough. Body status on 30 April 2012. In addition to the matters referred to in my answer of Airbus: China 26 March 2012, Official Report, columns 947-8W,I held a meeting on 8 June 2011 with various representatives of the logistics industry, including CgMs Consulting Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for and Helio Europe. DFT officials were present. The Transport whether she has had recent discussions with Radlett proposal was not discussed. the (a) aviation industry and (b) Chinese government on the effect of planned changes to the EU Emissions Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Trading Scheme on China’s relationship with Airbus. Transport (1) whether the Radlett rail freight site was [104525] discussed with Helio Europe and others on 10 June 2011; [104359] Mrs Villiers: The Department for Transport has had a number of discussions with the aviation industry at (2) whether minutes were kept of the meeting which the inclusion of aviation in the EU Emissions between the Minister of State and Helio Europe and Trading System has been raised. We have been clear others on 10 June 2011; [104360] that the UK continues to support the aviation ETS in (3) whether any officials were present at the Minister the absence of global action. of State’s meeting with Helio Europe and others on The Government meets regularly with representatives 10 June 2011. [104447] of the Chinese Government to discuss a wide range of issues, including aviation issues. Mrs Villiers: The meeting with representatives of the logistics industry, which included Helio Europe, took Aviation: Exhaust Emissions place on 8 June 2011. Minutes were kept of the meeting. The Radlett rail freight proposal was not discussed. Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Officials from the Department for Transport were present Transport what assessment she has made of the at the meeting. International Civil Aviation Organisation’s work programme on a global agreement to tackle aviation Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for emissions; and if she will make a statement. [103907] Transport pursuant to the answer of 26 March 2012, Official Report, columns 947-8W to the hon. Member Mrs Villiers: The UK Government remains fully for Hertsmere, on aviation: Hertfordshire, (1) whether supportive of efforts to secure a global agreement to the meeting between the Minister of State and the tackle CO2 emissions from international aviation. Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local We welcome the recent progress made within the Government was minuted; who requested the meeting; International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) where and what aspects of the Radlett site were discussed at we have been closely involved in discussions. the meeting; [104364] Aviation: Hertfordshire (2) what the outcome was of the Minister of State’s meeting with the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department for Communities and Local Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Government. [104446] Transport pursuant to the answer of 26 March 2012 to the hon. Member for Hertsmere, Official Report, columns 947-48W, on aviation: Hertfordshire, who Mrs Villiers: The meeting was held at my request. It requested the meeting between the Minister of State was minuted. The Radlett development was mentioned and Simon Hoare; and what response policy officials in in the context of a discussion about keeping the Department her Department gave to Simon Hoare’s proposal on for Transport informed on announcements about rail freight interchanges once decisions had been taken. Radlett strategic rail freight interchange. [104357] The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State confirmed Mrs Villiers: I do not have a record of who originally that the Department for Transport would be notified suggested the meeting take place. after decisions were taken. With regard to the e-mail of 10 November, a rail policy official provided Mr Hoare with a standard Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for policy response on 8 December, pointing out that it Transport pursuant to the answer of 26 March 2012, would not be appropriate for Ministers or officials to Official Report, columns 947-8W to the hon. Member comment on a specific development proposal. for Hertsmere, on aviation: Hertfordshire, what the outcome was of the Minister of State’s meeting with Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Helio Europe and others on 10 June 2011. [104445] Transport how many meetings (a) she, (b) Ministers and (c) officials in her Department have had with (i) Mrs Villiers: The meeting with representatives of the Helioslough and (ii) representatives of Helioslough logistics industry, which included Helio Europe, took since May 2010. [104358] place on 8 June 2010. The discussion at the meeting served to inform input into the Growth Review. The Mrs Villiers: The Secretary of State for Transport, Radlett proposal was not discussed. my right hon. Friend the Member for Putney (Justine Greening), has had no meetings with Helioslough or Mr Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for representatives of Helioslough since May 2010. Transport pursuant to the answer of 26 March 2012, 1271W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1272W

Official Report, columns 947-8W, on aviation: Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Hertfordshire, (1) on which occasions (a) she and (b) Transport pursuant to the answer of 26 March 2012, Ministers in her Department have met representatives Official Report, column 947W, on aviation: of (i) Helioslough, (ii) subsidiaries of Helioslough and Hertfordshire, (1) when her Department submitted the related commercial organisations and (iii) individuals Rule 11 statement of case to the Department for or other bodies engaged to act on behalf of Communities and Local Government; [104752] Helioslough since May 2010; [104448] (2) if she will place in the Library the Rule 11 (2) what representations her Department has statement of case sent to the Department for received on (a) rail freight and (b) the Radlett rail Communities and Local Government by her freight proposal from (i) Helioslough, (ii) subsidiaries Department. [104753] of Helioslough and related commercial organisations and (iii) individuals or other bodies engaged to act on Mrs Villiers: In response to invitation for comments behalf of Helioslough; and what meetings have been from the Department for Communities and Local held between officials in her Department and such Government, officials in the Department for Transport individuals or bodies since May 2010; [104449] made representations in accordance with Rule 19 of the (3) what representations Ministers in her Town and Country [Inquiry Procedures] [England] Rules Department received on the Radlett rail freight 2000 on 13 October 2011 and on 11 November 2011. proposal prior to the meeting between the Minister of DCLG made these and all other representations available Transport and the Under-Secretary of State for to all parties for comment under normal planning Communities and Local Government in the autumn of procedures. A list of the representations received about 2010. [104506] the Radlett Strategic Rail Freight Interchange planning since May 2010 will be published when the Secretary of Mrs Villiers: Since May 2010, my office has received State for Communities and Local Government, my the following emails from Community Connect Limited: right hon. Friend the Member for Brentwood and Ongar (a) 24 May 2010—This was a general inquiry asking for the (Mr Pickles), issues his decision on the appeal. coalition Government’s view on rail freight and Strategic Rail The reference to the Department’s representation of Freight Interchanges. This was passed to a rail policy official who 13 October as a “Rule 11 statement” in my answer of drafted an official response on 4 June 2010. 26 March 2012, Official Report, columns 947 -8W, was (b) 10 November 2011—This was the email referred to in my a typographical error. answer of 26 March 2012, Official Report, columns 947-8W. The reference should have been to a “Rule 19 statement”. In addition to the matters referred to in my answer of 26 March 2012, Official Report, columns 947-8W,I held a meeting on 8 June 2011 with various representatives Biofuels of the logistics industry, including CgMs Consulting and Helio Europe. DfT officials were present. The Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Radlett proposal was not discussed. Transport what assessment she has made of the effect of regulation on the biofuels industry. [105625] Mr Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer of 26 March 2012, Norman Baker: The effect of regulation on the biofuels Official Report, columns 947-48W, on aviation: industry is assessed by my Department through the Hertfordshire, for what reason the meetings between production of impact assessments which present the the Minister of Transport and the Under-Secretary of costs, benefits and potential risks of a proposal or State for Communities and Local Government were regulation. organised in autumn 2010 and 12 May 2011. [104507] A number of biofuel related impact assessments can be found on my Department’s website; including the Mrs Villiers: The conversation with the Parliamentary impact assessment for the recent amendment to the Under Secretary of State for Communities and Local Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation 2007 which Government in the autumn of 2010 was not pre-arranged, transposes the EU Renewable Energy Directive (2009/ taking place at the margins of business in the House. 28/EC). The purpose of the meeting on the 12 May 2011 was to discuss general policy matters on rail freight interchanges BMI and the planning system. Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent assessment she has made of the Transport pursuant to the answer of 26 March 2012, potential effect on regional connectivity between Official Report, columns 947-8W, on Aviation: Belfast city and Heathrow of IAG’s takeover of bmi. Hertfordshire, on which occasions (a) Ministers and [106229] (b) officials in her Department have met representatives of Community Connect Ltd since the Mrs Villiers: The Government has not undertaken formation of the Coalition Government. [104675] such an assessment but recognises that continued air connectivity within the UK is very important to people Mrs Villiers: I refer to my answer of 26 March 2012, and businesses in Northern Ireland. Over 18,000 flights Official Report, columns 947-8W. a year operate between Belfast’s two airports and the There have been no meetings between Community five main London airports, of which nearly 7,000 are Connect and officials from the Department for Transport. between Belfast and Heathrow. 1273W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1274W

Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for Mike Penning: The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) Transport (1) if she will take steps to ensure the published its consultation paper, “New Approval continuity of routes currently operated by BMI and its Arrangements for Drink-Drive Rehabilitation Courses”, subsidiaries; [105359] on 9 November 2011. The consultation ran until 4 January (2) what discussions she has had with Ministers in 2012, and the Agency is currently assessing the responses. the Scottish Government on the future of air services The consultation proposed that the minimum fee currently operated by BMI and its subsidiaries. [105360] (currently £150) for a Drink Drive Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS) course be abolished. Mrs Villiers: The Secretary of State for Transport has Abolishing the minimum fee would allow providers not had any recent discussions with the Scottish to take into account regional price variations, to make Government on the future of air services currently the courses more affordable for offenders. The revised operated by BMI but as Aviation Minister I discussed scheme will introduce improved quality assurance and aviation connectivity between Scottish cities and London compliance arrangements, to cover all aspects of course with Scottish Transport Minister, Keith Brown, when provision. we met in September 2011. Bob Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for We have also been engaging with the European Transport what assessment she has made of the effect Commission on the importance of connectivity between of her proposals on multiple provision of drink-drive London and regional destinations in the UK. rehabilitation courses in large geographical areas on Bus Services: Fares the quality of course provision. [104829] Mike Penning: On 9 November 2011, the Driving Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Standards Agency (DSA) published a public Consultation Transport if she will seek a guarantee from Arriva Paper: “New Approval Arrangements for Drink-Drive North East that bus fares will not be increased in the Rehabilitation Courses”. Tees Valley during 2012 and 2013. [106174] The proposed Drink Drive Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS) Course Syllabus was developed working closely Norman Baker: Bus fares are not set by central with The Association of Drink Drive Providers of Government. Local bus operators are free to set their Training (ADDAPT)—the representative body for DDRS own fares in the deregulated market. However, local course providers. transport authorities have the power to set maximum The consultation ran until 4 January 2012, and the fares as part of a Quality Partnership Scheme and I Agency is currently assessing the responses. suggest the hon. Member direct his suggestion to the relevant local council. Edinburgh Airport In the recent paper Green Light for Better Buses, Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for available in the House Library, the Government set out Transport what assessment she has made of the future its plans to improve bus services through more targeted prospects of air services between Edinburgh and (a) subsidy, by adopting the recent Competition Commission Brussels, (b) Copenhagen and (c) Zurich. [105358] recommendations on regulation and ticketing to encourage competition in local bus markets, and by incentivising Mrs Villiers: The Secretary of State has not undertaken partnership working between bus operators and local assessment of future air services from Edinburgh. We transport authorities. recognise the importance of good connectivity from regional airports but airlines operate in a commercial Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency competitive environment and they decide which routes to operate. Mr Doran: To ask the Secretary of State for Exeter-Plymouth Railway Line Transport what assessment she has made of the effect of the closure of Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency Oliver Colvile: To ask the Secretary of State for offices in Scotland on prosecutions for offences relating Transport what geological surveys have been to vehicle registration and licensing in Scotland. undertaken in respect of the Exeter to Plymouth [106246] railway line. [105078]

Mike Penning: DVLA has a clear commitment to Mrs Villiers [holding answer 25 April 2012]: The ensure that enforcement activities remain fully effective. Department does not hold geological survey information Initial assessments have shown that centralising enforcement for railway routes. This is the responsibility of Network would not lead to any degradation in service as the Rail as the owner and maintainer of the railway operational processes are largely post and telephone-based. infrastructure. We will work with stakeholders to fully understand the Network Rail advises that it uses the survey information legal requirements specific to Scotland to ensure these provided by the British Geological Survey.Where Network can be met. Rail does construction work, it undertakes a ground investigation and provides this information to the British Driving under Influence Geological Survey. Network Rail monitors earthworks such as cuttings and embankments, on a frequency Bob Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for based on the condition of the assets. With regard to the Transport what assessment she has made of the effect Exeter to Plymouth line, Network Rail has stabilised of her proposals on minimum pricing for drink-drive the cliffs adjacent to the railway at Dawlish, although rehabilitation courses on the quality of course this is primarily an issue of coastal erosion rather than provision. [104828] geology. 1275W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1276W

Heathrow Airport Justine Greening [holding answer 24 April 2012]: The Government intends to consult shortly on the detail of Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for a package of compensation measures for properties Transport how many times operational freedoms at affected by HS2. A key part of this package is measures Heathrow airport have been deployed since the end of to streamline the statutory blight process to ensure Phase 1 of the trial. [104004] timely payment of compensation.

Mrs Villiers: The measures approved specifically for Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Secretary of State for use during phase one of the operational freedoms trial Transport what her policy is on homes subject to a have not been deployed since 29 February which is compulsory purchase order as a result of High Speed 2 when the first phase of the trial ended. where a change in route would mean that the property However, these measures do share some common was no longer affected. [105217] features with established Heathrow operating procedures (for example Tactically Enhanced Arrivals Mode) which Justine Greening [holding answer 24 April 2012]: As have continued as normal during and after the trial. set out in the Crichel Down rules, the Government Further details on the procedures in place during would offer any surplus land acquired through compulsory phase one of the trial, and how Heathrow operates purchase back to the former owners or their successors. normally, can be found at the following web address: http://www.heathrowairport.com/noise/noise-in-your-area/ Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Secretary of State for operational-freedoms-trial Transport what her policy is on the use of homes being made subject to a compulsory purchase order as a Gareth Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for result of High Speed 2 before they are demolished. Transport what steps she has taken to review plans for [105218] a third runway at Heathrow Airport. [105155] Justine Greening [holding answer 24 April 2012]: As I Mrs Villiers: None. The Coalition cancelled plans for set out in my statement on 10 January 2012, we will a third runway at Heathrow as set out in its programme shortly consult on a blight and compensation package, for government. including upon proposals for a sale and rent back scheme to allow home owners whose homes would be High Speed 2 Railway Line compulsorily purchased to remain in their homes until their property is needed for construction. Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if she will estimate the number of people Legal Costs who wish to sell their homes but are unable to do so as a consequence of the High Speed 2 rail project. [105160] Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much her Department spent on fees for Justine Greening [holding answer 24 April 2012]: As legal work in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12; and if she of 24 April 2012, we have received 348 applications to will make a statement. [104586] the Exceptional Hardship Scheme (EHS). Of these 78 are reapplications and 65 have been accepted. Norman Baker: Expenditure by the Department for As I set out in my announcement on 10 January 2012, Transport (including its seven executive agencies1 and we are also developing an innovative package of property HS2 Ltd2) on fees for legal work in the financial years compensation measures for the longer term, on which 2010/11 and 2011/12 is as follows. we will consult on shortly. Financial year (£) Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Secretary of State for 2010-2011 2011-20123 Transport what steps she plans to take to ensure that those affected by High Speed 2 receive compensation in Legal fees paid 19,170,900 7,511,500 1 a timely manner. [105161] Figures for 2011-12 only cover the period to the end of February 2012 because there is a time lag of approximately one month for invoices paid by executive agencies and notified to the central Department. Justine Greening [holding answer 24 April 2012]: As I 2 The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency, the Driver and Vehicle set out in my statement on 10 January 2012, the Licensing Agency, the Government Car and Dispatch Agency, the Government intends to consult on a streamlined advance Driving Standards Agency, the Vehicle Certification Agency, the purchase scheme to simplify the statutory blight process Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Highways Agency. 3 HS2 Ltd is developing and promoting a new UK high speed rail for property owners. network and is owned by the Department. Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Secretary of State for These figures include litigation and advisory (non- Transport if she will take steps to ensure that (a) litigation) fees, but exclude the costs of the department’s elderly people seeking to downsize, (b) people wishing in-house Legal Service and the Treasury Solicitor’s to sell their home who are affected by changes in the Department. property market and (c) people wishing to sell a In the interests of greater transparency, the department property in a small community where a majority of the has been working on how it can better provide more community is affected by High Speed 2 and whose comprehensive legal spend data. Therefore, these figures property has been adversely affected by High Speed 2 provide data for the whole department and are compiled receive compensation in a timely manner. [105216] on the basis of cash paid in the periods shown. 1277W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1278W

Lewes-Uckfield Railway Line lost through evasion in 2011. Overall, VED compliance increased from 99.1% in 2010 to 99.3% in 2011. Stephen Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if she will take steps to ensure no road Motorcycles scheme proposed by East Sussex County Council prevents the reinstatement of the Lewes to Uckfield Steve Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for railway. [105136] Transport what proportion of motorcycle MOT tests revealed illegal modification of unrestricted Mrs Villiers: Whether the proposed new road in motorcycles in the latest period for which figures are Uckfield is built with a bridge over the trackbed is a available. [105950] matter for the county council, and the planning process. However, the trackbed is protected from development Mike Penning: Motorcycles do not fail the MOT for by the planning policies of both Wealden and Lewes illegal modification of power restriction as it is not part district councils. of the MOT test. London Airports Motorways: Speed Limits

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Leech: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what the basis is of ownership of take-off Transport what estimate she has made of the cost and landing slots at London airports; [105467] associated with (a) increasing the motorway speed (2) what recent consideration she has given to the limit to 80 mph and (b) maintaining the speed limit at merits of referring the matter of the operation of slot 70 mph on stretches of the motorway network where allocation at London airports to the Competition 80 mph is not deemed to be appropriate on the grounds Commission. [105468] of safety. [104002]

Mrs Villiers: EU regulation governs the allocation, Mike Penning: I refer my hon. Friend to my answer of transfer and exchange of slots at Heathrow, Gatwick, 7 March 2012, Official Report, column 762W. Stansted and London City airports. The regulation requires member states to ensure that independent airport Olympic Games 2012 slot co-ordinators are appointed to manage slot allocation at airports where capacity problems occur. Airport Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Co-ordination Ltd is the UK’s independent co-ordinator. Transport when she expects the London Organising The UK Government and Civil Aviation Authority Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to have no role in airport slot allocation processes. discuss with train operating companies special arrangements and reduced fares for designated Metal Theft volunteers for the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. [105448] Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether she has made an estimate of (a) the Mrs Villiers: Volunteers will be entitled to travel on value of metal stolen from railways in Barnsley in (i) public transport in London (zones 1-6) for free in order 2010 and (ii) 2011 and (b) costs incurred by (A) to get to their shifts during the Olympic and Paralympic Network Rail and (B) train operating companies owing Games. to the theft of metal from railways in the Barnsley This will include travel between London and the Metropolitan Borough in (1) 2010 and (2) 2011. venues close to London. LOCOG wilt also provide free [105870] transport for its volunteers in Weymouth and Portland and the co-host cities (within defined boundaries) of Norman Baker: This is a matter for Network Rail and the football competition. the train operators. However, Network Rail has advised that the cost of compensation it paid to train operators Peter Cruddas on its London and North Eastern route for delays arising from incidents of metal theft was £3,534,219 in Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for 2010/11 and £4,039,448 in 2011/12. Transport what meetings (a) Ministers, (b) special Motor Vehicles: Excise Duties advisers and (c) officials in her Department have had with (i) Peter Cruddas and (ii) Sarah Southern since Caroline Nokes: To ask the Secretary of State for 12 May 2010. [104493] Transport what estimate she has made of the number of untaxed cars in use in the last 12 months; and how Norman Baker [holding answer 23 April 2012]: Ministers much revenue was not collected as a result of unpaid and Special Advisers in the department have not met with either Peter Cruddas or Sarah Southern since vehicle excise duty in 2010-11. [106154] 12 May 2010. Mike Penning: Following the last Roadside Survey of Ministerial and the Permanent Secretary meetings Vehicle Excise Duty evasion, national statistics were with external organisations, are routinely published every published in December 2011. These reveal the number quarter. This can be accessed via the following links: of unlicensed vehicles in Great Britain was estimated at http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/ministerial-transparency/ 249,000 vehicles. This was down from the 307,000 vehicles http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/dft-permanent-secretary- estimated in 2010. It was estimated that £40 million was meetings-with-external-organisations/+ 1279W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1280W

Public Consultation Norman Baker: Details of subsidy and premium payments in respect of all Train Operating Companies Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport are published annually by the Office of Rail Regulation whether her Department collects the IP addresses of in National Rail Trends. This is available on the ORR’s respondents to its consultations. [104080] website at www.rail-reg.gov.uk Norman Baker: Responses to consultations are captured Future premium payments for the Greater Anglia via an online system and the data output for each (short) franchise have been published on the Department’s consultation includes the IP address used by respondents. website at We do not analyse IP addresses, although the data is www.dft.gov.uk passed to the division relevant to the consultation. The It would not be in the public interest to provide estimates Driving Standards Agency also use this system and of premium payments beyond the life of the current other agencies have access to it but have to date not franchise as to do so would impact on the Department’s used it. ability to secure value for money bids. Radioactive Waste Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many rail journeys were made on Transport whether she conducted an environmental Greater Anglia franchise services in each of the last impact assessment on the sea shipment of radioactive 10 years; and what estimate she has made of the heat exchangers from the decommissioned Magnox number of rail journeys that will be made on the nuclear plant at Berkeley from Avonmouth port in Greater Anglia franchise in each of the next 20 years. Gloucestershire to Studsvik Nuclear AB at Nykoping [105643] in Sweden. [106260] Mrs Villiers: The number of rail passenger journeys Mike Penning: The movement of the heat exchangers made on Greater Anglia franchise services in each by sea was carried out in accordance with the appropriate financial year since 2004-05 (the earliest year for which international regulations—primarily the provisions of data are available) are as follows: the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Greater Anglia passenger journeys 2004-05 to 2010-11 Code. Number (million) In this instance, the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) conducted a survey and assessment to confirm 2004-05 108.6 the correct classification of the heat exchangers as low 2005-06 99.9 level surface contaminated objects in order to ensure 2006-07 106.0 the correct provisions of the IMDG Code were applied. 2007-08 111.9 As a result of the classification an environmental 2008-09 112.8 impact assessment was not undertaken as it would not 2009-10 107.0 be required under the IMDG Code. 2010-11 115.0 Railways: East of England Source: Office of Rail Regulation Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for The Department has not made any forecasts for the Transport how much funding from the public purse next 20 years for Greater Anglia franchise services. The was spent on the Great Eastern Main Line in each of Department is in the process of developing its High the last 10 years. [105641] Level Output Specification in which some demand forecasts will be published. However these are unlikely to be at a Mrs Villiers: The Office of Rail Regulation publishes, franchise specific level. as part of its National Rail Trends data, a summary of Railways: Electrification Government support for the rail industry, which includes the subsidy/premium payment for each train operator Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for on an annual basis: Transport with reference to the Prime Minister’s www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/nrt-government-support.pdf support for rail electrification in South Wales during Details of monthly payments to train operators are his visit to Wales on 5 April 2012, on what date she set out in the Transparency section of the Department’s expects to make an announcement on her plans for rail website, under ‘Department monthly spend over £500 electrification; and what geographical areas that in value’: announcement will cover. [106217] www.dft.gov.uk/publications/dft-monthly-spending/ Mrs Villiers: The Secretary of State for Transport is This shows net payments to train operators in each in ongoing discussions with Welsh Ministers regarding four-week period. It should be noted that no figure is the proposed electrification of rail lines in South Wales. shown if any payments by the train operator to the If electrification is funded through the High Level Department exceeded any subsidy paid by the Department Output Specification for the railway, an announcement to the train operator. is expected by July 2012. Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Railways: Tickets Transport what surplus was generated by the train operating company running the Greater Anglia Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for franchise in each of the last 10 years; and what her Transport what guidance she has given to the Rail estimate is of the amount that will be generated in each Fares and Ticketing Review on the closure of ticket of the next five years. [105642] offices. [105915] 1281W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1282W

Mrs Villiers: We have set out our current position Retirement on ticket office opening hours in our consultation on the Rail Fares and Ticketing Review, which can be Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for found at: Transport how many staff of her Department retired in http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/dft-2012-09/ (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12; how many of such staff were taking early retirement in each such year; and if she will make a statement. [104584] Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which train operating companies have been Norman Baker: In 2010/11, 446 staff retired from the given permission by her Department to close ticket Department for Transport, including its Executive Agencies, offices in the latest period for which figures are 183 of whom retired before their normal pension age. In available; and in respect of which stations such 2011/12, 262 staff retired, 40 of whom retired early. permission has been given. [105916] 143 of the early retirements in 2010-11 were as a result of Voluntary Early Exit schemes being run across Norman Baker: Since May 2010, no train operating the Department under the previous Civil Service companies have been given permission to close ticket Compensation Scheme which allowed for voluntary offices. early retirement terms. Ministers in the last Administration approved reductions Changes to the Civil Service Compensation Scheme in ticket office opening hours under the Minor and in December 2010 removed the ability for staff to take Major Change procedures at approximately 300 stations voluntary early retirement and therefore there were no between May 2005 and May 2010. voluntary early retirements in 2011/12. Roads: Accidents Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent communications have taken Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for place between her Department and London Midland Transport what discussions she has had with the on the closure of station ticket offices; and on what Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on the role of dates such communications took place. [105984] the Health and Safety Executive in reducing accidents by people who drive as part of their employment. Norman Baker: Ministers at the Department for [104352] Transport have not had any communications with London Midland to discuss this matter. Mike Penning: The Secretary of State for Transport, my right hon. Friend the Member for Putney (Justine Departmental officials have met and had correspondence Greening), has had no such discussions with the Secretary with London Midland on a regular basis to discuss a of State for Work and Pensions, my right hon. Friend variety of issues, including LM’s proposal to reduce the the Member for Chingford and Woodford Green (Mr opening hours of some ticket offices. Duncan Smith). In addition to these meetings, DFT officials work closely with each train operator on a wide range of Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for issues relating to the rail network. The frequency of Transport how many (a) deaths and (b) serious communications can vary, and can be as often as every injuries there were on roads in the London Borough of day when there are significant operational matters to Bexley in each of the last five years. [105579] discuss. The DFT does not maintain a record of each issue that is discussed on every occasion. Mike Penning: The information requested is given in the following table: Reported fatalities and serious injuries in road accidents in the London borough Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for of Bexley, 2006-10 Transport whether decisions on the closure of station Number ticket offices are taken by her Department or by train Casualty operating companies. [105985] severity 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Killed 6 6 0 5 2 Norman Baker: It is for Train Operating Companies Serious 97 99 73 77 66 (TOCs) to decide whether or not to propose a closure of injuries a station ticket office. If the TOC does decide to progress The data for 2011 will be published at end of June a proposed closure then they must consult with the 2012. appropriate stakeholders, including Passenger Focus and London TravelWatch (if appropriate), other train Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for operators, the Association of Train Operating Companies, Transport what information her Department holds on and any affected Passenger Transport Executives. If the how many road traffic accidents were reported on (a) proposal is agreed by all the consultees then the Secretary the A2 in Bexley borough, (b) the A20 in Bexley of State (SOS) has no role in the process. borough, (c) Brampton Road, Bexleyheath, (d) However if following the consultation the TOC is Okehampton Crescent, Welling, (e) Gravel Hill, unable to agree the proposal with Passenger Focus or Bexley, (f) Upper Wickham Lane, Welling, (g) Knee London TravelWatch, then the TOC must refer the Hill, Abbey Wood, (h) Park View Road, Bexleyheath, matter to the SOS for arbitration if it wishes to proceed (i) Broadway, Bexleyheath, (j) Avenue Road and with the closure. Pickford Lane, Bexleyheath, (k) Long Lane, 1283W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1284W

Bexleyheath, (l) Colyers Lane, Erith, (m) Thames Mike Penning: The Maritime Labour Convention Road, Crayford, (n) North End Road, Erith and (o) 2006 addresses fair competition and should hinder social Erith Road, Bexleyheath in 2011. [105580] dumping through the creation of a level playing field across the international shipping industry. Mike Penning: The information requested for 2011 is The convention provides that ships of non-ratifying not yet available. The first road safety statistics for 2011 countries should have “no more favourable treatment” are due to be published at end of June 2012. in the ports of ratifying countries. The impact assessments which we have prepared in support of the proposed UK Roads: EU Grants and Loans regulations to implement the MLC, which will be published as part of the consultation package on implementing legislation, will include the impact of applying the Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for convention’s provisions to ships of non-ratifying flags. Transport what EU funding programmes are available to support spending on UK road infrastructure. John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for [105638] Transport pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Portsmouth South, of 23 March 2012, Official Mike Penning: The Trans European Network—Transport Report, column 912W, on shipping: EU law, whether (TEN-T) programme supports the development of the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 applies to all infrastructure for all modes of transport. Some regions seafarers working on vessels in UK territorial waters, of the UK can also use European regional development irrespective of (a) seafarer nationality and (b) flag of funding from the structural funding programme to state. [R] [106283] develop transport infrastructure, including roads. Mike Penning: The Maritime Labour Convention Shipping (MLC) 2006 will provide comprehensive rights and protection at work for all seafarers regardless of their nationality and the flag of their ship when working on John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for ships to which the MLC applies, as defined in article II Transport when she plans to respond to the of the convention. conclusions of the legal working group on application of the National Minimum Wage Act 1998 to seafarers John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for working on non-UK registered vessels travelling Transport pursuant to the answer of 22 February 2012, between UK ports; and if she will make a statement. Official Report, column 876W, on shipping: treaties, [R] [106280] what legal advice she has received on the Maritime Labour Convention 2006; and if she will place in the Mike Penning: A legal working group has now concluded Library a copy of any such advice. [R] [106284] its consideration of the application of the National Minimum Wage Act 1998 to seafarers working on non-UK Mike Penning: As a matter of general policy, and in registered vessels travelling between UK ports. The keeping with the approach taken by other public bodies, Minister of Employment Relations, the hon. Member the Department does not disclose any legal advice it for North Norfolk (Norman Lamb), will be responding may receive, and does not disclose whether any such to the conclusions of the working group in the near advice has been sought or obtained in any particular future. case.

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if she will take steps to convene a working Transport pursuant to the answer of 22 February 2012, group to assess the monitoring and enforcement of the Official Report, column 876W, on shipping: treaties, Equality Act 2010 (Work on Ships and Hovercraft) what the requirements of the Maritime Labour Regulations 2011. [R] [106281] Convention (MLC) 2006 that the UK is already compliant with are; what recent meetings she has had Mike Penning: A review of the operation and effect of with (a) the shipping industry and (b) trade unions at the regulations will be undertaken after five years in the which UK compliance was discussed; how many such usual way. To inform that review, I intend to convene a meetings there have been since May 2010; and on what working group next year. I envisage the working group dates any such discussions have taken place. [R] looking at the impact and the enforcement of the regulations [106285] in particular and it is possible that it could look into ways in which awareness of the regulations could be Mike Penning: There are a number of areas in which developed. the UK is already fully compliant with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006; these include Titles John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for 1.2, 1.3, 2.3, 2.7 and 4.5. In addition, current legislation Transport pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member already complies with a number of provisions within for Portsmouth South, of 23 March 2012, Official the other Titles. Where amendments to existing legislation Report, column 912W, on shipping: EU law, what or new provisions are required, the Government will assessment she has made of the extent to which the consult. A first package of such measures will be issued Maritime Labour Convention 2006 will prevent social for public consultation shortly. dumping in the (a) shipping and (b) offshore The Maritime and Coastguard Agency continues to industries; and if she will place in the Library a copy of chair meetings of a tripartite working group to keep the any such assessment. [R] [106282] shipping industry and trade unions informed of progress 1285W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1286W with UK implementation of the MLC and to address Mr Simon Burns: Data from the Accident and Emergency any concerns expressed by stakeholders. Since May Clinical Quality Indicators, which include an indicator 2010, the working group has met on nine occasions as that specifically measures time to treatment, have not follows: May 2010, July 2010, September 2010, November yet been published for January 2012 onwards. 2010, January 2011, April 2011, June 2011, November Data for January 2012 will be published on 25 May 2011 and March 2012. 2012. Taxis Alcoholic Drinks

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Tom Clarke: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if her Department will review and terminate Health what assessment he has made of trends in any contracts with any private hire company whose alcohol consumption over the last 10 years. [105924] drivers have been instructed to breach road traffic Anne Milton: We expect to set out shortly our assessment regulations. [106206] of trends in alcohol consumption and harm over the last 10 years as part of written evidence to the Health Norman Baker: The Department for Transport has Committee’s inquiry on the Government’s Alcohol Strategy. no current contracts with private hire companies. However, in the event that any such contracts were placed, the Alcoholic Drinks: Misuse Department’s contracts include a range of provisions for their termination. If officials had evidence that a Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health private hire company under contract to the Department what assessment he has made of the Royal College of was instructing its drivers to break the law in any way, Surgeons’ conclusions and recommendations on the officials would take whatever action was appropriate role of dental teams in identifying and treating alcohol under the terms of the contract, including termination misuse; and if he will incorporate this advice as part of if necessary. his strategy to tackle alcohol abuse. [105363] Transport Mr Simon Burns: We will consider the recommendations made by the Royal College of Surgeons for further Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State work in relation to the benefits of introducing alcohol for Transport if she will publish the level of transport screening and brief interventions in a primary dental spending in each English region for each of the last five care setting. As the report notes, the Government intends years. [105330] to strengthen the approach to prevention in the planned new dental contract. Under the pilot care pathway, all Norman Baker: The requested information can be patients receive an oral health assessment that screens found in the Department’s annual report and accounts for risk factors including alcohol consumption. Where for 2010-11, Table 6 (page 44) patients report that they consume alcohol beyond the http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/hc1012/hc09/ safe limits they receive targeted advice including, if 0972/0972.pdf required, signposting to appropriate specialist services. Transport: Standards Antidepressants Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for pursuant to the answer of 18 April 2012, Official Transport what steps her Department is taking to Report, columns 413-4W, on anti-depressants, for what encourage transport authorities to consult on the reason the number of prescriptions for anti- introduction of voluntary partnerships or quality depressants increased between 2009 and 2011; and how contracts; and if she will make a statement. [105843] many prescriptions for anti-depressant drugs were issued in each region in each year between 2004 and Norman Baker: Local transport authorities have a 2008. [106215] statutory duty to consult on Quality Contract Schemes should they wish to introduce them. The Department Mr Simon Burns: Information is only available on has issued guidance which sets out its expectation that prescription items dispensed in the community in England. prior to the statutory notice and consultation stage, The following table shows the number of prescription local transport authorities will discuss their proposals items dispensed for drugs classified as anti-depressant with local bus operators, passenger groups and other drugs in British National Formulary section 4.3 for the interested parties. There is no statutory duty to consult period 2004 to 2008. on voluntary partnership schemes, but the Department would expect a similar approach to be adopted. Number of prescription items (thousand)

2004 28,996 HEALTH 2005 29,390 2006 31,038 Accident and Emergency Departments 2007 33,840 2008 35,961 Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Source: Health how many patients have waited longer than four Prescription Cost Analysis system hours for treatment in accident and emergency units We are unable to provide a conclusive account for the since January 2012. [106165] increase in the number of prescription items dispensed. 1287W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1288W

Autism Mr Simon Burns: Women in Birmingham, Ladywood who received PIP implants as a result of national health Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for service treatment are eligible—as are women throughout Health when he expects the National Institute for England—for a consultation, imaging if appropriate, Health and Clinical Excellence to publish quality and removal and replacement of the implants if, informed standards for the treatment of autism spectrum by an assessment of clinical need, risk or the impact of disorders. [103733] unresolved concerns, a woman with her doctor decides that it is right to do so. If the woman received the Paul Burstow: We have asked the National Institute implants from a private provider which has gone out of for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) to develop a business or is unwilling to meet its moral and legal Quality Standard on autism in children, young people obligations to help, the NHS will remove but not normally and adults, as part of a library of approximately 170 replace the implants. Details are given in a letter from NHS Quality Standards. NICE has not yet published a the NHS Chief Executive, a copy of which has already time scale for the development of this Quality Standard. been placed in the Library and is available on the Department’s website at: Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for www.dh.gov.uk/health/2012/01/pip-breast-implants-letters-to- Health what specific guidance and support he expects professionals/ clinical commissioning consortia should receive to Cancer ensure that they commission an appropriate range of services for people with autism. [103760] Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Paul Burstow: Once it is established, it will be for the (1) if he will issue guidance on the functions, funding NHS Commissioning Board (the Board) to issue and accountability of cancer networks; [105545] commissioning guidance to Clinical Commissioning Groups (2) whether cancer networks will be established as (CCGs). The Department will hold the board to account strategic clinical networks; [105546] through the Mandate to the Board, which will include (3) how much his Department spent on cancer the indicators in the NHS Outcomes Framework, NHS networks in the last three years for which figures are Outcomes Framework indicators include measurements available. [105547] on long term conditions. Quality Standards will be positioned at the centre of Paul Burstow: We have made it clear that there is a the new commissioning architecture: the provisions in role for clinical networks, such as cancer networks, in the Health and Social Care Bill will make Quality the reformed national health service. The networks are Standards an integral part of the proposed new duties a place where clinicians from different sectors come of quality that will apply to the board and CCGs. This together to improve the quality of care across integrated means that, in the future, Quality Standards will be pathways. used to judge the performance both locally and nationally The cancer networks are a clear example of how this of the national health service. This will help to embed way of working delivers better quality care and we are the needs of adults with autism into the health and continuing to fund the networks in 2012-13. From April social care system as never before. 2013, the funding of the networks will be a decision for the NHS Commissioning Board (NHS CB). The NHS Aviation CB will also set levels of accountability. A review of clinical networks, is currently underway, Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health to consider, the functions, structures and governance how many air miles have been accrued from travel by that will mostly effectively support commissioners to each Minister in his Department since 2010; how many deliver improved quality and outcomes in the future. were (a) forgone and (b) donated to each charity; and Information on the funding of cancer networks is not whether air miles accrued by officials in this period held centrally. Funding to support cancer networks is were required to be (i) forgone and (ii) given to charity. mainly provided through what is called the Strategic [105451] Health Authority bundle. In addition to funding from the bundle, networks receive funding from other sources, Mr Simon Burns: The information is not available in such as their constituent primary care trust or from one the format requested. According to the latest statement or more of their provider trusts. received by our travel provider at the end of February, the Department as a whole, (all Ministers and officials Cardiovascular System travelling on departmental business), had over 53,000 air miles available. Air miles and any other benefits Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health accrued through travel paid for from public funds are whether the Cardiovascular Outcomes Strategy will used for official purposes or else foregone, in line with provide for implementation of the 2008 NICE the Ministerial Code. guidance on familial hypercholesterolemia in respect of family screening. [105663] Breasts: Plastic Surgery Mr Simon Burns: Familial hypercholesterolemia will Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for be one of the issues considered during the development Health what steps he is taking to support women of the Cardiovascular Disease Outcomes Strategy. resident in Birmingham, Ladywood constituency who Clinical guidelines published by the National Institute have received faulty PIP breast implants. [105456] for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) represent 1289W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1290W best practice and the Government expects commissioners Eligibility for NHS Funded Nursing care may be to take them fully into account in their decision-making. considered when an individual is not eligible for NHS In view of their complexity and because of the different continuing health care and where it is considered that a states of readiness for implementation in the national place in a nursing home is the best option for meeting health service, NICE clinical guidelines are not subject their needs. to the same statutory funding direction as NICE’S NHS continuing health care is a package of health technology appraisals. and social care funded by the NHS where the individual is assessed as having a primary health need. NHS Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health continuing health care can be provided in a range of (1) what progress his Department has made in its settings including care homes. Cardiovascular Outcomes Strategy; when he expects the strategy to be published; and if he will make a Liz Kendall: To ask the Secretary of State for Health statement; [105664] what information his Department holds on the number (2) which organisations and individuals (a) he, (b) of people in (a) England and (b) each local authority Ministers and (c) officials in his Department have met who sold their homes to pay for residential care in each as part of the development of the Cardiovascular of the last five years. [106236] Outcomes Strategy; and if he will make a statement; [105665] Paul Burstow: None. Information about the sale of property to pay for residential care by service users (3) how the Cardiovascular Outcomes Strategy fits supported by councils is not collected centrally. Local into the proposed NHS Outcomes Framework; and if councils may also not know if properties are sold by he will make a statement. [105666] those who arrange their own care, for example, where a person sells a property and contracts with a care provider Mr Simon Burns: The development of the cardiovascular privately without the involvement of social services. disease (CVD) outcomes strategy is in its early stages, so a date has not yet been set for publication. Cholesterol Following a national engagement event in May, a series of engagement events will be held around the Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health country this year. In addition, there will be other what the cost to the NHS was of treating the effects of opportunities for organisations and individuals with an high cholesterol levels in each of the last three years. interest to feed in their views during the production of [105443] the strategy. The CVD outcomes strategy will provide a joined up Mr Simon Burns: The information requested is not approach, across the national health service, public collected centrally. health and social care, to secure the delivery of Raised cholesterol levels are a risk factor for improvements in CVD related outcomes as set out in cardiovascular disease and are modifiable in some people. the NHS Outcomes Framework, the Public Health Awareness raising, prevention, early detection and Outcomes Framework and the Adult Social Care Outcomes management of modifiable risk factors will be considered Framework. as part of the development of the forthcoming cardiovascular disease outcomes strategy. Care Homes Commission on the Funding of Care and Support Adam Afriyie: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will take steps to ensure that primary Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health care trusts consult independent nursing homes when what recent steps his Department has taken to making changes to their payment terms for funded implement the recommendations of the Dilnot report. nursing care payments; [105977] [105849] (2) whether he has recently had discussions with Buckinghamshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) about Paul Burstow: We will publish a White Paper on changes to its payment terms for funded nursing care social care and a progress report on funding reform in payments; and whether he has made an assessment of spring 2012. The progress report will set out the the subsequent effects on cash-flow for independent Government’s response to the Commission’s nursing homes receiving payments from recommendations. Buckinghamshire PCT. [105978] Community Hospitals

Paul Burstow: The annual level of the national health Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for service contribution towards the cost of a place in a Health what his policy is on community hospitals; and care home with nursing for those people assessed as if he will make a statement. [106175] requiring the help of a registered nurse is set at a national level. Once the need for NHS Funded Nursing Mr Simon Burns: The Government are committed to Care is determined, primary care trusts (PCTs) have a helping the national health service work better by extending responsibility to pay a flat rate contribution towards good practice on improving discharge from acute hospitals registered nursing care costs. and increasing access to care and treatment in the The Department would not hold discussions with community. Community hospitals can be an important individual primary care trusts about the level of the part of delivering this, especially in rural communities, NHS Funded Nursing Care contribution or local providing both planned and unplanned care and diagnostic arrangements for administering such payments. services closer to home. 1291W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1292W

The Health and Social Care Act 2012 devolves more Independent Regulator of NHS Foundation Trusts (Monitor) power to local communities where the people, patients, www.monitor-nhsft.gov.uk general practitioners (GPs) and councils are best placed Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency to determine improvements to their local NHS. Responsibility for commissioning services will be devolved www.mhra.gov.uk to local clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), which National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence will mean that the design of patient pathways and local www.nice.org.uk services is always clinically-led and based on more National Patient Safety Agency effective dialogue and partnership with hospital specialists. www.npsa.nhs.uk Any changes to services must have support from CCGs, patients and the public, be based on sound clinical National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse evidence and support patient choice. www.nta.nhs.uk NHS Blood and Transplant Computers www.nhsbt.nhs.uk NHS Business Services Authority Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many computers and related equipment www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk have been purchased by his Department and its public NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement bodies since May 2010; and what the (a) makes and www.institute.nhs.uk (b) costs were. [105837] NHS Litigation Authority www.nhsla.com Mr Simon Burns: The Department has purchased through its information technology (IT) provider 402 Congenital Abnormalities items of computers and related equipment made by Hewlett Packard, Lenovo and Apple, where computers Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State and related equipment are considered to include desktop for Health how many live births occurred of infants PCs, laptops and tablets PC and 1,157 Hewlett Packard with (a) spina bifida, (b) hydrocephalus and (c) other monitors, in financial year 2010-11 and 2011-12. neural tube defects in each year since 2001; and if he In addition to this, during the period much of the will make a statement. [105896] departmental desktop infrastructure reached the end of its service life and was replaced as part of a planned Anne Milton: These data are not held centrally by the technology refresh by 3,187 Wyse Thin Client devices. Department, but are collected and published by the This refresh has improved performance while reducing British Isles Network of Congenital Anomaly Registers support costs and carbon emissions. (BINOCAR). The total cost of these items was £1,021,680. The following information gives the numbers of live The number of computers and related equipment born babies with neural tube disorders and hydrocephalus purchased by public bodies is not held centrally and to in the English registers for 2001-10. provide this information for the Department’s public These data are for the following five English regional bodies would incur disproportionate costs. congenital anomaly registers: General XT expenditure is contained within each Berkshire and Buckinghamshire (CAROBB); public body’s annual accounts, which can be accessed East Midlands and South Yorkshire (EMSYCAR); via the public bodies websites listed as follows. The Northern region (NorCAS); Health Research Authority and NHS Commissioning South West region (SWCAR), and Board Authority, as recently established bodies, do not Wessex (WANDA). yet have any published accounts. They cover 32% of the births in England. All registers Alcohol Education and Research Council except SWCAR provided data for all years; SWCAR www.alcoholresearchuk.org have provided data for 2005-10. Appointments Commission There are two other registers in England that have www.appointments.org.uk not yet provided data to BINOCAR but are developing Care Quality Commission the processes to be able to shortly. The registers therefore www.cqc.org.uk cover 49% of the births in England but BINOCAR currently only has data for 32% of births. Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence www.chre.org.uk Spina bifida Number of cases (live General Social Care Council Anomaly births) www.gscc.org.uk Spina Bifida 2001 11 Health and Social Care Information Centre 2002 19 www.ic.nhs.uk 2003 18 Health Protection Agency 2004 21 www.hpa.org.uk 2005 22 Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority 2006 26 www.hfea.gov.uk 2007 24 Human Tissue Authority 2008 34 www.hta.gov.uk 1293W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1294W

Spina bifida records of the number of management consultants used Number of cases (live by those companies to deliver the services for each Anomaly births) contract. 2009 34 The Department does not keep central records on 2010 40 ‘management consultancy’ expenditure in the specific form requested. The total expenditure on all consultancy services by the core Department, Connecting for Health Hydrocephalus and the MHRA for financial years 2009-10 and 2010-11 Number of cases (Live Anomaly births) are set out in the following table; validated full year expenditure on consultancy services for 2011-12 is not Hydrocephalus 2001 35 yet available. The figures are based on the definition of 2002 39 consultancy services provided by the Government 2003 23 Procurement Service (formerly the Office of Government 2004 27 Commerce). 2005 50 £ 2006 69 2009-10 2010-11 2007 65 Core Department 108.3 million 9.8 million 2008 72 Connecting For 6.3 million 5.0 million 2009 61 Health 2010 70 MHRA 264,755 14,400

Other neural tube defects Dental Services: X-rays Number of cases (Live Anomaly births) Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Anencephalus and similar 2001 1— (1) what discussions he had with Ministers in the Home 2002 1— Department on the UK Border Agency’s trial of dental X-rays for age assessment purposes prior to the 1 2003 — commencement of that trial on 29 March 2012; 2004 1— [105989] 2005 7 (2) whether he has raised concerns with Ministers in 2006 7 the Home Department about the UK Border Agency’s 2007 8 trial of dental X-rays for age assessment purposes; [105990] 2008 10 2009 6 (3) what representations his Department has received about the UK Border Agency’s trial of dental X-rays 2010 1— for age assessment purposes; [105991] (4) whether his Department gave approval for the age 1 Encephalocele 2001 — assessments dental X-ray pilot. [106037] 2002 1— 2003 5 Anne Milton: The Department of Health’s approval 2004 7 was not formally sought for this study. 2005 1— Concerns about the trial were raised by the chief 2006 1— medical officer on behalf of the Department of Health. As currently presented, the study would be deemed to 2007 5 be a research trial, falls within the research governance 2008 1— framework and does require approval from an ethics 2009 7 committee of the National Research Ethics Service. 2010 6 Department of Health officials have had discussions 1 Numbers have been suppressed where there were less than five cases recorded with Department for Education and UK Border Agency officials about the proposed trial. We have also received Consultants representations from a number of organisations.

Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Diabetes how many management consultants were employed by his Department and its agencies in (a) the most recent Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for period for which figures are available and (b) each of Health what recent steps his Department has taken to the last two years; and what the total cost to his improve education and health checks in schools on the Department has been. [105369] risks associated with both types of diabetes. [106317]

Mr Simon Burns: The core Department, Connecting Paul Burstow: The Department has worked in partnership for Health and the Medicines and Healthcare products with school nurses, professional bodies and young people Regulatory Agency (MHRA), do not employ management as part of the School Nursing Development Programme. consultants. They contract for the delivery of consultancy We have developed a new vision and model for the services from companies and do not keep central profession covering many elements of health and wellbeing 1295W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1296W for children and young people aged. 5-19. The report and primary care trusts and, going forward, the NHS and call to action from this programme, “Getting it Commissioning Board and Clinical Commissioning Groups right for children, young people and families”was published (CCGs). in March 2012. A copy of the report has been placed in We are working with emerging CCGs to put in place the Library and is available at: development opportunities and support for those individual www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/ GPs (and other health care professionals) who are PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_133011 coming forward to take on leadership roles. This will assist in the delivery of the Healthy Child We are also working with stakeholder organisations Programme and will help local areas to shape their to understand what support member practices would school nursing services. like as they develop their CCG—including sharing best The Department has also this year introduced a Best practice, and providing support material. Practice Tariff (BPT) for Paediatric Diabetes. The BPT sets out a number of criteria that diabetes services must Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for fulfil in treating and caring for children and young Health what checks are made on whether an applicant people with diabetes in order to receive a payment. One to register with a GP is entitled to NHS care. [105929] of the criteria is for additional visits to be made to the child by a diabetes specialist nurse or dietitian during a Mr Simon Burns: Applications to general practitioners year, which may include school visits. to join their lists of national health service patients are at the discretion of individual practices. Many practices Epilepsy: Health Services request proof of identity and confirmation of address when considering applications. Teresa Pearce: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Bill 2010-12 Health pursuant to the answer of 27 March 2012, Official Report, column 1106W, on epilepsy: health Mr George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State services, what information (a) his Department and (b) for Health for what reasons he has not published his the National Institute for Health and Clinical Department’s risk assessment in relation to the Health Excellence holds on compliance with the and Social Care Bill. [106231] recommendation that a review by an epilepsy specialist should take place within two weeks of presentation. Mr Simon Burns: No government of any persuasion [105899] has routinely made risk registers of this type public for the very reason that to do so would undermine open Paul Burstow: This information is not collected. and frank discussion among policy makers. It has been To support implementation of its clinical guideline our firm view, and those of other Departments, that for on the diagnosis and management of the epilepsies in risk registers of this type to fulfil their function, civil adults and children in primary and secondary care, the servants must be free to “think the unthinkable” and National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence record potential risks and mitigations fully, frankly and (NICE) has produced guidance and tools to determine with absolute candour, confident in the knowledge that the level of service need that might be needed locally. this information will not be publicly disclosed. These This includes a baseline assessment tool that can be arguments were put to the Information Tribunal in this used by organisations to identify if they are in line with matter and the Department is now considering its response practice recommended in NICE guidance and to help to the tribunal’s reasoned decision. them plan activity that will help them meet the Health Services recommendations. Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for General Practitioners Health how many (a) applications were made and (b) posts were available for (i) acute medicine, (ii) Dr Phillip Lee: To ask the Secretary of State for obstetrics and gynaecology, (iii) general surgery and Health what steps he has taken to ensure GPs (iv) anaesthesia in each year since 2002. [106385] communicate the changes to health and social care to NHS patients. [104389] Mr Simon Burns: The Department does not hold comparable data prior to 2010 when a significant amount Mr Simon Burns: Communicating the changes to of specialty recruitment was locally co-ordinated and health and social care to national health service patients delivered. Data from 2010 onwards are presented as is not the responsibility of general practitioners (GPs). follows. It should be noted that the number of applications This is part of the role of strategic health authorities exceeds the number of applicants.

2010 2011 2012

Posts Applications Ratio Posts Applications Ratio Posts Applications Ratio

Acute Medicine 65 351 5.4 100 351 3.5 72 247 3.4 (ST3)

Obstetrics and 249 1,252 5.03 226 597 2.6 211 607 2.9 Gynaecology (O&G) (ST1)

General Surgery 110 3,968 36.07 97 548 5.6 119 555 4.7 (ST3) 1297W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1298W

2010 2011 2012 Posts Applications Ratio Posts Applications Ratio Posts Applications Ratio

Anaesthesia (ST3) 336 875 2.60 317 1118 3.5 277 595 2.1 Notes: 1. Acute Medicine, General Surgery and Anaesthesia are uncoupled specialties so competition ratio is for recruitment at the ST3 level. 2. O&G is a run-through speciality and therefore ST1 entry data have been provided. 3. General Surgery became a nationally recruited and co-ordinated specialty in 2011 hence the difference in applications between 2010 and 2011. 4. To note number of application to General Surgery 2010 is not comparable with data from 2011 and 2012 due to it being locally co-ordinated that year thus making competition ratio higher.

Hospitals: Accidents Anne Milton: An equality impact assessment was completed in 2008 for the introduction of the national Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme. Health what information his Department holds on the The Department announced in November 2011 that, number of falls at (a) the West Cumberland hospital following a competitive tendering exercise, Gardasil will and (b) the Cumberland infirmary in September and be the vaccine used in the national HPV vaccination October (i) 2010 and (ii) 2011; and what steps he is programme from September 2012. In taking this decision, taking to reduce the number of falls. [105861] the Department considered the public sector equality duty but did not produce a new equality impact assessment Mr Simon Burns: The Department does not hold as no changes to service delivery are anticipated. information on the number of falls at specific hospital sites. The National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) holds Information and Communications Technology data on falls reported by the North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust. The information is shown in the following table. Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much his Department has spent on IT projects Number of falls reported by North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust in September and October 2010 and 2011 and the annual total of reported falls within the Department of Health and its agencies in Total falls the last two years. [105365] September October reported per year

2010 71 80 1,058 Mr Simon Burns: The following table sets out expenditure 2011 84 84 1,067 in the Department, the Medicines and Healthcare products Note: Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and NHS Connecting for An increase in incidents reported does not necessarily mean an increase in the Health on IT projects. NHS Connecting for Health number of incidents occurring. NPSA encourages NHS trusts to report patient spent £178,000 on additional resources which included safety incidents to enhance learning and embed a patient safety culture. The NPSA regularly sees an increase in incidents reported year on year, which is transport and movers as part of the Data Centre Migration. actually a sign of a culture that is growing in awareness of patient safety. Source: £ NPSA. 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 A number of guidance documents designed to reduce the risk of harm from falls in the NHS have been Department of 4,317,785 4,954,683 3,328,790 1,285,144 produced by the NPSA, or as part of the NPSA’s Health Patient Safety First initiative, including: MHRA 4,705,686 2,513,089 4,723,977 2,033,671 NHS 1n/a 1234,000 1,221,317 526,156 ‘slips, trips and falls in hospital’; Connecting for ‘How to’ guide for reducing harm from falls’ Health ‘Using bedrails safely and effectively in hospitals/mental health 1 Further expenditure exists but could be obtained only at disproportionate units’; cost. ‘How to’ guide for reducing harm from falls in mental health in-patient settings’; and Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether any requests have been made to his ‘Essential care after an in-patient fall’. Department’s IT department from (a) officials and These documents have been placed in the Library. (b) special advisers working within his Department for The Department has asked the National Institute for information about the process of erasing data from (i) Health and Clinical Excellence to develop a quality computer hard drives and (ii) other forms of storage standard on falls in a care setting, as part of a library of devices in the last two years. [105367] approximately 170 NHS quality standards. In addition, we are encouraging use of the ‘NHS Mr Simon Burns: The Department does not collect Safety Thermometer’ which records patients who suffer data on requests for information on this process. Guidance four common ‘harms’ in health care, including harm on the safe destruction of such devices and the information from a fall. on them is available to all staff on the Department’s intranet. Human Papillomavirus: Vaccination

Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Information Officers whether his Department conducted an equality impact assessment on the introduction of the Gardasil form of Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health the human papillomavirus vaccination (HPV) for the if he will list the five most senior media advisers and HPV programme; and if he will make a statement. press officers in his Department; what their job titles [106159] are; and what the salary is of each individual. [105368] 1299W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1300W

Mr Simon Burns: Defined as the five most senior Pay band (NHS Length of contract members of staff with responsibility for media relations, agenda for change) Type of employees (months) and excluding other officials with roles in associated disciplines such as public health marketing and NHS 8A 1 x Contractors 13 communications, the relevant members of staff are as 8A 1 x Contractors 9 follows: 8A 1 x Contractors 11 8B 5 x Contractors 5 x 12 Name Job title Salary band 8B 1 x Contractors 6 8B 1 x Contractors 9 Sam Director of SCS2: £115,000 - £119,999 8B/8C 1 x Contractors 17 Lister Communications 8B/8C 2 x Contractors 2 x 11 Tim Jones Head of News SCSI: £80,000 - £84,999 8C 1 x Contractors 9 Paul Media Special The salary ranges of special advisers are Stephenson Adviser published routinely by the Cabinet Office. 8C 4 x Contractors 4 x 18 The most recent such publication, dating 8C 2 x Contractors 2 x 17 from April is available at the Cabinet Office 8C 1 x Contractors 8 website: www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/sites/ default/files/resources/LIST-APRIL.pdf 8C 8 x Contractors 8 x 10 Grade 61 Deputy Head G6: £60,575 - £75,035 8C 1 x Contractors 27 of News 8C 1 x Contractors 12 Grade 61 Deputy Head G6: £60,575 - £75,035 8C 2 x Contractors 2 x 6 of News 8C/8D 2 x Contractors 2 x 17 1 It is the Departments policy that staff at grades below senior civil service are 8D 3 x Contractors 3 x 28 not named. 8D 2 x Contractors 2 x 16 Manpower 8D 3 x Contractors 3 x 10 8D 3 x Contractors 3 x 17 Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 8D 2 x Contractors 2 x 3 how many (a) agency staff, (b) contractors and (c) 8D 1 x Contractors 11 consultants were employed by his Department (i) in 8D 1 x Contractors 5 each pay band and (ii) for each length of contract in 8D 1 x Contractors 8 the most recent period for which figures are available. 9 1 x Contractors 10 [105444] 9 1 x Contractors 9 The Department has provided staffing figures as at Mr Simon Burns: As at 31 March 2012, the Department 31 March 2012. Data on the equivalent pay band and employed a total of 353.1 full-time equivalent agency each length of contract are managed by each individual staff, contractors and consultants—a reduction of 654.5 business unit and is not routinely maintained centrally. (65%) on the number employed at 31 March 2010. Obtaining this data centrally would incur disproportionate The following table shows this figure broken down by costs and would require new functionality to be developed agency workers and specialist contractor/consultants on the Department’s information systems. Agency workers employed by the Department on 31 March 2012. are typically individuals with admin/clerical skills up to Department of Health, 31 March 2012 the pay band of SEO equivalent, whereas specialist Number contractors/consultants are considered to be higher skilled workers and likely to be more senior. Agency Workers 217.0 Specialist Contractor/Consultant 136.1 To support the achievement of the Government efficiency Total 353.1 savings targets, the Department has introduced a number of controls to stop or limit expenditure on contingent The following table shows information requested for labour. A business case is required for any professional Connecting for Health (a part of the Department’s services procurement and each case is considered for Informatics Directorate) on 25 April 2012. operational necessity, ensuring the requirement is specifically linked to the delivery of a ministerial priority. The Pay band (NHS Length of contract business case is only approved if the case for operational agenda for change) Type of employees (months) necessity has been proven. These internal approval processes 3 1 x Agency Staff 3 have made a substantial impact on reducing departmental 4 1 x Agency Staff 9 expenditure on non-permanent workers. 4 1 x Agency Staff 11 5 2 x Agency Staff 2 x 12 Medical Records 5 1 x Agency Staff 8 6 1 x Agency Staff 9 Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 7 4 x Contractors 4 x 13 which hospital trusts send confidential patient records 7 1 x Contractors 14 abroad for processing. [105442] 8A 4 x Agency Staff 4 x 2 8A 1 x Agency Staff 5 Mr Simon Burns: This information is not held centrally. 8A 1 x Agency Staff 3 National health service trusts are individually responsible 8A 1 x Contractors 3 for compliance with data protection legislation in respect 8A 12 x Contractors 12 x 12 of the processing of patient information. This legislation 8A 1 x Contractors 17 requires trusts to ensure that they only authorise the 8A 2 x Contractors 2 x 18 processing of personal data in countries where there is 8A 1 x Contractors 10 an adequate level of protection for the data and for the 1301W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1302W rights and freedoms of individuals. Trusts are also On 6 January we announced a series of measures to required by data protection legislation, when utilising improve the quality of nursing care and free up nurses data processors either at home or abroad, to. ensure to provide the care patients and relatives expect. This that the data processor is bound by a contract to meet included rolling out the NHS Institute for Innovation appropriate standards of confidentiality and security and Improvement’s Productive Series ‘Releasing Time and not to process the data in ways that have hot been to Care’ initiative to free nurses from non-essential authorised by the trust. paperwork and excessive bureaucracy. Mental Health: Males Further details about ‘Releasing Time to Care’ are available on the NHS Institute for Innovation and Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Improvement’s website at: what the cost to the public purse was of programmes www.institute.nhs.uk/quality_and_value/productivity_series/ providing support for men with mental health the_productive_series.html problems between the ages of 21 and 27 years old in We understand that the Royal College of Nursing are each of the last five years; and if he will make a looking at this issue. statement. [105905] NHS: Drugs Paul Burstow: It is not possible to disaggregate spend on mental illness by either sex or age from the statutory Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for Health accounting collected by the Department. on how many occasions he has overruled a National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence Ministerial Policy Advisers recommendation on the availability of a drug on the NHS; and what the circumstances were in each such Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health case. [106232] what expenses were claimed by (a) paid and (b) unpaid special advisers working in his Department in Mr Simon Burns: None. The National Institute for the last 12 months for which figures are available. Health and Clinical Excellence is an independent body [105366] and must be allowed to develop its guidance free from political interference. Mr Simon Burns: According to the Department’s business management system a total of £128.00 was NHS: Manpower claimed in expenses by special advisers for travel and accommodation on official business between April 2011 Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and the end of March 2012. There are no unpaid special what estimate has been made of the total number of advisers working in the Department. staff who left employment in the NHS in the last year for which figures are available. [105445] National Childbirth Trust Mr Simon Burns: Between January 2011 and January Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for 2012, the latest data available, the NHS Information Health if he will protect public funding of the National Centre monthly publication showed that 95,574 staff Childbirth Trust’s practitioner training. [106359] left the national health service. Anne Milton: The Department has not provided any NHS: Pensions funding to the National Childbirth Trust’s practitioner training. Chris Skidmore: To ask the Secretary of State for NHS: Bureaucracy Health how much was spent by the NHS on pensions in each year since 1997. [105647] Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what average number of hours was spent on Mr Simon Burns: The NHS Business Services Authority administrative tasks per week by (a) a nurse and (b) a (BSA) manages the NHS Pension Scheme and administers doctor in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011 and (iii) the latest period for employer and employee contributions received from which figures are available. [105453] NHS organisations. The following table sets out the total amount of employer contributions the BSA has Anne Milton: Information about the time spent by received between 1996-2011 from employers with access health care professionals on administrative tasks is not to the NHS Pension Scheme. collected centrally and will depend on the type of role, the needs of patients and the requirements of the Financial year Employer contributions (£000) organisation. Some administrative tasks are an essential 1996-97 554,202 part of health care in delivering safe and effective 1997-98 605,053 patient care. 1998-99 663,982 Figures for general practitioners (GPs) are available 1999-2000 723,950 from the latest (2010) GP worklife survey conducted by 2000-01 925,169 the National Primary Care Research and Development 2001-02 1,504,273 Centre, which showed that GPs worked an average of 2002-03 1,632,536 41.4 hours per week and on average, 11.1% of their time 2003-04 3,588,337 is spent on administration. This equates to 4.6 hours 2004-05 3,890,167 per week being spent on administration. The sample 2005-06 4,301,122 size was approximately 1,000 GPs. 2006-07 4,579,685 1303W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1304W

However, a provision of European medicines legislation Financial year Employer contributions (£000) (Article 81 of Directive 2001/83/EC), requires that the 2007-08 4,686,588 person who holds an authorisation to market a medicine 2008-09 5,006,587 and the relevant distributor must ensure appropriate 2009-10 5,330,140 and continued supply of the product to pharmacies and 2010-11 5,553,234 other authorised suppliers, so that the needs of patients Source: are met. This requirement has been implemented into The NHS Pension Scheme and NHS Compensation for Retirement Scheme United Kingdom medicines legislation. Resource Accounts. Obesity The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the government body responsible for the safety and licensing of medicines in the UK, investigates Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health all reports of suspected breaches of medicines legislation how much was spent on obesity management in the including matters relating to Article 81. The MHRA NHS in each of the last five years. [105484] has reminded distributors of their duties in this area, and continues to undertake targeted inspections to ensure Anne Milton: The Department does not hold this compliance with the regulations. information. It is up to primary care trusts to commission a range of health care services for their population, The Department carefully monitors shortages of based on clinical need and effectiveness. medicines, which are influenced by many factors including the exchange rate, and continues to work closely with The Foresight team which is part of the Government supply chain stakeholders to ensure patients receive the Office for Science published ‘Tackling Obesities: Future medicines they need. Choices in 2007’. The Foresight team estimated the cost of obesity and overweight to the national health service (in terms of the cost of treating the conditions and Prescriptions diseases attributable to obesity) to be £4.2 billion in 2007; more recent research suggest that this could be as high as £5.1 billion. Mr George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance his Department provides to Obesity: Children prescribers on the practice of issuing prescriptions without physically examining the patient. [106230] Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the number of children Mr Simon Burns: The Department has not issued likely to be obese in the next 10 years. [105452] guidance on this issue. Doctors and other prescribers are governed by their professional regulators, who ensure Anne Milton: Data from the Health Survey for England proper standards in prescribing. The General Medical show a flattening of the previous upward trend in Council (GMC), Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) childhood obesity. The overall rate remains high at 16% and General Pharmaceutical Council have all issued for two to 15-year-old children. The ‘Call to action’ sets guidance on prescribing, with the GMC and NMC out a new national ambition for reversing the trend in including specific standards on remote and repeat the level of excess weight in children by 2020. prescribing. A copy of the ‘Call to action’ has already been placed in the Library. Public Expenditure Prescription Drugs: Shortages Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State what the five largest pieces of internal expenditure have for Health how many people waited more than 24 been within his Department since May 2010. [105364] hours to receive prescription medication due to medicine stock shortages in (a) Coventry and (b) Mr Simon Burns: The five largest single payments England in March 2012. [105539] made in the period 1 May 2010 to 31 March 2012 are as follows. Mr Simon Burns: This information is not available centrally. Supplier Payment date Value (£)

CSC Computer 22 December 2011 21,227,693.97 Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Sciences Ltd for Health (1) what measures his Department has put Bytes Technology 22 July 2010 35,583,169.99 in place to ensure that UK medicine stocks are Group Ltd protected from the effects of international economic Computacenter UK 22 July 2010 23,474,946.22 factors; [105540] Ltd Oxfordshire county 30 June 2011 19,224,138.00 (2) what assessment his Department has made of the council effect of Euro exchange rate fluctuations on medicine Staffordshire county 7 July 2011 19,648,908.00 stock shortages in the UK; and if he will make a council statement. [105541] These single payments made to the commercial Mr Simon Burns: The export of medicines to other organisations may represent a number of individual member states can be carried out legally by anyone who invoices. The payments to Oxfordshire and Staffordshire holds the necessary licences under medicines legislation. county councils are for social care grants. 1305W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1306W

Schizophrenia: Prisoners Speech Therapy

Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment his Department has made of Health what guidance and support he expects clinical the effectiveness of the treatment pathway and services commissioning consortia to receive to ensure that they to support prisoners with schizophrenia following their commission an appropriate range of services for people release from prison. [105554] with speech, language and communication needs. [106150] Paul Burstow: Former prisoners have a lower than average level of engagement with primary care services Mr Simon Burns: As commissioners, clinical and this means they are less likely to be in touch with commissioning groups (CCGs) will need to have strong community and specialist mental health services. In relationships with a range of health partners to provide many areas assertive outreach teams have been them with access to information, advice and knowledge commissioned to improve engagement with mental health to help them make the best possible commissioning services. The Government’s mental health outcomes decisions. They will be under a statutory duty to seek strategy, ‘No Health Without Mental Health’, makes it advice in commissioning services from a broad range of clear that consideration of equality of access to mental professionals, such as those who are well placed to health services for offenders should be part of the understand the speech, language and communication planning and development of services. needs of local populations. They will also be able to access advice from clinical senates and networks. Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for The NHS Commissioning Board will have a duty to Health what estimate his Department has made of the publish commissioning guidance to which CCGs must number of suicides related to schizophrenia amongst have regard. In addition, CCGs will work with local (a) prisoners and (b) people released from prison in authorities to develop a comprehensive analysis of health the last five years. [105555] and social care needs in each local area, and to translate these into action through the joint health and wellbeing Paul Burstow: In the last five years 15 people in strategy and their own commissioning plans. prison have committed suicide where there was a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia or other delusional disorder. Spinal Muscular Atrophy Similar information is not available for people after Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health they leave prison. what steps his Department is taking to raise awareness Sick Leave of spinal muscular atrophy among health care professionals and the public. [105826]

Mr Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Paul Burstow: There is information available for both how many sick days were taken by staff in his the public and health care professionals concerning Department in each of the last three years. [105815] spinal muscular atrophy available on the NHS Choices website at: Mr Simon Burns: The information requested is given www.nhs.uk/conditions/spinal-muscular-atrophy/pages/ in the following table. Also included are the average introduction.aspx working days lost (AWDL) per staff member for There is also information on the NHS Evidence comparison. website, with a number of resources published by clinicians, charities and professional organisations available at: Total number of (working) AWDL per staff absence days due to sickness per year www.evidence.nhs.uk/search?q=Spinal+Muscular+Atrophy

January 2011 to 9,962 4.1 Furthermore, the Department has referred for December 2011 development a quality standard for relatively uncommon January 2010 to 11,810 4.5 neurological problems to the National Institute for December 2010 Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in March 2012, January 2009 to 11,262 4.6 following advice from the National Quality Board. The December 2009 primary purpose of NICE quality standards is to make it clear what quality care is by providing patients, carers Social Services and the public, health and social care professionals, commissioners and service providers with definitions of Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State high-quality health and social care. for Health what proportion of the funding allocated for primary care trust spending on social care was Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Pregnancy spent on (a) prevention services, (b) communicating equipment and adaptations, (c) telecare, (d) crisis Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health response services, (e) maintaining eligibility criteria, if he will give consideration to routinely offering blood (f) re-ablement and (g) mental health by each primary tests to all pregnant women to test for the presence of care trust in England in the latest period for which spinal muscular atrophy and genetic abnormalities. figures are available. [106114] [105827]

Paul Burstow: I refer the hon. Member to the answer Mr Simon Burns: The UK National Screening I gave him on 13 March 2012, Official Report, columns Committee (UK NSC) advises Ministers and the national 194-95W. health service in all four countries about all aspects of 1307W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1308W screening policy and supports implementation. Using between quarter 4 of 2010-11 and quarter 3 of 2011-12 research evidence, pilot programmes and economic for Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is shown evaluation, the committee assesses the evidence for in the following table. programmes against a set of internationally recognised Last minute elective operations cancelled for non-clinical reasons criteria. Number The UK NSC has not reviewed the evidence for antenatal spinal muscular atrophy screening. However, Quarter 4 2010-11 48 where stakeholder organisations feel that there is enough Quarter 1 2011-12 49 evidence published in peer reviewed journals to consider Quarter 2 2011-12 31 screening for a condition, they can submit a policy Quarter 3 2011-12 56 proposal to the UK NSC. Further information is available Total 184 Note: on the UK NSC’s website at: A last minute cancellation is one that occurs on the day the patient was due to www.screening.nhs.uk/policyreview arrive, after they have arrived in hospital or on the day of their operation. Source: Surgery Department of Health dataset Quarterly Monitoring Cancelled Operations. Surgery: Males Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many operations have been cancelled by Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health hospitals in Barnsley metropolitan borough in the last how many male breast reduction operations were 12 months. [105866] carried out in the last three years, broken down by age of patient. [105485] Mr Simon Burns: Information is not centrally held in the format requested. The number of elective operations Mr Simon Burns: The information requested is given cancelled at the last minute for non-clinical reasons in the following table.

Number of finished consultant episodes1 where a main or secondary procedure2 of breast reduction was carried out and the patient was male for 2008-09 to 2010-11 by patient age at start of the episode Activity in English NHS hospitals and English NHS commissioned activity in the independent sector Age group 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 Total

10-19 7 4 6 17 20-29 13 6 11 30 30-39 3 3 5 11 40-49 6 1 4 11 50-59 — 1 — 1 60-69 3 3 3 9 70+ 1 — 2 3 Total 33183182 1 Finished Consultant Episode (FCE) A finished consultant episode (FCE) is a continuous period of admitted patient care under one consultant within one health care provider. FCEs are counted against the year in which they end. Figures do not represent the number of different patients, as a person may have more than one episode of care within the same stay in hospital or in different stays in the same year. 2 Number of episodes with a (named) main or secondary procedure The number of episodes where the procedure (or intervention) was recorded in any of the 24 (12 from 2002-03 to 2006-07 and four prior to 2002-03) procedure fields in a hospital episode statistics (HES) record. A record is only included once in each count, even if the procedure is recorded in more than one procedure field of the record. Note that more procedures are carried out than episodes with a main or secondary procedure. For example, patients under going a ″cataract operation’ would tend to have at least two procedures—removal of the faulty lens and the fitting of a new one—counted in a single episode. Notes: 1. OPCS 4 Codes used 2. B31.1—Reduction mammoplasty 3. Data quality: HES are compiled from data sent by more than 300 NHS trusts and primary care trusts in England and from some independent sector organisations for activity commissioned by the English NHS. The NHS Information Centre for health and social care liaises closely with these organisations to encourage submission of complete and valid data and seeks to minimise inaccuracies. While this brings about improvement over time, some shortcomings remain. Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Health and Social Care Information Centre

Surgery: Waiting Lists WORK AND PENSIONS

Child Tax Credit Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent assessment he has made of waiting Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Work times for elective surgery. [105477] and Pensions how many families received the child element of the child tax credit in Bexleyheath and Crayford constituency in (a) 2009, (b) 2010 and (c) 2011. [105157] Mr Simon Burns: National health service referral to treatment (RTT) waiting times data published on 19 April Mr Gauke: I have been asked to reply on behalf of 2012 show that the average (median) time waited for the Treasury. patients completing an RTT pathway in February 2012 was 8.7 weeks for admitted patients. For 2009-10, this information is available in the HMRC publication ‘Child and Working Tax Credits Statistics 1309W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1310W

Finalised annual awards. Geographical Analyses’ (this Maria Miller: The Government restated our continued is the latest year for which data are available; 2010-11 commitment to maximising the number of effective data will be published 31 May 2012), available at: maintenance arrangements during the passage of the http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/personal-tax-credits/cwtc-geog- Welfare Reform Bill. final-awards-may11.pdf The change we are proposing in abolishing the Child Table 3 has the requested information for Bexleyheath Maintenance and Enforcement Commission and and Crayford. The numbers benefiting from the child transferring its functions to the Secretary of State for element of child tax credit are those out of work1, those Work and Pensions, my right hon. Friend the Member receiving WTC and CTC, and those receiving CTC only for Chingford and Woodford Green (Mr Duncan Smith), more than the family element. This is approximately 4.8 will enable Ministers to have more direct control; thousand households. responsibility and accountability for the delivery of 1 The statistics for out of work families include households who child support strategic and operational policy as well as were administered by DWP and claimed their child support ongoing and future reforms to child maintenance. through benefits. In addition, a small number (<30) of those The Government’s consultation on the proposals ended classified as out of work had income high enough to be on or below the family element plateau and therefore were not technically on 3 January 2012 and our response can be found here: beneficiaries of this element. http://www.dwp.gov.uk/consultations/2011/cmec- abolition.shtml Children: Maintenance Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Stephen Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for and Pensions how much is owed to parents in unpaid Work and Pensions what advice and recommendations Child Support Agency claims (a) nationally and (b) in has the Child Maintenance and Enforcement South Swindon constituency. [105568] Commission received to date from the independent panel it has established to consider child maintenance Maria Miller: The Child Maintenance and Enforcement arrears. [102655] Commission is responsible for the child maintenance system. 1 have asked the Child Maintenance Commissioner Maria Miller: The Child Maintenance and Enforcement to write to the hon. Member with the information Commission is responsible for the child maintenance requested and I have seen the response. system. I have asked the Child Maintenance Commissioner Letter from Noel Shanahan: to write to the hon. Member with the information requested and I have seen the response. In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the Child Support Agency, the Secretary of State promised a substantive Letter from Noel Shanahan: reply from the Child Maintenance Commissioner as the Child In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the Support Agency is now the responsibility of the Child Maintenance Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission, the Secretary and Enforcement Commission. of State promised a substantive reply from the Child Maintenance You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how Commissioner. much is owed to parents in unpaid Child Support Agency claims You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what (a) nationally and (b) in South Swindon constituency. [105568] advice and recommendations has the Child Maintenance and As at March 2012, the total outstanding arrears of child Enforcement Commission received to date from the independent maintenance owed by non-resident parents stood at £3.799 billion. panel it has established to consider child maintenance arrears. Approximately £2.24 billion of this is owed to parents with care [102655] with the remainder owed to the Secretary of State. The independent advisory panel on arrears has reported and As at March 2012, there was a total of £6.9 million outstanding made a number of recommendations as to how the Commission arrears of child maintenance owed by non-resident parents to a could more effectively manage and collect the £3.8 billion of child parent with care residing in South Swindon Parliamentary maintenance arrears outstanding. The report is due to be published Constituency. £4.3 million of this is owed specifically to the soon. parent with care with the remainder owed to the Secretary of The Commission is presently in the process of implementing State. the report including measures for improving collections and enforcement and mechanisms for making the treatment of different categories of arrears more transparent. Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for Work One aspect of the panel’s report where we have already made and Pensions how many parents used the Child significant progress concerns the bringing into force of powers Support Agency to arrange maintenance payments for contained in the Child Maintenance and Other Payments Act their children (a) nationally and (b) in South Swindon 2008, which would enable the write off of arrears in some constituency in the latest period for which figures are (limited) circumstances, and the ability to accept a part payment available. [105578] of arrears from the non-resident parent in lieu of the full amount owed. The Government has recently consulted publicly on the implementation of these powers, and will publish its response in Maria Miller: The Child Maintenance and Enforcement due course. Commission is responsible for the child maintenance system. I have asked the Child Maintenance Commissioner Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Work to write to my hon. Friend with the information requested and Pensions whether the Child Maintenance and and I have seen the response. Enforcement Commission’s main objective will remain Letter from Noel Shanahan: to support separated families and securing children’s In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the futures by maximising the number of children living in Child Support Agency, the Secretary of State promised a substantive separated families who receive fair and regular reply from the Child Maintenance Commissioner as the Child financial support from the non-resident parent when Support Agency is now the responsibility of the Child Maintenance the Commission becomes an executive agency. [103278] and Enforcement Commission. 1311W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1312W

You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how relating to the benefit, they receive. If the non-resident parent is many parents used the Child Support Agency to arrange maintenance not in receipt of benefit then the financial information the CSA payments for their children (a) nationally and (b) in South Swindon will have on record will be in relation to what income, if any, they, constituency in the latest period for which figures are available. do have or if they have no income how they are supported [105578] financially. For example, records may include details of pensions, In the quarter to March 2012, 1,128,400 cases were being income from dividends, savings, or, if they are supported by a handled by the Child Support Agency. Of these, 2,100 cases partner and have no other income. involved a parent with care residing in South Swindon Parliamentary Constituency. Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans the Child Maintenance and Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Enforcement Commission has to charge for the and Pensions what proportion of the Child Support collection of old child maintenance arrears which have Agency’s assessed caseload is constituted by accumulated under the previous two child support individuals who are in employment and pay their child schemes when fees to use the new statutory child maintenance liabilities via a deduction from earnings maintenance system are introduced from July 2013. order. [105789] [105823]

Maria Miller: The Child Maintenance and Enforcement Maria Miller: The Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission is responsible for the child maintenance Commission is responsible for the child maintenance system. I have asked the Child Maintenance Commissioner system. I have asked the Child Maintenance Commissioner to write to my hon. Friend with the information requested to write to the hon. Member with the information and I have seen the response. requested and I have seen the response. Letter from Noel Shanahan: Letter from Noel Shanahan: In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the Child Support Agency, the Secretary of State promised a substantive Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission, the Secretary reply from the Child Maintenance Commissioner as the Child of State promised a substantive reply from the Child Maintenance Support Agency is now the responsibility of the Child Maintenance Commissioner. and Enforcement Commission. You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what The Child Support Agency does not hold information on the plans the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission has actual method of collection, but does record the non-resident to charge for the collection of old child maintenance arrears parent’s preferred method of collection. which have accumulated under the previous two child support In the quarter to March 2012, 28% of employed non-resident schemes when fees to use the new statutory child maintenance parents on live and assessed cases had a preferred method of system are introduced from July 2013. [105823] collection of Deduction from Earnings Order/Request. There are no such plans. Historical arrears from the two current schemes that are collected under the new scheme will not Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Work have a collection or enforcement charge levied against them. They will continue to be collected regardless of whether or not a parent and Pensions what information his Department holds to whom the debt is owed decides to open a case in the new child on the financial circumstances of Child Support support scheme. Agency-assessed cases where the non-resident parent is not employed. [105790] Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what discussions he has had on Maria Miller: The Child Maintenance and Enforcement assisting the Child Support Agency in tracing non-UK Commission is responsible for the child maintenance citizens who are non-resident parents of children in system. I have asked the Child Maintenance Commissioner the UK. [105847] to write to the hon. Member with the information requested and I have seen the response. Maria Miller: The Child Maintenance and Enforcement Letter from Noel Shanahan: Commission is responsible for the child maintenance In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the system. I have asked the Child Maintenance Commissioner Child Support Agency, the Secretary of State promised a substantive to write to the hon. Member with the information reply from the Child Maintenance Commissioner as the Child requested and I have seen the response. Support Agency is now the responsibility of the Child Maintenance Letter from Noel Shanahan: and Enforcement Commission. In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what Child Support Agency, the Secretary of State promised a substantive information his Department holds on the financial circumstances reply from the Child Maintenance Commissioner as the Child of Child Support Agency-assessed cases where the non-resident Support Agency is now the responsibility of the Child Maintenance parent is not employed. [105790] and Enforcement Commission. Financial information in respect of the income for a non-resident You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what parent (NRP) is required by the Child Support Agency (CSA) to discussions he has had on assisting the Child Support Agency to determine how much child maintenance a NRP should pay in trace non-UK citizens who are non-resident parents of children respect of their children. in the UK. [105847] The information recorded is dependant upon the individual The Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission (the NRP’s circumstances and what income they receive. For example, Commission) has jurisdiction, i.e. legal authority, to make a if an NRP is employed or self-employed information regarding maintenance calculation and collect child support maintenance income from wages the NRP receives and employment details will only when the parent with care, the non-resident parent and the be recorded. qualifying child are all habitually resident in the United Kingdom The financial details that the CSA holds on non-resident (UK). Habitual residence is a legal concept which means more parents who do not receive income from employment will again than simply ’where you live’. A person can habitually reside in vary depending on an individual’s circumstances. If the NRP is in more than one country or in none. Habitual residence can continue receipt of benefit(s) then the CSA will have on record information during an absence from the UK. 1313W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1314W

In instances where we have jurisdiction, the Commission can Maria Miller: The Child Maintenance and Enforcement use its information seeking powers enshrined in child support Commission is responsible for the child maintenance legislation to identify and trace the non-resident parent. Caseworkers system. I have asked the Child Maintenance Commissioner can use a range of tools to trace non-resident parents. For to write to the hon. Member with the information example our Common Enquiry Service enables caseworkers to consider information from Income Support; Incapacity Benefit/Severe requested and arrange for a copy of the table to be Disablement Allowance/Maternity Allowance; Working Families placed in the Library. I have seen the response. Tax Credits and Job Seekers Allowance systems. If the Caseworker Letter from Noel Shanahan: is unable to locate a non-resident parent using the Common Enquiry Service, they will use a system that provides links to In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the credit reference agency data. Caseworkers can also approach the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission, the Secretary HM Revenue and Customs to request a search on their tax and of State promised a substantive reply from the Child Maintenance other databases. Commissioner. We presently do not have arrangements in place for tracking You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how non-resident parents who travel into and out of the UK. Where a much child support arrears are owed by non-resident parents to non-resident parent is not habitually resident in the UK, then the parents with care, by parliamentary constituency, in the most mechanism for securing child maintenance is the Reciprocal recent period for which figures are available. [106022] Enforcement of Maintenance Order (REMO). The REMO system The collection of child maintenance arrears continues to be a is operated by the Ministry of Justice for England and Wales and priority. It is children who lose out when parents do not live up to by the devolved administrations in Scotland and Northern Ireland. their responsibilities. We are determined to get to grips with the £3.8bn debt which has accumulated over the last 19 years and we Mr Bacon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work want to collect as much as we possibly can. and Pensions with reference to the March 2009 IT However, it is important to recognise that not all arrears can be contract agreed between the Child Maintenance and collected. Much is very old and much is no longer actually wanted Enforcement Commission and Tata Consultancy by the parent with care. A significant proportion is likely to be Services, what links to other IT systems were required revised downwards very substantially at the point the debtor finally agrees to pay and provides full information on their to be built into the new IT system for the future financial position, as it reflects interim maintenance assessments statutory child maintenance system; and which those made in the 1990s which were artificially inflated. systems were. [105987] Finally, only 59% of arrears are actually owed to parents with care; the remainder is owed to the Secretary of State rather than Maria Miller: The Child Maintenance and Enforcement parents with care in lieu of benefits paid out in the past. This is Commission is responsible for the child maintenance properly owed and should be. paid, but its collection is subject to system. I have asked the Child Maintenance Commissioner different considerations from that owed directly to parents with to write to the hon. Member with the information care. requested and I have seen the response. The table, which has been placed in the Library, shows the Letter from Noel Shanahan: amount of child maintenance arrears owed by non-resident parents as of March 2012, for cases administered on the Child Support In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the Agency’s computer systems, based on the parliamentary constituency Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission, the Secretary of the parent with care, and the subtotal which is actually owed to of State promised a substantive reply from the Child Maintenance parents with care. Commissioner. You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with Stephen Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for reference to the March 2009 IT contract agreed between the Child Work and Pensions with reference to the special teams Maintenance and Enforcement Commission and Tata Consultancy Services, what links to other IT systems were required to be built established by the Child Maintenance and into the new IT system for the future statutory child maintenance Enforcement Commission in 2010 to target historic system; and which those systems were. [105987] child maintenance arrears, what work those teams have The new computer system which is being developed by Tata undertaken since their establishment to reduce historic Consultancy Services has links to 17 other IT systems. Seven of arrears; and what assessment he has made of their these systems are owned by the Department for Work and Pensions success to date in collecting arrears owed. [106023] (DWP); the other ten are to systems external to the DWP. The seven DWP systems include: the Income Support Computer Maria Miller: The Child Maintenance and Enforcement System, the Jobseekers Allowance Computer Systems (incorporating Commission is responsible for the child maintenance Employment Support Allowance), the Programme Accounting system. I have asked the Child Maintenance Commissioner Computer System, the Central Payment System, the Customer to write to the hon. Member with the information Information System (for verifying clients) and the two existing child support computer systems—CSCS and CS2. requested and I have seen the response. The ten external systems include those for: statements and Letter from Noel Shanahan: transfers between accounts (operated by the Commission’s bank), In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the direct credits and debits to and from clients bank accounts, Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission, the Secretary employment information and taxable income records, post opening of State promised a substantive reply from the Child Maintenance and document scanning, processing debit and credit card payments, Commissioner. debit and credit card charge-backs, Simple Message System (SMS) You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with provision, credit reference checks, telephony services and the reference to the special teams established by the Child Maintenance Government Gateway (for authentication of self-service customers— and Enforcement Commission in 2010 to target historic child clients and employers). maintenance arrears, what work those teams have undertaken since their establishment to reduce historic arrears; and what Stephen Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for assessment he has made of their success to date in collecting Work and Pensions how much in child support arrears arrears owed. [106023] is owed by non-resident parents to parents with care, in In 2010 the Child Support Agency implemented a strategy to each parliamentary constituency, in the most recent recover arrears from cases that had been dormant for some period for which figures are available. [106022] considerable time. Around 40,000 cases were identified and reviewed 1315W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1316W against HM Revenue and Customs data to establish employment Letter from Noel Shanahan: details with the work to recover arrears being prioritised on those In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the cases where positive employment information had been returned. Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission, the Secretary Teams were created in all areas of the country to focus on this of State promised a substantive reply from the Child Maintenance work. There was around 400 caseworkers involved in the project. Commissioner. The teams contacted parents with care, non-resident parents You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what and employers. We found that many families had made their own the average non-resident parent child maintenance debt is that is arrangements, that many parents with care did not want to owed to (a) parents with care and (b) the Secretary of State. re-open cases and that much of the HM Revenue and Customs [106025] data was no longer current and we were still unable to trace many As at March 2012, the average amount of child maintenance of the non-resident parents listed. arrears owed to parents with care is £2,100 and the average However, our caseworkers have made considerable progress. amount of arrears owed to the Secretary of State is £2,900. As a result of this action we have cleared 21,000 cases and collected maintenance for 30,000 parents with care benefiting 39,000 children with payments totalling £23,000,000. Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of existing customers of the live and assessed caseload Stephen Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for of the Child Support Agency, who will not be invited Work and Pensions how much is outstanding in child to reapply to the future scheme; and what his criteria is maintenance payments, and by how many people, in for making such decisions. [106200] respect of sums owed to (a) the Secretary of State and (b) parents with care, broken down by cases dealt with under (i) the CSCS computer systems, (ii) the CS2 Maria Miller: The Child Maintenance and Enforcement computer system and (iii) off-main-systems Commission is responsible for the child maintenance arrangements. [106024] system. I have asked the Child Maintenance Commissioner to write to the hon. Member with the information Maria Miller: The Child Maintenance and Enforcement requested and I have seen the response. Commission is responsible for the child maintenance Letter from Noel Shanahan: system. I have asked the Child Maintenance Commissioner In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the to write to the hon. Member with the information Child Support Agency, the Secretary of State promised a substantive requested and I have seen the response. reply from the Child Maintenance Commissioner as the Child Support Agency is now the responsibility of the Child Maintenance Letter from Noel Shanahan: and Enforcement Commission. In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission, the Secretary estimate he has made of the number of existing customers of the of State promised a substantive reply from the Child Maintenance live and assessed caseload of the Child Support Agency, who will Commissioner. not be invited to reapply to the future scheme; and what his You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how criteria is for making such decisions. [106200] much is outstanding in child maintenance payments, and by how We will run the new scheme for new cases only for at least six many people, in respect of sums owed to (a) the Secretary of State months, to ensure it is working and delivering an improved client and (b) parents with care, broken down by cases dealt with under service. At that point, we will begin to close all existing Child (i) the CSCS computer system, (ii) the CS2 computer system and Support Agency cases, provide support to them to enable them to (iii) off-main-systems arrangements. [106024] make a family-based arrangement and, if they are unable to do At March 2012, the total amount of outstanding child maintenance this, to choose whether to apply to the new scheme. It will take arrears was £3.8bn. about three years for us to complete the closure process for all The table below shows the total number of cases with arrears relevant clients. and the amount of arrears split by computer system and creditor. The only CSA clients who will not be invited to make a choice between a family-based arrangement and an application for the Computer Arrears owed to the Secretary Arrears owed to parents with new scheme are those whose cases will close naturally, usually system of State care because the child or children have grown up before the end of the Arrears Arrears case closure period. amount (£ Number of amount (£ Number of million) cases million) cases We are in the process of refining assumptions as to the number of clients whose cases will be closed and the estimates will be CSCS 798 172,500 684 194,400 published alongside the impact assessment covering charging and CS2 760 370,700 1,558 854,300 case closure later this year. Arrears for the majority of cases managed off the computer system will be included in the CS2 information. It is not currently Disability Living Allowance possible to report off system arrears information separately. Mrs McGuire: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Stephen Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for and Pensions (1) how many people who have identified Work and Pensions what the average non-resident restricted growth as their primary disability are parent child maintenance debt is that is owed to (a) currently in receipt of disability living allowance parents with care and (b) the Secretary of State. broken down by higher/lower rate mobility and [106025] higher/middle and lower rate care components for the latest period for which figures are available; [104127] Maria Miller: The Child Maintenance and Enforcement (2) how many people with restricted growth Commission is responsible for the child maintenance identified as their primary disability have had their system. I have asked the Child Maintenance Commissioner entitlement to disability living allowance withdrawn in to write to the hon. Member with the information (a) the last financial year and (b) the latest period for requested and I have seen the response. which figures are available. [104128] 1317W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1318W

Maria Miller: The information requested is not available Lower Rate Mobility Component 100 in the format requested. Such Information as is available Nil Rate Mobility Component 10 is included in the following table. National Statistics Notes: datasets available for analysis do not hold information 1. Case loads are rounded to the nearest 10. Totals may not sum due to on disability living allowance recipients who have had rounding. their entitlement withdrawn. 2. Totals show the number of people in receipt of an allowance, and exclude people with entitlement where the payment has been suspended, for example if Disability living allowance (DLA) cases in payment by disabling condition and they are in hospital. mobility and care award type: August 2011 3. Where more than one disability is present only the main disabling condition is recorded. Information on the main disabling condition is published on the Disease of the Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study (WPLS 100%) tabulation tool from Muscles, Bones or Metabolic May 2011. All Joints disease 4. Prior to October 2008 recipients of disability living allowance (DLA) were classified to one of 50 disabling conditions. After October 2008 claimants were All 3,222,690 196,510 10,540 allocated to a disabling condition using a more detailed range of more than 500 Higher Rate 1,788,340 142,330 7,180 classifications however the department does not publish these finer classifications. Mobility For publication purposes the classifications are mapped to the broader classifications Lower Rate 1,014,850 8,390 1,160 as approximately 60% of disabling condition codes on the system are currently Mobility recorded under the previous classifications. 5. Blindness and deaf/blind encompass a range of sight impairments and visual Nil Rate Mobility 419,500 45,790 2,220 diseases. Higher Rate Care 760,000 32,990 3,020 6. These figures include a small number of people who may have a visual disease Middle Rate Care 1,087,620 45,760 3,520 but not a sight impairment. We cannot disaggregate this information. 7. Figures are published on the tabulation tool: Lower Rate Care 903,380 82,430 2,670 http://statistics.dwp.gov.uk/asd/index.php?page=tabtool Nil Rate Care 471,700 35,330 1,340 Source: Notes: DWP Information. Governance and Security Directorate: Work and Pensions 1. Case loads are rounded to the nearest 10. Totals may not sum due to Longitudinal Study rounding. 2. Totals show the number of people in receipt of an allowance, and exclude people with entitlement where the payment has been suspended, for example if Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for they are in hospital. Work and Pensions how many people in Glasgow 3. Where more than one disability is present only the main disabling condition North constituency who have identified sight is recorded. Main disabling condition is published on the Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study (WPLS 100%) tabulation tool from May 2011. impairment as their primary disability received 4. There are many causes of restricted growth, only the commonest is coded disability living allowance in each higher and lower rate separately by the DWP, this is ’Achondroplasia [O42]’. The DWP records two mobility and higher and middle and lower rate care other categories separately that may include people whose primary disability relates to their restricted growth, these are ’Growth hormone deficiency [S02]’ components in the latest period for which figures are and ’Other genetic disorders, dysplasias and malformations [O50]’. available. [105270] 5. Prior to October 2008 recipients of disability living allowance (DLA) were classified to one of 50 disabling conditions. After October 2008 claimants were allocated to a disabling condition using a more detailed range of more than Maria Miller: The information is not available in the 500 classifications however the department does not publish these finer classifications. For publication purposes the classifications are mapped to the format requested. Such information as is available is broader classifications as approximately 60% of disabling condition codes on contained in the following table. the system are currently recorded under the previous classifications. 6. ’Achondraplasia’ and ’Other genetic disorders, dysplasias and Disability living allowance (DLA) cases in payment in Glasgow North malformations’ form part of the Disease of the Muscles, Bones or Joints parliamentary constituency where the main disabling condition is classified as group. ’Growth hormone deficiency’ forms part of the Metabolic Disease blindness or deaf/blind by care and mobility rate: August 2011 group. Number 7. Figures are published on the tabulation tool: http://statistics.dwp.gov.uk/asd/index.php?page=tabtool Total 90 Source: Higher Rate Care Component — DWP Information Directorate: Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study. Middle Rate Care Component 30 Lower Rate Care component 40 Mr Frank Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Nil Rate Care Component 10 Work and Pensions how many people in Motherwell Higher Rate Mobility Component 20 and Wishaw constituency who have identified sight Lower Rate Mobility Component 70 impairment as their primary disability are currently Nil Rate Mobility Component — receiving disability living allowance in each higher and Notes: 1. Case loads are rounded to the nearest 10. Totals may not sum due to lower rate mobility and higher and middle and lower rounding. ‘—’ denotes nil or negligible. rate care components for the latest period for which 2. Totals show the number of people in receipt of an allowance, and exclude figures are available. [104973] people with entitlement where the payment has been suspended, for example if they are in hospital. 3. Where more than one disability is present only the main disabling condition is recorded. Information on the main disabling condition is published on the Maria Miller: The information is not available in the Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study (WPLS 100%) tabulation tool from format requested. Such information as is available is May 2011. 4. Prior to October 2008 recipients of disability living allowance (DLA) were contained in the following table. classified to one of 50 disabling conditions. After October 2008 claimants were allocated to a disabling condition using a more detailed range of more than 500 Disability living allowance (DLA) cases in payment in Motherwell and Wishaw classifications however the department does not publish these finer classifications. parliamentary constituency where the main disabling condition is blindness or For publication purposes the classifications are mapped to the broader classifications deaf/blind by care and mobility rate: August 2011 as approximately 60% of disabling condition codes on the system are currently recorded under the previous classifications. Number 5. Blindness and deaf/blind encompass a range of sight impairments and visual Total 140 diseases. 6. These figures include a small number of people who may have a visual disease Higher Rate Care Component 10 but not a sight impairment. We cannot disaggregate this information. Middle Rate Care Component 50 7. Figures are published on the tabulation tool: Lower Rate Care component 60 http://statistics.dwp.gov.uk/asd/index.php?page=tabtool Source: Nil Rate Care Component 20 DWP Information, Governance and Security Directorate: Work and Pensions Higher Rate Mobility Component 30 Longitudinal Study 1319W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1320W

Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Chris Grayling: The Department recently published and Pensions how many representations his official statistics on Incapacity Benefit Reassessment, Department has received on the complexity of the covering all claims that started the reassessment process disability living allowance application form; and how up to the end of July 2011. The publication can be many appeals against decisions taken have resulted found on the departmental website here: from this. [106136] http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/workingage/ index.php?page=esa_ibr Maria Miller: Disability living allowance (DLA) is a Information on the number of appeals against IB complex benefit and the claim form has been developed reassessment outcomes is not available. to ensure that all the necessary information is gathered to allow the correct entitlement to be assessed. Employment Schemes DLA has, over the last five years, introduced a cycle of continuous improvement in the enhancement and development of its claim forms. Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many placements on the Feedback and ideas are sought form the PDCS Advisory Mandatory Work Activity scheme have been Forum, customer representative groups and staff. contracted nationwide. [106240] We do not collect data on the number of appeals that are received as a result of customers finding the claim Chris Grayling: The Department has made available form difficult to complete. Where a customer is unhappy around 19,000 contracted Mandatory Work Activity with a decision they are encouraged to seek a placements per year nationwide. reconsideration prior to any appeal and at this stage Claimants are referred to Mandatory Work Activity concerns over claim form completion should be identified based on their needs. There is no set number of and resolved. referrals required. We pay for each claimant who starts We acknowledge that the DLA application form is a placement. long and complex and that is why as part of the introduction of personal independent payment from April 2013—we Employment Schemes: Young People are seeking to simplify the application process, make it more accessible and easier to understand. Mr Leech: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the Employers’ Liability effectiveness of the Youth Contract in reducing youth unemployment. [104830] Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of Chris Grayling: The Youth Contract was introduced the factors accounting for the time taken to establish in April 2012 to provide additional support, worth the Employers Liability Insurance Bureau; and when almost £1 billion, to young unemployed people over the he expects to announce a date for its establishment. next three years. [106241] The Department are developing an evaluation strategy for the Youth Contract. Chris Grayling: We are taking this issue extremely seriously. The YouthContract will provide nearly half-a-million new opportunities for young people. It builds on existing The issues raised are complex, and to ensure we get support available through Jobcentre Plus and Work this right we have been working intensely with stakeholders programme, enabling young unemployed people to look over the past 18 months to find a solution. We hope to for work, gain work experience and skills and find real, provide an update on progress before the summer recess. lasting jobs.

Employment and Support Allowance Funeral Payments

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Work and Pensions what proportion of those who and Pensions how many (a) successful and (b) entered the employment and support allowance work- unsuccessful applications for the social fund funeral related activity group between the introduction of payment in Scotland his Department received in each employment and support allowance and April 2010 left of the last five years. [105646] it within (a) one year and (b) two years. [106238] Steve Webb: The following table provides the Chris Grayling: The information requested is not figures on the total number of funeral payment available. applications and awards for Scotland received in the last five years. Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of those Funeral payment applications and awards over the past five years in Scotland previously on incapacity benefit who have been Applications Awards reassessed for employment and support allowance and 2007-08 8,700 5,700 (a) placed into the work-related activity group and (b) 2008-09 8,600 5,400 found fit for work have appealed against the decision. 2009-10 8,400 5,200 [106239] 2010-11 8,300 4,600 1321W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1322W

Funeral payment applications and awards over the past five years in Scotland arrears, payment is made to the landlord. The Government Applications Awards plan to broadly replicate these provision within universal 2011-12 8,500 4,200 credit. We have also introduced a new temporary safeguard Notes: to allow local authorities to pay housing benefit direct 1. The information provided is Management Information. Our preference is to to the landlord where it helps a claimant secure or answer all parliamentary questions using Official/National Statistics but in this retain a tenancy at a reduced rent. 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, these amounts do not include expenditure on applications Maternity Pay which were processed clerically and have not yet been entered on to the Social Fund Computer System. 2. All figures have been rounded to the nearest 100. Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Source: Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the Department for Work and Pensions Social Fund Policy, Budget and Management Information System statutory maternity pay caseload in each of the next five years. [105855] Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what average amount was (a) asked for Maria Miller: The information requested is provided and (b) awarded by his Department in response to in the following table: applications to the social fund funeral payment in SMP caseload Scotland in each of the last five years. [105648] Thousand

Steve Webb: Information on the average amount 2012-13 232 asked for on a social fund funeral payment application 2013-14 235 is not collected. The following table provides the figures 2014-15 235 showing the average funeral payment award in Scotland 2015-16 234 in each of the last five years. 2016-17 234 Average amount awarded for funeral payment over past five years in Scotland This represents the average number of women expected Average award to be in receipt of statutory maternity pay (SMP) on Applications Awards (£) any given day within the financial year. 2007-08 8,700 5,700 1,200 2008-09 8,600 5,400 1,200 Occupational Pensions 2009-10 8,400 5,200 1,200 2010-11 8,300 4,600 1,300 Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Work 2011-12 8,500 4,200 1,500 and Pensions what assessment his Department has Source: made of the (a) cost and (b) administrative burden of Department for Work and Pensions Social Fund Policy, Budget and Management Information System a voluntary, any time opt-out from the automatic Notes: enrolment regulations for temporary workers; and 1. The information provided is Management Information. Our preference is to what steps his Department has taken to minimise the answer all parliamentary questions using Official/National Statistics but in this case we only have Management Information available. It is not quality assured administrative obligations for (i) agency workers and to the same extent as Official/National statistics and there are some issues with (ii) agencies. [105232] the data, for example, these amounts do not include expenditure on applications which were processed clerically and have not yet been entered on to the Social Fund Computer System. Steve Webb: We have not made an assessment of the 2. All figures have been rounded to the nearest 100. cost and burden of an ‘any time opt out’ for automatic enrolment. Housing Benefit Automatic enrolment is designed to tackle the problem of increased longevity coupled with widespread under Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work saving for retirement. and Pensions pursuant to the written answer of 19 It will transform the UK’s long-term savings culture April 2012, Official Report, column 467W, on housing and support individuals in taking responsibility for benefit, on what dates he has met representatives of the their retirement. The reforms are designed to harness (a) National Landlords Association and (b) people’s decision making inertia by creating a presumption Residential Landlords Association to discuss direct that they will save for their retirement in a workplace payment of housing benefit to tenants under universal pension. credit; and if he will make a statement. [105906] Each time an individual begins a new job with an Steve Webb: The Minister for Welfare Reform, the employer, they must be automatically enrolled if they noble Lord, Lord Freud, met with landlords associations, are eligible. A decision to opt out in one employment including representatives from the National Landlords should not mean that an individual is not automatically Association and the Residential Landlords Association enrolled in a subsequent one when their circumstances on 18 October 2011. A number of issues were discussed, may be different. including the direct payment of universal credit to We have taken steps to minimise the administrative tenants. In addition, my officials often meet with landlords’ burdens of the workplace pension reforms. representatives and plan to do so again in the near In particular, the Pensions Act 2011 introduces an future. optional waiting period which allows an employer to At present, under the local housing allowance (LHA) defer a worker’s automatic enrolment date by up to arrangements, housing benefit is paid to claimants in three months. This will particularly benefit those employers, the majority of cases. For some claimants who are likely including agencies, who employ workers on contracts of to run into financial difficulties or have built up significant less than three months. 1323W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1324W

Furthermore, we have, for example, simplified the Pensions legislation which requires employers to provide all workers with specific information at specific times. This will Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Work make it easier for employers to understand and to and Pensions (1) what savings will accrue to the public administer. purse from the abolition of savings credit for new pensioners in each fiscal year from 2015-16 to 2019-20; Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Work [105919] and Pensions what assessment his Department has (2) what estimate he has made of the saving that made of the effect on the competitiveness of the agency would be made by the introduction of a seven-year worker industry of the staged implementation scheme minimum qualifying rule for the new flat-rate state for the automatic enrolment regulations. [105233] pension in (a) 2015-16, (b) 2016-17, (c) 2017-18, (d) 2018-19 and (e) 2019-20; [105960] Steve Webb: Staging employers into automatic enrolment (3) how many new pensioners will no longer be duties over time is essential to ensure a smooth roll out entitled to savings credit once it is abolished for new and make implementation manageable for employers pensioners in (a) 2015-16, (b) 2016-17, (c) 2017-18, and the pensions industry.The Government has concluded (d) 2018-19 and (d) 2019-20; [105962] that staging employers by the number of employees is (4) what the average value per year will be for a new the best approach. pensioner no longer entitled to Savings Credit once it is The approach to implementation has been abolished for new pensioners. [106211] designed to minimise any impact on competition with minimum employer contributions set at just 1% of Steve Webb: As announced by the Chancellor in his a band of earnings over the implementation period. Budget, I can confirm that we will bring forward further Minimum contributions only increase beyond this level detail on the reform of the state pension in a White once all existing employers have been brought into the Paper to be published later in the spring, along with a reforms. full impact assessment as part of the normal process. The effect on competition between employers, including Final decisions on the detailed implementation of the agencies, is explored in the Impact Assessment on the policy will be made at the next spending review. Workplace Pension Reform Regulations of 12 January 2010, a copy of which can be found in the House Personal Independence Payment Library. Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Work and Pensions (1) in what circumstances a and Pensions what mechanisms his Department has partially sighted person may qualify for the personal put in place to (a) monitor the impact of the independence payment when applying for work; automatic enrolment regulations on the whether such an application would be means-tested; competitiveness and flexibility of the agency worker and if he will make a statement; [105518] industry and (b) review the provisions of the (2) in what circumstances a partially sighted person regulations once their effect has been evaluated. applying for work would qualify for (a) the personal [105234] independence payment and (b) employment and support allowance. [105519] Steve Webb: We are committed to a full evaluation of the impact of the workplace pension reforms on different Maria Miller: Personal independence payment can sectors of the economy. A copy of the workplace pension be paid to people who are in work or out of work. It will reform evaluation strategy can be found at: be non-means-tested, so earnings and other sources of http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd5/rports2011-2012/ income will not affect the amount of personal independence rrep764.pdf payment payable. It will also be a non-taxable benefit. The Department will undertake a review of the The Government spends £40 billion supporting disabled regulations at the appropriate time, should the evaluation people through services and benefits. Personal independence show that to be necessary. payment is being designed to ensure that those who face the greatest barriers to living an independent life will be PAYE in receipt of the right level of support that recognises the individual’s needs. Therefore entitlement to personal independence payment will be based on the extent to Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for which an individual’s health condition or impairment Work and Pensions what monthly data his Department affects their day to day life, not on the nature of the will receive during HM Revenue and Custom’s pilot of health condition itself. PAYE real time information. [105858] A partially sighted person would qualify for employment and support allowance if they meet the entitlement Chris Grayling: DWP staff are taking a full part in conditions. A key factor in determining eligibility for monitoring the progress of the initial controlled go live employment and support allowance is the work capability of the RTI pilot. There is agreement between the RTI assessment which looks at functional capability and and Universal Credit programmes that regular reports how an individual’s condition affects their ability to on progress with the pilot will be exchanged. However, undertake a range of activities. The medical condition no data attributable to an actual taxpayer will be exchanged recorded on a claim form does not in itself confer during the pilot year. entitlement to employment and support allowance. 1325W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1326W

Mr Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for Maria Miller: The Remploy Board started collective Work and Pensions how many people registered as consultation on 19 March 2012 on the proposed closure blind or partially sighted in St Helens South and of 36 factories the board considers are unlikely to Whiston constituency will be affected by the change achieve independent financial viability. It is important from disability living allowance to personal to be absolutely clear that all decisions about proposed independence payment. [105574] factory closures and redundancies are subject to this ongoing collective consultation process and that no Maria Miller: The information you have requested is final decisions have been made about these matters. As not available. As part of the formal consultation on the part of collective consultation, the Remploy Board will second draft of the assessment criteria, my Department consider all proposals to avoid compulsory redundancy. published information on the estimated benefit caseload Remploy is currently in the first stage of its commercial under personal independence payment. This information, process with regard to exit of the businesses, or parts of which is only available for Great Britain, is in the the businesses which are currently proposed for closure. ‘Personal Independence Payment: assessment thresholds The Remploy Board welcomes any proposals for the consultation’, published in January 2012. It can be exit of businesses or parts of businesses, to the extent accessed on the Department for Work and Pensions that such exits would be one way to reduce the risk of website. redundancies, which may result if one or more of the Public Consultation factories proposed for closure is closed. As part of the commercial process interested parties Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and will have access to commercial information subject to a Pensions (1) which of his Department’s consultations non-disclosure agreement. Public release of information have been externally verified since 2007; for what outside of this process could prejudice the commercial reason and by whom such verification was carried out; process and is therefore inappropriate at this stage. and what the cost to the public purse was of such Information about tenure and running costs of sites verification; [104082] can be found at: (2) whether his Department collects the IP addresses http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/sayce-kpmg-report.pdf of respondents to its consultations; [104083] All information on Remploy’s commercial operations (3) whether his Department accepts anonymous is available on the Remploy contributions to its consultations. [104084] website at: http://www.remploy.co.uk/news-and-media/proposed- Chris Grayling: The Department for Work and Pensions changes-to-remploy/commercial-process.ashx is guided in its consultations by the Government code of practice on consultation. The information requested Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Work on external verification could be obtained only at and Pensions how many requests he has received from disproportionate cost. each Remploy site to recruit apprentices in the last six All consultation responses are considered carefully. months; and how many (a) apprenticeship vacancies The Department prefers respondents to identify themselves were advertised at each site and (b) apprentices were and offers to treat responses in confidence, but accepts taken on by each site. [104678] anonymous contributions provided they are considered to be unique and relevant to the consultation. Maria Miller: The Department for Work and Pensions The Department does not collect IP addresses of has not received any requests from any of the Remploy respondents to consultations published on the DWP sites to recruit apprentices in the last six months. No website. apprenticeship vacancies have been advertised and no apprentices taken on by Remploy at any site. In respect Remploy of the Remploy site in the hon. Member’s constituency, Remploy have informed me that there have been three Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work apprentices working on the premises, one since 31 October and Pensions (1) what the cost to the public purse has 2011 and two since 7 November. These people are not been of refitting, repairing and general maintenance of employed by Remploy. Remploy have confirmed that each Remploy building earmarked for vacation or they are employed by a separate company that has a closure in each of the last five years; [104035] distribution agreement with Remploy. (2) which Remploy facilities identified for vacation Social Security Benefits following the announcement of the closure programme are (a) owned and (b) leased; what estimate his Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Department has made of the costs of relinquishing Work and Pensions how he proposes local authorities those leases; and what estimate it has made of the cost will obtain tax credit and child benefit information to of vacating these offices; [104037] deliver the household benefit cap for families not (3) what the running costs were of each Remploy receiving universal credit. [105851] factory in Scotland in each of the last five years; and what the fixed accommodation cash running costs of Chris Grayling: The Department intends to ensure Remploy factories in Scotland were over each of the that the required data can be shared, appropriately, to last five years; [104041] enable implementation of the benefit cap prior to the (4) with which estate partners Remploy holds start of universal credit. Officials are currently working contracts relating to accommodation and facilities up the detailed design of the benefit cap, in conjunction management for its offices in Scotland. [104043] with local authorities. 1327W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1328W

Social Security Benefits: Foreign Nationals EU law, in the latest period for which figures are available; and how much was paid out to those persons other than under any entitlements under EU law, by Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Secretary of State for type of benefit; [105914] Work and Pensions to which benefits and other forms of social assistance the right-to-reside test is applied; (2) how many foreign nationals received social and what representations he has received from the security benefits by virtue of EU law, in the latest European Commission on the application of the test. period for which figures are available, by nationality; [105846] and how much was paid to persons of each nationality, broken down by type of benefit. [105918] Chris Grayling: The habitual residence test is applied to people who wish to claim income-related benefits Chris Grayling: The information is not available in (income support, income-based jobseeker’s allowance, the form requested. income-based employment and support allowance, However, my Department published statistics on the pension credit, housing benefit and council tax benefit). nationality of working age benefit recipients called The habitual residence test has two elements: a legal “Nationality at point of National Insurance number right to reside and an objective assessment of factual registration of DWP benefit claimants” on 20 January evidence of habitual residence. An EU national has 2012. This can be found at: a right to live in another member state as long as they http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/adhoc_analysis/ are a ‘qualified person’. The Immigration (European index.php?page=adhoc_analysis_2012_q1 Economic Area) Regulations 2006 transpose this and I have also placed a copy in the Library. directive into UK law, and define a qualified person who has a right to reside as someone who is a worker; Social Security Benefits: Medical Examinations a self-employed person; a job seeker; a self-sufficient person or a student. In considering whether a person is Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Work factually habitually resident, decision makers who decide and Pensions when his Department plans to publish entitlement to benefit, consider a wide variety of factors. the findings of the trial audio recording of medical These include evidence of intention to remain and interviews conducted by ATOS in April 2011. [105913] attachment to the UK. Each case is treated on its own merits, in the light of the person’s individual circumstances. Chris Grayling: In his year one review, Professor The habitual residence test is applied irrespective of age Harrington recommended piloting the audio recording or nationality. of face-to-face assessments. The Department commissioned Contributory benefits (contribution-based jobseekers Atos to run a small pilot which was undertaken in the allowance, state pension and contribution-based spring 2011. The findings are in the following report employment and support allowance) are payable to (published on 25 April 2012). anyone who satisfies the contribution and other conditions http://www.dwp.gov.uk/policy/welfare-reform/employment- for the benefit, regardless of nationality. and-support/wca-independent-review/year-one/ On 29 September 2011 the Government received a communication from-the European Commission in the Social Security Benefits: Turkey form of a Reasoned Opinion in which the Commission states that the application of the ’right to reside test″ to Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Work claims for certain residence-based non-contributory benefits and Pensions what his policy is on the proposal from constitutes an unjustified discrimination prohibited by the European Commission for a Council decision on the EU Regulations on social security coordination. the position to be taken on behalf of the European The Government responded in November 2011 and Union within the Association Council set up by the we have not had any further representation from the agreement establishing an association between the Commission on this issue since then. European Economic Community and Turkey with regard to the provisions on the co-ordination of social We have a legal duty to provide support to people security systems, COM(2012) 152 final; and whether he who come to this country, in line with our national and has made an assessment of the potential effect on the international obligations. It is also necessary to protect UK of this decision. [105845] the taxpayer and the benefit system from possible abuse. It is unacceptable that we should be asked to open our Chris Grayling: The Government takes the very firm welfare system to people who have never worked or view that there should be no opening up of our welfare contributed in the United Kingdom and have no intention system to people coming from abroad who do not of doing so. intend to work and contribute to British society. The We need to make sure that the rules which apply Government has stated in the past that, as a matter of when people from outside the UK come here do not principle, it does not intend to participate in EU agreements allow people to take inappropriate advantage of our with third countries which extend social security rights. benefit system and the Government is committed to The Government notes that the European Commission ensuring that the rules governing the payment of benefits has based its proposal on article 48 of the treaty on the to people from abroad are kept under review. Functioning of the European Union, on social security provisions to provide freedom of movement for workers. Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Secretary of State for The Commission, in part, justifies this by comparing Work and Pensions (1) how many nationals of the extension of the internal market between the EU countries outside the EEA were receiving social and Turkey to the EU agreements with the EEA and security benefits from the UK, other than by virtue of Switzerland. The Government is already taking legal 1329W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1330W action in the Court of Justice of the European Union in Chris Grayling: Universal credit is forecasting to spend relation to the treaty base in recent changes to those £250 million on IT development in the 2012-13 financial agreements, and will also take every appropriate action year based on current plans. No individual contract will in relation to the proposals on Turkey. exceed £100 million.

State Retirement Pensions Welfare to Work

Mr Holloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for and Pensions how much pension a single pensioner Work and Pensions (1) whether any investigations by with no other income or capital reaching pensionable his Department of welfare to work providers have age on 11 April 2012 will receive if their pension was resulted in the referrals to or involvement of (a) the paid (a) weekly, (b) fortnightly, (c) four-weekly and police, (b) the Crown Prosecution Service and (c) any (d) 13-weekly in each of the next three years; how other prosecuting body in the latest period for which much each such pensioner would receive annually in figures are available; and what the result was of any pension payments; what the annual entitlement would such referral; [106274] be for each such pensioner for tax purposes; and how (2) pursuant to the evidence of the Minister for much tax would be payable by each such pensioner in Employment to the Work and Pensions Committee of each such year, based upon current rules and 19 March 2012, HC 1903, Q61, what the subjects were projections. [106110] of the 125 allegations related to welfare to work contracts with his Department since 2005; how many Steve Webb: The average entitlement to state pension of the allegations were treated as accounting errors or for a person reaching pensionable age in the April 2012 similar; how many resulted in further investigation; is estimated to be £130 per week which equates to an which providers were involved in allegations which annual value of approximately £6,779. The frequency were investigated; and how many investigations each with which the pension is paid does not affect the provider has experienced. [106279] annual value. An individual’s tax liability depends upon their total Chris Grayling: The Department treats any allegation taxable income in the tax year, including their state of fraud by contractors very seriously. Any fraud is pension entitlement and the personal allowances they completely unacceptable. Where we identify, or are notified are entitled to. For 2012-13, the income tax personal of, allegations of contractor fraud, these cases are allowance for someone aged under 65 is £8,105, so a investigated thoroughly by DWP’s professionally trained pensioner entitled to an annual state pension of £6,779 and experienced investigations to a standard required who has no other taxable income is not liable to income to support reference to the police whenever evidence of tax. criminal offences is discovered. For 2012-13, people aged 65 and over are entitled to When an allegation of fraud against a provider is higher personal allowances. received, we assess whether further inquiries are appropriate. Notes: Cases are accepted for investigation if allegations refer 1. Figures refer to basic state pension and additional state pension to potential fraud by a prime or sub contractor and including graduated retirement benefit. there is evidence of a potentially serious, or criminal, 2. Figures refer to individuals resident in Great Britain in receipt matter in the allegations made. of some state pension and reaching state pension age in April 2012. In the 2011-12 financial year, two investigations by DWP relating to welfare to work providers were referred 3. The figures exclude additional amounts paid to individuals to the police. Both of these police investigations are who deferred claiming their state pension. ongoing. Neither case relates to the Work Programme. 4. The figures include own and inherited amounts. Source: Between 1 April 2006 and 31 March 2012 there have been 126 investigations into allegations of potential DWP calculations based on DWP 5% sample administrative data fraud by Welfare to Work providers, five of which are and ONS price indices statistics. on-going. The subject of the allegations in these cases is of a similar nature, that false representations have been Universal Credit made to claim fees, for example falsifying documentation in relation to client signatures, employers’ verification Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for or details of the service provided. Work and Pensions whether the limit in the Budget of In the course of the investigation, the investigator £2.5 billion on the additional cost of universal credit will gather evidence to establish the facts and determine from 2015-16 will be based on forecast AME whether there is a case to answer by: expenditure; and if he will make a statement. [105850] recovering and analysing data and documentation; Chris Grayling: The £2.5 billion figure will be based interviewing DWP and contractor employees, including any suspects; on forecast AME expenditure and is a flat-cash figure and so not uprated for pay and prices. approaching other DWP and contractor employees, customers and other individuals for written witness statements; Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for examining available system and written records. Work and Pensions how much of the funding allocated Internal Investigation reports set out the findings, to universal credit he plans to spend on IT outcomes and conclusion of an investigation undertaken development in 2012-13. [106237] in light of the allegations received. 1331W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1332W

Where the allegations are unproven (or unfounded), any witness interviews undertaken and what they have no further action is taken. said. The Department has a general duty of care and Where the investigation identifies evidence of procedural obligations under the Human Rights Act and Data non-compliance, but not evidence of prima facie fraud, Protection Act to safeguard individuals and to handle these enable the contract management team to seek personal data securely. In respect of witness statements, appropriate remedies (e.g. repayment; control improvement, witnesses are not ordinarily protected under the provisions etc.). of whistleblowing legislation and may be vulnerable to reprisals by their employer as well as retribution by If sufficient evidence of criminal offences is identified, people implicated in witness statements. In addition to investigators will refer the matter to the police. Each the impact on individuals, full disclosure of reports investigation case is unique and must be considered on would be likely to put at risk the co-operation of individuals its own merits. In determining whether it is appropriate on whom an investigation can depend. Furthermore, to involve the police, consideration is given to a number disclosure of both investigative practice and any of factors, including the strength of evidence available, vulnerabilities exploited by individuals may increase the whether evidence can be attributed to the actions of an vulnerability of the system overall. individual(s), whether and how they benefited from their actions, and any intelligence on similar previous It is also not ordinarily appropriate to publicise the investigations involving the contractor. Where there is details of specific investigation cases (e.g. provider details, evidence of an individual falsifying documentation to nature of allegation, and outcomes of investigation): support false payment claims or where additional factors Disclosure of unproven (or unfounded) allegations could result are evident, such as collusion, we will always refer the in litigation against the Department and damage a provider’s commercial standing. case to the police. Disclosure of specific cases where the investigation identifies The City of London Police is recognised as the national evidence of procedural non-compliance, but not evidence of lead Force, and a centre of excellence, for fraud investigation prima facie fraud, could impact on the willingness of providers or across the UK. They have confirmed that the criteria whistleblowers to bring matters or concerns to our attention in DWP applies in determining whether to refer cases to the first place and/or damage contractual relationships. The Regional Police Forces are both reasonable and appropriate. Department’s contractual relationship with providers is built on They have also confirmed that the considerations made partnership and joint working. are aligned to the general principles applied by the Premature disclosure of cases where there is evidence of prima police when deciding whether to investigate cases and facie fraud may potentially prejudice or damage future DWP or police investigations. The police have been clear when conducting allocate resources. investigations that publishing any details of an investigation may In addition to referral of cases to regional police carry a serious risk of prejudice to any further action by the where appropriate, in line with measures taken by City police and/or the courts. The police may pursue investigations of London Police to increase intelligence gathering on where patterns in suspected offences (e.g. highlighting links between fraud related matters, DWP reports all cases where people, organisations, location and events) become evident from such intelligence collected over time. Intelligence of this nature there are grounds to suspect criminal offences to the remains relevant and must be held for a minimum of six years in National Fraud Intelligence Bureau database maintained line with guidance produced by the National Policing Improvement by City of London Police. This enables the police to be Agency. sighted on cases being investigated in a centralised and The Department will, however, publicise critical cases co-ordinated way. It also enables them to build intelligence once proceedings have begun, and publicise any subsequent on individuals and organisations, provides an efficient sentencing. protocol and interface for disclosing information on When asked, such as in response to parliamentary fraud at a national level and enables patterns in fraud-related questions and Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, crime to be identified. the Department has disclosed statistical information on Of these 126 investigations between 1 April 2006 and investigations, including as an example, the number of 31 March 2012, 46 resulted in a case to answer, of which investigations undertaken; the number of cases where 22 had evidence of procedural non-compliance and there are suspicions of criminality; and the number of 24 had evidence of false representation. 10 of these cases where payments had been claimed that were not cases have been referred to the police. due under the contract and the amounts were repaid. Internal Investigation reports contain specimen evidence The Department now intends to publish said information and the results of analysis of provider claims that (annually). The information in respect of contracted typically include customer details and other confidential employment practice for 2006-07 to 2011 -12 is shown information. In addition reports may contain details of in the following table.

Contracted employment investigation cases at 31 March 2012 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 Totals

Accepted Cases 25 34 14 14 23 16 126 On-Going Cases — — — — — 5 5 Closed Cases 8 27 29 16 25 16 121 No Case to Answer 6 15 16 11 18 9 75

Case to Answer 2 12 13 5 7 7 46 Non-Compliance 2 7 613322 FalseRepresentations—5744424 1333W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1334W

Contracted employment investigation cases at 31 March 2012 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 Totals

Referrals to Police1 —12411 9 Prosecutions — — — 1 — — 1 1 Closed cases only. Data are reflected in the year cases closed, not necessarily the year the matter was referred to the police or prosecuted. In 2011-12 two cases have been referred to the police. One case has been concluded by the Department. The other is ongoing and is included in the ongoing case figure.

The Department will also disclose information on the The Government published estimates of the distributional number and value of contractor investigations where a impact of the packages of announced tax and benefit loss was identified within its Losses and Special Payments measures which can be found at: Note in the Annual Report and Accounts. http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/junebudget_annexa.pdf When asked to disclose details of specific investigation http://cdn.hm-treasury.gov.uk/sr2010_annexb.pdf cases, the Department will use the policy set out above to assess what if any information can be released into the public domain. The expectation is that the Department will commonly decline to provide such details, and will ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS apply recognised FOI exemptions from disclosure, where appropriate: this will principally be Section 30 (investigations Addison Lee and proceedings conducted by public authorities), with consideration of the public interest factors for and Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for against disclosure being made on a case by case basis. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what meetings (a) Ministers, (b) special advisers and (c) officials in Work Capability Assessment her Department have had with John Griffin of Addison Lee since 12 May 2010. [105112] Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many work capability Richard Benyon: No Ministers, special advisers or assessment decisions have been subject to compulsory senior officials in core DEFRA (permanent secretary reconsideration before appeal; and what the outcomes and directors-general) have had any meetings with John of such reconsiderations have been. [105859] Griffin of Addison Lee since 12 May 2010. Meetings held by the permanent secretary and Ministers with Chris Grayling: Work capability assessment decisions external organisations are published quarterly on the are currently not subject to mandatory reconsideration DEFRA website at: before appeal. http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/about/who/ministers/ The Welfare Reform Act 2012 will introduce changes transparency/ to the appeals process so claimants must seek a revision and of the disputed decision before making an appeal to the http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/about/who/management/ first-tier tribunal. An increase in the volumes of social security appeals has led to a substantial increase in the Agriculture Tribunals Service caseload and longer waiting times for appeals to be heard. These measures aim to ensure Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State timely, proportionate and more efficient dispute resolution. for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what The Department proposes to begin implementation assessment she has made of how the policies of the changes to the appeals process from April 2013. announced in the Budget will benefit UK farmers. [105013] Regulations will set out the way in which the change will apply and the types of decisions to which it will Miss Chloe Smith: I have been asked to reply on apply. behalf of the Treasury. Working Tax Credit: North East The Government do not assess the aggregate impact of the measures announced in the Budget by sector of the economy, such as farming. Annex B of the Budget Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State sets out the impact on households. for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of couples in the north-east who will be Budget 2012 announced a range of policies that will affected by the changes to working tax credit in respect help businesses including farms to grow. These include of working hours. [105135] launching the national loan guarantee scheme to help businesses access cheaper finance, announcing consultation Mr Gauke: I have been asked to reply on behalf of on simplifying the taxation of small businesses, and the Treasury. setting an ambition to double exports, supported by expanding export finance. For farmers, this will link No such estimate has been made. with actions such as those in the food and drink action The measure to restrict eligibility to working tax plan published earlier this year. credit to 24 hours for couples with children is part of a range of reforms to the tax credits system announced at Air Pollution the spending review. Estimating the effect on families from an individual Fiona O’Donnell: To ask the Secretary of State for measure does not give a clear indication of the full Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) when she last monetary impact on an individual household. met Ministers from the Department for (a) Transport, 1335W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1336W

(b) Energy and Climate Change, (c) Health and (d) The Home Office has submitted evidence, including Communities and Local Government to discuss air the views of the UK Border Force, to the EAC inquiry quality; and if she will make a statement; [104009] and will consider their recommendations once the findings (2) when she last met Ministers from the Department have been published. for Business, Innovation and Skills to discuss air quality; and if she will make a statement; [104494] Climate Change (3) when she last met Ministers from HM Treasury to discuss air quality; and if she will make a statement. Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State [104495] for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what advice her Department has given to farmers to help them Richard Benyon: I refer the hon. Member to the manage soil and water resources in the context of answer I gave to the right hon. Member for Exeter long-term climate change. [105011] (Mr Bradshaw) on 20 March 2012, Official Report, column 608W. Richard Benyon: Climate change is likely to lead to increases in soil erosion, compaction, and organic matter Apprentices decline. The Government encourages good soil management through the Soil Protection Review (SPR) and Cross Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Compliance Guide for Soil Management within cross- Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) how many compliance. The SPR and guidance assists farmers to apprentices were employed by her Department (a) in identify soil degradation risks on their land and provides March 2010, (b) between April 2010 and March 2011 options for how to address these risks. and (c) between April 2011 and March 2012; and how We announced our intention to reform the water many apprentices she expects her Department to abstraction management regime in the Water White employ between April 2012 and March 2013; [103495] Paper. We are working closely with stakeholders, including (2) how much funding she allocated to farmers, to develop a system that helps abstractors apprenticeships in her Department in (a) 2010-11 and manage the risks of climate change more efficiently. (b) 2011-12; and how much such funding she plans to DEFRA, in collaboration with the industry, provides allocate in 2012-13. [103496] free advice to farmers on cross-compliance via the newly re-launched Farming Advice Service. From Richard Benyon: It has not proved possible to respond 1 January 2012, this service has begun to develop in the time available before Prorogation, but I refer the and provide additional advice on climate change hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member (adaptation and mitigation), nutrient management and for Streatham (Mr Umunna), on 20 February 2012, competitiveness. This will include advice on enhancing Official Report, column 488W. the resilience and decreasing the vulnerability of soil and water resources. Bees The Environment Agency, as part of their new enhanced role on climate change adaptation, will also be working Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State with the farming community over the coming year to for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether she further develop the information and advice available to has placed an annual monetary value on bees’ farmers to help them adapt to climate change. pollination services. [103993]

Richard Benyon: The UK National Ecosystem Compost: Mushrooms Assessment, which was published in 2011, estimated the value of pollinators to UK agriculture to be £430 million John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for per annum. The majority of pollination services are Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when her provided by wild bees and other insects, along with the Department last issued guidelines for mushroom honeybee which is the only species of pollinator that is composting production; and when new guidelines will widely managed. The Assessment is available on the next be issued. [105173] website of the UK National Ecosystem Assessment. Richard Benyon: Guidance on air and odour pollution Birds of Prey: Conservation standards for mushroom compost manufacture (PG 6/30) was last issued in 2006. Under the periodic review Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for of all industrial air pollution guidance notes, a review Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment of this document is scheduled to begin this autumn. she has made of the merits of making the killing of raptors a recordable crime; and if she will make a Consultants statement. [105047] Frank Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for James Brokenshire: I have been asked to reply on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs with reference to behalf of the Home Department. the Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) inquiry efficiency and reform in government corporate into wildlife crime will examine the scale of wildlife functions through shared service centres, HC 1790, crime in the UK, including how fully wildlife crimes are which management consultants were involved in (a) recorded, and how rigorously available penalties are setting up and (b) operation of the shared service applied. centre project for her Department. [104024] 1337W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1338W

Richard Benyon: Core DEFRA engaged IBM under Floods its existing service contract to conduct the feasibility study and assist in the set up of its shared service centre. Since the centre went live in April 2007, it has been run Richard Graham: To ask the Secretary of State for without the involvement of management consultants. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions she has had with the insurance industry on provision for areas at high risk of flooding following Derelict Land: Contamination the expiration of the Statement of Principles. [103316]

Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Richard Benyon: DEFRA Ministers have had recent Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what funding meetings with a variety of representatives from the her Department provides to local authorities to assist insurance industry regarding the future of flood insurance with the costs of cleaning up contaminated brownfield beyond June 2013, which is when the current agreement sites. [105057] with insurers expires. Richard Benyon: DEFRA funds the Environment As was the case with previous Administrations, it is Agency to help local authorities in England cover the not the Government’s practice to provide details of all capital cost of implementing the contaminated land such meetings. The Government remains committed to regime under part 2A of the Environmental Protection making sure flood insurance remains widely available Act 1990. Known as the Contaminated Land Capital and is considering the case for additional measures to Projects Programme, funding for this financial year is help safeguard the affordability of flood insurance. currently being finalised. The funding for 2011-12 was £4.35 million. Richard Graham: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many Droughts homes in (a) Gloucestershire and (b) Gloucester were at high risk of flooding in the most recent period for which figures are available. [103317] Gavin Shuker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the likelihood of below-average Richard Benyon: In Gloucestershire, 8,000 properties rainfall in drought affected areas during the 2012-13 have a 1% (one in 100) chance of flooding each year winter. [103111] from main rivers; 25,500 properties have a 0.5% (one in 200) chance of flooding each year from surface water Richard Benyon: There is no information available on flooding. the likelihood of rainfall during the 2012-13 winter. The In Gloucester, 2,750 properties have a 1% (one in overall three month forecast (March-April-May) currently 100) chance of flooding each year from main rivers; indicates less rainfall expected than the seasonal average. 2,900 properties have a 0.5% (one in 200) chance of There are low levels of certainty in this forecast for flooding each year from surface water flooding. UK-average precipitation. The Government have established a National Drought Group to co-ordinate the actions needed for the drought Floods: Victims this year and for 2013, should the drought continue. Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Gavin Shuker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what steps Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many her Department plans to take to assist flood victims officials in her Department primarily deal with drought when the present Statement of Principles expires; and if response and planning. [103112] she will make a statement; [104329] Richard Benyon: During non-drought periods a team (2) what her policy is on establishing an insurance of three deals with water resource management plans, pooling arrangement for potential flood victims; drought plans and Water Act issues, supported by senior [104330] management and with specialist input. (3) whether Ministers in her Department have had In line with the Department’s aim of resourcing discussions with the insurance industry on the changing priorities flexibly, during the current drought development of an Oxera or Morpeth insurance this core team has been strengthened so that it has model. [104331] approximately doubled in size. This is kept under review to ensure adequate resourcing throughout the period. Richard Benyon: The existing Statement of Principles In addition, a number of officials from other parts of is due to expire on 30 June 2013 and insurers do not DEFRA’s business (e.g. farming) are involved in drought want to renew it. A new shared understanding is being related activities. developed that sets out more clearly what individual The Environment Agency has deployed a significant customers can expect from their insurer and the number of officials, both centrally and in the regions, to Government. deal with the current drought situation. We are also considering the case for additional measures DEFRA is also working closely with the water industry, to help safeguard the affordability of flood insurance. stakeholders, and other Government Departments through We are at an advanced stage in intensive negotiations a National Drought Group, supported by specialist with the insurance industry and will provide a further sub-groups and weekly meetings. update later in the spring. 1339W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1340W

Lighting Pesticides

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what guidance for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what her Department provides to local authorities on assessment she has made of the effect of the use of reducing light pollution. [103609] nerve-agent pesticides on levels of food production; [103988] Richard Benyon: In 2006, DEFRA produced guidance (2) what discussion she has had with her EU for local authorities on meeting their duties in investigating counterparts on the effect of the use of nerve-agent complaints of artificial light, when it was added to the pesticides on (a) global food production and (b) bee statutory nuisance regime. The booklet, which is available colonies across Europe. [103989] on the DEFRA website, includes guidance on reducing light pollution produced by non-Government organisations Richard Benyon: Neonicotinoid insecticides prevent such as the Institution of Lighting Professionals’ “Guidance damage to important food crops such as cereals, oilseed on the Reduction of Obtrusive Lighting”. rape, brassicas and sugar beet from pests such as aphids. Additionally, as per DEFRA’s commitment in the When the aphid feeds on the crop it can introduce 2011 Natural Environment White Paper to viruses which cause disease such as barley yellow dwarf “work with industry and other bodies to reduce the negative virus (affecting cereals) and beet yellow virus (affecting impacts of artificial light and protect existing dark areas”, sugar beet). These can have serious effects on crop we have contributed text on minimising obtrusive light yields and quality. Use of neonicotinoid seed treatments to the UK Lighting Board’s highway lighting guidance provides an alternative mode of action to organophosphate for local authorities. The document, “Well-lit Highways”, and pyrethroid insecticides, and plays a key role helping can be found on the UK Lighting Board’s website. to prevent the build up of resistance in the pests concerned. In 2011, DEFRA also carried out a review of 15 local Resistance to the main alternatives to neonicotinoids authorities reduced street lighting initiatives aimed at (pyrethroids and organophosphates) has emerged to a reducing costs, carbon emissions and light pollution. It significant degree in pollen beetle (which is a widespread is hoped that the information contained within this pest of oilseed rape) in France, Poland and Germany. report, which is also available on the DEFRA website, Although resistance in the UK is limited to relatively may inform local authorities who face similar economic small pockets of Eastern England, use of foliar and environmental challenges in the future. neonicotinoids is the recommended agronomic strategy DEFRA will continue its role of ensuring future for containing resistant communities. relevant Government policy development suitably considers There have been no specific ministerial discussions the impact of outdoor artificial lighting. within the EU on the use of neonicotinoid insecticides on food production. EU discussions on bee health have Noise been in response to the Commission’s Communication to the European Parliament and the Council in December Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for 2010 which clarified the key issues related to bee health Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what and the actions that the Commission is taking and information her Department holds on the number of intended to take to address these, including the subsequent noise complaints received by local authorities in appointment of an EU Reference Laboratory for Bee Health. England in each of the last five years. [106203]

Richard Benyon: Local authorities have no obligation Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State to report noise complaints data to DEFRA. DEFRA for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in what parts holds information provided by the Chartered Institute of the UK nerve-agent pesticides are being used; and of Environmental Health (CIEH), which carries out an what assessment she has made of the geographical annual noise nuisance complaint survey. dispersal of such pesticides. [103990] DEFRA holds the CIEH survey results for England for the following years, as shown in the following table. Richard Benyon: Neonicotinoid insecticides are used The number of local authorities who respond to the in all parts of the UK, particularly on field crops such survey varies each year, so this information is also as cereals, oilseed rape, brassicas and sugar beet. There provided. are no current authorisations in the UK for fipronil products. Number Detailed information on the size of areas treated with Noise nuisance Local authorities specific pesticide active substances collected in the complaints responding Government’s Pesticide Usage Surveys is available on the Food and Environment Research Agency website. 2009-10 186,420 165 This shows the following treated areas in Great Britain 2008-09 158,379 170 in 2010 with neonicotinoid insecticides. 2007-08 195,113 193 2006-07 120,823 163 Active substance 2010 treated area (ha)1,2,3 2005-06 147,723 206 Acetamiprid 7,474 For 2010-11, DEFRA only holds the combined results Clothianidin 728,209 for England and Wales, where 137,977 complaints were Imidacloprid 184,950 received by 152 local authorities. Thiacloprid 49,404 1341W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1342W

have them in their possession. In view of the legislation Active substance 2010 treated area (ha)1,2,3 already in place, an order under section 43 will not be Thiamethoxam 297,320 pursued at this time. 1 These data are drawn from the Pesticides Usage Survey. The survey is a rolling programme and does not look at every crop in every year. Arable crops—which Peter Cruddas account for most of the use of neonicotinoids—were surveyed in 2010. The other crops included were surveyed between 2007 and 2010. 2 ″Treated area″ is the area treated with each active substance, multiplied by the Barbara Keeley: To ask the Secretary of State for number of times the area was treated. For example, if a field of 10 ha is treated four times with active X, the treated area is 40 ha. In the case of neonicotinoids Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether (a) the ″treated area″ is likely to be slightly larger than the crop area on which the Ministers, (b) special advisers and (c) officials in her pesticides were used. Most neonicotinoids are applied as seed treatments and Department have had any meetings with Peter Cruddas will therefore only be used once per season. However, some are used as foliar treatments and may be applied several times each year. since May 2010. [103516] 3 Pre-2010 surveys show an area of 190 ha treated with fipronil when authorisations were in place. Richard Benyon: No Ministers, special advisers or senior core DEFRA officials have had any meetings Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State with Peter Cruddas since May 2010. for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had on the effect of nerve-agent Public Consultation pesticides in (a) the UK and (b) Europe; when such discussions took place; and who attended such Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for discussions. [103992] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which of her Department’s consultations have been externally Richard Benyon: There have been no specific ministerial verified since 2007; for what reason and by whom such discussions on neonicotinoid insecticides or fipronil verification was carried out; and what the cost to the outside Government or with other EU Ministers. The public purse was of such verification. [104076] Health and Safety Executive’s Chemicals Regulation Directorate (CRD), the UK pesticides regulatory body, Richard Benyon: None of the consultations carried is in regular contact with pesticide regulatory authorities out by core DEFRA since 2007 have been externally in other member states, particularly the small number verified. that have imposed greater restrictions on the use of neonicotinoids than have other member states. The Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for CRD also provides regulatory support to the work of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether her the independent Advisory Committee on Pesticides in Department collects the IP addresses of online the UK. respondents to its consultations. [104077] Government scientists and officials are also actively engaged in a number of important international initiatives Richard Benyon: Core DEFRA does not collect IP in this area, such as the European Commission’s plan addresses of respondents to its consultations. for Honeybee Health, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s Pesticides Effects on Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Insect Pollinators initiative, the work of the International Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether her Commission for Plant-Bee Relationships and the European Department accepts anonymous contributions to its and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organisation, in consultations. [104078] developing the risk assessment schemes for honeybees which will cover all types of pesticides, including systemic Richard Benyon: Yes. All responses, both written and seed treatments. CRD regulatory scientists are also those fed in through other channels such as discussion participating in the work of the Society of Environmental forums and public meetings, are analysed carefully and Toxicology and Chemistry on the pesticides risk assessment are considered as part of the consultation process. for pollinators (honeybees and non-Apis bees). Scientists and officials will continue to develop these links, including Retirement involvement in a Bee Working Group being established by the European Food Safety Authority to develop Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for guidance to be used in the EU pesticides risk assessment Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many staff process. of her Department retired in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12; how many such staff were taking early Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for retirement in each such year; and if she will make a Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether she statement. [104560] plans to create a list of prescribed pesticide ingredients under section 43 of the Natural Environment and Richard Benyon: In 2010-11, 48 DEFRA employees Rural Communities Act 2006; and if she will make a retired, of whom 23 retired below their pensionable age. statement. [105388] In 2011-12, 120 DEFRA employees retired, of whom 77 retired below their pensionable age. Richard Benyon: The intentional use of poisoned bait The figures include members of staff who left the to kill wild birds or animals is already prohibited under Department for the following reasons: the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the abuse or misuse of pesticides is also an offence under the Food Normal age-related retirement; and Environment Protection Act 1985. Pesticides most Actuarially reduced retirement; commonly occurring in wildlife poisoning incidents are Retirement on grounds of ill-health; not approved for use in the UK, so people should not Voluntary exit scheme with receipt of pension. 1343W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1344W

Sarah Southern closely with the shipping industry to determine the final destination of suspected illegal consignments of waste, Barbara Keeley: To ask the Secretary of State for and takes enforcement action where necessary. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether (a) Ministers, (b) special advisers and (c) officials in her Water Department have had any meetings with Sarah Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Southern since May 2010. [103515] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate Richard Benyon: No Ministers, special advisers or her Department has made of the potential cost of senior core DEFRA officials have had any meetings building a pipeline to move water from the north to the with Sarah Southern since May 2010. south of England. [101691] Seafish Richard Benyon: In 2006, the Environment Agency assessed the cost of a north to south pipeline and Sheryll Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for estimated costs of between £8 million and £14 million Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will take per megalitre a day compared to about £1.6 million per steps to ensure that the makeup of each panel megalitre for building a new reservoir in the south east. appointed by Seafish will take into account As water is heavy and expensive to move large scale geographical and sector interests. [105471] infrastructure investment does not tend to be cost effective against alternative options. Relatively local connections Richard Benyon: The makeup of each panel will are likely to be more cost effective, incrementally building ultimately be determined by Seafish, having taken account a more integrated network. Water companies are already of the messages from the recent discussion with industry. joining up their sources of supply to build resilience, I understand they will have a mix of sectoral and bring flexibility to the water supply network and keep regional interest. Seafish will announce the makeup of down the costs of meeting future demand. A new the panels in May and details will be available on their option to transfer water from Severn Trent to Anglian website. Water to improve resilience to drought is currently under development. Tyres: Exports The Government, Ofwat and the Environment Agency are taking action to ensure that options for trading and Dr Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for transfer of water are taken forward where they are Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what volume sustainable and cost effective for consumers. of used car tyres was exported to the Far East under the Transfrontier Shipment of Waste Regulations 2007 Water Charges in each month since September 2011 from (a) England and Wales, (b) Scotland and (c) Northern Ireland; Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for [104831] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will take (2) what safeguards are built into the monitoring by steps to prevent water companies overcharging the Environment Agency of the trade in used tyres customers who pay by direct debit; and if she will make from the UK to the Far East, to determine that the a statement. [104486] eventual destination of these shipments can Richard Benyon: Ofwat is the economic regulator of demonstrate that the tyres are being recovered using water and sewerage services in England and Wales. Best Available Technique and that the lifecycle analysis Complaints about billing and charging account for 54% of this trade demonstrates a lower generation of gas of complaints to Ofwat and the sector’s consumer body, and carbon emissions compared with viable the Consumer Council for Water. Inaccurate direct alternatives to recycle used tyres in the UK. [104832] debits results in the customer making payments and Richard Benyon: Under the controls on waste shipments then having to retrieve the money from their water from the EU, used car tyres may be legally exported company. from the UK and EU to certain countries specified in Ofwat are clear that inappropriate sums should not the legislation for genuine recovery including energy be taken via direct debit without the customer’s consent. recovery and/or recycling. The Direct Debit Agreement operated by BACS requires Tyres are classified as “green list” waste and may be water companies to notify customers in advance of a exported from the UK to these countries without prior debit if the amount, date or frequency is to change. notification and consent from the environment agencies. BACS will seek to resolve disputes on behalf of customers Records relating to the export of used car tyres from the if they consider a direct debit has been made without UK under the Transfrontier Shipment of Waste Regulations their consent. 2007 are therefore not routinely collected by the environment Ofwat expects companies to respond in a timely and agencies. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) collect appropriate manner if a customer disputes their bill or data for the export of used pneumatic tyres from the payment. UK, and this is available on line at: Water Supply www.uktradeinfo.com The Environment Agency takes an intelligence-led Frank Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for approach to monitoring the export of waste and works Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment with a number of partners, including the police, HMRC her Department has made of the effect of fracking in and competent authorities abroad to disrupt illegal the UK on the sustainability of water resources. exports of waste. The Environment Agency also works [105695] 1345W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1346W

Richard Benyon: The Environment Agency is currently Alistair Burt: I have not held any specific discussions undertaking a detailed environmental assessment of with my Afghan interlocutors on the imprisonment of shale gas extraction to ensure that it has all the information women for zina-related offences. However, we continue it needs to be able to regulate appropriately to protect to work with our international partners to press the the environment, including water resources. Afghan Government to uphold its commitments under Any application to abstract water in England and the Afghan Constitution, which includes equal rights Wales for hydraulic fracturing will be assessed by the for men and women. Environment Agency like any other application for water abstraction. The Environment Agency will only Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign authorise additional water abstraction when there is and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of water available and there are no risks to the rights of 19 April 2012, Official Report, column 492W, on existing abstraction licence holders. It has powers to Afghanistan, if he will work with the Afghan impose appropriate restrictions where these are justified Independent Human Rights Commission to examine in the specific context. the increase in the number of women being arrested and imprisoned for zina in Afghanistan; and if he will Water: Shortages make a statement. [106049] Alistair Burt: The UK, alongside international partners, Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for continues to provide funding to the Afghan Independent Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment Human Rights Commission on a broad range of Human she has made of the potential effects on the economy of Rights concerns inside Afghanistan. An important area the hosepipe bans currently in force. [104274] of their work focuses on educating Afghan citizens on human rights, particularly in reference to women and Richard Benyon: The current cost to the economy of children, and resolving cases of human rights violations the hosepipe bans currently in force is currently considered and abuse. The UK will continue to support their work. to be low. Work by the National Drought Group will include developing the evidence base for social and economic costs of the ongoing drought. Business: Ethics

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has taken to she has made of problems in the agricultural sector promote the UN Guiding Principles on business and caused by inadequate water supplies in each of the last human rights to companies listed in the UK. [106129] five years. [104278] Mr Jeremy Browne: Officials from the Foreign and Richard Benyon: There has been no specific assessment Commonwealth Office (FCO) and other Departments of problems in the agriculture sector caused by inadequate have recently had a series of meetings with UK companies water supplies in the last five years. DEFRA undertakes to discuss the Guiding Principles on business and human annual surveys to understand and monitor changes in rights. the sector, but these can be influenced by a number of The outcome of these meetings will be used to inform factors, of which water supply is just one. Farmers are development of the forthcoming Government strategy experienced at dealing with changes in weather and on business and human rights, which will comprise a impacts on the natural environment and will continue strong Government endorsement of the Guiding Principles to take decisions in the light of their local circumstances, and messaging for companies on our expectations about on how to manage their operations and business in corporate respect for human rights. order to adapt to and mitigate a wide range of impacts. Officials across Whitehall have also been working to DEFRA funds research and collaborates with industry introduce dedicated information on the Guiding Principles, on projects bearing on water use and water availability and business and human rights, to the Overseas Business for farming. These include R and D on irrigation, crop Risk service, run jointly by UK Trade and Investment breeding for improved water use efficiency and improving (UKTI) and the FCO. The many companies currently the efficiency of water use on livestock farms, and accessing this service will shortly also be able to assess helping farmers better plan and manage their water the risks of overseas markets, including relevant country- requirements through collaborative approaches and the specific human rights issues. use of on-farm water storage reservoirs. Commonwealth

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which vehicles are provided for the use of high commissioners and Afghanistan consuls in each of the Commonwealth countries. [105185] Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has Mr Bellingham: Official vehicles are not provided for had with the government of Afghanistan on the the use of consuls. The following vehicles are provided number of women imprisoned for zina in Afghanistan for the use of high commissioners in Commonwealth since 2005; and if he will make a statement. [106048] countries: 1347W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1348W

Female Genital Mutilation Country Vehicle Australia Jaguar Xj8 Sedan Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Bangladesh Range Rover and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions his Barbados Subaru Outback Department has had with countries in sub-Saharan Belize Range Rover Africa on the prevention of female genital mutilation Botswana Jaguar S Type of girls from the UK. [105904] Brunei Toyota Prius Cameroon Land Rover Discovery Mr Bellingham: The Government is committed to Canada Land Rover LR3 tackling and preventing female genital mutilation (FGM). Cyprus Jaguar XjS Although female genital mutilation is a complicated The Gambia Land Rover Discovery cultural and religious issue and remains legal in some Ghana Land Rover Discovery sub-Saharan countries, we do discuss it with governments Guyana Toyota Land Cruiser in countries in which it is still practiced. At the time of India Land Rover Discovery writing, the Ministerial Champion for tackling violence Jamaica Range Rover against women and girls overseas, the hon. Member for Kenya Toyota Land Cruiser Hornsey and Wood Green (Lynne Featherstone), is in Africa. In Ethiopia, she held wide-ranging discussions Malawi Range Rover with the Ethiopian Government on what more can be Malaysia Jaguar S type done to address gender-based violence, including FGM. Malta Jaguar X type In Uganda she will also discuss the issue of violence Mauritius Jaguar S type against women, including encouraging the Government Mozambique Land Rover Discovery to implement existing legislation against FGM. We Namibia Land Rover Discovery continue to raise the issue through our posts in the New Zealand Jaguar XF sub-Saharan Africa, for instance recently in Sierra Leone Nigeria Land Rover Discovery and Liberia. Pakistan Land Rover Discovery Papua New Guinea Toyota Land Cruiser Female Staff Rwanda Range Rover Seychelles BMW Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for Sierra Leone Land Rover Discovery Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the Singapore Jaguar XJS proportion of female civil servants was in his Solomon Islands Hyundai Santa Fe Department at the level of director and above in the South Africa Jaguar XJ second quarter of 2011-12. [105891] Sri Lanka Jaguar XJ Tanzania Toyota Vx Mr Bellingham: The average percentage of Foreign Trinidad and Tobago Land Rover Discovery and Commonwealth Office UK based female officers at Uganda Range Rover director level and above, at home and overseas, in the Zambia Land Rover Discovery second quarter of financial year (FY) 2011-12 was 13.2%. The current figure is 16%. The proportion of Diamond Jubilee 2012 female officers in the senior management structure as a whole during the second quarter of FY 2011-12 averaged 22.4%. The current figure is 24.3%. Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether his Guided Weapons Department is planning a Diamond Jubilee event at the European Parliament. [106254] Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Lidington: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment has no plans to hold an event at the European Parliament he has made of whether the Storm Shadow missile in connection with the Diamond Jubilee. made by MBDA Missile Systems falls within the scope of the Missile Technology Control Regime; and if he Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for will make a statement. [106298] Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what arrangements he plans to make for celebrations of Her Alistair Burt: It has not proved possible to respond to Majesty’s diamond jubilee in British embassies and the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation. consulates. [106278] Immigration Mr Jeremy Browne: The diamond jubilee is an important celebration for the United Kingdom, at home and overseas. Mike Gapes: To ask the Secretary of State for We have encouraged our ambassadors and high Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion commissioners to mark the occasion and through it to of the work of his Department’s Migration Directorate strengthen our bilateral relationships with their host is funded by the UK Border Agency. [106222] countries. Many are planning events for the jubilee weekend. Others have already taken the opportunity of Mr Jeremy Browne: 97% of the funding used for visits by members of the royal family to celebrate the Migration Directorate and its overseas network comes jubilee. from the UK Border Agency. 1349W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1350W

Mike Gapes: To ask the Secretary of State for Where there is intolerance, be that of political rights, Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion religion, race or sex, we encourage the Israeli Government of staff in the Migration Directorate are on to tackle it. secondment from the UK Border Agency. [106223] John Glen: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Mr Jeremy Browne: 46% of the staff in the Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has and Commonwealth Office’s Migration Directorate are received on the Christian community in Israel and their seconded from the UK Border Agency. access to holy places. [106272] Mike Gapes: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what role staff Alistair Burt: The UK Government places a high from his Department’s Migration Directorate play in priority on the right to freedom of religion for all. All investigating claims of mistreatment of refused asylum Israeli citizens are free to worship according to their seekers who have been forcibly removed from the UK. own beliefs. [106224] The UK is not aware of specific legal restrictions placed upon Christians in Israel to practise their religion. Mr Jeremy Browne: The Foreign and Commonwealth However, we remain deeply concerned about restrictions Office’s Migration Directorate has a network of Migration on freedom of movement to holy sites outside Israel. Delivery Officers (MDOs) based overseas. The UK Government regularly discusses these issues In the event of a claim of mistreatment by a failed with religious leaders of all faiths, and with the relevant asylum seeker who had been returned to their country authorities, including raising specific cases as appropriate of origin, the relevant MDO would investigate. and discussing ways of protecting holy sites across Israel and the occupied Palestinian Territories. IRA Israel’s Declaration of Independence calls for the Dr Alasdair McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State establishment of a Jewish state with equal social and for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has political rights for all citizens, irrespective of religion, discussed the Government’s request to subpoena race or sex. We urge the application of the Declaration recordings from the Boston College oral history project of Independence and Israeli law to all citizens of Israel. with the US Secretary of State. [106233] Sir Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Alistair Burt: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member has received on the boarding in international waters by for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), has not discussed members of the Israeli armed forces of the ships the issue of the Boston College oral history project with Beethoven and Victoria in April 2012; and if he will the US Secretary of State. In line with the Government’s make a statement. [106291] bilateral treaty with the United States on mutual legal assistance, all requests for assistance are transmitted via Alistair Burt: We are aware of reports that HS Beethoven the Home Office. was boarded on 22 April 2012. We have received no Israel reports of Israeli forces boarding the Victoria in April 2012, but are aware of an incident relating to that vessel Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign in April 2011. and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has Reports indicate that the Israeli Defence Force boarded received of the growth of the Christian community in the HS Beethoven as part of a routine patrol. The ship’s Israel. [106113] route apparently raised concerns that it might have been carrying weapons destined for Gaza. No weapons were Alistair Burt: The British embassy in Tel Aviv have found and the ship continued on route. obtained the following information from the Israeli The UK recognises that Israel has legitimate security Central Bureau of Statistics: concerns that must continue to be safeguarded. We urge 2.1% of Israeli’s population is Christian the Government of Israel to ensure that any actions there is a 0.9% growth rate among the Christian population in carried out adhere to international law. Israel (this is relatively low) More information can be found at: Sir Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for http://www.cbs.gov.il/engindex.htm Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received on the Israeli navy boarding John Glen: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign ships in international waters. [106292] and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the extent of freedom of religion in Israel. [106264] Alistair Burt: The most recent incident of which we are aware is that relating to the HS Beethoven, which Alistair Burt: All Israeli citizens are free to worship was boarded by the Israel Defence Force on 22 April according to their own beliefs. 2012. Israel’s Declaration of Independence calls for the Reports indicate that the Israel Defence Force boarded establishment of a Jewish state with equal social and the HS Beethoven as part of a routine patrol. The ship’s political rights for all citizens, irrespective of religion, route apparently raised concerns that it might have been race or sex. We urge the application of the Declaration carrying weapons destined for Gaza. No weapons were of Independence and Israeli law to all citizens of Israel. found and the ship continued on route. 1351W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1352W

The UK recognises that Israel has legitimate security tensions have decreased since 9 October 2011, when concerns that must continue to be safeguarded. We urge violent clashes resulted in the deaths of 25 people and the Government of Israel to ensure that any actions left over 200 injured. carried out adhere to international law. In Iraq, the security situation for Christians has generally improved over the past 12 months, although Mali the situation facing Iraq’s ethnic and religious groups remains precarious. Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for There has been no recent assessment made of the Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent security of either the Palestinian or Israeli Christian assessment he has made of the political situation in communities. However, Palestinian Christians may, like Mali; and what reports he has received of the claims of Palestinians of other faiths, face other security restrictions the Tuareg people. [105569] as a result of the policies of the respective authorities exercising control over the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Mr Bellingham: The UK welcomes the progress that There are no restrictions placed upon Christians in has been made towards returning Mali to constitutional, Lebanon and Jordan to practice their religion. In Lebanon civilian rule following the forcible seizure of power on the rights of Christians are enshrined in the national 21 March 2012. We welcome the inauguration of interim pact and the constitution, while in Jordan the Government President Dioncounda Traore on 12 April 2012 and is overwhelmingly tolerant of the Christian minority. continue to support the Economic Community of West There has been no assessment that this situation has African States (ECOWAS)—led efforts to return Mali changed in recent months. to full democracy, including the holding of elections. Although the practice of any religion other than The UK continues to be deeply concerned by the Islam is officially banned in Saudi Arabia, being a deteriorating security situation in the north of the country Christian and worshipping privately does not usually following the capture of three cities by Tuareg insurgents, carry any serious punishment. In practice, some moderation some with reported connections to Al-Qaeda. has been applied allowing Christian communities to The UK welcomes the UN Security Council statement meet in private. We do not assess that this situation has of 8 April 2012 rejecting the Tuareg declaration of changed in recent months. independence of the state of Azawad in northern Mali. In Syria the regime’s actions continue to undermine We fully support the efforts made by ECOWAS, as well the stability and security of Syria and therefore endanger as by the Special Representative of the Secretary General all of Syria’s citizens, including Christians and other for West Africa and by the African Union, to protect religious minorities. the unity and territorial integrity of Mali. Middle East and North Africa

Middle East Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he plans to extend Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign the Middle East and North Africa regional component and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has of the National Action Plan beyond the six countries received of the size of the Christian community in (a) detailed in the February 2012 revision of the National Egypt, (b) Iraq, (c) Israel, (d) Jordan, (e) Lebanon, Action Plan; and if he will make a statement. [106050] (f) the Palestinian Territories, (g) Saudi Arabia and (h) Syria. [106116] Mr Bellingham: Responding in part, to the events of the Arab Spring, the Government published in February and for the first time, a Middle East and North Africa Alistair Burt: We do not maintain detailed demographic Regional Plan for Women, Peace and Security. Initially information on foreign states. We rely on a variety of the focus of our efforts will be in Egypt, Yemen, Tunisia, sources such as the State Department’s International Libya, Occupied Palestinian Territories and Iraq building Religious Freedom report on the successful partnerships and programmes in those http://www.state.gov/j/drl/rls/irf/ countries, funded through the Arab Partnership Fund and UN High Commissioner for Refugees and through the Department for International http://www.unhcr.org Development/Foreign and Commonwealth Office/Ministry of Defence administered Conflict Pool. The British embassy in Tel Aviv have obtained information from the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics noting that However, we do expect that the plan will evolve and 2.1% of Israeli’s population is Christian. that activity will be extended to represent other countries in the region. We will review the plan, consulting with Parliament and civil society stakeholders, in the run up Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign to our annual review of the British Government’s National and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he Action Plan this October. has made of the security of the Christian community in (a) Egypt, (b) Iraq, (c) Israel, (d) Jordan, (e) Official Visits Lebanon, (f) the Palestinian Territories, (g) Saudi Arabia and (h) Syria. [106117] Joseph Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many (a) Alistair Burt: In Egypt, tensions between Christians outgoing official visits by Ministers in his Department and Muslims had eased during the street protests in to and (b) incoming visits to the UK by Foreign early 2011. Regrettably, the transition period has seen Affairs Ministers from each other country there have an upsurge in sectarian violence, but we assess that been since May 2010. [105469] 1353W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1354W

Mr Lidington: As part of HM Government’s Malaysia commitment to transparency each Government Malta Department publishes on a quarterly basis information Pakistan on Ministers’ hospitality, gifts, meetings and overseas Romania travel. Information for Foreign and Commonwealth Russia Office Ministers can be found at: Serbia http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/publications-and-documents/ transparency-and-data1/hospitality/#Ministers Seychelles Ministers from the following countries have made Somalia guest of Government visits: Thailand Afghanistan Turkey Angola Uruguay Australia Vietnam Brazil Records are not held centrally of other incoming Chile visits and can therefore not be provided without incurring China disproportionate cost. Colombia OPEC El Salvador France Lebanon Mr Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Libya and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with his counterparts in OPEC countries on fuel Malaysia prices in the last six months. [105956] Malta Pakistan Mr Bellingham: On 3 April the Secretary of State for Romania Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Russia Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), Serbia met HRH Prince Salman Bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud, Seychelles Saudi Defence Secretary. He noted his appreciation of Somalia the role Saudi Arabia is playing in calming the oil Thailand market. Turkey The Secretary of State has not covered fuel prices in Uruguay discussions with other counterparts from Organisation Vietnam of Petroleum Exporting Countries in the last six months. Records are not held centrally of other incoming On 22 March the Minister of State, my noble Friend visits and can therefore not be provided without incurring the right hon. Lord Howell of Guidford, discussed disproportionate cost. Saudi Arabia’s moderating role with regard to oil prices during the visit of the Saudi Minister of Commerce and Joseph Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Industry. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many (a) outgoing official visits by UK Ministers to and (b) Palestinians incoming visits to the UK by Ministers from each other country there have been since May 2010. [105470] Bob Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent Mr Lidington: As part of HM Government’s reports he has received on the distribution of water commitment to transparency each Government resources in the west bank. [104778] Department publishes on a quarterly basis information on Ministers’ hospitality, gifts, meetings and overseas Alistair Burt: I refer my hon. Friend to the response travel. Information for Foreign and Commonwealth the Minister of State, my noble Friend, the right hon. Office Ministers can be found at: Lord Howell of Guildford, gave in the other place on 23 http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/publications-and-documents/ April 2012, Official Report, House of Lords, column transparency-and-data1/hospitality/#Ministers WA361. Ministers from the following countries have made guest of Government visits: Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Afghanistan and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he Angola has made to the Palestinian Authority on the planned Australia execution of Muhammed Abu Shahala. [105455] Brazil Alistair Burt: Our officials at the British consulate Chile general in Jerusalem have raised concerns about this China case at a senior level in the Palestinian Authority. They Colombia have also discussed the case with the headquarters of El Salvador the Palestinian Preventive Security Forces in Hebron. France We have been informed that Muhammed Abu Shahala Lebanon is currently being held by the Preventive Security Forces Libya in Hebron but has so far not been sentenced. 1355W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1356W

While the Palestinian Authority statute permits the Alistair Burt: The Government places a high priority use of the death penalty, an informal moratorium has on the right to freedom of religion for all. been in place since the end of 2009 after Palestinian The UK is not aware of specific legal restrictions President Abbas undertook not to ratify any death placed upon Christians in Gaza or the West Bank to penalty sentences. practise their religion. However, we remain deeply concerned The UK, along with our European partners, regularly about restrictions on freedom of movement. Palestinian raises the issue of the death penalty with the Palestinian Christian communities are primarily concentrated in Authority. We are following closely the progress of the Bethlehem, Ramallah and East Jerusalem. Travel by new penal code, the current draft of which abolishes the Palestinians between these places remains very difficult death penalty. due to Israeli restrictions on freedom of movement. Palestinian Christians may also, like Palestinians of Gordon Henderson: To ask the Secretary of State for other faiths, face other restrictions as a result of the Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what criteria his policies of the respective authorities exercising control Department is using in analysing the content of over the occupied Palestinian Territories. Palestinian school textbooks. [106060] The Government regularly discusses these issues with religious leaders of all faiths, and with the relevant Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office authorities, including raising specific cases as appropriate does not analyse the content of Palestinian school and discussing ways of protecting holy sites across the textbooks. However, the UK takes very seriously any occupied Palestinian Territories. reports of textbooks which promote anti-Semitism or any other form of incitement to hatred. John Glen: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign The process for developing and monitoring the content and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he of Palestinian school textbooks is set out in the First has made of the extent of freedom of religion in the Palestinian Curriculum Plan 1998 and implemented by Palestinian Territories. [106263] the Palestinian Curriculum Development Centre (PCDC). Under the process set out in the Curriculum Plan, the Alistair Burt: The UK Government places a high syllabus of each school grade and subject is evaluated priority on the right to freedom of religion for all. both nationally and internationally. Draft textbooks are then presented to teachers’ workshops for evaluation The UK is not aware of specific legal restrictions before being scrutinised by panels of academics. Following placed upon Christians in Gaza or the West Bank to the initial print runs, further evaluation of each textbook practise their religion. However, we remain deeply concerned is undertaken by the Assessment and Evaluation Centre. about restrictions on freedom of movement. Palestinian This includes feedback from teachers, content analysis Christian communities are primarily concentrated in by external experts and structured classroom observations. Bethlehem, Ramallah and East Jerusalem. Travel by Palestinians between these places remains very difficult In addition to the monitoring process undertaken by due to Israeli restrictions on freedom of movement. the PCDC, a number of studies by respected research Palestinian Christians may also, like Palestinians of institutions have also reviewed textbooks used in Palestinian other faiths, face other restrictions as a result of the schools. Most recently, the US State Department has policies of the respective authorities exercising control commissioned a full independent investigation into the over the occupied Palestinian Territories. content of Palestinian and Israeli school textbooks. This is due to report in 2012. The UK Government regularly discusses these issues with religious leaders of all faiths, and with the relevant Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign authorities, including raising specific cases as appropriate and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has taken to and discussing ways of protecting holy sites across the raise concerns over the decline of the Christian occupied Palestinian Territories. community in the Palestinian territories with the Palestinian authorities. [106111] John Glen: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has Alistair Burt: Our officials in the Consulate-General received on the Christian community in Bethlehem. in Jerusalem have raised our concerns about the Christian [106270] community in the West Bank with the Palestinian Authority Minister of Religious Affairs and discussed the need to Alistair Burt: The Government places a high priority maintain good relations between Muslims and Christians. on the right to freedom of religion for all. The Government regularly discusses these issues with The UK is not aware of specific legal restrictions religious leaders of all faiths, and with the relevant placed upon Christians in Gaza or the west bank to authorities, including raising specific cases as appropriate practise their religion. However, we remain deeply concerned and discussing ways of protecting holy sites across the about restrictions on freedom of movement. Palestinian occupied Palestinian territories. Christian communities are primarily concentrated in Bethlehem, Ramallah and East Jerusalem. Travel by Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Palestinians between these places remains very difficult and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has due to Israeli restrictions on freedom of movement. received on the Christian community in the West Bank; Palestinian Christians may also, like Palestinians of and what plans he has to make representations to the other faiths, face other restrictions as a result of the Palestinian authorities on the protection of religious policies of the respective authorities exercising control minorities. [106112] over the occupied Palestinian Territories. 1357W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1358W

The Government regularly discusses these issues with Mr Lidington: Press freedom in Russia remains limited. religious leaders of all faiths, and with the relevant There have been examples of journalists being subject authorities, including raising specific cases as appropriate to threats and violence, with those reporting on or and discussing ways of protecting holy sites across the working in the North Caucasus region particularly at occupied Palestinian Territories. risk. We remain deeply concerned that the perpetrators of such crimes are often not brought to justice. John Glen: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has There are few restrictions on the internet in Russia received on the Christian community in the Gaza strip. and internet use is increasing. There are, however, issues [106271] of concern; on the day of the Duma elections in December the websites of several NGOs and independent news Alistair Burt: The Government places a high priority outlets were disabled by cyber attacks. on the right to freedom of religion for all. We fund a number of projects that support media The UK is not aware of specific legal restrictions freedom in Russia, as part of efforts to contribute to placed upon Christians in Gaza or the west bank to greater openness and democracy. practise their religion. However, we remain deeply concerned about restrictions on freedom of movement. Palestinian Saudi Arabia Christian communities are primarily concentrated in Bethlehem, Ramallah and East Jerusalem. Travel by Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Palestinians between these places remains very difficult Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he due to Israeli restrictions on freedom of movement. has received on comments on churches in the Arab Palestinian Christians may also, like Palestinians of peninsular made by the current Grand Mufti of Saudi other faiths, face other restrictions as a result of the Arabia, Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin on 12 March 2012; policies of the respective authorities exercising control what discussions he has had on the comments with his over the occupied Palestinian Territories. Saudi Arabian counterpart; and if he will make a The Government regularly discusses these issues with statement. [106256] religious leaders of all faiths, and with the relevant authorities, including raising specific cases as appropriate Alistair Burt: The view expressed by the Grand Mufti, and discussing ways of protecting holy sites across the about the destruction of churches in the region, represents occupied Palestinian Territories. a long-standing Saudi Arabian religious position based Retirement on a saying attributed to the Prophet that “there can be no two religions in the Arabian Peninsula”. Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for The UK is concerned by these comments and finds Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many staff of them unacceptable. The British Government strongly his Department retired in (a) 2010-11 and (b) supports the right to freedom of religion or belief but 2011-12; how many such staff were taking early maintains that an open and constructive relationship retirement in each such year; and if he will make a remains the best way to engage Saudi Arabia on this statement. [104563] issue. Mr Bellingham: According to our records in the We welcome that Prince Saud, the Saudi Arabian period 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011 there were 140 Foreign Minister, made clear to EU ambassadors on retirees of which 86 were early. 10 April that the Grand Mufti’s recent statement did In the period 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012 there not represent the Saudi Arabian Government’s position. were 69 retirees of which 29 were early. We support the right to freedom of religion or belief. The retirement figures are for all members of staff We make our views known through the UN Universal who left during this period, were aged 50 plus and had Periodic Review Process, the Foreign and Commonwealth immediate access to their pension. Office’s Annual Human Rights Report and directly The early retirement figures are for those members of with Saudi human rights organisations and the Saudi staff who left under an early exit scheme and had Arabian Government. The UK will continue to press immediate access to their pension. for greater, more open religious freedom. Russia Sick Leave Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he Mr Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign has received on the conduct of recent presidential and Commonwealth Affairs how many sick days were elections in the Russian Federation. [102863] taken by staff in his Department in each of the last three years. [105813] Mr Lidington: The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights noted some positive Mr Bellingham: The number of sick days taken by elements of the electoral process, but also identified Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) UK based problems with unequal campaign conditions and limitations staff in each of the last three years is: on voter choice. We have called upon the Russian Government to fully investigate all allegations of electoral Days violations. 2011 19290 Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign 2010 19660 and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he 2009 27804 has made of press freedom in Russia. [105095] 1359W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1360W

These figures include both certified and uncertified Mr Bellingham: No such meetings have taken place. absences and are based on the calendar year not financial year. Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for The 2009 figures include absences for FCO Services Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions (FCOS). This figure cannot be broken down easily and he has had with the Prime Minister on the construction to do so would incur disproportionate costs. The 2010 of an airport on St Helena. [104647] and 2011 figures exclude FCO Services. Mr Bellingham: The Secretary of State for Foreign South Sudan and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), regularly Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for discusses many foreign policy issues with the Prime Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent Minister. The content of those discussions is confidential. assessment he has made of the situation in South Sudan; and if he will make a statement. [105841] Sudan and South Sudan Mr Bellingham: I am concerned by the situation in South Sudan. The continued conflict with Sudan, inter- Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State communal violence within South Sudan and the shutting for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he down of South Sudan’s oil wells severely diminish South has to update advice offered to UK nationals in or Sudan’s prospects of building a secure and prosperous intending to visit Sudan and South Sudan. [106019] new nation and add to the humanitarian needs of its people. We urge the Governments of both South Sudan Mr Bellingham: Our travel advice on Sudan and and Sudan to settle all their remaining disputes at the South Sudan is reviewed and updated regularly. We negotiating table, under the auspices of the African advise against travel to areas that are affected by the Union High-Level Implementation Panel, rather than recent increase in border tensions, to areas of internal through militarily action. I welcome the roadmap for conflict in the two countries and highlight other security implementing a ceasefire and returning to negotiation concerns. The up to date advice can be accessed on the which was set out by the Peace and Security Council of Foreign and Commonwealth Office website. the African Union on 24 April. We will continue to make representations on its implementation to both Sudan: South Sudan governments. Sri Lanka Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has Dame Joan Ruddock: To ask the Secretary of State discussed the military situation in Sudan and South for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to Sudan with representatives of the Chinese the answer of 28 November 2011, Official Report, Government. [105143] column 684W, on Sri Lanka: armed conflict, whether he has received any further reports on the activities of Mr Jeremy Browne: The Secretary of State for Major General De Silva as Commander of the International Development, the right hon. Member for 55th Army Division during the final stages of Sri Sutton Coldfield (Mr Mitchell), discussed Sudan and Lanka’s civil war; and what representations he has South Sudan during a meeting with China’s Special received from non-governmental organisations. [105462] Envoy for Africa in February. The Under-Secretary of State for International Development, the hon. Member Alistair Burt: In January 2012, we received representations for Eddisbury (Mr O’Brien), met the Chinese ambassador from four non-governmental organisations and have to Sudan earlier this year to discuss greater UK-China advised them that any credible evidence of war crimes co-operation. We have regular contact at official level should be passed to the Metropolitan police. We understand through UK Special Representatives, as well as through that they have done so. our missions in Beijing, Khartoum, Juba and New Yo rk . Mike Gapes: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what role the Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Migration Delivery Officer at the British High Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is Commission in Colombo has played in investigating on the conflicts between Sudan and South Sudan. claims that Tamils forcibly removed to Sri Lanka have [106119] suffered ill-treatment on return. [106225] Mr Bellingham: As I made clear in my recent statements Mr Jeremy Browne: The Migration Delivery Officer of 11, 20 and 24 April, we condemn all cross border (MDO) in Colombo is responsible for investigating any actions by Sudan and South Sudan. Both sides must claims of ill-treatment of those forcibly returned to Sri establish a ceasefire in line with the agreement on non- Lanka. To date no allegation of mistreatment has been aggression that they signed in February, honour their substantiated following these investigations. commitment to establish the Joint Border Verification St Helena and Monitoring Mission without further delay, and cease all support to armed groups in the territory Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for of the other state. I welcome the roadmap and Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether (a) he, timetable for implementing a ceasefire and returning to (b) his officials and (c) his special advisers have had negotiations which was set out by the Peace and Security meetings with Lord Ashcroft to discuss the Council of the African Union on 24 April. We will construction of an airport on St Helena. [104645] continue to make representations on its implementation 1361W Written Answers30 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 1362W to both Governments and militaries, and to provide We also work closely with the Turkish Government in political and practical support to the African Union’s international fora as we search to resolve the current mediation efforts. crisis. Syria We have had no recent discussions with the Iranian Government at any level on Syria. We are deeply concerned by credible information that Iran is providing equipment Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for and technical advice to help the Syrian regime quash Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British protests in Syria. Such support is unacceptable. As citizens have requested consular support in Syria in elsewhere in the region, protestors in Syria must be each of the last three months. [106255] allowed to express their legitimate aspirations and peacefully call for change without fear of brutal repression. Alistair Burt: In the last three months, there have been three British nationals who have requested consular assistance in Syria; three in February, 0 in March and Thailand 0 in April. On 1 March 2012, the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he announced his decision to suspend all services of the has made of the freedom of journalists in Thailand. British embassy in Damascus with immediate effect. We [105094] advise against all travel to the Syrian Arab Republic, and that British nationals in Syria should leave now by Mr Jeremy Browne: Human rights are at the heart of commercial means while these are still available. Those the UK’s foreign policy. As such our embassies make who choose to remain in Syria or to visit against our regular assessments of the human rights situation in advice should be aware that we cannot provide consular their host countries, including freedom of expression assistance or services in Syria. However, the UK has which remains a priority for the Foreign and appointed Hungary to act as its Protecting Power in Commonwealth Office. Syria. The Hungarian embassy in Damascus can provide The media in Thailand is by and large free of interference emergency assistance to British nationals. and it reflects all sides of the political spectrum. There remains an issue with self-censorship. Journalists tend Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for not to report on certain issues for fear of getting either Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent themselves or their organisations into trouble, particularly assessment he has made of the level of civil unrest in on sensitive topics including the Monarchy.In the Reporters Syria; and if he will make a statement. [106257] without Borders “press freedom index 2011” Thailand has risen from being ranked 153 to 137, which although Alistair Burt: As I said in a statement on 27 April we a rise in standing still illustrates a restriction to free remain deeply concerned by the reprehensible violence reporting. Human rights groups also continue to raise we continue to see perpetrated by the Assad regime in concerns about the use of the 2007 Computer Crimes Syria, despite the ceasefire. Act to interfere with the internet on grounds of national The Joint UN/Arab League Special Envoy for Syria, security, which has been deemed to include criticism of Kofi Annan, said in a briefing to the UN Security the monarchy. Out ambassador in Bangkok has raised Council on 24 April that Syria is still witnessing the issue of freedom of expression a number of times unacceptable levels of violence. The UN Secretary-General with the Thai authorities. has also condemned the continued repression against the Syrian civilian population and violence from any Turkey quarter. The regime must urgently implement in full Annan’s six point plan, including a political transition. We continue Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for to urge the opposition to adhere to the ceasefire and Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he also to work with Joint UN/Arab League Envoy Kofi has made of the number of Turkish citizens employed Annan on a political transition. in the EU who will seek resident rights in the UK in the latest period for which figures are available. [104746] Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent Damian Green: I have been asked to reply on behalf discussions he has had with his (a) Iranian and (b) of the Home Department. Turkish counterpart on the current civil unrest in Syria. No such estimate has been made. Statistics in respect [106258] of grants of entry and residence to Turkish nationals do not distinguish between those arriving directly from Alistair Burt: We hold regular discussions at all levels Turkey and those previously working in another member with our Turkish counterparts on the unrest in Syria. state of the European Union.

1363W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1364W

Paul Burstow: “Improving Outcomes: A Strategy for Written Answers to Cancer”, published on 12 January, set but a commitment to establish appropriate commissioning and funding Questions structures for molecular diagnostic testing for cancer. Molecular diagnostic testing can identify which patients are most likely to respond positively to a specific treatment, Tuesday 1 May 2012 allowing treatment to be targeted or ‘personalised’. From 2013-14, we expect to introduce a new national commissioning model for cancer molecular diagnostic tests. We will work closely with the NHS Commissioning ATTORNEY-GENERAL Board to ensure these services are developed as an Legal Costs integral part of national commissioning. Hospices Mr Thomas: To ask the Attorney-General how much the Law Officers’ Departments spent on fees for legal Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health work in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12; and if he will how much funding was received by each hospice his make a statement. [104601] Department supported in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12; and if he will make a statement. [104339] The Solicitor-General: The information requested is Anne Milton: The Department does not provide revenue contained in the following table: funding to hospices that look after adults; that is the responsibility of local national health service commissioners. £ Department 2010-11 2011-121 Capital funding, amounting to £442,832 in 2010-11 and £2,869,701 in 2011-12 was provided to Marie Curie Crown Prosecution 137,500,000 114,100,000 Cancer Care to support the development of the Marie Service Curie hospice in Solihull. This funding was part of a Treasury Solicitors 6,081.00 924.00 Department2 £54 million capital fund for hospices originating in Serious Fraud Office 4,454,679 4,665,918 2006-07. Attorney-General’s 274,702 307,061 In addition to this, a further £39,906,158 capital Office funding was received by hospices from the Department HMCPSI 0 0 in 2010-11. Table 1 shows which hospices received capital 1 The data provided for 2010-11 may be subject to minor adjustment following funding and how much was received. These include the audit of departmental resource accounts for 2011 -12. 2 The figures for the Treasury Solicitor’s Department cover only legal work hospices for adults and some children’s hospices (those carried out for that Department and not costs associated with work TSol have providing services for the transition to adulthood). The carried out on behalf of other Government Departments. total capital funds made available for hospices in 2010-11 was £40 million. In addition to the above, other funding has been HEALTH provided to hospices under the Innovation, Excellence and Strategic Development (IESD) Fund and under the Cancer Social Enterprise Investment Fund (SEIF) for specific projects. £40,740 was received by St Francis Hospice Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State and £33,423 was received by Sue Ryder Care Manorlands for Health whether his Department has given Hospice under the IESD Allocations. The funding received consideration to introducing a personalised medicine by hospices from the Social Enterprise Investment Fund approach for cancer treatment. [105939] is set out in Table 2.

Table 1: Capital grants allocated to hospices in 2010-11 Grant received Organisation name Region Activity type (£)

Ashgate Hospice East Midlands In-patient unit/Refurb 250,000 Barnsley Hospice Yorkshire and the Humber Day care unit/Refurb 296,000 Beaumond House Community Hospice East Midlands Information centre /Refurb 107,000 Birmingham St. Mary’s Hospice West Midlands Day care unit/Refurb 395,000 Blythe House (High Peak Hospice Care) East Midlands Day care unit /New building 300,000 Bolton Hospice North West Day care unit/Refurb 180,241 Butterwick Hospice (Bishop Auckland) North East Day care unit/Refurb 400,000 Chestnut Tree House Children’s Hospice South East Coast In-patient unit/Refurb 65,057 Compton Hospice West Midlands In-patient unit/Refurb 496,000 Cornwall Hospice Care (Hayle) South West Therapy centre /New building 496,000 Cotswold Care Hospice South West Day care unit/New building 237242 Derian House Children’s Hospice North West In-patient unit/Refurb 245,000 Donna Louise Children’s Hospice West Midlands Kitchen /Dining area /Refurb 146,939 Dorothy House Hospice Care South West In-patient unit/Refurb 345,000 Douglas Macmillan Hospice West Midlands In-patient unit /New building 500,000 Dove House Hospice Yorkshire and the Humber Therapy centre /New building 550,000 1365W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1366W

Table 1: Capital grants allocated to hospices in 2010-11 Grant received Organisation name Region Activity type (£)

Dr Kershaw’s Hospice North West In-patient unit/Refurb 204,488 Earl Mountbatten Hospice South Central Day care unit/Refurb 495,000 East Cheshire Hospice North West Day care unit /New building 550,000 East Lancashire Hospice North West In-patient unit/Refurb 295,000 Eden Valley Hospice North West Day care unit /New building 446,000 EllenorLions Hospices South East Coast Day care unit/Refurb 495,000 Fair Havens Hospice East of England In-patient unit/Refurb 146,961 Farleigh Hospice East of England Therapy centre /New building 500,000 Greenwich and Bexley Cottage Hospice London In-patient unit/Refurb 252,257 Halton Haven Hospice North West In-patient unit/Refurb 346,000 Harris HospisCare with St Christopher’s London Day care unit/Refurb 95,747 Hayward House Macmillan Specialist Palliative East Midlands Reception /New building 396,000 Cancer Care Unit Heart of Kent Hospice South East Coast Day care unit/Refurb 350,000 Helen and Douglas House Hospice Care South Central In-patient unit/Refurb 245,562 Hospice Care for Burnley and Pendle North West Hospitality/Refurb 133,388 Hospice in the Weald South East Coast In-patient unit/Refurb 75,000 Hospice of St Francis East of England Day care unit/Refurb 138,000 Hospice of St Mary of Furness North West Bathroom /Refurb 263,317 Hospiscare—Exeter South West Day care unit/Refurb 463,459 Isabel Hospice East of England Kitchen /Dining area /Refurb 50,000 Katharine House Hospice (Banbury) South Central In-patient unit/New building 395,000 Katharine House Hospice (Stafford) West Midlands Day care unit/Refurb 180,939 Keech Hospice Care East of England Day care unit/Refurb 200,000 Kirkwood Hospice Yorkshire and the Humber Day care unit/Refurb 77,613 Lindsey Lodge Hospice Yorkshire and the Humber Hospitality/Refurb 280,000 LOROS Leicestershire and Rutland Hospice East Midlands Hospitality/Refurb 29,370 Marie Curie Cancer Care Hampstead London Hospitality/Refurb 120,440 Marie Curie Cancer Care Liverpool North West Reception/Refurb 197,249 Marie Curie Cancer Care Newcastle-upon-Tyne North East Chapel /Refurb 43,850 Martin House Yorkshire and the Humber Reception /New building 238,640 Martlets Hospice South East Coast In-patient unit/Refurb 498,718 Mary Ann Evans Hospice West Midlands Day care unit/Refurb 32,226 Mary Stevens Hospice West Midlands In-patient unit/Refurb 127,492 Meadow House Hospice London Therapy centre /New building 300,000 North London Hospice London Day care unit /New building 750,000 North London Hospice London In-patient unit/Refurb 196,317 Nottinghamshire Hospice East Midlands Day care unit/Refurb 924,116 Oakhaven Hospice South Central In-patient unit /New building 396,000 Overgate Hospice Yorkshire and the Humber Day care unit/Refurb 396,000 Peace Hospice East of England Therapy centre/Refurb 467,879 Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice South East Coast Reception/Refurb 199,984 Pilgrims Hospice Ashford South East Coast Reception/Refurb 210,514 Pilgrims Hospice Margate South East Coast In-patient unit/New building 394,984 Primrose Hospice and Cancer Help Centre West Midlands Therapy centre /New building 716,000 Princess Alice Hospice South East Coast In-patient unit/Refurb 34,095 Prospect Hospice South West Kitchen /Dining area /Refurb 600,000 Queenscourt Hospice North West In-patient unit/Refurb 450,000 Rossendale Hospice North West Day care unit/Refurb 37,000 Rotherham Hospice Yorkshire and the Humber In-patient unit/Refurb 200;000 Rowcroft—Torbay and S Devon Hospice South West Therapy centre/Refurb 139,500 Salisbury Hospice South West In-patient unit/Refurb 48,000 Severn Hospice West Midlands Day care unit/Refurb 83,274 Springhill Hospice North West In-patient unit/Refurb 500,000 St Andrew’s Children’s Hospice Yorkshire and the Humber Therapy centre/Refurb 43,100 St Andrew’s Hospice (Grimsby) Yorkshire and the Humber Therapy centre/Refurb 193,580 St Ann’s Hospice (Worsley) North West In-patient unit/Refurb 600,000 St Barnabas Hospices Worthing South East Coast Reception/New building 240,000 St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice (GIFTS East Midlands Day care unit/Refurb 800,000 Hospice) St Catherine’s Hospice (Preston) North West Reception /New building 233,112 St Catherine’s Hospice (Scarborough) Yorkshire and the Humber Conservatory /New building 130,140 St Christopher’s Hospice London In-patient unit/Refurb 445,289 St Clare Hospice (Harlow) East of England In-patient unit/Refurb 396,000 1367W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1368W

Table 1: Capital grants allocated to hospices in 2010-11 Grant received Organisation name Region Activity type (£)

St Clare’s Hospice (Jarrow) North East In-patient unit/Refurb 585,308 St Cuthbert’s Hospice North East Grounds /Landscapinq 246,000 St Elizabeth Hospice Ipswich East of England In-patient unit/Refurb 496,000 St Francis Hospice (Romford) London Bathroom /Refurb 346,000 St Gemma’s Hospice Leeds Yorkshire and the Humber In-patient unit/Refurb 396,000 St Giles Hospice Lichfield West Midlands Therapy centre/Refurb 545,000 St Helena Hospice Colchester East of England Day care unit/Refurb 495,000 St John’s Hospice (Lancaster) North West Hospitality/Refurb 291,002 St John’s Hospice (London) London In-patient unit/Refurb 600,000 St John’s Hospice (Wirral) North West In-patient unit/New building 500,000 St Joseph’s Hospice (London) London Viewing room/Refurb 546,000 St Joseph’s Hospice Association Liverpool North West In-patient unit/Refurb 600,000 St Leonard’s Hospice York Yorkshire and the Humber Bathroom /Refurb 161,889 St Luke’s Hospice (Basildon) East of England Therapy centre/Refurb 25,080 St Luke’s Hospice (Cheshire) North West Reception /New building 246,000 St Luke’s Hospice (Harrow) London Reception/Refurb 277,217 St Luke’s Hospice (Plymouth) South West In-patient unit/Refurb 496,000 St Margaret’s Somerset Hospice Taunton South West Grounds /Landscaping 249,163 St Michael’s Hospice (Harrogate) Yorkshire and the Humber In-patient unit/Refurb 296,000 St Michael’s Hospice (Hastings) South East. Coast Therapy centre/Refurb 53,960 St Michael’s Hospice (North Hampshire) South Central In-patient unit/Refurb 281,960 St Nicholas Hospice Care East of England Grounds /Landscaping 156,730 St Oswald’s Hospice Newcastle North East In-patient unit/Refurb 496,000 St Peter and St James Hospice Lewes South East Coast In-patient unit /New building 600,000 St Peter’s Hospice (Bristol) South West Grounds /Landscaping 316,000 St Raphael’s Hospice Sutton London Bathroom /Refurb 500,000 St Richard’s Hospice Worcester West Midlands Therapy centre /New building 600,000 St Rocco’s Hospice Warrington North West Grounds/Landscaping 200,000 St Teresa’s Hospice Darlington North East Day care unit/Refurb . 194,219 St Wilfrid’s Hospice (Chichester) South East Coast In-patient unit/Refurb 79,384 St Wilfrid’s Hospice (Eastbourne) South East Coast In-patient unit/Refurb 44,700 Sue Ryder Care Manorlands (Keighley) Yorkshire and the Humber In-patient unit/Refurb 554,565 Sue Ryder Care St John’s (Bedford) East of England Day care unit/Refurb 588,550 Sue Ryder Care Wheatfields (Leeds) Yorkshire and the Humber Day care unit/Refurb 485,700 Sussex Beacon South East Coast In-patient unit/Refurb 66,060 The Rowans Hospice South Central Reception /New building 346,000 Treetops Hospice East Midlands Day care unit /New building 300,000 Wakefield Hospice Yorkshire and the Humber In-patient unit/Refurb 463,859 Walsall Hospice West Midlands In-patient unit/New building 499,369 Warwick Myton Hospice West Midlands In-patient unit/Refurb 200,000 Weldmar Hospicecare Trust Dorchester South West Day care unit/Refurb 446,000 Weston Hospicecare South West Reception/Refurb 465,000 Wigan and Leigh Hospice North West In-patient unit/Refurb 185,125 Willowbrook Hospice North West Therapy centre /New building 663,025 Woodlands Hospice North West Therapy centre/Refurb 225,214 Total 39,906,158

Table 2: Organisations receiving from the Social Enterprise Investment Fund (SEIF) £ Organisation 2010-11 SEIF 2011-12 SEIF

Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice 175,346 — Cornwall Hospice Care 154,980 — Dame Hannah Rogers Trust 410,000 — Donna Louise Trust (The) 81,053 — East Cheshire Hospice 450,000 — John Taylor Hospice 355,380 915,113 Norfolk Hospice (The) 106,463 — St Catherine’s Hospice (Lancashire) Ltd 273,900 150,000 St Joseph’s Hospice Association 128,000 — St Oswald’s Hospice Ltd 450,750 — Trinity Hospice 130,000 — 1369W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1370W

Note: Table 3: Children’s Hospice and Hospice-at-Home Grant 2010-11 Grant 2011-12 Grant The data above comprise only those organisations that Hospice (£) (£) are known to be hospices because the service category “hospice” is not identified separately in the SEIF. The East Anglia’s Children’s 248,344 248,096 table does not therefore include other organisations Hospices—Quidenham providing hospice care that may have been funded. Eden House Children’s Hospice 212,623 212,375 chYps/EllenorLions—Shining 140,000 139,752 The Department does however provide revenue funding Lights for children’s hospices. The hospices listed in Table 3 Francis House 380,705 380,457 received funding from the Department’s £10 million Haven House Children’s Hospice 200,000 199,752 recurrent annual children’s hospice and hospice-at-home Helen and Douglas House 273,000 272,752 grant in the years 2010-11 and 2011-12. Revenue funding Hope House Children’s Hospice 300,000 299,752 may also come from NHS commissioners. Iain Rennie Grove House 84,000 83,752 Hospice Care Children’s hospices and the wider children’s palliative James Hopkins Trust 55,000 54,752 care sector received a further one-off non-recurrent Jessie May Trust 67,000 66,752 grant of £19 million in 2010-11 to support local projects. Julia’s House 88,513 88,265 A total of £30 million was available for this grant. The Keech Hospice Care 290,043 289,795 £19 million claimed was on top of the annual recurrent Little Havens 354,089 353,841 funding of £10 million, to which we are committed until Martin House 270,816 270,568 a transparent and fair per patient funding system is Naomi House Children’s Hospice 359,207 358,959 established in 2015. Details of the non-recurrent expenditure (Wessex) are available at: Rainbow’s Hospice for Children 322,465 322,217 and Young People www.dh.gov.uk/health/2012/04/update-on-funding/ Richard House Children’s 330,017 329,769 For 2012-13, we are providing the same annual revenue Hospice grant of £10 million to the hospices listed in Table 3 and Shooting Star 213,237 212,989 have made a further £720,000 available to new services St Andrew’s Children Hospice 245,000 244,752 from this April, which is more than we committed the St Oswald’s Children’s Services 195,000 194,752 Government to in the coalition agreement, ‘The Coalition: The Children’s Trust, Tadworth 148,000 147,752 our programme for government’. Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice— 200,000 199,752 Liverpool Two hospice groups that support children, the Donna Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice— 200,000 199,752 Louise Trust and St Oswald’s Hospices Ltd also received Middlesbrough allocations from the SEIF in 2010-11 (Table 2 above). Total 10,009,919 9,999,999 This information about children’s hospice services corrects the answers given to the hon. Member on Hospitals 16 January 2012, Official Report, columns 524-6W, and 13 March 2012, Official Report, column 188W, and to Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Health my hon. Friend the Member for Great Yarmouth (Brandon for what reasons hospitals are charged for re-admitting Lewis) on 20 February 2012, Official Report, column patients within 30 days when they are re-admitted in 689W, which I regret were incomplete. respect of a second unrelated illness. [106367] Table 3: Children’s Hospice and Hospice-at-Home Grant 2010-11 Grant 2011-12 Grant Mr Simon Burns: The Department’s policy of non Hospice (£) (£) payment for some emergency readmissions does not Acorns—Selly Oak 374,415 374,167 operate at the level of individual admissions. Instead Acorns—Walsall 370,560 370,312 trusts and their commissioners agree a threshold for Acorns—Worcester 358,400 358,152 acceptable levels of readmission, based on clinical reviews Bluebell Wood Children’s 161,250 161,002 of past readmissions, . with payment for readmissions. Hospice above this level being withheld. Brian House Children’s Hospice 190,550 190,302 Readmissions which are unrelated to the original Butterwick House 191,100 190,852 admission will therefore have been taken, into account CHASE (Children’s Hospice 411,130 410,882 when setting the threshold. The aim of the policy is to Association South East) generate funds which can be used to tackle the causes of Chestnut Tree House 225,647 225,399 preventable readmissions with both commissioners and Children’s Hospice South West— 280,644 280,396 Charlton Farm providers being incentivised to improve post discharge Children’s Hospice South West— 342,000 341,752 care. Little Bridge House Claire House Children’s Hospice 353,554 353,306 Occupational Health Demelza Community—East 125,124 124,876 Sussex Demelza House—Sittingbourne 505,173 504,925 Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Derian House Children’s Hospice 187,000 186,752 when he expects to publish his response to the report Donna Louise Children’s Hospice 255,346 255,098 Health at Work by Dame Carol Black and David Frost; Trust and what steps he is taking to implement the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices 225,238 224,990 recommendations of that report. [105215] —Ipswich East Anglia’s Children’s 275,729 275,481 Hospices—Milton Chris Grayling: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions. 1371W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1372W

The Department for Work and Pensions is leading on role as a point of contact between his Department and the Government response to the Independent review BSkyB and NewsCorp; whether such guidance into sickness absence, with input from other Government included how those responsibilities should be Departments and the devolved Administrations. These conducted; what feedback he received from Adam are complex issues and we will need to take time to Smith on his ongoing briefing of NewsCorp and consider the recommendations fully; the response will BSkyB on their proposed merger; and if he will place in be published later this year. the Library a copy of any such guidance and feedback. Prescription Drugs: Shortages [106343]

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State Mr Jeremy Hunt: The permanent secretary approved for Health pursuant to his answer of 25 April 2012, the approach his Department took to the quasi-judicial Official Report, column 914W, on prescription drugs: process which included a small number of people acting shortages, when he expects to make a decision on as contact points with News Corp, as is required and whether to undertake a one-off survey of shortages of normal in such a process. He has stated clearly he was medicines at local pharmacies. [106322] aware and content with Adam Smith being one of those Mr Simon Burns: We are cautious about placing points of contact. additional data return burdens on pharmacists but we Both the permanent secretary and I have been clear are considering, with stakeholders, taking forward a that the nature and extent of contacts between Adam one-off survey. The timing of the decision on any Smith and News Corp was unauthorised and went too survey will depend on a number of factors. far. This has been confirmed by Adam Smith in his resignation statement.

NORTHERN IRELAND Mr George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State HMS Caroline for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what advice he has received on whether the actions of Adam Smith as Stephen Pound: To ask the Secretary of State for an approved point of contact for his Department with Northern Ireland what discussions he has had with the NewsCorp in relation to the proposed merger between Secretary of State for Defence on the future use of BSkyB and NewsCorp was in breach of the Ministerial HMS Caroline. [106158] code; and if he will place a copy of any such advice in Mr Swire: I have discussed the future of HMS Caroline the Library. [106345] with the Minister for the Armed Forces, the hon. Member for North Devon (Nick Harvey). I have also held discussions Mr Jeremy Hunt: It is the role of the independent about HMS Caroline with the Minister for Enterprise, adviser of Ministers’ Interests to judge whether a breach Trade and Investment, and offered my support to the of the Ministerial Code has taken place. The Prime Executive’s plans to safeguard its future in Belfast. Minister has indicated that he will consider whether the matter should be referred to the independent adviser, following my appearance at Lord Justice Leveson’s PRIME MINISTER Inquiry. Ministers: Codes of Practice Mr George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State Mr George Howarth: To ask the Prime Minister what for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport pursuant to advice he has received on whether the actions of Adam the answers of 25 April 2012, Official Report, columns Smith, the special adviser to the Secretary of State for 963-8, to the hon. Members for Manchester Central, Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, have led to a Bradford South and Halton, if he will place in the breach of the Ministerial Code; and if he will place a Library a copy of all of the papers in relation to the copy of any such advice in the Library. [106342] appointment of his special adviser, Adam Smith, as a The Prime Minister: I refer the right hon. Member to point of contact between his Department and News the answers I gave to the right hon. Member for Doncaster Corporation on the proposed merger between BSkyB North (Edward Miliband) on 25 April 2012, Official and News Corporation. [106371] Report, column 945. Official Visits: Japan Mr Jeremy Hunt: I am in the process of preparing my evidence for the Leveson Inquiry, which will include all Caroline Lucas: To ask the Prime Minister what the relevant information held by me and my Department names and companies are of those who accompanied relating to News Corporation’s bid for BskyB. I anticipate him on his recent visit to Japan. [106321] that as much of this evidence as possible will be published, although this is a matter for the inquiry itself. The Prime Minister: I have placed a list in the Libraries of both Houses. Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport if he will place in CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT the Library a copy of all correspondence and records of meetings between him and Paul Maley since May British Sky Broadcasting: News Corporation 2010. [106378] Mr George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what guidance Mr Jeremy Hunt: There have been no meetings or was issued to his special adviser Adam Smith on his correspondence between Paul Maley and myself. 1373W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1374W

Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Public Appointments Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport on what dates Ministers in his Department have met Paul Maley since John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for May 2010; and if he will make a statement. [106379] Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport which staff in his Department have been appointed to external positions Mr Jeremy Hunt: There have been no meetings between by his Department since May 2010; and to which Paul Maley and Ministers in my Department. organisations they have been appointed. [106127] John Penrose [holding answer 30 April 2012]: The Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport pursuant to his does not directly appoint staff to external positions. response to the hon. Member for Camberwell and Approval can be given for staff to be released on Peckham of 25 April 2012, Official Report, column secondment or loan to other Government Departments 957, on the Leveson Inquiry, whether information or arm’s length bodies. about the contents of the statement he gave to the The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media House on 25 January 2011 were given to (a) Frederic and Sport, my right hon. Friend the Member for South Michel and (b) News Corps; and if he will place in the West Surrey (Mr Hunt), is responsible for making Library a copy of any records in relation to this matter. appointments to the Boards of DCMS Public Bodies. [106380] These appointments are regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. No serving member of the Mr Jeremy Hunt: Adam Smith said in his resignation Department has been appointed to the Board of a statement that while it was part of his role to keep News DCMS Public Body since May 2010. Corporation informed throughout the BskyB bid process, the content and extent of his contact was done without authorisation from me. TRANSPORT I am in the process of preparing my evidence for the Catering Leveson Inquiry, which will include all relevant information held by me and my Department relating to News Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Corporation’s bid for BskyB. I anticipate that as much Transport how much her Department spent on of this evidence as possible will be published, although complimentary refreshments for (a) staff and (b) this is a matter for the Inquiry itself. visitors in the latest period for which figures are available. [101441] Some of the evidence given to the Inquiry and set out in Exhibit KRM1-8 is unsubstantiated and provides Norman Baker: As expenditure on refreshments is only part of the picture. not recorded separately from wider hospitality costs, I I am keen to give my side of the story, and will do so regret that spend in this area can only by obtained at when I provide oral evidence. disproportionate cost. The Department’s policy is not to provide refreshments for staff for internal meetings or working lunches. Data Protection Refreshments for meetings with external visitors are provided exceptionally, and only with the approval of Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for senior managers. Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether his Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency Department is taking steps to inform the public about the proposed EU Data Protection Regulation. [105131] Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when she plans to (a) undertake and (b) Mr Kenneth Clarke: I have been asked to reply on publish an impact assessment on the proposed closure behalf of the Ministry of Justice. of DVLA offices; what methodology will be employed to assess how any changes will affect (i) elderly users, I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible. (ii) other users and (iii) the staff delivering the service; and if she will make a statement. [105671] Gambling: Licensing Mike Penning: Work on an impact assessment is underway. It will be published as decisions about the Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for next steps are taken. The impact assessment of this Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what non-regulatory change will be carried out in accordance representations he has received on the effects of with the appropriate elements of the official government Gambling Commission investigation practices on small guidance on impact assessments and is being developed business licence holders. [106325] using the responses to the recent consultation exercise as well as relevant data and statistics and meetings with John Penrose: I have been informed by the British key stakeholders. Equality assessments are also being Amusement Catering Trade Association (BACTA) of completed to understand the impacts on specific user concerns it has raised with the Gambling Commission groups. about its investigation practices under section 116 of High Speed 2 Railway Line the Gambling Act 2005. The Gambling Commission is investigating the complaint under its established procedures, Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Secretary of State for details of which can be found at: Transport pursuant to the answer given to the hon. http://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/gh-contact_us/ Member for Birmingham Yardley of 8 November complaints/complain_the_commission.aspx 2010, Official Report, columns 110-11W, what the cost 1375W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1376W to the public purse was in 2011-12 to develop her be carried out in a rigorous manner in accordance with Department’s High Speed Two proposals; and whether the Department’s well-established WebTag guidance. this affected the estimates for (a) 2012-13 and (b) The BCR forms only part of the decision-making process 2013-14. [104986] alongside the wider business case, including strategic, commercial, financial and management cases. I shall Justine Greening [holding answer 23 April 2012]: The continue to scrutinise all aspects of the project carefully, cost to the public purse of developing the High Speed 2 as I would any scheme of this scale and importance. proposals was £34.3 million in 2011-12. This includes HS2 Ltd and Department for Transport spend on the development of phases 1 and 2 of the project. Railways: Fares The total set out over the spending review period remains the same, but the profile of spending may Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for change over time. Transport what the maximum increase in regulated fares was in each year between 2005 and 2010; and Dan Byles: To ask the Secretary of State for which franchise implemented the fare increase in each Transport whether the Chief Engineer for HS2 Ltd such case. [103686] Professor Andrew McNaughton was outlining Government policy in his recent iRail 2012 Justine Greening: For most operators the average cap Distinguished Lecture, Designing High Speed Rail for for regulated fares increased by RPI+1% in each year Britain at the Derby College Roundhouse, when he between 2005 and 2010. predicted (a) up to 30 trains per hour on HS2 in the future and (b) additional acceleration lines alongside For west Yorkshire, this cap has increased by RPI+3% those tracks already planned at the Birmingham each year since 2007. For southeastern, the cap increased Interchange Station to allow future HS2 trains to get by RPI+3% each year from 2007 to 2010. up to speed before joining the main track; and if she From 2005 to 2009, train operators were permitted to will make a statement. [105819] increase individual regulated fares by up to 5% above the average cap on regulated fares as long as the average Justine Greening: Government policy on the capacity increase across their basket of fares is no more than the and line of route of the new high speed railway was set average cumulative cap; with the exception of 2010 out in my decisions in January. For the avoidance of when this flexibility was temporarily suspended for one doubt, I expect the network to be capable of year. accommodating 14 trains per hour initially, rising to The following table illustrates the maximum permitted 18 trains per hour with the opening of the second phase increase in individual regulated fares for all operators of the network to Leeds and Manchester. Where apart from west Yorkshire and southeastern. intermediate stations such as Birmingham Interchange are included on the high speed route, it is necessary to Maximum permitted increase include deceleration and acceleration tracks to minimise Fares year (Percentage) the effect of stopping trains on non-stopping services. 2005 9.0 The design for the Birmingham Interchange area has 2006 8.9 not changed since public consultation in 2011. 2007 9.3 2008 9.8 Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State 2009 11.0 for Transport how much her Department plans to 2010 10 spend on the High Speed 2 project in 2012-13; and how 1 The maximum permitted increase for most fares was -0.4% in this year, though much of this expenditure will be allocated to some lower priced fares were allowed to remain unchanged rather than decrease, consultancy fees. [106148] thus in practice the overall maximum permitted increase was 0%. The Department does not hold the information about Justine Greening: The planned spend in developing which franchises implemented the fare increase in each High Speed 2 in 2012-13 is £167.4 million. As part of such case. undertaking the Environmental Impact Assessment for Phase I of the route, HS2 Ltd will be procuring services from specialist firms (e.g. engineering and environmental design). The planned spend in 2012-13 in these activities, Railways: Franchises which are classified as technical consultancy, is approximately £135 million. Craig Whittaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport with reference to her proposal not to expand Steve Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for open access competition, what mechanism she plans to Transport pursuant to the contribution of her put in place to offer services on rail lines where predecessor to the Transport Committee, Oral franchised service operators traditionally do not wish Evidence, HC 1185, Q 554, on high speed rail, whether to operate but open access providers do; and if she will it remains her Department’s policy to place the High make a statement. [106327] Speed 2 scheme under close scrutiny in the event that the estimated benefit to cost ratio falls below 1.5; and if Mrs Villiers: Future franchise specifications will allow she will make a statement. [106168] franchised operators greater flexibility to develop their services to meet customer demand, which could include Justine Greening [holding answer 30 April 2012]: introducing franchised services on routes where they Appraisal of the High Speed 2 scheme will continue to have not previously operated. 1377W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1378W

Railways: Tickets to the tube upgrades. A copy of the funding agreement letter is available on the Department’s website at: Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/hammond-20101020/ Transport which train operating companies have made The Secretary of State for Transport can review the requests to (a) close and (b) reduce opening hours at Mayor of London’s SR10 settlement at any time in station ticket offices in the latest period for which response to relevant considerations. figures are available; and in respect of which stations The funding agreement letter records confirmation such applications have been made. [105917] from the Mayor that the SR10 settlement will allow him to deliver the schemes listed at annex B to the milestones Norman Baker [holding answer 30 April 2012]: It has specified. The Government does not therefore anticipate not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in additional funding being made available to TfL for the time available before Prorogation. these commitments. Road Traffic Transport: Dorset

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent estimate her Department has Transport whether any of the funding allocated to made of the level of congestion on the roads in Shipley Dorset local enterprise partnership will be used for the constituency. [105801] purpose of improving transport infrastructure. [106370]

Norman Baker: Estimates of congestion for Norman Baker: The main capital funding that is Parliamentary Constituencies (as measured by average distributed to all Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) morning speeds) are not held centrally. is the Growing Places Fund, which aims to address Quarterly estimates of congestion for local authorities infrastructure constraints, promote economic growth are available on the Department for Transport website and the delivery of jobs and houses. The Dorset LEP at: has been allocated a total of £9,639,201. Decisions on http://assets.dft.gov.uk/statistics/tables/cgn0206.xls the funding of individual projects is for each LEP to determine based on their own assessment of what will Roads: Lighting best achieve the fund’s objectives in their local area. Travel Mr Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what advice she has issued to local highway Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for authorities on the potential benefits of making greater Transport how many journeys (a) Ministers and (b) utilisation of traffic activated traffic lights rather than officials from her Department made by (i) train, (ii) those set on a time sequence, especially during coach and (iii) Government car in an official capacity non-peak hours; and if she will make a statement. in each of the last six months. [103633] [105935] Justine Greening: The Department for Transport does Norman Baker: The Department has issued guidance not hold records of journey numbers and does not to highway authorities on traffic signals and pedestrian record rail travel by Ministers and officials separately. facilities at traffic signal installations. Guidance is contained The total number of rail tickets bought from main in Traffic Advisory Leaflets TAL 1/06 (published 2006) suppliers by the central Department are contained in and TAL 5/05 (published 2005), both of which are the following table. The figures contain both single and available on our website at: return tickets. http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/tal/ It is for the individual highway authority to decide on DfT(c) the use of traffic lights on their roads, depending on the circumstances of each case. In Britain, most isolated October 2011 803 traffic signals are usually vehicle actuated. November 2011 893 December 2011 593 Transport for London: Finance January 2012 702 February 2012 745 Jackie Doyle-Price: To ask the Secretary of State for March 2012 834 Transport what powers she has to review her Total 4570 Department’s funding agreement for the current Spending Review period with Transport for London By way of comparison, the equivalent figures for (TfL) if TfL’s commitments are not met; what DfT(c) in the six months October 2009 to March 2010 assessment she has made of any potential requirement were: for additional funding for TfL to meet such commitments; and if she will make a statement. DfT(c) [103593] October 2009 1140 November 2009 1187 Mrs Villiers: TfL’s spending review settlement, agreed December 2009 799 between the Secretary of State for Transport, my right January 2010 853 hon. Friend the Member for Putney (Justine Greening) February 2010 1106 and the Mayor in 2010, is based on a shared commitment 1379W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1380W

British Waterways DfT(c)

March 2010 1206 Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Total 6291 Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the overall cost was of performance-related pay (PRP) for staff The last six months therefore show a 27% reduction with PRP in their contracts at British Waterways in the in the number of rail tickets purchased compared to a latest period for which figures are available. [103452] similar period under the previous administration. The Department does not record coach travel separately. Richard Benyon: For the financial year 2010 to 2011, The Department currently has two cars and individual the overall cost of performance-related pay for staff journeys are not recorded. In 2009-10 under the previous with PRP in their contracts at British Waterways (directors administration the Department had three allocated cars. and senior managers) was £371,118.

Vacancies Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the average Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for percentage change in total remuneration, including Transport how many job vacancies there were for (a) Performance Related Pay was for (a) directors, (b) the staff posts and (b) senior Civil Service posts in her lowest paid member of staff and (c) the median Department on 31 March (i) 2010, (ii) 2011 and (iii) salaried member of staff at British Waterways in the 2012; and if she will make a statement. [104585] latest period for which figures are available. [103453] Norman Baker: The following table provides a breakdown Richard Benyon: Bonuses were paid in July 2011 and of the recruitment for each of the years requested. relate to this financial year 2011 to 2012. However, the (b) Senior Civil Service payments were in respect of performance for 2010 to (a) Posts advertised to posts advertised to 31 2011. Financial year 31 March March For the financial year 2010 to 2011, the average (i) 2009-2010 582 18 percentage change in total remuneration (including (ii) 2010-2011 400 0 performance related pay) was 3.43% for directors, 2.23% (iii) 2011-2012 1,085 17 for the lowest paid member of staff and 1.15% for the median salaried member of staff at British Waterways. The numbers in this table for 2009-2010 show posts advertised across the Civil Service and externally as Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for they were not recorded separately. The posts advertised Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the average externally for 2010-11 and 2011-12 have been separated performance related pay (PRP) received by (a) the and are shown in the table below. chief executive, (b) directors and (c) staff with PRP in their contracts at British Waterways was in the latest (a) External Non SCS (b) External Senior period for which figures are available. [103454] Posts advertised to 31 Civil Service posts Financial year March advertised to 31 March Richard Benyon: Bonuses were paid in July 2011 and (ii) 2010-2011 19 3 relate to this financial year 2011 to 2012. However, the (iii) 2011-2012 73 9 payments were in respect of performance for 2010 to The increase in recruitment activity (largely appointments 2011. made from within the civil service) in 2011-12 is both: i) For the financial year 2010 to 2011, the chief executive to manage the turnover of staff, and ii) to reflect the at British Waterways received £15,000 performance related impact of departmental restructuring and change pay. programmes that have required particular skills and/or For the financial year 2010 to 2011, on an average per locations to be considered, for example in DfT(C) and director the directors received £12,500 and on an average VOSA. Fixed Term Appointments have also been used per senior manager staff with PRP in their contracts as a strategy to manage a changing workforce e.g. in (senior managers) received £2,919. MCA ahead of the Coastguard restructure. Dairy Farming

ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Animal Welfare: Circuses Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will consider bringing forward legislative proposals on the Fiona O’Donnell: To ask the Secretary of State for introduction of compulsory minimum terms in dairy Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she plans farmers’ milk contracts. [106120] to meet the named consultees in the consultation on the introduction of a licensing regime for the use of Mr Paice: DEFRA officials are now working closely wild animals in circuses. [102681] with their colleagues in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to implement the EU Dairy Package in a timely Mr Paice: Ministers and officials will continue to and comprehensive way across the UK. The package meet and discuss the development of policy in this area allows member states to decide if contracts should be with interested parties, having already met the majority introduced on a compulsory basis within their own of the organisations listed in the consultation document. territory. There will be a DEFRA-led consultation later 1381W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1382W this year to seek views from across the industry. It is (2) what assessment she has made of the availability anticipated that the necessary UK legislation will be in of ultra low sulphur red diesel for off-road equipment. force by spring 2013. [103835] However, the UK Government favours the introduction of a Voluntary Code of Practice (vCOP) on contractual Mr Paice: It has not proved possible to respond to my negotiations. The industry is actively discussing the hon. Friend in the time available before Prorogation. introduction of such a code, which would allow milk producers and processors to deal with issues more Dogs appropriately and quickly than the EU legislative model. Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Dangerous Dogs Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether she plans to review the legislation relating to (a) the Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for breeding of dogs, (b) irresponsible behaviour of dog Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she expects owners and (c) other areas of policy. [104420] to make a policy statement on dangerous dogs; whether she plans to introduce a new offence under the Mr Paice: I am pleased to say that on 23 April Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 of an attack by a dog on (a) Government announced a consultation on measures to another dog or (b) on another animal; and if she will tackle irresponsible dog owners. These measures include make a statement. [104419] extending the existing dangerous dogs law to cover all private property in England and that all puppies are Mr Paice: I am pleased to say that on 23 April compulsorily microchipped. The existing laws relating Government announced a consultation on measures to to the breeding of dogs provide the necessary powers to tackle irresponsible dog owners. These measures include protect the welfare of dogs at dog breeding establishments. extending the existing dangerous dogs law to cover all However, we will consider any recommendations made private property in England and that all puppies are by the independent Dog Advisory Council. compulsorily microchipped. Attacks by dogs on other dogs as well as on other animals could be dealt with Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 or the Animal Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the Welfare Act 2006, depending on the individual written ministerial statement of 23 April 2012, Official circumstances of the case. Report, on tackling irresponsible dog ownership, what estimate her Department has made of the likely savings Departmental Responsibilities on kennelling costs by police forces as a result of her plans to tackle irresponsible dog ownership. [105685] Mr Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how often she Mr Paice: We have estimated that our proposal, to expects to receive reports and representations from the allow the police to decide for themselves whether a Rural and Farming Network; and what steps she has suspected prohibited type dog can remain with its owners taken to ensure they are representative of all regions. for the duration of the court case, will save the police [104921] around £490,000 per year in kennelling costs. The proposal to extend the criminal law of allowing a dog to be Richard Benyon: The Rural and Farming Network dangerously out of control to all places is estimated to (RFN) consists of 17 networks across England providing cost an additional £1.9 million in police kennelling costs full coverage of all the English regions. There is an in the first year. But we expect the number of people expectation that Ministers will meet the RFN Chairs at prosecuted for allowing a dog to be dangerously out of least once or twice per year. The first Annual Meeting control will drop over subsequent years and that this of RFN Chairs and Ministers took place on 17 April. figure will be more like £1.1 million per year. However, In addition, DEFRA Ministers are proactively seeking the overall aim of the proposals is to reduce the number meetings with the locally based RFN Chairs alongside of dog attacks which if successful will make savings to their wider ministerial engagements. To date, DEFRA the health service in having to deal with injuries to Ministers have met nine of the 17 representatives within people. their localities with further meetings being planned. There is no formal reporting requirement placed Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for upon RFN Chairs into DEFRA. However, RFN Chairs Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what timetable are able to set their own agendas and bring in representatives her Department has set for progress on its irresponsible when they meet Ministers covering national and local dog ownership consultation after it closes on 15 June priorities. In addition, a direct route of communication 2012. [106149] (telephone and email) is being established between RFN Chairs and DEFRA Ministers to enable them to alert Mr Paice: To set out a timetable at this stage, before Ministers to the impacts of important issues of local having assessed the responses to the consultation, would concern. be premature.

Diesel Fuel Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment Dr Poulter: To ask the Secretary of State for her Department has made of the effectiveness of dog Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what steps control orders under the Clean Neighbourhoods and she is taking to increase the supply of ultra low sulphur Environment Act 2005 in promoting responsible dog red diesel for off-road equipment; [103829] ownership and tackling dangerous dogs. [106212] 1383W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1384W

Mr Paice: Last year the Home Office carried out a Elephants: Conservation review of antisocial behaviour measures. Following this, we plan to subsume Dog Control Orders within new Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for proposed antisocial behaviour measures. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if her Department will oppose any proposals for the down- Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for listing of elephant protection within CITES. [105317] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her Department is taking to ensure that dog control orders Richard Benyon: We will oppose any down-listing under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment proposal which includes ivory sales, as we have seen no Act 2005 are consistently consulted on and unequivocal evidence that such sales will reduce poaching. implemented in different parts of the country. [106213] E-mail Mr Paice: All local authorities have been provided with guidance explaining the procedure for making and Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for implementing Dog Control Orders. If anyone has any Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy concerns with the way a particular Dog Control Order is on the period for which emails sent and received by has been introduced or implemented, they should report (a) Ministers, (b) officials, and (c) special advisers in it to the relevant authority. her Department are retained; and whether such emails are recoverable from the IT systems in her Department after that period. [102951] Droughts Richard Benyon: E-mail policy in DEFRA states that e-mail messages which form part of the official record Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for are saved for as long as business needs require and Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is stored corporately in accordance with departmental taking to help prevent future droughts in the UK. record management procedures (specific retention periods [104275] exist for all official records and are set depending on the nature of the material). This policy covers all use of Richard Benyon: Droughts are natural events which DEFRA’s e-mail system and therefore covers Ministers, cannot be prevented and are planned for in water company officials and special advisers. DEFRA’s guidance on drought plans, as required by law. e-mail management emphasises the importance of capturing While we cannot prevent future droughts in the UK all significant e-mail messages. ensuring we have enough water this summer is vital and Once deleted, e-mails are recoverable for six weeks. this is why we have held a number of drought summits and established the National Drought Management Fisheries Group to co-ordinate national action. Following the drought summit, water companies in drought or at high Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for risk of drought have agreed to: try and reduce water Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she losses and increase leakage detection; and engage and plans to take to tackle electric beam trawling by foreign communicate with their customers to help them understand fishing vessels within the 12 nautical miles UK coastal the current position and encourage them to use water zone. [105793] wisely. Water companies are already joining up their sources Richard Benyon: Currently EU technical conservation of supply to help them move water to the areas of rules prohibit a number of unconventional fishing methods, greatest need and build resilience. Interconnections, including the use of electric current. A derogation was such as the United Utilities West-East link, build flexibility introduced in 2009 to permit this method in a defined into our water supply network and reduce the costs of area of the North sea applying specifically to beam meeting future demand. Interconnection will have an trawling. Dutch beam trawlers work with the electrical increasingly important role in building resilience and pulse method under tightly defined restrictions limiting preparing for longer term water resource challenges. the effective voltage in accordance with this derogation. Water must remain affordable for all. Large scale However, Dutch beam trawlers do not have access for infrastructure investment is expensive, and water is heavy, beam trawling within the UK’s 12 nautical mile zone difficult and costly to move. Relatively local connections under the relevant common fisheries policy arrangements. are likely to be the best options, incrementally building Their access is for fishing herring, which is not fished a wider and more integrated network. using electric beam trawling. I am not aware that vessels New options to transfer water such the scheme from from any other member state use this method of fishing. Severn Trent to Anglian Water to improve resilience to drought are currently under development. The Government, Floods Ofwat and the Environment Agency are taking action to ensure that options for trading and transfer of water Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for are taken forward where they are sustainable and cost- Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what effective for customers progress her Department has made on discussions with The Water White Paper, ‘Water for Life’, set out the insurance industry on the future of flood insurance plans for ensuring the water sector is well prepared for a following the expiry of the Statement of Principles; future with less certain water resources. and if she will make a statement; [103597] 1385W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1386W

(2) if her Department will commit to ensuring an that more can be done to improve the operation of the agreement with the insurance industry on the future of GLA and reduce burdens on those who are compliant. flood insurance by 30 June 2012; [103598] Ongoing work in this area is looking at these issues in (3) what principles her Department is using to assess more detail, and will consider evidence from a range of the suitability of models proposed to ensure the sources, including the recommendations in the report of availability and affordability of flood insurance the Forestry Regulation Task Force. following the expiry of the Statement of Principles; Game: Gun Sports and if she will make a statement. [103599]

Richard Benyon: The existing Statement of Principles Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for is due to expire on 30 June 2013 and insurers do not Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what want to renew it on the basis that it distorts the market consideration she has given to introducing a licensing and is poorly understood. A new shared understanding system for game shooting; and if she will make a is being developed that sets out more clearly what statement. [105389] individual customers can expect from their insurer, and the Government. It will reflect the continued responsibility Mr Paice: Game licences have not been required in and commitment of both the Government and insurers England and Wales since 2007 and there are no plans to to make sure insurance for flooding remains widely re-introduce them. available. Halal Meat: Labelling We are also considering the case for additional measures to help safeguard the affordability of flood insurance for those groups who might struggle most with premium Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for increases. We are looking at whether there are feasible, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment value for money ways of targeting funds to provide she has made of the extent to which Halal products are support to those that need it most, in a manner which sold without being labelled as such in (a) supermarkets does not create perverse incentives or distort the insurance and (b) restaurants and cafes. [104281] market. We will provide a further update on this shortly. Mr Paice: There is no legislative requirement for Food: Charitable Donations products to be labelled as Halal, so no formal attempt has been made to collect data on the extent to which Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Halal products are sold without being labelled as such. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will In principle we support the need for accurate information introduce legislative proposals based on the US Bill for consumers, but there are real practical difficulties in Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act 1996 to establishing traceability to identity method of slaughter protect from civil and criminal liability food donors to the point of consumption. and recipient agencies where food had been donated in good faith. [103136] Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent Mr Paice: The Government strongly supports discussions she has had on the compulsory labelling of redistribution of surplus food to charities such as FareShare halal products. [104431] and FoodCycle and hopes that more firms will choose to donate suitable surplus food rather than send it for Mr Paice: I met with members of the food and food disposal. Many do so already, though only a fraction of processing industries in early 2011 to discuss method of the available food is currently donated. slaughter labelling. We are currently reviewing the way We are considering all barriers to redistribution, including the welfare of animals is protected during religious legal concerns. This examination will determine the way slaughter as we make preparations to implement EU forward, and we will need to work with charities and Regulation 1099/2009 on the protection of animals at food manufacturers to lower any barriers identified. the time of killing, from 1 January 2013. Meetings with The Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food members of the Jewish and Muslim communities took and Rural Affairs, my noble Friend, Lord Taylor of place during 2011 and the early part of 2012 in this Holbeach, also recently wrote to my noble Friend, Lord context. Young of Graffham, to consider how health and safety In principle we support the need for accurate information can be reviewed to help facilitate this. for consumers but there are real practical difficulties in establishing traceability to identify method of slaughter Forestry for all meat and meat products from the point of slaughter to the point of consumption. An amendment Dr Thérèse Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for to require food labels to indicate whether an animal has Environment, Food and Rural Affairs with reference to been stunned before slaughter was proposed last year the Government response to the report by the Forestry by the European Parliament in the context of proposals Regulation Task Force on the role of the Gangmasters for an EU Food Information for Consumers Regulation. Licensing Authority (GLA), what plans she has to This proposal was not taken up but, in subsequent remove the forestry sector from the scope of the GLA. discussions, a compromise agreement was reached which [103890] highlighted the importance of this issue. This proposed that the issue should be considered by the EU Commission Mr Paice: The Red Tape Challenge has endorsed the in a welfare context as part of the anticipated discussion need for the GLA to enforce protections for vulnerable on the EU welfare strategy. The Commission has recently workers in its sectors. However, the process also suggested published a communication on the Strategy for the 1387W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1388W

Protection and Welfare of Animals 2012-15 which confirms Mr Paice: No steps have been taken to counter the the Commission will be studying labelling as provided recent rise in meat prices. The rise in prices reflects for in the agreement reached on the Food Information the market. DEFRA routinely monitors trends in the for Consumers Regulation. We look forward to early affordability of food, looking at both domestic retail consideration of the Commission’s proposals. food price inflation (as measured by the consumer price index) and changes in the factors that drive domestic Horse Racing: Animal Welfare retail food price inflation.

Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Ian Paisley: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has had with the British Horseracing Authority on she has made of a potential correlation between the a ban on the use of the whip; and if she will make a recent rises in theft of meat in some supermarkets and statement. [105483] the recent rise in meat prices. [105593]

Mr Paice: I have not held any direct discussions with Mr Paice: We have made no assessment of this. We the British Horseracing Authority in relation to such a therefore cannot say whether high retail meat prices are proposal. I consider that the BHA rules, together with causing increased thefts of meat. existing animal welfare legislation, provide adequate Members: Correspondence protection for the welfare of racehorses. Intellectual Property Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she plans to reply to the letter from the right hon. Member for Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Manchester, Gorton of 14 March 2012 with regard to Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether her Mr O. Mayo. [106329] Department has a role in intellectual property policy development. [101248] Richard Benyon: I replied to the letter of 14 March from the hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton on 27 Richard Benyon: The overall policy lead for intellectual March. I will send a copy of my reply to the hon. property is held by the Department for Business, Innovation Member. and Skills via the Intellectual Property Office. Many Government Departments have an interest in intellectual Ministerial Meetings property, and the policy making process, including collective ministerial consideration of proposals, reflects those Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for interests. My Department has many interests in this Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether (a) area, and works closely with the Intellectual Property Ministers and (b) officials in her Department have had Office. any meetings with (i) Simon Hoare, (ii) CGMS, (iii) Freshwater UK, (iv) Intermodality LLP, (v) BNP Legal Costs Paribas Real Estate, (vi) Helio Europe and (vii) Bircham Dyson Bell LLP since May 2010; and whether Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for she has received any recent representations from each Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much her such individual or organisation since May 2010. Department spent on fees for legal work in (a) 2010-11 [105188] and (b) 2011-12; and if she will make a statement. [104562] Richard Benyon: No Ministers or senior officials in core DEFRA Permanent Secretary and Directors-General) Richard Benyon: The amount the Department spent have had any meetings with any of these individuals on fees for legal work in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12 is or organisations mentioned. Meetings held by the given in the following table. Permanent Secretary and Ministers with external These amounts are the total payments to external organisations are published quarterly on the DEFRA solicitors and barristers for legal services, excluding website at: Parliamentary Counsel, Treasury Solicitors and the Crown http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/about/who/ministers/ Prosecution Service. The figures include some fees for transparency/ legal work for the Department’s arm’s length bodies and and it would be disproportionately costly to identify http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/about/who/management/ and remove these. Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for £ Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether (a) Financial year Ministers and (b) officials in her Department have had 2010-11 2011-12 any discussions on (i) the Helioslough Radlett rail freight exchange proposal and (ii) other rail freight Legal fees paid 655,757 1,347,987 issues since May 2010; and whether they have received any representations on these issues since May 2010. Meat: Prices [105189]

Ian Paisley: To ask the Secretary of State for Richard Benyon: No Ministers or senior officials in Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is core DEFRA (Permanent Secretary and Directors-General) taking to counter the recent rise in meat prices. [105592] have had any such discussions. Meetings held by the 1389W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1390W

Permanent Secretary and Ministers with external Pesticides organisations are published quarterly on the DEFRA website at: Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/about/who/ministers/ transparency/ assessment she has made of the effect of neonicotinoids and other nerve-agent pesticides on bee and colonies. [103987] http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/about/who/management/ Richard Benyon: Honeybee health is influenced by a number of factors, particularly pests and pathogens, Natural Gas: Exploration environmental impacts, bee husbandry, nutrition and the weather. Government scientists have assessed published Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for research reports with an open mind and continue to Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent rigorously consider the implications of any new published discussions she has had on the (a) possible effect of information on neonicotinoid insecticides and fipronil fracking on local water supplies and (b) potential (a similar active substance, but with a different mode of effect of current or future drought restrictions on the action). We are currently considering two studies published viability of shale gas extraction; and if she will make a on 29 March. statement. [105897] The European Commission has asked the independent European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for a scientific Richard Benyon: Lord Taylor of Holbeach, assessment on whether the dose rates used in two recently Parliamentary-Under Secretary of State, met with officials published studies are comparable to the actual doses to from the Environment Agency on 24 April 2012 to which bees are exposed, based on the EU approval and discuss various aspects of the development of on the authorisations granted by member states. EFSA unconventional gas in England and Wales, including is also producing a scientific opinion on the EU bee the possible effects on water supplies. regulatory risk assessment and will produce a new guidance document on the bee risk assessment for member The Environment Agency is currently undertaking states to follow in authorising pesticide products. a detailed environmental assessment of shale gas extraction in order to be able to regulate appropriately The body of evidence assessed to date does not to protect the environment, including water resources. scientifically support a change to the conditions of This will include an assessment of the effects that authorisation for neonicotinoid insecticides in the UK. hydraulic fracturing may have on water resources. The We are keeping this under active review, and will not assessment should show if there are water availability hesitate to take action if the available evidence shows constraints that could have implications for future shale the need. gas operations. Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State All hydraulic fracturing operations for shale gas are for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether her currently suspended pending consideration of the seismic Department has undertaken any research on the effect events in Lancashire in April and May 2011. Should of nerve-agent pesticides on (a) UK food production, hydraulic fracturing resume, the Environment Agency (b) global food production and (c) bee colonies (i) in will only authorise additional water abstraction when the UK, (ii) across Europe and (iii) globally. [103991] there is water available and there are no risks to the rights of existing abstraction licence holders. It has Richard Benyon: As part of its pesticides research powers to impose appropriate restrictions where these programme, the Government continues to fund a number are justified. Applications for abstraction for hydraulic of projects in support of the development of the pesticides fracturing would be treated in the same way as any risk assessment process. Some of these specifically relate other applications. to the potential impact of pesticides on honeybees and other non-target arthropods, and are still in progress. Previous work on the risk posed to honeybees by systemic Official Secrets insecticides, such as imidacloprid, has fed into the international risk assessment models for honeybees being Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for developed. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether any No specific work has been undertaken on the effect of person employed by (a) her Department, (b) the neonicotinoid pesticides on food production. Neonicotinoid agencies and non-departmental public bodies for which insecticides prevent damage to important food crops her Department is responsible and (c) any private such as cereals, oilseed rape, brassicas and sugar beet firms contracted by her Department is bound by any from pests such as aphids. Use of neonicotinoid seed part of the Official Secrets Act. [104846] treatments provides an alternative mode of action to organophosphate and pyrethroid insecticides and plays Richard Benyon: All Crown Servants and Government a key role helping to prevent the build up of resistance contractors (as defined by Sections 12(1) and 12(2) of in the pests concerned. the Official Secrets Act 1989) are subject to the requirements Poultry: Animal Welfare of the Official Secrets Act. Upon joining the Department, all staff are made aware that they are bound by the Sheryll Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for terms of the Official Secrets Act and that their actions Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent resulting in unauthorised disclosure of official information discussions she has had on ensuring cross-EU may result in legal proceedings being taken against compliance with the welfare of laying hens directive. them. [105570] 1391W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1392W

Mr Paice: The Commission has done what it said it Mr Paice: The short extension to the Campaign for would do and has taken robust action to deal with the the Farmed Environment, from July 2012, which I have large-scale non-compliance across the EU with the agreed (with the partner organisations) will ensure that conventional cage ban. In addition to writing formal current momentum is maintained, local delivery infraction letters to all non-compliant member states, it mechanisms are not dismantled and farmers can continue is reviewing member states’ action plans on a monthly to demonstrate the capability to deliver good environmental basis in the Standing Committee on the Food Chain management practice, while the future contribution of and Animal Health, most recently on 4-5 April. this industry-led voluntary partnership is considered. We continue to discuss compliance with the conventional This is being done in the context of DEFRA commitments cage ban with member states and the Commission at in the 2011 Natural Environment White Paper to assess every opportunity. We wish to see the rest of Europe advice and incentives to farmers and the role of voluntary come into compliance as swiftly as possible. approaches in delivering DEFRA’s environmental priorities, with the aim of introducing any new arrangements Sheryll Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for from January 2013. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what information her Department holds on the proportion Supermarkets of laying hens which have not been removed from conventional battery cages in (a) Austria, (b) Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Belgium, (c) Bulgaria, (d) Cyprus, (e) the Czech Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will Republic, (f) Denmark, (g) Estonia, (h) Finland, (i) incorporate the provisions of the Food Waste Bill into France, (j) Germany, (k) Greece, (l) Hungary, (m) the Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill. [104006] Ireland, (n) Italy, (o) Latvia, (p) Lithuania, (q) Luxembourg, (r) Malta, (s) the Netherlands, (t) Norman Lamb: I have been asked to reply on behalf Poland, (u) Portugal, (v) Romania, (w) Slovakia, (x) of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. Slovenia, (y) Spain and (z) Sweden. [105675] The Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill will be limited Mr Paice: The European Commission holds the data to the creation of an Adjudicator to uphold the Groceries on the level of compliance in the 12 EU member states Code. It will not address other issues related to retailers. which still have hens in conventional cages. The Commission Swine Flu has not released this information, but it has been reported that there are around 47 million hens still in these cages. Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Procurement Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent assessment she has made of the likelihood of a future Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for swine influenza outbreak. [104279] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much her Department spent on procurement from small and Mr Paice: Influenza is a relatively common infection medium-sized enterprises in (a) the fourth quarter of of UK pigs and is diagnosed regularly in the domestic 2010-11, (b) the first quarter of 2011-12 and (c) the pig population. While swine influenza is not a notifiable second quarter of 2011-12. [105872] disease under domestic or EU law, industry and Government maintain strong co-operation through a Richard Benyon: It has not proved possible to respond swine influenza surveillance programme. The Animal to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation. Health Veterinary Laboratories Agency publishes quarterly Retirement surveillance findings on its website.

Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Travel Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many (a) civil servants and (b) senior civil servants have retired Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for from her Department since May 2010; and if she will Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many make a statement. [104152] journeys (a) Ministers and (b) officials from her Department made by (i) train, (ii) coach and (iii) Richard Benyon: 167 civil servants, including 24 senior Government car in an official capacity in each of the civil servants, retired from core DEFRA between 1 May last six months. [103636] 2010 and 18 April 2012. The figures include members of staff who left the Richard Benyon: The information is as follows: Department for the following reasons: (a) Journeys made by DEFRA Ministers in each of Normal age-related retirement; the last six months are as follows: Actuarially reduced retirement; (i) Journeys by train: Retirement on grounds of ill-health; Voluntary exit scheme with receipt of pension. October November December January February March

Set-aside Schemes Caroline 002212 Spelman Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State JimPaice371535 for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for what Richard 969537 reason her Department’s Campaign for the Farmed Benyon Environment has been extended until December 2012. Lord 858957 Taylor [105009] 1393W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1394W

(ii) Coach: and are now reporting regularly to Ofwat on progress No DEFRA Ministers have travelled by coach in an towards meeting these. Of these companies, Yorkshire official capacity in the last six months. Water has offered an informal undertaking to meet its targets and Southern Water has agreed a binding, formal (iii) Government cars: undertaking to meet its target. Southern Water has Details of all journeys of Government cars made in further committed to return £5 million to customers an official capacity by DEFRA Ministers are not held from 2015 for its failure of leakage targets. Ofwat centrally, and collation would incur disproportionate continues to monitor the situations. costs. Where companies fail to meet leakage targets, Ofwat, (b) The number of journeys made by officials from as the economic regulator of the water and sewerage core DEFRA by (i) train, (ii) coach and (iii) Government sector, can investigate and take the appropriate action. car in an official capacity in each of the last six months is not identifiable from the operating system that DEFRA Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for uses. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of (a) steps Vacancies: Senior Civil Servants taken by and (b) the powers of Ofwat to (i) ensure water companies meet leakage targets, (ii) enable Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for householders to save water and (iii) maintain water Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many job bills at affordable rates; and if she will make a vacancies there were for (a) staff posts and (b) senior statement. [105910] civil service posts in her Department on 31 March (i) Richard Benyon: Each water company has a target to 2010, (ii) 2011 and (iii) 2012; and if she will make a reduce leakage. They report progress annually to Ofwat, statement. [104561] the independent regulator, and when companies fail to meet these targets, Ofwat can investigate and take the Richard Benyon: The following table shows the job appropriate action. For example, Ofwat can require a vacancies for the periods requested. Vacancies have formal undertaking from a company to commit to been defined as those within core DEFRA which could meeting all future targets, or where necessary it can use not be filled from within the civil service and therefore its powers to fine companies. were authorised for external recruitment outside the Water companies have a duty to promote the efficient civil service. Information is not held for vacancies existing use of water by their customers. In addition, at the last on a particular date therefore information has been price review, Ofwat also set annual targets for companies provided for the total number of vacancies authorised to reduce per capita consumption of water by one litre for external recruitment for the entire year. per property per day. Companies can use a variety of means to meet their targets, such as advice to customers (a) Non-SCS Staff Dates Posts (b) SCS or offering free or subsidised water efficiency devices. Ofwat calculates that the average household water (i) 1 April 2011 to 31 18 3 March 2012 and sewerage bill for 2012-13 is £376. Its periodic reviews (ii) 1 April 2010 to 31 20of prices set limits on the amounts that companies can March 2011 charge, while allowing payments for necessary improvements (iii) 1 April 2009 to 31 33 5 in services. March 2010

Water Companies DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER Bill of Rights Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will Penny Mordaunt: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister undertake a comparative assessment of the (a) charges pursuant to his answer of 23 April 2012, Official paid by consumers and (b) performance in meeting Report, column 622W, on Bill of Rights, with which leakage targets of water companies that are (i) three members of the Commission on a Bill of Rights privately-owned and pay dividends to shareholders and he had a telephone conference; on what date that (ii) owned by their customers via a social enterprise telephone conference took place; and whether a record not-for-profit model; and if she will make a statement. was kept of that telephone conference. [106169] [105908] The Deputy Prime Minister: On 4 May 2011 I had a telephone conference with Professor Philippe Sands Richard Benyon: There is no water and sewerage QC, Baroness Kennedy of the Shaws QC and Professor company in England or Wales that describes itself as Sir David Edward QC. There is not a record of the call. being owned by its customers via a social enterprise not-for-profit model. Dwr Cymru (Welsh Water) is owned by Glas Cymru—a not-for-profit company. INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Ofwat forecasts that the average water and sewerage Africa bill across all companies will be £376. The average Dwr Cymru bill is £427. Companies’ average bills are listed Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for on Ofwat’s website. International Development how much funding his In 2010-11, six water companies—Northumbrian Water, Department provided to fund voucher schemes for Southern Water, Anglian Water, Yorkshire Water, Severn private schools in Africa in the latest period for which Trent Water and Dwr Cymru—failed their leakage targets figures are available. [105862] 1395W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1396W

Mr O’Brien: The Department for International a further 104,000 men, women and children to benefit from Development has made no spend on voucher schemes community livelihoods support such as animal feed and animal for private schools in Africa. Our only support for vaccinations and cash and or in-kind transfers. voucher schemes is in Pakistan where DFID has supported As well as responding to the current crisis the UK is the Punjab Education Foundation since 2009 to deliver supporting multilateral efforts to promote resilience in quality education to 1 million children through its the Sahel. We believe that helping communities in the foundation assisted schools as well as voucher programmes. Sahel to become more resistant to climatic and economic We currently provide approximately £190,000 per year shocks must be a priority for all to prevent future food to the voucher programme, which is designed to support insecurity in the region. out of school children, and is being expanded to all 36 UK officials continue to monitor the situation closely districts of Punjab and will support 300,000 children in and liaise with their opposite numbers in other Governments the next three years. to ensure that other countries take their fair share of the response. Overseas Aid

Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps he is taking to BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS support efforts to reform the UN’s humanitarian reform initiative; and if he will make a statement. Business: Radio [106391] Stephen Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Duncan: DFID is taking a number of steps to Business, Innovation and Skills what plans his drive forward reform of the UN’s humanitarian system. Department has regarding charges levied on small For example, the UK is supporting the UN’s Emergency businesses for licences to play radio stations in their Response Co-ordinator, Baroness Amos, to implement place of work. [106155] a series of reforms to support a faster, effective and efficient humanitarian response. These reforms are set Norman Lamb: The Department has no such plans. out in the Inter Agency Standing Committee’s (IASC) The charges in question are levied on small businesses Transformative Agenda (TA). They include stronger by bodies known as collecting societies, who collect on leadership and better co-ordination and accountability behalf of owners of rights in the music. These bodies in large scale rapid onset natural disasters and complex are privately-run entities, and the fees they charge for emergencies. The Secretary of State for International licences are not regulated by Government. However, Development, my right hon. Friend the Member for individual businesses or their representative associations Sutton Coldfield (Mr Mitchell), is in regular dialogue can make a reference to the Copyright Tribunal (an with Baroness Amos, UN agency heads and other IASC independent judicial body) if they believe these charges members on these issues. are excessive. DFID is leading a new Disaster Resilience Political Construction: Industry Champions Group which is working to promote and support disaster resilience in poor countries. For example, supporting better early warning systems, new partnerships Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for with the private sector on risk financing, testing out Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has new approaches to cope with disasters such as building made of (a) the reasons for the fall in construction schools that can double up as cyclone shelters, strengthening output in the first quarter of 2012 and (b) whether the links development and humanitarian action. This in there is a correlation between Government policy and turn will result in more effective aid, enhanced results output levels in the construction sector. [106070] and greater value for money. Mr Prisk [holding answer 30 April 2012]: The quarterly West Africa (UK, seasonally adjusted) data published in the ONS GDP release on 25 April did not break down by type of Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for work in the construction industry. International Development what action he is taking to The latest available figures on construction output support those affected by food shortages in West are for February 2012. These cover Great Britain only Africa; and if he will make a statement. [106390] and are not seasonally adjusted. They show that construction output fell by 15.6% in the three months Mr O’Brien: In direct response to severe food shortages to February compared to the previous three months. in the Sahel region of West Africa, the Secretary of The Government are a significant funder of construction State for International Development, my right hon. work and the effects of decisions on public spending Friend the Member for Sutton Coldfield (Mr Mitchell), clearly have an impact on the construction industry. announced two urgent packages of UK support to help That is why we are working hard with the construction mitigate the crisis, one in January and the other in industry on a number of fronts including, for instance, March. Through this assistance, British aid will support the Government Construction Strategy (to ensure that over 400,000 people across the Sahel in 2012. This will the public procurement process is more efficient and help: effective), the Green Construction Board (to ensure 155,000 children and women to benefit from improved nutrition, that Government and industry understands the potential of which over 87,000 children under five will be treated for severe of new and emerging business opportunities) as well as acute malnutrition; the reforms to the planning system (to free up land 153,000 people to receive food; supply) and measures to stimulate the housing market. 1397W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1398W

Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for EU Emissions Trading Scheme: Manufacturing Business, Innovation and Skills if he will convene a Industries meeting for the purpose of establishing what additional assistance could be provided to the construction sector Mark Tami: To ask the Secretary of State for and its supply chain to (a) raise output and (b) Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment his increase employment within the sector; and if he will Department has made of the effect on the make a statement. [106125] manufacturing industry of the inclusion of aviation in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. [103709] Mr Prisk [holding answer 30 April 2012]: I meet regularly with the construction industry, its Mr Prisk: In July 2010 the UK Government published Strategic Forum for Construction and the Green an impact assessment on the second stage of transposition Construction Board to discuss the issues it faces and the of EU legislation to include aviation in the European state of the market and employment opportunities Union Emissions Trading System (ETS). However, there frequently feature. was no assessment of the direct impact of the aviation This Government are pursuing growth in the construction ETS on manufacturing. sector through a number of measures including the A copy of the impact assessment can be found at Government Construction Strategy (to ensure that the http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/Consultations/ public procurement process is more efficient and effective), euetsaviationsecondstage/909-ia-second-stage-transposition- the Green Construction Board (to ensure that Government euets.pdf and industry understands the potential of new and Exports: Pigs emerging business opportunities) as well as the reforms to the planning system (to free up land supply) and Mr Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for measures to stimulate the housing market. Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking to facilitate access to the Australian market for UK Consumers: Scotland pork exporters. [105818]

Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Prisk: Officials in DEFRA have submitted a Business, Innovation and Skills what consumer response to the questionnaire sent by the relevant Australian protection legislation the Scottish Government has authorities earlier in the year. The latter are still evaluating requested be devolved to the Scottish Parliament. the information, but initial feedback indicates that they [103567] are satisfied with what has been provided. DEFRA officials will continue to keep industry representatives informed of developments. Norman Lamb: On 22 September 2011, the Scottish Government wrote to the Consumer Minister seeking Higher Education: Devolution consideration of the devolution of consumer-focused powers to Scotland. The Minister indicated that he was Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for willing to consider these. He asked that the Scottish Business, Innovation and Skills what discussions he has Government set out their views as to which powers they had on Tier 2 visas with ministerial colleagues in the are considering and how the new model would operate. devolved Administrations responsible for higher He also agreed that the issues around the devolution of education. [103885] consumer-focused powers continue to be discussed further at official level. No specific proposals have been put Mr Willetts: I discuss a range of topics with my forward by the Scottish Government. ministerial colleagues responsible for higher education in the devolved Administrations. My officials also work Departmental Billing with counterparts in the nations and Universities UK, who represent the devolved Administrations, on issues Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for including Tier 2 visas. Business, Innovation and Skills how many and what Higher Education: Insolvency proportion of his Department’s invoices from its private sector suppliers were paid (a) within 14 days, Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for (b) between 15 and 30 days, (c) between 31 and Business, Innovation and Skills what contingency plans 60 days, (d) between 61 and 90 days and (e) more than his Department has put in place in the event of 90 days after receipt in the last 12 months. [93446] institutions of higher education becoming insolvent; and what statutory provision has been made for such Norman Lamb: The Department does not currently an eventuality. [106107] report on the numbers and percentages of supplier invoices paid in the periods quoted above and this Mr Willetts: The Higher Education Council for England information can be provided only at disproportionate (HEFCE) has powers that enable them to monitor the cost. financial health of the higher education sector. This However, the Department does report on the number and allows them to provide early warning of any institutions percentage of supplier invoices paid within 30 calendar that are getting into difficulty. HEFCE would seek to days and five working days. In the 12 months to January protect the interests of students to ensure they could at 2012 the Department paid 23,130 supplier invoices and a minimum, complete their studies. If any institution of these 99.7% were paid within 30 calendar days and were to fail, our primary concern is assuring the continuing 95.1% were paid within five working days. education of its students. 1399W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1400W

Manufacturing Industries: EU Action The NTSB has responsibility for prioritising national and cross-local authority boundary enforcement in England Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State and Wales, including: for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment his an integrated national intelligence system; Department has undertaken into the effect of EU the coordination of Trading Standards enforcement activity legislation on currency hedging on manufacturing across local authority boundaries and nationally including industries. [106252] management of enforcement databases; the analysis of intelligence and setting of priorities for cross- Mr Prisk: There are a number of EU proposals for boundary enforcement; financial services legislation that are designed to improve funding and supervision of Trading Standards teams in English the resilience of the financial system and may have an and Wales and a small number of national centres of excellence; impact on derivative products and therefore on currency the maintenance and use of a national indemnity fund to hedging by manufacturing industries. support local authorities bringing large or risky cases in the Financial services legislation is negotiated by HM national interest; Treasury and I refer the hon. Member to the Explanatory the tasking of problematic supra-local enforcement cases within Memoranda on the Commission’s proposals, of which the Trading Standards network; copies are available in the Library. the collection of better data on Trading Standards activity and the evaluation of impact; and I would however be happy to receive any evidence reporting to BIS, and where necessary to the LGA and to that the hon. Member has of how this may impact Parliament, on Trading Standards activity which crosses local manufacturing industries. authority boundaries and the use of central Government funding. Mature Students: Finance The NTSB has decided to continue to operate the Tackling Illegal Money Lending Team, and has made Mr Bailey: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, the following assessment. Innovation and Skills what proportion of (a) higher For Teeside, the number of complaints regarding education maintenance grants, (b) tuition fee loans intermediary credit business for 2011/12 was 125. This and (c) maintenance loans went to students over the was made up of complaints about payday loans, home age of 24 years in (i) the 2011-12 academic year to date credit provision, retaining fees for brokers and other and (ii) each of the previous three academic years. areas of credit unspecified. [105544] The team has received 22 reports of intelligence regarding illegal money lending for the same period for Mr Willetts: Information on the proportion of the Teeside area. expenditure of each support type paid to students aged In the north east, there are a number of strategies over 24 will be placed in the Libraries of the House. looking at financial inclusion and financial capability, Meetings which address the effects of unlicensed doorstep lending, including the Thrive’ project and Financial Inclusion Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, and Capability Northeast. Innovation and Skills whether (a) Ministers and (b) Overseas Trade officials in his Department have had any meetings with (i) Simon Hoare, (ii) CGMS, (iii) Freshwater UK, (iv) Intermodality LLP, (v) BNP Paribas Real Estate, (vi) Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Helio Europe and (vii) Bircham Dyson Bell LLP since Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his May 2010; and whether he has received any recent Department plans to take to encourage collaboration representations from each such individual or and networking by UK businesses with international partners. [106220] organisation since May 2010. [105196] Norman Lamb: Meetings between Ministers and external Norman Lamb: The economic rationale for UK Trade organisations and the Permanent Secretary and external & Investment (UKTI) services includes acting as an organisations are now published: quarterly. intermediary in identifying international partners for UK businesses. Therefore, its activities, services, help http://www.bis.gov.uk/transparency/staff and advice, both in the UK and overseas, are geared Quarters not yet published (from October 2011 onwards) towards helping UK companies to collaborate and network will be published in due course. Information about with international partners. meetings with other officials could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Details of how UKTI is planning to do this are set out in its strategy ’Britain Open for Business’, which Money Lenders: Teeside was launched in May 2011. The UKTI website www.ukti.gov.uk Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for gives further information on UKTI services and its Business, Innovation and Skills what recent estimate strategy. his Department has made of the level of unscrupulous money lending on Teesside. [106151] Post Office

Norman Lamb: On 11 April 2012, the Government Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for published its response to the consultation on empowering Business, Innovation and Skills what representations he and protecting consumers, which set out the decision to has received from Consumer Focus on challenges with establish a National Trading Standards Board (NTSB) the introduction of the post office local operating for England and Wales. model. [106143] 1401W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1402W

Norman Lamb: My predecessor, my right hon. Friend about the St Albans Strategic Railfreight Interchange the Member for Eastleigh (Chris Huhne) had discussions from a private company. This included a request for a with Consumer Focus in the context of their report meeting. He declined the request, stating that as growth ’Local but Limited’ published on 1 April 2011. In that needed to take place in line with local priorities, it report, Consumer Focus described the network would be inappropriate for BIS to intervene. transformation programme, which includes the introduction of up to 2,000 Post Office local branches, Railways: Radlett “as significant, if not more challenging than previous restructure exercises” Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, but, in the same report, also found that the Post Office Innovation and Skills whether (a) Ministers and (b) Local model has the officials in his Department have had any discussions on “clear potential to modernise the network, and to protect post (i) the Helioslough Radlett rail freight exchange office services.” proposal and (ii) other rail freight issues since May Post Office: Credit Unions 2010; and whether they have received any representations on these issues since May 2010. Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for [105197] Business, Innovation and Skills what progress has been made in allowing access to credit union accounts Mr Prisk: Ministers and officials have not had specific through the Post Office network. [103866] meetings with external stakeholders on the Helioslough Radlett rail freight exchange since May 2010. Mr Prisk: Post offices currently work with the credit In July 2010, I received correspondence from the hon. union sector in a number of ways. For example more Member for Southampton, Test (Dr Whitehead) which than 20 credit unions use Co-operative Finance’s banking stated the importance of rail freight to the port of platform for cash receipts, payments and balance inquiries Southampton, in particular the W10 gauge enhancement at the post office. Over 60 credit unions use Post Office’s work. In my response, I acknowledged the importance bill payment facilities to enable repayments of their of gauge clearance to the port and rail freight industries, loans. The Department for Work and Pensions’ feasibility as well as to the economy as a whole. I added that all study into credit unions is an important next step in Government expenditure, including the Department for understanding how the credit union sector could further Transport’s plans for rail infrastructure, would be subject develop, and how this might enable it to work more to review as part of the Government’s comprehensive widely with Post Office Ltd in the future. spending review. Procurement As part of Growth Review stakeholder engagement, officials in the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) held a roundtable with representatives Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for from the logistics sector in August 2011 at which strategic Business, Innovation and Skills how much his rail freight interchanges were discussed. In November Department spent on procurement from small and 2011, the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation medium-sized enterprises in the fourth quarter of and Skills, the right hon. Member for Twickenham 2010-11. [105878] (Vince Cable), received correspondence about the St Albans Strategic Railfreight Interchange from a private company. Norman Lamb: In 2010-11 the Department only collected This included a request for a meeting. He declined the annual SME procurement data and from an annual request, stating that as growth needed to take place in procurement total of £253.6 million procurement with line with local priorities, it would be inappropriate for SMEs totalled £48.2 million. Quarterly figures for 2010-11 BIS to intervene. can be provided only at disproportionate cost. Routine reporting on quarterly SME procurement Regional Growth Fund data commenced in 2011-12 and is published on the Department’s website at http://www.bis.gov.uk/QDS Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many bids made Railways: Freight as of 23 February 2012 to the Regional Growth Fund have now received the money allocated to them in (a) Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, round 1 and (b) round 2 in each English administrative Innovation and Skills what representations (a) he, (b) region. [96945] Ministers and (c) officials in his Department have received on strategic rail freight interchanges. [104484] Mr Prisk [holding answer 27 February 2012]: Regional Growth Fund (RGF) awards from Round 1 and Round Mr Prisk [holding answer 23 April 2012]: As part of 2 are normally phased over the three financial years growth review stakeholder engagement, officials in the 2011/12, 2012/13, 2013/14 and paid in arrears of private Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) sector investment. held a roundtable with representatives from the logistics To date a total of £464,969,601 has been paid in sector in August 2011 at which strategic rail freight relation to RGF Round 1 and RGF Round 2 bids. The interchanges were discussed. following table presents a regional breakdown. Note In November 2011, the Secretary of State for Business, that this table only represents bids where the “final offer Innovation and Skills, the right hon. Member for letter” has been agreed and where the bidder has had Twickenham (Vince Cable), received correspondence one or more claims paid. 1403W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1404W

Round 1 Round 2 Total Bid £ million Bid £ million Bid £ million

North East 9 12.96 1 4 10 16.96 North West 2 6.69 4 27.54 6 34.23 Yorkshire and Humber 2 6.1 1 25.7 3 31.8 West Midlands 4 13.19 1 70 5 83.19 East Midlands 1 0.09 1 10 2 10.09 South West 1 0.39 2 52.83 3 53.22 South East and East 1 1.98 1 35 2 36.98 More than one region 3 145 1 53.5 4 198.5

Sunday Trading In 2006, as part of a wider review of Sunday trading restrictions, the Government commissioned Indepen Gareth Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Consulting Ltd to carry out an analysis of the economic Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has costs and benefits of easing restrictions on large shops made of the effect of relaxing the Sunday trading laws trading on Sundays. The conclusion of the cost benefit between 22 July and 9 September 2012 on retailers in analysis was that the net economic benefit of full (a) Dartford, (b) Kent and (c) the south-east. liberalisation could be worth around £1.4 billion per annum. However there are no plans to pursue full [105038] liberalisation. Mr Prisk: To make an accurate assessment of the potential impact would be difficult due to the unique Sunday Trading: Redditch nature of the Olympics and Paralympics. A separate study of the impact on different parts of the country Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for has not been carried out. Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has In 2006, as part of a wider review of Sunday trading made of the effects of a change in Sunday trading restrictions, the Government commissioned Indepen hours on small businesses in Redditch. [105446] Consulting Ltd to carry out an analysis of the economic costs and benefits of easing restrictions on large shops Mr Prisk: To make an accurate assessment of the trading on Sundays. The conclusion of the cost benefit potential impact would be difficult due to the unique analysis was that the net economic benefit of full nature of the Olympics and Paralympics. A separate liberalisation could be worth around £1.4 billion per study of the impact on different parts of the country annum. has not been carried out. Should the Government ever decide to look at a In 2006, as part of a wider review of Sunday trading permanent relaxation of these restrictions then a full restrictions, the Government commissioned Indepen impact assessment would be carried out. As part of this Consulting Ltd to carry out an analysis of the economic impact assessment the Government would consider evidence costs and benefits of easing restrictions on large shops on the impact that this temporary suspension may have trading on Sundays. The conclusion of the cost benefit had on relevant business large and small. analysis was that the net economic benefit of full liberalisation could be worth around £1.4 billion per annum. However, there are no plans to pursue full Sunday Trading: Olympic Games 2012 liberalisation.

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Sunday Trading: Wrexham Business, Innovation and Skills what consultation he undertook with smaller retailers before announcing the Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, relaxation of the Sunday Trading laws for the period Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of around the London Olympic Games 2012. [103446] the effect on small businesses in Wrexham constituency of relaxing the provisions of the Sunday Trading Mr Prisk: The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of Act 1994 between 22 July and 9 September 2012. State for Justice, my right hon. and learned Friend the [103794] Member for Rushcliffe (Mr Clarke), announced as part of the Budget that the Government intends to suspend Mr Prisk: The unique nature of the Olympics and the current restrictions on some large stores opening on Paralympics makes an accurate assessment of the potential Sundays during the Olympics. impact difficult and no separate study of the impact of There was no consultation undertaken with smaller the Bill on different parts of the country has been retailers before the announcement. However I have held carried out. In 2006, as part of a wider review of a number of discussions with representatives of small Sunday trading restrictions, the Government commissioned shops, including the Association of Convenience Stores, Indepen Consulting Ltd to carry out an analysis of the the National Federation of Retail Newsagents and the economic costs and benefits of easing restrictions on Federation of Small Business. In addition we have held large shops trading on Sundays. The conclusion of the meetings with trade unions, large retailers including the cost benefit analysis was that the net economic benefit large supermarkets, the CBI, the Church of England of full liberalisation is worth £20.3 billion over 20 years and Members of both Houses. or £1.4 billion per annum. 1405W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1406W

The Government recognises that the speed of this Bill Norman Lamb: This Department does not monitor has led to concerns about what the Bill actually does. To the day to day revenue accrued by travel companies and address this and to highlight the temporary nature of has no plans to do so. It is for business to decide what to this Bill we have held a number of discussions with charge for its services. In doing so leisure travel companies representatives of small shops, including the Association no doubt take into account the peaks and troughs in of Convenience Stores, the National Federation of Retail demand they experience over the course of a year and Newsagents and the Federation of Small Business. the need to attract consumers in a competitive market. Supermarkets: Competition UK National Contact Point Jason McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will bring forward Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for legislative proposals to grant powers to the Business, Innovation and Skills if he will make an forthcoming Groceries Code Adjudicator to fine assessment of the outcomes of the UK National supermarkets and launch investigations based on Contact Point’s determinations. [105796] evidence from third parties. [106360] Norman Lamb: I refer the hon. Member to the answer Norman Lamb: The Government believes that the given by the Minister of State, Department for Business, Adjudicator will be able to secure compliance with the Innovation and Skills, the hon. Member for Hertford Code without needing to fine retailers. However, it and Stortford (Mr Prisk), on 19 April 2012, Official intends to include a reserve power to impose financial Report, column 562W. penalties, to be activated by order of the Secretary of Under the published arrangements for determining State for Business, Innovation and Skills, my right hon. and monitoring the outcomes of cases referred to the Friend the Member for Twickenham (Vince Cable), if UK National Contact Point (NCP), there is no direct the other sanctions do not prove effective. oversight role for Ministers. The independent Steering The Government has agreed to consider further the Board, which contains representatives from key Government arguments for allowing third party information made Departments and external stakeholder organisations, by the BIS Select Committee. It will announce the final monitors whether or not the handling and outcome of decision on this matter at such time that the Bill is individual cases is in line with the published arrangements. introduced into Parliament. At the end of the Process, the NCP prepares a Final Taxis: Minimum Wage Statement, setting out the outcome of either Mediation between both Parties to the dispute, or the Examination Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Process under which the NCP determines whether or Business, Innovation and Skills what controls are in not the OECD Guidelines on Multinational Enterprises place to ensure that drivers working for (a) Addison have been breached. The Final Statement may include Lee and (b) other minicab companies receive the recommendations for follow-up action to bring the national minimum wage. [106210] company into compliance with the Guidelines, with a date by which it must report on progress. Final Statements Norman Lamb: This Government is firmly committed and Follow-Ups to Final Statements are published on to the national minimum wage (NMW). To support the BIS website at: this, we are committed to effective, risk-based enforcement www.bis.gov.uk/nationalcontactpoint to ensure a level playing field for legitimate businesses and to protect workers who are at risk of abuse by those UK-Israel Life Sciences Council who refuse to play by the rules. Our policy is to ensure that all workers who are entitled to the NMW receive it. HM Revenue & Customs Dr Poulter: To ask the Secretary of State for investigate all complaints made to them about Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has underpayment of the NMW. Anyone who believes they made of the work of the UK-Israel Life Sciences are being underpaid should contact the Pay and Work Council. [105783] Rights Helpline. Mr Willetts: The creation of the UK Israel Life Teachers: Training Sciences Council (LSC) was announced by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) for Business, Innovation and Skills how many (Mr Hague), during his visit to Israel in November applications for postgraduate teacher training there 2010, in order to enhance scientific collaboration between were in each year from 1997 to 2011. [106276] the two countries. The first meeting of the LSC took place in January Mr Willetts: It has not proved possible to respond to 2011 and decided to focus on Regenerative Medicine—an the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation. area in which both countries have much to offer each Travel: Fees and Charges other. A fund of £10 million for a period of five years, raised mostly from private sources, will support this Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for effort. Business, Innovation and Skills if he will estimate the The first call for proposals and the first UK-Israel additional revenue accrued by travel companies by Regenerative Medicine Conference took place last year. charging higher prices during school holidays; and if A large number of joint UK-IL research proposals have he will make a statement. [105676] already been received and are currently under review. 1407W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1408W

I believe the LSC is a very useful forum for Attendance allowance (AA) cases in payment in Bury North parliamentary focusing UK and Israeli joint efforts and is providing constituency by award type: August 2011 guidance and advice to the Regenerative Medicine initiative. Cases The next meeting of the LSC will take place in Israel Total 2,130 20-21 May 2012. Notes: 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10. Totals may not sum due to rounding. Vodafone Group 2. Figures show the number of people in receipt of an allowance, and exclude people with entitlement where the payment has been suspended, for example if they are in hospital. Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for 3. Constituencies used are for the Westminster Parliament May 2010. Business, Innovation and Skills how many times the 4. These data are available on the Department’s tabulation tool at: http://83.244.183.180/100pc/tabtool.html Permanent Secretary in his Department has met Source: Vodafone representatives in the last 12 months. [103188] DWP Information, Governance and Security Directorate, 100% WPLS Children: Maintenance Norman Lamb: The Permanent Secretary at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has Stephen Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for met representatives from Vodafone three times in the Work and Pensions if he will publish the names of the last 12 months. This includes an introductory meeting members of the Independent Panel established by the and, as part of a study that Vodafone carried out for the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission to Department, an interview and a workshop attended by consider child maintenance arrears and advise on how the Permanent Secretary and members of the senior such arrears might be dealt with most effectively in the management team. long term. [102654]

Maria Miller: The Child Maintenance and Enforcement WORK AND PENSIONS Commission is responsible for the child maintenance system. I have asked the Child Maintenance Commissioner Atos to write to the hon. Member with the information requested and I have seen the response. Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Letter from Noel Shanahan: Work and Pensions what the monetary value is of each In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the current contract between his Department and Atos. Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission, the Secretary [103718] of State promised a substantive reply from the Child Maintenance Commissioner. Chris Grayling: Currently there are five separate contracts You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he with Atos, each covering a different timeframe and will publish the names of the members of the Independent Panel policy area. The total monetary value for each contract, established by the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission to consider child maintenance arrears and advise on how such together with the appropriate contract timeframe is arrears might be dealt with most effectively in the long term. detailed in the following table. [102654] The Secretary of State asked Najib Nathoo, former President Spend in Contract Current end 2011-12 full of the Credit Services Association to Chair the panel. The other Policy area start date date year (£) panel members included Chris Nightingale, Director of Public Sector, Experian; Ian Cherry, Managing Director, Ventura UK; 1. Medical Services 1 September 31 August 112,400 and Andrew Fisher, Finance Director, Provident Financial. The 2005 2015 secretariat was provided by David Smith and Roger Marsh from 2. Tell Us Once—Tell 17 31 March 6,281,540 PricewaterhouseCoopers. Us Once Release A November 2014 2010 Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Work 3. enGage (Government 1 March 31 March 14,800,141 Gateway) 2006 2014 and Pensions whether his Department has agreed the 4. Occupational Health 4 August 2 August 2,364,826 detail of the Child Maintenance and Enforcement 2008 2013 Commission’s proposed target operating model; and 5. Community Action 7 November 31 July 2012 0 which stakeholders have been consulted by the Programme 2011 Commission on the target operating model. [103279]

Attendance Allowance Maria Miller: The Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission is responsible for the child maintenance Mr Nuttall: To ask the Secretary of State for Work system. I have asked the Child Maintenance Commissioner and Pensions how many families received attendance to write to the hon. Member with the information allowance at (a) the higher rate and (b) the lower rate requested and I have seen the response. in the Bury North constituency in the latest period for Letter from Noel Shanahan: which figures are available. [104686] In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the Child Support Agency, the Secretary of State promised a substantive Maria Miller: The information is contained in the reply from the Child Maintenance Commissioner as the Child following table: Support Agency is now the responsibility of the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission. Attendance allowance (AA) cases in payment in Bury North parliamentary constituency by award type: August 2011 You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Cases whether his Department has agreed the detail of the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission’s proposed target Higher rate 1,310 operating model; and which stakeholders have been consulted by Lower rate 820 the Commission on the target operating model. [103279] 1409W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1410W

The Commission’s Target Operating Model is an internal Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Work document that encapsulates the Commission’s objectives, strategies and Pensions when he expects all child support cases, and approach. It has been reviewed within the Commission and including clerical cases, to be reassessed under the the Department for Work and Pensions, but there are no plans to guidelines of the new system for assessment. [103808] consult on it externally. Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Maria Miller: The Child Maintenance and Enforcement and Pensions what the reasons are for the change in the Commission is responsible for the child maintenance Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission’s system. I have asked the Child Maintenance Commissioner estimated operational savings over the next 10 years to write to the hon. Member with the information since June 2010; and for what reason the expected requested and I have seen the response. benefits from closing the existing child support Letter from Noel Shanahan: schemes have fallen. [103280] In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the Child Support Agency, the Secretary of State promised a substantive Maria Miller: The Child Maintenance and Enforcement reply from the Child Maintenance Commissioner as the Child Commission is responsible for the child maintenance Support Agency is now the responsibility of the Child Maintenance system. I have asked the Child Maintenance Commissioner and Enforcement Commission. to write to the hon. Member with the information You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when requested and I have seen the response. he expects all child support cases, including clerical cases, to be Letter from Noel Shanahan: reassessed under the guidelines of the new system for assessment. [103808] In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission, the Secretary When the new scheme using HM Revenue and Customs income of State promised a substantive reply from the Child Maintenance data is launched, we will run it for at least six months to ensure it Commissioner. is working and delivering an improved client service before we introduce charges. At that point, we will begin to close all existing You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what Child Support Agency cases and invite parents to choose whether the reasons are for the change in the Child Maintenance and they wish to apply to the new scheme or whether they would Enforcement Commission’s estimated operational savings over rather seek to agree their own arrangement between themselves. the next 10 years since June 2010; and for what reason the We will be bringing forward our plans for case closure in a public expected benefits from closing the existing child support schemes consultation this summer. have fallen. [103280] The benefits (in financial terms) of the Commission’s reform programme are measured over 10 years using as a comparison a Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for Work counterfactual scenario where the child maintenance system continues and Pensions if he will take steps to encourage the to be delivered as it is currently—the Child Support Agency Child Support Agency to impose stricter sanctions on (CSA) using two separate child maintenance computer systems parents who evade monetary responsibility for their and managing a significant number of cases manually due to children. [105556] system defects. There have been a significant number of policies surrounding Maria Miller: The Child Maintenance and Enforcement the future scheme funded since June 2010 which have refined the Commission is responsible for the child maintenance Commission’s projections and significant new operational system. I have asked the child maintenance commissioner improvements that were not part of the plan in June 2010. Significantly, the operational improvements affect both the projected to write to my hon. Friend with the information requested costs of future operations and the estimated costs of delivering and I have seen the response. the CSA caseload without reform. Letter from Noel Shanahan: The change in ’savings’ as defined by the National Audit Office In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the (NAO) in its recent report has three components: Child Support Agency, the Secretary of State promised a substantive First, the projections for the reform programme. These are reply from the Child Maintenance Commissioner as the Child largely unchanged between these dates. Support Agency is now the responsibility of the Child Maintenance Second, fee revenues which arise as a result of the introduction and Enforcement Commission. of charging. These reduce the net service cost to Government but You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he are not discussed in detail here as they are a) not included in the will take steps to encourage the Child Support Agency to impose operational cost totals and b) are not applicable to the counterfactual stricter sanctions on parents who evade monetary responsibility scenario. for their children. [105556] Finally, the change in the projected costs of the counterfactual The Child Support Agency already has a wide range of enforcement scenario—Improvements in the CSA cost performance since June powers for the purposes of securing child maintenance from 2010 have meant that the cost projection for the counterfactual non-resident parents, who would otherwise fail to pay. Money scenario is lower (e.g.: in 09/10 CSA delivery was £503m in the can be taken directly from a non-resident parent’s earnings if the annual report and accounts. By 2010/11 this had reduced by 10% non-resident parent is employed, money can be taken directly to £450m.) from a non-resident parent’s bank or building society account, or The two key changes impacting the counterfactual scenario action can be taken through the courts. projection are: The most serious forms of enforcement are commitment to Anticipated growth in off-system (clerical) case volumes (growing prison or disqualification from driving. The decision whether to at almost 30,000 per annum in 2010) is now lower at 4,000 per impose such measures, and the length of the order, is at the annum because of improvements in process and performance. discretion of a Magistrates’ Court (or Sheriff in Scotland) where This means that the counterfactual costs of continuing with the they are satisfied that a non-resident parent has “wilfully refused CSA are now predicted to be lower than in earlier comparisons; or culpably neglected” to pay child maintenance—but this is not a and criminal sanction. The ongoing efficiency programme instigated (including separate We will continue to review our success in the exercise of these major reviews in August 2011 and in February 2012) has reduced enforcement powers, and the Government may opt to introduce ongoing cost forecasts for Head Office and Operational staff, IT., further measures contained in the Child Maintenance and Other expenses, operational contracts and our estates costs among Payments Act 2008 (subject to a public consultation where appropriate) others. The majority of these impacts are beyond SR10. if it is deemed in the public interest to do so. 1411W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1412W

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Part of this increase relates to the Tata Consulting Services and Pensions in what proportion of Child Support (TCS) contract that covers requirements analysis, design, build, Agency cases where maintenance is paid via the test and implementation support of the new child Agency it is done so by (a) direct debit, (b) a maintenance system which will replace the Child Support Agency’s two bespoke legacy systems. During the lifetime of the deduction from earnings order and (c) a deduction contract, the contract has been revised via five detailed commercial order. [105791] negotiations. The original contract value including the purchase of a banking Maria Miller: The Child Maintenance and Enforcement software licence was for around £15m. Commission is responsible for the child maintenance A contract change was agreed in September 2009. It had system. I have asked the Child Maintenance Commissioner no effect on contract value and simply amended the contract to write to the hon. Member with the information wording. A second contract change was agreed in June 2010 requested and I have seen the response. which added £5m. Letter from Noel Shanahan: In March 2011, a third contract change was agreed. This In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the added £7.6m for a fixed price agreement, within which TCS had Child Support Agency, the Secretary of State promised a substantive to deliver the core system build to the end of system integration reply from the Child Maintenance Commissioner as the Child testing. £3.5m was added for minor change requests up to March Support Agency is now the responsibility of the Child Maintenance 2011, and £2.8m was agreed for further change requests arising and Enforcement Commission. after that date. You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, in In November, a fourth contract change changed the contract what proportion of Child Support Agency cases where maintenance wording with no impact on value. Finally, in April 2012, a fifth is paid via the Agency it is done so by (a) direct debit, (b) a contract change extended the fixed price agreement for three deduction from earnings order and (c) a deduction order. [105791] months at no additional cost. The Child Support Agency does not hold information on the actual method of collection, but does record the non-resident parent’s preferred method of collection. Disability Living Allowance As of March 2012, 14.2% of cases paying maintenance had a preferred method of collection of direct debit, and 19.1% of deduction from earnings order/request. Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for A deduction order is not classed as a method of maintenance Work and Pensions what assessment he plans to make collection; instead it is classed as an enforcement action. Therefore, of the effects of reform of disability living allowance those who have paid via deduction order will also have a preferred on the health and social care system. [102355] method of collection recorded on the system. In the year to February 2012, 660 regular deduction orders were authorised and 395 lump sum deduction orders were authorised. Maria Miller: We will evaluate the introduction of personal independence payment. The precise scope of Enforcement information is routinely published in the Child the evaluation is yet to be determined but results will be Support Agency Quarterly Summary of Statistics which is available through the following link: made publicly available. http://www.childmaintenance.org/en/pdf/qss/ We will also publish a report to Parliament, two years Qss_mar_2012.pdf after the introduction of personal independence payment, on the assessment. Mr Bacon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what changes or additions have been Mr Frank Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for made to the IT contract agreed between the Child Work and Pensions how many people claimed Maintenance and Enforcement Commission and Tata disability living allowance in Motherwell and Wishaw Consultancy Services in 2009; and what the extra cost constituency in (a) 2010 and (b) 2011. [104970] to his Department has been of any such changes or additions. [105988] Maria Miller: The information is contained in the Maria Miller: The Child Maintenance and Enforcement following table: Commission is responsible for the child maintenance Disability living allowance (DLA) cases in payment in Motherwell system. I have asked the Child Maintenance Commissioner and Wishaw parliamentary constituency to write to the hon. Member with the information Cases requested and I have seen the response. August 2010 7,440 Letter from Noel Shanahan: August 2011 7,500 In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the Notes: Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission, the Secretary 1. Caseload figures are rounded to the nearest 10. of State promised a substantive reply from the Child Maintenance 2. Figures show the number of people in receipt of an allowance, and Commissioner. excludes people with entitlement where the payment has been suspended, for example if they are in hospital. You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what 3. A diagnosed medical condition does not mean that someone is changes or additions have been made to the IT contract agreed automatically entitled to DLA. Entitlement is dependent on an between the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission assessment of how much help someone needs with personal care and Tata Consultancy Services in 2009; and what the extra cost to and/or mobility because of their disability. These statistics are only his Department has been of any such changes or additions. collected for administrative purposes. [105988] 4. Constituencies used are for the Westminster Parliament May 2010. The National Audit Office’s recent report, Child Maintenance 5. These data are available on the Department’s tabulation tool at: and Enforcement Commission: Cost Reduction highlighted that http://83.244.183.180/100pc/tabtool.html Source: the Commission’s costs in developing and implementing the new DWP Information, Governance and Security Directorate, 100% WPLS child maintenance system had increased. 1413W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1414W

Employment and Support Allowance Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether his Department has advised job Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for centres to prioritise new claimants for entry into the Work and Pensions what training and support his Work Programme. [106351] Department provides for people in the Work Related Activity Group to help them into work. [105491] Chris Grayling: No. Claimants are referred to the Work Programme at specified times depending on the Chris Grayling: Claimants in the Employment and benefit they are claiming, the duration of their claim Support Allowance (ESA) Work Related Activity Group and their particular circumstances. These referral points (WRAG) can access the personalised advice and support are set out in Jobcentre Plus and Work Programme available through Jobcentre Plus, and the tailored support provider guidance and summarised in the following offered through the Work Programme. table. They may also be able to get support offered through Claimant group Referral point Work Choice which is a specialist employment programme for disabled people, and Access to Work which provides JSA claimants aged 18 to 24 Required from nine months into their additional support for individuals whose health or disability claim affects the way they do their job. JSA claimants aged 25 and over Required from 12 months into their claim JSA claimants facing significant Required or optional from three Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work disadvantages in the labour market months into their claim (depending and Pensions how many blind people will have their on claimant’s circumstances) income reduced as a result of changes to contributory JSA claimants who are prison Required from the first day of a claim employment and support allowance. [106349] leavers to JSA within three months of release from prison New income related ESA claimants Required from date of WCA outcome Chris Grayling: The information requested is not with a prognosis of three or six available. months Those moving off contributory employment and support All other ESA claimants Optional from date of WCA outcome allowance (ESA) as a result of the time limit will be able Income Support and Incapacity Optional from benefit entitlement (in Benefit claimants England only) to apply for income-related ESA if they are eligible. Pension Credit claimants Optional from 12 months from start Only those who have other resources available to them of benefit claim or from day one if will not be entitled to income-related benefit. claimant has a health condition Employment Schemes Employment Schemes: Contracts

Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for Brandon Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people successfully Work and Pensions what steps the Department has placed in jobs by work programme contractors in taken to encourage local and national companies to Barnsley East constituency in each of the last three take part in the Community Service Scheme. [83271] months; and how many people claiming employment and support allowance were referred into the work Mr Blunt: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the programme in Barnsley East constituency in the latest Ministry of Justice. period for which figures are available. [105868] There is no Community Service Scheme but, assuming this question refers to Community Payback, the Chris Grayling: The Department aims to publish Government has recently published Consultation Papers official statistics on Work programme job outcomes in to give consideration to the future structures and objectives autumn 2012 and it is intended that these figures will of both community sentences and the probation service. include a constituency breakdown. Community sentences which effectively punish and Number of Work programme referrals by employment and support allowance rehabilitate offenders will require the utilisation of the payment groups in Barnsley east parliamentary constituency: June 2011 to innovative capacity of private, voluntary and social October2011 enterprise organisations. A competition for the provision Payment group Total of Community Payback in London has commenced. ESA Volunteers 1— Three approved national private sector companies are New ESA claimants 50 competing for the London contract. It is anticipated ESA Ex-Incapacity benefit 1— that the successful bidder will sub-contract or work in 1 Nil-or negligible partnership with local companies and the voluntary Notes: sector to deliver Community Payback cost effectively 1. Figures are cumulative-and are rounded to the nearest ten. 2. Referrals shown are ‘net’ referrals which do not include rejections or and to a high standard. The outcome of the consultation cancellation. process will determine how this process is best taken 3. Payment groups are assigned by Jobcentre Plus, on the basis of a claimant’s forward across the rest of England and Wales. circumstances, and benefit they receive. Due to payment groups currently being assigned manually, a small number of claimants appear in an incorrect group. This is most notable in the jobseekers’ allowance (JSA) 18-24 and JSA 25+ Employment Schemes: Young People payment groups, which contain some claimants who are not eligible due to their age. This issue will be rectified in the planned update of the Labour Market Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for System, which will automatically assign new claimants into payment groups; however it will not correct payment groups assigned prior to the update. Work and Pensions how many businesses in Glasgow 4. Parliamentary constituency is at the time of referral. North constituency have become part of the Youth 5. Figures are published on the tabulation tool: Contract programme; and how many people in http://statistics.dwp.gov.uk/asd/index.php?page=tabtool Source: Glasgow North constituency have found employment DWP Information, Governance and Security Directorate (IGS) through the programme. [105269] 1415W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1416W

Chris Grayling: The specific information requested is Industrial Health and Safety: Police not available. Employers engage with us in a variety of ways and we are maximising every contact to promote Gareth Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Youth Contract to ensure that we can provide close Work and Pensions what progress has been made on to half-a-million new opportunities for young people. reviewing health and safety in the police. [105037]

Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Chris Grayling: Common Sense, Common Safety and Pensions which job centres have a policy of only recommended that police officers should not be at risk referring new claimants to the Youth Contract. [106352] of investigation or prosecution under health and safety legislation if they have put themselves at risk as a result Chris Grayling: The Youth Contract consists of a of committing a heroic act, and that HSE, the Association number of different support types, each of which has its of Chief Police Officers and the Crown Prosecution own eligibility criteria, but all of which are available to Service should consider further guidance to put this new and existing claimants on an equal basis. into effect. Jobcentre advisers work with all young claimants to This recommendation has been implemented. HSE identify the best opportunity for them from the range of has issued guidance, developed with ACPO, which makes support that is available, helping them to be better it clear that HSE would not investigate or take action prepared for work and have a better chance of finding against police officers in such circumstances. The guidance and taking up sustained employment. “Striking the balance between operational and health and safety duties in the Police Service: An explanatory There are elements of the Youth Contract which are note”, available at: targeted at young people who have been longer term http://www.hse.gov.uk/services/police/explanatory-note.pdf unemployed, such as the wage incentive for employers, which is payable to employers hiring young people who has been published on the HSE website. The Crown have been out of work nine months or more. That is to Prosecution Service has issued guidance to its lawyers give young people who are at a particular disadvantage to similar effect. in the labour market an extra level of support. Jobcentre Plus

Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will publish all guidance given to and Pensions how many Jobcentre Plus centres have Jobcentre Plus centres by his Department on the Youth reported difficulties with capacity; and which Jobcentre Contract. [106362] Plus centres have made such reports. [106363]

Chris Grayling: The Work Programme guidance is Chris Grayling: In the last 12 months there have been published on the Department’s website and has been no reported difficulties with capacity in Jobcentre Plus updated to include details of the Youth Contract wage centres. incentive. Jobseeker’s Allowance: Fraud Existing Jobcentre Plus procedural guidance for staff has been updated with details of the other YouthContract Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for measures. Procedural guidance is internal guidance for Work and Pensions how many people normally staff and is not routinely published, but we can make it resident in Barnsley East constituency were prosecuted available should you request it. for offences relating to fraudulent claims for jobseeker’s allowance in each of the last five years. Housing Benefit [105867]

Chris Grayling: Prosecution data specific to your Kwasi Kwarteng: To ask the Secretary of State for Barnsley East constituency is not available. Work and Pensions what timetable he has set for the transfer of responsibilities for administering housing Legal Costs benefit from local authorities to his Department. [106319] Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much his Department spent on fees Steve Webb: The Universal Credit migration approach, for legal work in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12; and if published on 1 November, set out how DWP will start he will make a statement. [104595] to take new claims to universal credit from October 2013 and that new claims to the current benefits and Chris Grayling: Please see as follows for the Department credits will gradually phased out. Work continues with for Work and Pensions’ external legal spend; HMRC and local authorities to understand the precise detail of how this will work, but this approach will Amount spent (£) Change1 (percentage) ensure that universal credit is phased in safely from October 2013, minimising the risk to claimants. Even 2011-12 15,742,880 -0.53 once agreed, the DWP will keep the approach under 2010-11 15,827,238 -28.12 regular review as it recognises that the approach needs 2009-10 22,018,223 to be flexible enough the respond to national and local 1 A negative percentage denotes a decrease in costs over the previous circumstances as they change in the years before the year. migration to universal credit is concluded in 2017. These amounts include external expenditure on; 1417W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1418W

Legal services obtained by DWP; welcome proposals for the exit of any parts of the Case work performed on behalf of DWP; Remploy businesses currently subject to consultation Costs and compensation relating to legal action taken against with any other proposals for avoiding compulsory DWP; redundancies. I confirmed in my statement of 20 March Some costs of training and development activity in support of 2012 that Remploy would publish details of the commercial the continuing professional development of our legal staff; process on its website Legal services obtained on’ behalf of some other Government www.remploy.co.uk Departments/agencies (eg Department of Health; Medicines and including contact information to assist those who wish Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) for which the Department to put forward an expression of interest. is fully reimbursed. These amounted to £1.2 million in 2011-12; Certain other smaller categories that represent a small proportion Remploy will make commercial data available to any of this figure. interested parties (under a non disclosure agreement and with the agreement of other contracting parties as Except as indicated above, this figure does not include necessary) who express an interest in developing a credible expenditure on staff costs. It also does not generally proposal for the exit of a business. include expenditure on individual lawyers who are utilised on a consultancy basis. We are also considering the independent expert support that employees might require to help them develop a Further breakdown of these figures would not be business proposal. On 23 April 2012 Remploy published possible without incurring considerable costs in retrieval on its website and communicated to staff details of the and analysis of the thousands of invoices which make support, up to a limit of £10,000, which will be available up these figures and which are held in remote storage. to successful EOIs from employee-led proposals. This Members: Correspondence money can be used to get expert advice and support to put together their proposals, including paying for legal Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for and accountancy support. Work and Pensions when he plans to reply to the letter Revenue and Customs from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton of 14 March 2012 with regard to Ms L. Wright. [106330] Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Chris Grayling: Following a thorough search of the and Pensions how many staff were located at each HM Department’s correspondence system, we are unable to Revenue and Customs office in Scotland in each of the locate this letter. last five years. [104038] Official Secrets Chris Grayling: Department for Work and Pensions is minor occupier to HM Revenue and Customs in the Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for following locations in Scotland. The numbers of staff in Work and Pensions whether any person employed by post are as follows: (a) his Department, (b) the agencies and non- departmental public bodies for which his Department As of 31 March each year is responsible and (c) any private firms contracted by 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 his Department is bound by any part of the Official Secrets Act. [104836] River 62 63 54 69 66 House Inverness Chris Grayling: All Crown servants and Government Dumbarton 39 37 39 34 32 contractors (as defined by Sections 12(1) and 12(2) of Rothesay 87998 the Official Secrets Act 1989) are subject to the requirements of the Official Secrets Act. Social Security Benefits Remploy: Wales Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the comparable yearly for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of costs are of (a) the average range of benefits to which the potential for Remploy factories in Wales to operate an unemployed individual is entitled and (b) a as social enterprises. [100709] guaranteed job paid at the minimum wage by government. [105528] Maria Miller: The Government commissioned independent advisors to undertake a commercial review Chris Grayling: The following table shows the typical of the businesses and provide advice before deciding weekly amounts of benefits received by a single, unemployed future strategy. jobseeker with no children. Annual amounts are based A copy of the report was published on 13 March on the claimant receiving these amounts for a full 52 2012 on the DWP website and is available at weeks. However, the average length of a jobseeker’s allowance claim is less than a year. http://www.dwp.gov.uk/consultations/2011/specialist- disability-emp-prog.shtml#ir £ Remploy has started collective consultation with its Benefit Weekly amount Annual amount trade unions and the management forums on the proposed closure of the 36 factories that the Remploy board Jobseeker’s allowance 71.00 3,692 considers (subject to consultation) are unlikely to be Housing benefit 85.80 4,462 able to achieve independent financial viability. Remploy Council tax benefit 14.20 738 1419W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1420W

Social Security Benefits: Disability £ Benefit Weekly amount Annual amount Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Total 171.00 8,892 Work and Pensions if he will make an assessment of Notes: the (a) cumulative effect of his planned reforms to 1. Figures are indicative only. benefits and services on disabled people and (b) extent 2. Weekly figures are rounded to the nearest 10p; annual figures are rounded to the nearest £1 to which planned reforms to benefits and services are 3. The claimant is assumed to be aged 35 to 44. enabling (i) government and (ii) local authorities to 4. No account has been made of household capital. comply with their obligations under the UN 5. Amounts of housing benefit and council tax benefit are based on Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; average awards for single claimants with no children from January and if he will make a statement. [103080] 2012 data. The Department does not have a programme which Maria Miller: The Government are limited in what includes guaranteed jobs so the information for part cumulative analysis is possible because of the complexity (b) is not available. of the modelling required and the amount of detailed information on individuals and families that is required to estimate the interactions of a number of different Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for policy changes. In addition, the Government’s programme Work and Pensions how many working-age households of welfare reform will not be fully implemented until in (a) Barnsley East constituency and (b) Barnsley 2017-18 and many policy details are still to be worked Metropolitan Borough were in receipt of benefits that through. Equality impact assessments are however carried totalled more than his proposed benefit cap under the out for individual policies where there is a requirement.. provisions of the Welfare Reform Act 2012, excluding those households which are exempted, in the latest The first UK Government report to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, period for which figures are available. [105871] about implementation of the convention on the rights of persons with disabilities, was published in November Chris Grayling: The information is not available for 2011. The report set out how the obligations of the Barnsley East constituency. convention are being met across the UK. The Government’s Based on the latest data available, it is estimated that programme of reform across welfare, employment support, fewer than 100 households were in receipt of benefits social care and education will build on the achievement that totalled more than the proposed benefit cap in the assessed in that report, and help make the system work Metropolitan borough of Barnsley. better for disabled people. In addition, my Department is developing a new cross-government Disability Strategy, The figures presented above are consistent with the co-produced with disabled people. The strategy will recent impact assessment published on the 23 January take the convention and its obligations as its basis. The 2012. This assumes that the situation of these households strategy will be monitored to assess its impact, and my will go unchanged, and they will not take any steps to Department is looking at how to achieve this, through either work enough hours to qualify for working tax various means, including for example, gathering information credit, renegotiate their rent in situ, or find alternative on the lived experience of disabled people. accommodation. In all cases the Department is working to support households through this transition, using Stress existing provision through Jobcentre Plus and the Work programme to-move as many into work as possible. Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work It is important to note that these estimates were and Pensions if he will provide an assessment of the produced before the additional easements announced top largest causes of work-based stress. [104894] on the 1st February which included the exemption of households who were in receipt of the support component Chris Grayling: From research carried out in 1993 the of employment and support allowance and a nine-month Health and Safety Executive identified that issues relating grace period for claimants who were in work for 52-weeks to demands, control, support, relationships, role and or more before the start of their claim. This means that change in the workplace are associated with work-related these figures are subject to change. stress. The most recent Psychosocial Working Conditions Kwasi Kwarteng: To ask the Secretary of State for Survey of Great Britain, conducted in 2010, shows that Work and Pensions what role he expects local these six areas remain significant indicators of work-related authorities to play in supporting the delivery of stress. universal credit and housing benefit. [106318] Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessments the Department have Steve Webb: The universal credit programme team made on the effects of work-based stress on (a) are currently working with the Local Government productivity, (b) personal relationships, (c) physical Association, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities health, (d) mental health and (e) personal finance. and the Welsh Local Government Association in order [104895] to develop proposals for how local authorities will fit into the delivery model for universal credit. Chris Grayling: The Department has not made any We will be able to describe the outcome over the specific assessments of the effects of work-based stress coming months. on the areas you have identified. The Health and Safety 1421W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1422W

Executive (HSE) has produced guidance on the travel, unless the alternatives have been examined and management of work-related stress and further information exhausted and where travel is deemed appropriate, requires is available on HSE’s website. the use of the most cost effective modes of transport. Travel This information should also be viewed in the context of a Department employing around 100,000 staff across in excess of 1000 sites across the UK, including fraud Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Work investigators and home visit teams. and Pensions how many journeys (a) Ministers and (b) officials from his Department made by (i) train, (ii) Section 10 of the Ministerial Code provides guidance coach and (iii) Government car in an official capacity on travel for Ministers and makes clear that Ministers in each of the last six months. [103641] must ensure that they always make efficient and cost- effective travel arrangements. The ministerial team has Chris Grayling: In line with the Government’s austerity led the department’s travel cost reduction programme agenda, the Department for Work and Pensions has by example, as shown by the reduction in overall travel taken vigorous action to enhance business travel policy. expenditure by ministers. The DWP’s business travel policy actively discourages The following tables sets out the information requested.

(a) Journeys made by Minister in an official capacity1 October 2011 November 2011 December 2011 January 2012 February 2012 March 2012

(i) Train2 816016516 (ii) Coach3 000000 (iii) Government car4 52 60 33 59 47 58

(b) Journeys made by official from the Department for Work and Pensions in an official capacity1 October 2011 November 2011 December 2011 January 2012 February 2012 March 2012

(i) Train2 18,902 20,526 11,667 24,990 24,305 23,371 (ii) Coach3 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a (iii) Government car4 020000 1 The business travel policy actively discourages travel, unless the alternatives have been examined and exhausted and where travel is deemed appropriate, requires the use of the most cost effective modes of transport. 2 A train (return trip) is calculated as two journeys. 3 Not available. Coach travel is not captured by individual journeys. 4 Since May 2010 the Department has reduced its number of ministerial cars from six to one. The total ministerial spend on taxi and private hire vehicles for the period May 2010 to April 2011 was £115,000 compared to expenditure of £607,000 for the comparable period from May 2009 i.e. an 81% reduction.

Unemployment: North-east “Food that meets the school food standards set out in The Education (Nutritional Standards and Requirements for School Food) (England) Regulations 2007.” Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work the effect of reductions in public expenditure on the and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 8 March 2012, rate of female unemployment in the north east. Official Report, column 848W, on universal credit, [105133] which organisations and interests are represented in the membership of the Business and IT Solutions Steering Chris Grayling: No specific assessment has been made. Group; for what reason local authorities are However, the number of women aged 16 to 64 in work represented; and if he will make a statement. [106057] in the north-east has remained stable over the last year, while the number not in work has fallen slightly both in Chris Grayling: The Business and IT Solutions Steering absolute terms and as a proportion of the population. Group is responsible for the detailed design and Within this, female unemployment has risen by 6,000 development of an assured universal credit solution on the year, to 57,000, driven by falling inactivity—down that supports the successful delivery of the universal 7,000, to 266,000—as more women have joined the credit service design. labour force. The universal credit programme recognises the importance of working with key stakeholders to inform Universal Credit the design and delivery of universal credit. This has been reflected in the current membership of the Business Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for and IT Solutions Steering Group which includes senior Work and Pensions with reference to his Department’s officials from the Department for Work and Pensions, response to the report by the Social Security Advisory HM Revenue and Customs, Department for Communities Committee on Universal Credit: the impact on and Local Government, Northern Ireland Social Security passported benefits, what definition of healthy school Agency and interests from key suppliers such as HP, food his Department uses. [105466] Accenture, BT and IBM. The Department for Communities and Local Chris Grayling: The Department’s response to the Government is represented on this group as a key Social Security Advisory Committee report uses partner in the delivery of universal credit. There is no the definition of ‘healthy school food’ set down by the other representation from the local authority on this Department for Education. This is: group. 1423W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1424W

Vacancies allowance (ESA) on a national level for the first time. The report can be found on the internet at the link as Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Work follows: and Pensions how many job vacancies there were for http://statistics.dwp.gov.uk/asd/workingage/ (a) staff posts and (b) senior civil service posts in his index.php?page=esa_ibr Department on 31 March (i) 2010, (ii) 2011 and (iii) Information on appeals is not currently available. 2012; and if he will make a statement. [104594]

Chris Grayling: Please see the following tables for the COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT answers: Senior civil service figures Affordable Housing Number of vacancies Date Number of vacancies for the year Sir Alan Beith: To ask the Secretary of State for 31 March 2010 2 149 Communities and Local Government how many 31 March 2011 3 13 completed sales took place under the (a) Social 31 March 2012 7 17 Homebuy scheme and (b) Rent to Homebuy scheme 1 Not all filled due to restructuring from its commencement to the end of April 2010. [101034] Staff posts (below SCS) No. of Grant Shapps: Since the commencement of these Date vacancies Notes schemes to the end of the 2009-10 financial year there 31 March 267 205 of these posts were for fixed term appointments have been 384 Social HomeBuy completions and 3,133 2010 and 61 posts were advertised internally Rent to HomeBuy completions. The figures for Rent to 31 March 9 Advertised internally HomeBuy reflect the point at which the unit was completed 2011 and not when the tenant rented the property or the 31 March 1,184 c.200 posts internally advertised, 982 externally 2012 point at which they took up their opportunity to purchase. Data are not collected centrally on when the opportunity to purchase under Rent to Homebuy is taken up. Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for To place these figures in context, when Social HomeBuy Work and Pensions how many (a) full-time and (b) was launched by the previous Administration, the part-time employment vacancies were advertised in underlying analysis was based on an assumption that it Jobcentre Plus offices in (i) Barnsley East constituency would help an extra 5,000 households a year into and (ii) Barnsley metropolitan borough in the latest homeownership (ODPM, “Homebuy—expanding the period for which figures are available. [105869] opportunity to own, April 2005”, para 1.4). Chris Grayling: Number of part-time and full-time While there were no formal targets for Rent to Homebuy, vacancies in Barnsley East parliamentary constituency up to £313 million of funding had been allocated to the and Barnsley local authority, March 2012 is provided in scheme for 2008 to 2011 under the last Administration, the following table. according to the answer to my question of 2 March 2010, Official Report, columns 1127-1128W. Barnsley East parliamentary Bed and Breakfast Accommodation Vacancy type constituency Barnsley local authority Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Total 261 842 Communities and Local Government what estimate he Full-time vacancies 218 631 has made of the proportion of households placed in Part-time vacancies 43 211 bed and breakfast accommodation who remained in Work Capability Assessment place for more than six weeks in the latest period for which figures are available. [101523]

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Grant Shapps: The Department does not collect Work and Pensions which contractors are undertaking information on the total number of households that work capability assessments in each region; what had been in bed and breakfast accommodation for proportion of incapacity benefit recipients were more than six weeks. deemed fit for work in the latest period for which figures are available; what proportion were found More generally, statistical releases on Statutory eligible for the employment and support allowance; Homelessness are available both in the Library of the how many appeals against decisions were made in the House and via the DCLG website: latest period for which figures are available; and what http://www.communities.gov.uk/housing/housingresearch/ the average time taken was to settle such appeals. housingstatistics/housingstatisticsby/homelessnessstatistics/ publicationshomelessness/ [105373] Council Tax Benefits Chris Grayling: The DWP contract with Atos Healthcare to perform Medical Services on behalf of the DWP Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for commenced on 1 September 2005 and this is ongoing. Communities and Local Government if he will place in On 15 March 2012 the Department for Work and the Library a copy of the responses received from local Pensions published information on the reassessment of authorities replying to his consultation on localising incapacity benefits claimants for employment and support support for council tax benefit in England. [93236] 1425W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1426W

Robert Neill [holding answer 2 February 2012]: The volunteering throughout the year. This is enabling people Department has placed in the Library of the House a of different faiths to join together to mark the jubilee copy of the detailed summary of the 400 responses to through practical action to benefit their communities. the consultation. Ministers are also strongly encouraging support for the Councillors: Allowances many local and neighbourhood celebrations being organised, including the big jubilee lunch, a large number Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for of which have the active participation of faith communities. Communities and Local Government whether he has any plans to amend the Local Authorities (Members’ E-mail Allowances) (England) Regulations 2003 to allow co-opted councillors to claim allowances; and if he will Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for make a statement. [106392] Communities and Local Government what his policy is on the period for which emails sent and received by (a) Robert Neill: The Local Authorities (Members’ Ministers, (b) officials, and (c) special advisers in his Allowances) (England) Regulations 2003, which the Department are retained; and whether such emails are Government currently has no plans to amend, provide recoverable from the IT systems in his Department for co-opted members of principal councils to receive after that period. [102943] an allowance for attending conferences and meetings, if that is what the council decides, after receiving Robert Neill: E-mail messages that form part of the recommendations about a scheme of allowances from official record are saved for as long as business needs its independent remuneration panel. The regulations require and stored corporately in accordance with also allow co-opted members of parish councils to departmental record management procedures. receive travelling and subsistence allowances. Councillors: Training Homelessness

Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether Communities and Local Government what assessment Ministers have the power to make payments to the he has made of whether local authorities placing National Association of Local Councils for the homeless households in accommodation in other areas purposes of training and development of town and are notifying the receiving authority in all cases; and if parish councillors. [97985] he will make a statement. [101524] Robert Neill: The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, my right hon. Friend the Member Grant Shapps: It is neither acceptable nor fair for for Brentwood and Ongar (Mr Pickles), has powers local authorities to arbitrarily place households in under the Charities Act 2006 to give financial assistance accommodation very far away from their local area. to any charitable, benevolent or philanthropic institution, Under the homelessness legislation local authorities including organisations such as the National Association must secure accommodation within their own borough of Local Councils, in respect of any of the institution’s so far as reasonably practicable. If they secure activities. accommodation in the district of another local authority, As part of the Supporting Communities in they must notify the other authority in writing. Neighbourhood Planning scheme, my Department funds In all cases local authorities must be satisfied that the the Council for the Protection of Rural England, who accommodation is suitable for the applicant and his or are working in partnership with the National Association her household. In considering ’Suitability’ authorities of Local Councils, to support communities wishing to must, by law, consider whether a specific property is do neighbourhood planning. As part of this funding, suitable for the applicant and their household’s particular the Council for the Protection of Rural England and individual needs. This includes the location of the National Association of Local Councils have provided accommodation. skills and training on neighbourhood planning to town We have provided £190 million to help families in and parish councils and community groups. difficult situations. We want to be assured that local Diamond Jubilee 2012: Religion authorities are making full use of this funding.

Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what funding he Communities and Local Government what the (a) has allocated to encourage faith communities in the actual and (b) percentage change in the number of (i) UK to organise services to celebrate HM the Queen’s homelessness applications, (ii) homelessness diamond jubilee; for what purposes; and if he will acceptances and (iii) households in bed and breakfast make a statement. [105689] accommodation was in each English local authority area between May 2010 and the most recent month for Andrew Stunell: No funding has been allocated to which figures are available. [101533] faith communities to organise services to mark the diamond jubilee, as it is not the role of Government to Grant Shapps [holding answer 22 March 2012]: Statistical fund religious worship. However, we are keen to see releases on Statutory Homelessness are available both people from all faiths and those of no religious beliefs in the Library of the House and via the DCLG website: coming together to mark this landmark in our country’s http://www.communities.gov.uk/housing/housingresearch/ history. My Department is facilitating A Year of Service, housingstatistics/housingstatisticsby/homelessnessstatistics/ a programme that is celebrating and linking up faith-based publicationshomelessness/ 1427W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1428W

I recently announced additional funding of £70 million Department and (b) a non-ministerial department or this year to tackle and prevent rough sleeping and arm’s length body controlled by the Department prevent repossessions. This comes on top of the existing through (i) Penna Consulting, (ii) Reed Personnel £400 million homelessness grant this Government has Services and (iii) Capita Resourcing Ltd (trading as protected over the next four years. Veredus) on the latest date for which figures are available; and how many such people (A) had been in Housing: Coventry post for over a year and (B) worked full-time at that date. [101841] Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many Robert Neill [holding answer 26 March 2012]: The households in Coventry South constituency are following tables set out the number of people employed classified as Type-1 Hazards. [106368] in interim posts in the Department for Communities and Local Government and its arm’s length bodies Andrew Stunell: Data are not collected at constituency through Reed Personal Services and Capita Resourcing level but are reported for local authority areas. Estimates (although not through their Veredus trading name) as of the number of dwellings with category 1 hazards at 29 February 2012. under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System are reported by local authorities through the Housing of which have Reed Personal been in post of which work Strategy Statistical Appendix. The latest data relate to Services over a year full time 2010-11 and are available on the Department’s website at: DCLG 17 3 14 http://www.communities.gov.uk/housing/housingresearch/ Infrastructure Planning 111 Commission housingstatistics/housingstatisticsby/localauthorityhousing/ dataforms/hssabpsa1011/hssadatareturns1011/ Valuation Tribunal 202 Service The Audit Commission 1 1 1 Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many of which empty homes there are in Coventry South constituency. Capita have been in of which [106369] Resourcing post over a work full Ltd year time Andrew Stunell: Data on empty homes can be found in the Department for Communities and Local Government DCLG 33 4 30 live tables on dwelling stock. Live table 615 shows Fire Service College 1 0 1 empty homes by local authority district. Data is not Homes and 101 Communities available by parliamentary constituency. Agency http://www.communities.gov.uk/housing/housingresearch/ Infrastructure 100 housingstatistics/housingstatisticsby/stockincludingvacants/ Planning livetables/ Commission Standards Board for 101 Housing: Vulnerable Adults England

Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Please note the above tables include all agency staff, Communities and Local Government whether he is interims and contractors employed through Reed and taking steps to prevent the re-housing of vulnerable Capita as at 29 February 2012. No temporary staff were people from areas of high rental prices to low. [105820] employed through Penna Consulting on that date. The Department interims employed via Reed are for Grant Shapps: It is neither acceptable nor fair for the administration of electoral claims on behalf of the local authorities to arbitrarily place households very far Electoral Commission. The Department interims employed away from their home area. via Capita are primarily specialist technical posts relating For households who are homeless through no fault of to audit, procurement and finance. their own, eligible and in priority need, local authorities must under the homelessness legislation secure Mayor of London: Taxation accommodation within their own borough so far as reasonably practicable. Local authorities must have, by Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for law, regard to the statutory guidance, which states that Communities and Local Government what “housing authorities should wherever possible, secure representations his Department and its predecessors accommodation that is as close as possible to where they were received from the Mayor of London on granting the previously living”. Mayor taxation-related powers between May 2000 and We have provided £190 million to help families in May 2008; and what assessment he has made of the difficult situations. We want to be assured that local potential effect of such taxes. [105644] authorities are making full use of this funding. Robert Neill: My Department received representations Manpower from the then Mayor of London about local taxation in the context of the 2006 Lyons Inquiry and also in the Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for context of the Balance of Funding Review. Copies of Communities and Local Government how many the Greater London Authority’s responses to both have people were employed in interim posts by (a) his been placed in the Library of the House. 1429W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1430W

There were also extensive discussions with the Greater part of the Homes and Communities Agency’s (formerly London Authority about the implementation of a business English Partnerships’) contribution to the gross public rate supplement for Crossrail in 2007 which fed into the sector funding of £36.86 million. East Midlands Business Rate Supplement Act 2009. Development Agency provided £7.4 million for the project either to Meden Valley Making Places or to the Meden Valley Partnership local authorities involved (Mansfield and Bolsover district councils). The local authorities also supported the project by providing land and property (including individual Sir Alan Meale: To ask the Secretary of State for house purchases in advance). The Homes and Communities Communities and Local Government (1) what funding Agency are not currently able to account for funding from the public purse has been allocated to Meden allocation year by year. It would not be possible to Valley Making Places by year since the inception of the gather the more detailed information requested before organisation; [105242] Prorogation. (2) what payment from the public purse has been made to board members of Meden Valley Making The Homes and Communities Agency’s understanding Places by year since the inception of the organisation; is that board members were appointed on a voluntary [105243] basis and no salaries were attached to the appointments. (3) what information his Department holds on Neither the Department nor the Homes and whether public funds, other than central Government Communities Agency currently has information on non funds, have been made available to Meden Valley central Government public funds. Financial closure of Making Places; [105244] the company, which ceased trading on 31 December (4) what information the Homes and Communities 2011, is being handled by external auditors. Financial Agency holds on how many properties have been information on non central Government public funds bought by Meden Valley Making Places by year since would be available from them. the inception of the organisation; [105245] All properties were purchased with the agreement of (5) what information the Homes and Communities the relevant local authorities and with the compulsory Agency holds on individual valuations made on each purchase orders raised between 2004 and 2006. Meden property purchased by Meden Valley Making Places Valley Making Places purchased properties by agreement and when each valuation was made in each year since in advance of the compulsory purchase order/general the inception of the organisation; [105246] vesting declaration and some were acquired following (6) what information the Homes and Communities confirmation. All properties purchased by Meden Valley Agency holds on which individuals and companies sold Making Places had an independent verification of the properties to Meden Valley Making Places, in each purchase price by a Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors year since the inception of the organisation; [105247] qualified valuer. Information relating to compulsory purchase orders is held by the Homes and Communities (7) what information the Homes and Communities Agency’s external solicitors. The number of properties Agency holds on the purchase of properties by Meden purchased would be in excess of 500 but it must be Valley Making Places; on what date each property was taken into account that the local authorities acquired purchased; what the price paid was for each property; properties directly in advance of the Meden Valley and if he will publish any such information held; Making Places compulsory purchase order. [105248] (8) what information the Homes and Communities Land and properties in the ownership of Meden Agency holds on the present-day estimated value of the Valley Making Places, the Homes and Communities land and properties purchased by Meden Valley Agency and local authorities were disposed of either to Making Places; and if he will publish any such registered providers or on the open market to private information held; [105249] house builders. (9) whether the Homes and Communities Agency The Homes and Communities Agency do not hold has taken steps to ensure the future availability of all any information on the present-day estimated value of financial records connected to Meden Valley Making land and properties purchased by Meden Valley Making Places; [105250] Places. (10) what information the Homes and Communities In terms of the future availability of financial records, Agency holds on the offers made on properties Meden Valley Making Places’ final audited accounts purchased by Meden Valley Making Places and to will be available in late summer this year. whom those offers were made; and if he will publish any such information held; [105251] The Homes and Communities Agency does not hold (11) what information the Homes and Communities information relating to offers made on land and properties. Agency holds on incidents involving a change of General property files for individual properties were ownership of properties purchased by Meden Valley transferred by Meden Valley Making Places to the Making Places after initial offers to purchase them appropriate local authorities (Mansfield and Bolsover were made; and if he will publish any such information district councils) as those responsible for the local area. held. [105252] The Homes and Communities Agency would need to investigate the secure information that they hold or the Grant Shapps: The Department for Communities and files held by the appropriate local authorities to answer Local Government (formerly the Office of the Deputy the question relating to change of ownership post initial Prime Minister) approved funding to Meden Valley offer. It would not be possible to gather this information Making Places in December 2004 of £25.81 million as before Prorogation. 1431W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1432W

Planning Permission 2011 and 31 January 2012; and if he will estimate the potential savings in each case. [98272] Roberta Blackman-Woods: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether Robert Neill [holding answer 14 March 2012]: DCLG the duty to co-operate in section 110 of the Localism is committed to removing needless bureaucracy and Act will apply to qualifying bodies for the purposes of unnecessary burdens. The Localism Act received Royal neighbourhood plans. [102419] Assent in November 2011, and has freed local Government from central and regional control. Greg Clark: The duty to cooperate focuses on strategic, The Localism Act removes the requirements on home cross-boundary matters delivered through the Local sellers and buyers to obtain a Home Information Pack, plan. Neighbourhood plans are required to be in general saving an estimated £41 million in administrative costs. conformity with the strategic priorities of the Local It also introduces Neighbourhood Plans which cut red plan so this is where any strategic issues in the tape on planning application processes, reducing around Neighbourhood plan will be considered. £14 million of administrative burdens. The Government expects local authorities to work I also refer the hon. Member to my Department’s collaboratively when dealing with cross-boundary Second Statement of New Regulation, which outlines neighbourhood proposals, either through formal or informal five measures to reduce the burdens on business by an arrangements. estimated £4.26 million over this period. A list of the statutory instruments which were revoked Regulation between 1 June 2011 and 31 January 2012 is listed in the following table. Statutory instruments should not necessarily Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for be viewed as regulations—they are pieces of secondary Communities and Local Government how many legislation which ensure policy measures have parliamentary regulations his Department repealed between 1 June oversight.

Revoking SI Revoked Sis from 1 June 2011 and 31 January 2012 Impact

The European Regional Development European Regional Development Fund (West The revocation will have no impact on the private or Fund (Operational Programmes) Midlands Operational Programme) (Implementation) voluntary sector, and will not impose any additional Regulations 2011 Regulations 2007 burdens on the public sector. European Regional Development Fund (Yorkshire and the Humber Operational Programme) (Implementation) Regulations 2007 European Regional Development Fund (South East Operational Programme) (Implementation) Regulations 2007 European Regional Development Fund (North East Operational Programme) (Implementation) Regulations 2007 European Regional Development Fund (North West Operational Programme) (Implementation) Regulations 2007 European Regional Development Fund (South West Operational Programmes) (Implementation) Regulations 2007 European Regional Development Fund (East of England Operational Programme) (Implementation) Regulations 2007 European Regional Development Fund (East Midlands Operational Programme) (implementation) Regulations 2007

The Town and Country Planning The Town and Country Planning (Compensation) Overall the introduction of this legislation will benefit (Compensation) (England) Regulations (No. 3) (England) Regulations 2010 householders and local authorities £23.3 million 2011

The Town and Country Planning The Town and Country Planning (Environmental The revocation of this legislation will not impact on the (Environmental Impact Assessment) Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations private, voluntary or public sector. For further details of Regulations 2011 1999 (revoked or England only) the overall effect of the legislation see associated impact assessment: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2011/1824 The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (revoked for England only) The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2008 (revoked for England only)

The Cambridge City Fringes Joint Cambridge City Fringes Joint Committee Order No impact on business, charities or voluntary bodies. Committee (Revocation) Order 2011 This revocation has a positive impact on the public sector as will support increasing local responsibility and decision making. 1433W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1434W

Revoking SI Revoked Sis from 1 June 2011 and 31 January 2012 Impact

The Local Authorities (Referendums) Local Authorities (Referendums) (Petitions and The revocation of this legislation has no impact on the (Petitions) (England) Regulations 2011 Directions) (England) Regulations 2000 private, voluntary, public sectors. Local Authorities (Referendums) (Petitions and Directions) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2001 Local Authorities (Referendums) (Petitions and Directions) (England) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2001 Local Authorities (Referendums) (Petitions and Directions) (England) (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2001

The Local Authorities (Conduct of The Local Authorities (Conduct of Referendums) This revocation has no impact on business, charities or Referendums) (England) Regulations 2012 (England) Regulations 2007(1) voluntary bodies.

The Local Government (Discretionary Local Government (Discretionary Payments) There will be minimal impact on local government and Payments) (Injury Allowances) Regulations 1996(1) (“the 1996 Regulations”) there is no impact on business, charities or voluntary Regulations 2011 bodies.

The Non-Domestic Rating (Small Business The Non-Domestic Rating (Small Business Rate The revocation and new legislation will reduce burdens Rate Relief) (England) Order 2012 Relief) (England) Order 2004 on small businesses by £3 million. For further information see associated impact assessment: http:// www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/148/impacts

Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for legislation which ensure policy and functional measures Communities and Local Government what regulations have parliamentary scrutiny and oversight. his Department introduced between 1 June 2011 and 31 Of these 34, 11 were deregulatory or otherwise beneficial January 2012; and at what cost to the public purse. to business; one was regulatory (implementing an EU [99371] directive), the remainder had no quantifiable impact on the private and voluntary sectors. I have placed in the Robert Neill [holding answer 15 March 2012]: The Library a table with the savings and costings where Department made 34 statutory instruments between relevant, based on the explanatory memorandums and 1 June 2011 and 31 January 2012 which are listed as impact assessments which are in the public domain. follows. Statutory instruments should not necessarily be In that context, my Department introduced one viewed as regulations—they are pieces of secondary regulation, on a 1-in 11-out basis.

Statutory instruments

2011 No. 1398 European Communities, England—The European Regional No impact on the private and voluntary sectors Development Fund (Operational Programmes) Regulations 2011 2011 No. 1399 Local Government, England—The Local Government, Planning No impact on the private and voluntary sectors and Land Act 1980 (Amendment of Schedule 16) (England) Order 2011 2011 No. 1455 Town and Country Planning, England—The South East No impact on the private and voluntary sectors Lincolnshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee Order 2011 2011 No. 1515 Building and Buildings, England and Wales—The Building Deregulatory. Net Present Value benefit of £19.16 million (Amendment) Regulations 2011 over 10 years. The equivalent annual net benefit for business is an estimated £2.30 million 2011 No. 1589 The Town and Country Planning, England—The Town and No impact on the private and voluntary sectors Country Planning General (Amendment)(England) Regulations 2011 2011 No. 1664 Rating and Valuation, England—The Non-Domestic Rating Beneficial effect for business, by increasing the small business (Small Business Rate Relief)(England)(Amendment)Order 2011 rate relief holiday, implementing a tax cut 2011 No. 1665 Rating and Valuation, England—The Non-Domestic Rating Beneficial effect for business, by increasing the small business (Collection and Enforcement)(Local rate relief holiday, implementing a tax cut Lists)(Amendment)(England)(No. 2) Regulations 2011 2011 No. 1824 Town and Country Planning, England—The Town and Country The Regulatory Policy Committee has advised that the Planning General (Environmental Impact Assessment)(England) measure should be treated as an ’out’ with a value of zero. Regulations 2011 The overall impact is therefore deregulatory 2011 No. 2008 Architects—The Architects (Recognition of European No impact on the private and voluntary sectors Qualifications) Regulations 2011 2011 No. 2054 (C.75) Infrastructure Planning—The Planning Act 2008 Simply a commencement order to initiate provisions on (Commencement No. 7) Order 2011 infrastructure passed earlier in the Planning Act 2008 2011 No. 2055 Infrastructure Planning—The Infrastructure Planning (Changes Deregulatory. Net Present Value benefit of £6 million over 10 to, and Revocation of, Development Consent Orders) years. The equivalent annual net benefit for business is an Regulations 2011 estimated £0.69 million 2011 No. 2056 Town and Country Planning, England—The Town and Country Deregulatory by extending permitted development rights. Net Planning (General Permitted Present Value of £23.3 million + £10.4 million from two sets Development)(Amendment)(England) Order 2011 of reforms over ten years1 2011 No. 2057 Town and Country Planning—The Town and Country Planning 1— (Control of Advertisements)(England)(Amendment) Regulations 2011 1435W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1436W

Statutory instruments

2011 No. 2058 Town and Country Planning, England—The Town and Country 1— Planning (Compensation)(England) Regulations 2011 2011 No. 2227 Derelict Land, England—The Derelict Land Clearance Area No impact on the private and voluntary sectors (Highbarns, Hemel Hempstead) Order 2011 2011 No. 2752 Urban Development, England—The West Northamptonshire No impact on the private and voluntary sectors Development Corporation (Area and Constitution) (Amendment) Order 2011 2011 No. 2452 Building and Buildings, England and Wales—The Energy Regulatory, implementing an EU Directive. Impact Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections)(England Assessment has Net Present Value of -£4 million and -£1.1 and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 million over 10 years 2011 No. 2562 Derelict Land, England—The Derelict Land Clearance Area No impact on the private and voluntary sectors (Chantry Lane, Welwyn Hatfield) Order 2011 2011 No. 2728 Town and Country Planning, England—The Cambridge City No impact on the private and voluntary sectors Fringes Joint Committee (Revocation) Order 2011 2011 No. 2741 Infrastructure Planning—The Infrastructure Planning Implementing an EU Directive; no costs or benefits have been (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Amendment) Regulations monetised 2011 2011 No. 2743 Rating and Valuation, England—The Central Rating List No impact on the private and voluntary sectors (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 2011 No. 2896 (C. 103) Council Tax, England and Wales Local Government, England Commencement order to implement Localism Act provisions, Rating and Valuation, England—The Localism Act 2011 related to local government; includes powers to levy new (Commencement No. 1 and Transitional Provisions) Order 2011 business rate discounts 2011 No. 2914 Local Government, England—The Local Authorities No impact on the private and voluntary sectors (Referendums) (Petitions) (England) Regulations 2011 2012 No. 2918 Contracting Out, England and Wales—The Local Authorities No additional cost on the private and voluntary sectors (Contracting Out of Community Infrastructure Levy Functions) Order 2011 2011 No. 2954 Pensions, England and Wales—The Local Government No impact on the private . and voluntary sectors (Discretionary Payments) (Injury Allowances) Regulations 2011 2011 No. 2993 Rating and Valuation, England—The Non-Domestic Rating No impact on the private and voluntary sectors Contributions (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 2011 No. 3038 Council Tax, England—The Council Tax (Demand Notices) No impact on the private and voluntary sectors (England) Regulations 2011 2011 No. 3048 European Parliament—The Members of the European No impact on the private and voluntary sectors Parliament (Salaries of Members of the Greater London Authority) Order 2011 2012 No. 15 London Government—The Greater London Authority No impact on the private and voluntary sectors (Consolidated Council Tax Requirement Procedure) Regulations 2012 2012 No. 20 Local Government—The Local Government (Structural No impact on the private and voluntary sectors Changes) (Finance) (Amendment) Regulations 2012 2012 No. 24 Rating and Valuation, England—The Non-Domestic Rating No impact on the private and voluntary sectors (Collection and Enforcement) (Amendment) (England) Order 2012 2012 No. 25 Rating and Valuation, England—The Non-Domestic Rating No impact on the private and voluntary sectors (Electronic Communications) (England) Order 2012 2012 No. 57 (C.2) Community Infrastructure Levy, England and Wales Commencement order to implement Localism Act provisions; Infrastructure Planning Housing, England and Wales Local includes cancellation of backdated business rates liability Government, England and Wales Town and Country Planning, England and Wales—The Localism Act 2011 (Commencement No. 2 and Transitional and Saving Provision) Order 2012 2012 No. 148 Rating and Valuation, England—The Non-Domestic Rating Deregulatory, by helping implement automation of small (Small Business Rate Relief) (England) Order 2012 business rate relief, following Localism Act 1 Indicates brace

Travelling People: Coventry The Count of Gypsy and Traveller Caravans can be viewed on the Department for Communities and Local Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Government website at: for Communities and Local Government how many http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/corporate/ (a) legal and (b) illegal Traveller sites there are in statistics/caravancountjul2011 Coventry South constituency. [105940] The results of the January 2012 count are due to be Andrew Stunell: The bi-annual Count of Gypsy and published on the Department’s website on 31 May. Traveller Caravans shows the number of Traveller caravans Wind Power on authorised and unauthorised sites, and lists the Traveller sites provided by local authorities and other Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for registered providers, in each local authority area in Communities and Local Government whether he plans England. to increase the minimum distance between wind turbines and dwellings. [101458] The latest published count for which figures are available was undertaken in July 2011 and found that in Coventry Robert Neill: Planning policy does not include an there were no sites provided by the local authority or by exclusion zone between wind turbines and dwellings. other registered providers and six caravans on authorised Rather, impacts should be assessed on a case by case private sites. There were no caravans on unauthorised basis taking into account the context, such as the local sites. topography. 1437W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1438W

Written Questions: Government Responses Mr Gauke [holding answer 23 April 2012]: The vast majority of taxes and receipts are not hypothecated to Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for specific expenditure and therefore making a direct Communities and Local Government when he plans to connection between public sector receipts and what answer question 93236, on localising support for they are spent on is not possible. council tax benefit. [106055] The answer given in the following table is illustrative and assumes that the income tax receipts and NICs Robert Neill: Question 93236 was answered today. from a taxpayer on average income is used to fund Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for expenditure according to the breakdown of total public Communities and Local Government when he plans to sector expenditure shown in table 5.2 of HM Treasury’s answer question 97985, on training of town and parish Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses (PESA) 2011 councillors. [106056] publication. Average annual earnings in 2011 for employees on Robert Neill: Question 97985 was answered today. adult rates in the same job for more than a year was £26,871. HMRC estimate that the amount of tax and national insurance contributions paid by someone with TREASURY these earnings was £6,236. Table 1 shows the amount of an average taxpayer’s Addison Lee income tax and NICs spent on the requested categories. Ian Austin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Table 1 whether his Department has had recent discussions Amount of an average with Addison Lee on whether their drivers are Percentage taxpayer’s considered to be employed or self-employed. [106208] Expenditure of total income tax and 2010-11 (£ expenditure NICs spent in Mr Gauke: HM Treasury has had no meetings with Category1 million) 2010-11 2010-11 (£) Addison Lee about whether their drivers are employed (a) welfare 231,573 34.8 2,170 or self-employed. (b) public sector debt 44,136 6.6 412 HM Revenue and Customs are not able to comment interest2 on who they meet or the nature of any meetings they (c) health 121,305 18.2 1,135 hold with taxpayers. (d) education 90,553 13.6 848 (e) government 11,450 1.7 106 British Sky Broadcasting: News Corporation administration3 (f) public order and safety 33,614 5.1 318 John Mann: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (g) defence 39,065 5.9 368 if he will publish all emails between representatives of (h) housing 13,706 2.1 131 (a) News Corp and (b) BSkyB and special advisers in (i) infrastructure, 39,983 6.0 374 his Department in the last two years. [105971] agriculture and industry4 (j) the EU budget5 3,076 0.5 31 Miss Chloe Smith [holding answer 30 April 2012]: (k) overseas aid6 6,483 1.0 62 There is e-mail contact between special advisers and all (l) recreation, culture and 13,962 2.1 131 broadcasting and media organisations regarding press religion lines and logistics. Available records contain no e-mails (m) environment 11,998 1.8 112 between representatives of News Corp or BskyB and (n) other7 4,383 0.7 44 special advisers regarding government policy. Total 665,287 100 6,236 1 Categories are derived from PESA 2011, table 5.2. EU Budget 2 Equivalent to item 1.7 under General public services in table 5.2, PESA 2011. 3 Equivalent to item 1.1 under General public services in table 5.2, PESA 2011. 4 Equivalent to Total economic affairs in table 5.2, PESA 2011. Martin Horwood: To ask the Chancellor of the 5 Equivalent to Total EU transactions in table 5.2, PESA 2011. Exchequer (1) what proportion of the tax revenue 6 Equivalent to item 1.2 under General public services in table 5.2, PESA 2011. 7 Equivalent to items 1.3,1.4,1.5 and 1.6 under General public services in table raised from a person on the average national income 5.2, PESA 2011. was paid by the UK to the EU in the latest period for which figures are available; what proportion of such The UK’s Gross national income—based contribution payment to the EU was spent in the UK in financial to the EU, net of abatement and collection costs, in year 2010-11; and if he will make a statement; [104489] 2010-11 was £7.7 billion, of which approximately £4.6 billion, or 60%, was spent in the UK (this includes (2) how much and what proportion of tax paid by a attributed aid and common foreign and security policy UK taxpayer on the average national income was spending). allocated to the EU budget in the latest period for which figures are available; [104619] This was 1.1 of total public sector expenditure and (3) what proportion of the tax paid by a British the equivalent proportion of an average taxpayer’s income taxpayer on the average national income was spent on tax and NIC’s is £69. (a) welfare, (b) national debt, (c) health, (d) The amount allocated to the EU Budget, net of the education, (e) government administration, (f) public UK abatement, refund for collection costs, public sector order, (g) defence, (h) housing, (i) infrastructure, receipts from the EU and attributed aid and common agriculture and industry, (j) the EU budget, (k) foreign and security policy spending was £3.1 billion in overseas aid, (l) recreation, religion and culture, (m) 2010-11. This was 0.5% of total public sector expenditure. environment and (n) other matters in financial year The equivalent proportion of an average tax payer’s 2010-11; and if he will make a statement. [104618] income tax and NICS is £31. 1439W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1440W

EU Internal Trade Outturn estimates of higher rate taxpayer numbers in Denton and Reddish constituency are subject to significant Mr Cash: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if uncertainties due to limited survey sample size. They he will estimate the level of the current account have ranged between one and two thousand in the transaction for goods and services between the UK and period 2004-05 to 2009-10, rounded to the nearest EU member states in each of the last five years; and thousand. what assessment he has made of the level of debt on the reduction of the deficit. [106386] Inheritance Tax Mr Hoban: The Office for National Statistics report Mr Meacher: To ask the Chancellor of the the trade balance in goods and services with the EU to Exchequer what changes he is making to the have been -£35 billion in 2007, -£29 billion in 2008, inheritance tax exemption for non-domiciled -£26 billion in 2009, -£32 billion in 2010 and -£25 billion taxpayers; how much money will be allowed to be in 2011. The total current account balance with the EU transferred between spouses and civil partners; what was -£38 billion in 2007, -£6 billion in 2008, -£12 billion estimate he has made of the annual revenue forgone in 2009, -£48 billion in 2010 and -£41 billion in 2011. over each of the next five years; and how many people The independent Office for Budget Responsibility he expects to benefit from such changes in each of (OBR) forecast that the Government is on course to these years. [106381] meet its target for debt, laid out in the 2010 June Budget. This is for public sector net debt as a percentage Mr Gauke: The Government intends to increase the of GDP to be falling by 2015-16. According to the maximum amount that a UK-domiciled individual can OBR’s March 2012 Economic and Fiscal Outlook, transfer to their non-UK domiciled spouse or civil public sector net debt is forecast to peak at 76.3% of partner free of inheritance tax (IHT) from its current GDP in 2014-15. level of £55,000. This change will be included in Finance Financial Services: Complaints Bill 2013 and will be subject to technical consultation. Alongside that the Government intends to allow Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Chancellor of the individuals who are domiciled outside the UK and who Exchequer (1) whether he has had discussions with the have a UK-domiciled spouse or civil partner to elect to Financial Ombudsman on the number of small and be treated as domiciled in the UK for the purposes of medium-sized enterprises or their owners that have IHT. Where an election was made transfers between submitted complaints to the Financial Ombudsman in spouses or civil partners would be exempt from IHT, (a) Coventry and (b) England in the last month; but the electing individual would henceforth become [105937] liable to IHT on their worldwide assets, not just those in (2) whether any medium-sized enterprises or their the UK. It is expected that in many cases where a owners that have submitted complaints to the transfer would otherwise be subject to the limit referred Financial Ombudsman in the last month have had their to above the recipient will make the election. complaint upheld. [105938] Taken together these changes provide a balanced Mr Hoban: The matters raised are for the Financial approach to the risk that an individual whose domicile Ombudsman Service (FSO), whose day-to-day operations is outside the UK may remove assets from the scope of are independent from government control and influence. IHT by placing them offshore. Where that risk exists I have asked the FOS to write to the hon. Member with the amount that may be transferred to a non-UK the information requested. A copy of the response will domiciled spouse or civil partner free of IHT will be be placed in the Library of the House. capped at a level equivalent to the prevailing IHT nil-rate band. Where there is no such risk, because the Income Tax transferee is prepared to opt into UK-domicile treatment for IHT purposes—thereby making their worldwide Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Chancellor of the assets potentially liable to IHT—transfers will not be Exchequer (1) what estimate his Department has made capped. of the additional number of people who will pay the 40 per cent income tax rate as a result of his changes to The projected cost of these changes were included in rates of taxation in (a) Denton and Reddish Table 2.1 of the Budget 2012 document (line 31): constituency, (b) England and (c) the UK in each of http://cdn.hm-treasury.gov.uk/budget2012_complete.pdf the next five years; [105482] (2) how many people in Denton and Reddish Interest Rate Swap Transactions constituency were paying the 40 per cent tax rate in each of the last five years for which data is available. Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Chancellor of the [105486] Exchequer whether his Department has conducted or plans to conduct an investigation into the misselling of Mr Gauke: Projections of the number of higher and interest rate swap agreements by banks in the UK. additional rate taxpayers for England and the UK up to [105936] 2012-13 are published on the HMRC website in tables 2.1 and 2.2 respectively: Mr Hoban: The Financial Services Authority (FSA) http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/income_tax/menu.htm is currently carrying out a review of this issue. As part Estimates for projected years are not available at the of this, the FSA are considering additional information parliamentary constituency level due to small sample from the small businesses that purchased these products, sizes and greater uncertainties in making projections for to help them better quantify the size of the issue and to small geographical areas. establish whether any banks have failed to comply with 1441W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1442W their obligations under the FSA Conduct of Business PAYE Sourcebook. Any potential next steps will be considered following the results of this report. Stephen Timms: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the Legal Costs findings on data analysis in the Major Projects Authority’s most recent review of the PAYE Real Time Mr Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Information Project; and if he will make a statement. how much his Department spent on fees for legal work [104309] in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12; and if he will make a statement. [104589] Mr Gauke [holding answer 23 April 2012]: The Real Time Information (RTI) Programme has accepted and Miss Chloe Smith: The information requested in the implemented all of the recommendations made by the format requested could be provided only at disproportionate Major Projects Authority review team. Findings in relation cost. to data analysis have been addressed. RTI is on track HM Treasury is able to provide the total amounts of and the pilot started successfully on 11 April 2012, legal expenditure incurred by HMT and its Executive when the first submission was received. agencies (DMO and APA), over the requisite periods, as recorded on its accounting system under the relevant Procurement legal costs codes. The following figures include internal and external legal spending, including all expenditure Michael Dugher: To ask the Chancellor of the with the Treasury Solicitor (which includes the internal Exchequer what his Department’s procurement spend legal advisers to the Treasury as well as litigation services). with small and medium-sized enterprises was in (a) the fourth quarter of 2010-11, (b) the first quarter of Total legal spend (£) 2011-12 and (c) the second quarter of 2011-12. 2010-11 4,406,483.71 [105874] 2011-12 5,001,281.76 Miss Chloe Smith: The Treasury is committed to Further information on HM Treasury spending is increase the level of engagement with SMEs and remove also available online: a monthly breakdown of departmental obstacles that can make Government procurement expenditure over £25,000 (excluding VAT) can be found challenging for smaller businesses. at: European Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC http://data.gov.uk/dataset/financial-transactions-data-hmt (6 May 2003) defines a small and medium sized enterprise details of contracts with a value of over £10,000 (excluding (SME) as a company with a headcount of less than 250 VAT) awarded since 1 January 2011 are published online full-time equivalents and either an annual turnover of at: no more than ¤50 million (£41.6 million) or a balance www.contractsfinder.businesslink.gov.uk sheet that does not exceed ¤43 million (£35.8 million). Consistent with that definition, the direct procurement Official Hospitality spend with organisations classified by HM Treasury as small and medium-sized enterprises is shown in the Heidi Alexander: To ask the Chancellor of the following table. The figures are taken from HM Treasury’s Exchequer for which events held at (a) Dorneywood financial system. They are on a cash rather than accruals and (b) 11 Downing Street the Government has been basis and exclude VAT. reimbursed by (i) the Chancellor of the Exchequer and (ii) the Conservative Party; and how much was Period £ (excluding VAT) [103539] reimbursed in each case. January to March 2011 884,000 April to June 2011 966,000 Miss Chloe Smith [holding answer 18 April 2012]: As July to September 2011 377,000 has been the case under successive Administrations, information about events in Dorneywood or No. 11 Downing street funded by the Chancellor of the Exchequer Public Sector Debt personally or by the Conservative party is not disclosed. Mr Cash: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Ofgem what estimate he has made of the level of total public sector debt including off-balance sheet debt in each of Dr Whitehead: To ask the Chancellor of the the last five years. [106387] Exchequer what amounts were transferred by Ofgem to the consolidated fund under section 1 of the Civil List Miss Chloe Smith: The Office for National Statistics Act 1952 in each year from 2009 to 2011. [105831] (ONS) produces a monthly estimate of public sector net debt, excluding the temporary effects of financial Danny Alexander: The following amounts were paid interventions. The monthly estimate of public sector by Ofgem into the Consolidated Fund under Section 1 net debt is published on the ONS website, available at of the Civil List Act 1952: http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/taxonomy/ 2009-10: £127 million index.html?nscl=Public+Sector+Finance 2010-11: £74 million The following table contains the latest ONS estimate of 2011-12: £87 million public sector net debt, for the last five financial years. 1443W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1444W

Telephone Services Public sector net debt Financial year £ billion Percentage of GDP Tim Farron: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 2007-08 527.2 36.7 (1) whether his Department plans to review the use of 2008-09 606.8 43.5 0845 telephone numbers for public services provided by 2009-10 760.3 52.5 his Department; [106066] 2010-11 905.3 60.5 (2) what assessment his Department has made of the 2011-12 1022.5 66.0 effectiveness and implications of using 0845 telephone In November 2011 the Government produced its first numbers in public service help lines. [106067] Whole of Government Accounts (WGA) document for the financial year 2009/10. WGA is a consolidated set of Mr Maude [holding answer 30 April 2012]: Ihave financial statements for the UK public sector. It consolidates been asked to reply on behalf of the Cabinet Office. the audited accounts of around 1,500 organisations It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. across the public sector, including central Government Member in the time available before Prorogation. departments, local authorities, devolved Administrations, the Health Service, and public corporations, in order to VAT produce a comprehensive, accounts-based picture of the fiscal position in any one year. This document is available on HM Treasury website at: Mr Sheerman: To ask the Chancellor of the http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/ Exchequer (1) if he will reconsider his policy to psr_government_accounts.htm introduce VAT on repairs to listed buildings; [106394] The Statement of Financial Position sets out the (2) if he will make it his policy to remove VAT from assets held and liabilities owed by the Government, in a housing repairs, maintenance and improvement works snapshot of the public sector balance sheet as at 31 March for the purpose of stimulating the economy. [106396] 2010. It shows that, at 31 March 2010, the public sector held assets valued at £1,208 billion and had total liabilities Mr Gauke: There is no change to the VAT treatment of £2,419 billion. The public sector therefore faced a of repairs to listed buildings. They have always been total net liability of £1,212 billion on an International subject to VAT. Annex B—Tables of Impact for Individual Financial Reporting Standards basis. Measures in HM Revenue and Customs consultation document “VAT: Addressing Borderline Anomalies”, Revenue and Customs published at Budget 2012, sets out estimates for VAT which will be raised from approved alterations to listed Jason McCartney: To ask the Chancellor of the buildings and a summary of impacts upon which comments Exchequer (1) what targets HM Revenue and Customs are invited have set in respect of the processing of tax rebate claims in full; [106357] http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/budget2012/vat-con-4801.pdf (2) what steps he is taking to reduce the average It is not possible to introduce a VAT zero rate for length of time taken by HM Revenue and Customs to housing repairs, maintenance and improvement works. assess and process tax rebate claims in full. [106361] The UK retains its zero rates of VAT under longstanding formal agreements with other member states. Under the Mr Gauke: HMRC does not have specific published terms of those agreements, we cannot extend the scope targets for processing tax rebate claims. Generally HMRC of existing zero rates nor introduce new ones. aims to deal with at least 80% of letters from customers within 15 working days. Most claims to a tax rebate are Mr Sheerman: To ask the Chancellor of the dealt with within this time scale. HMRC has significantly Exchequer what estimate he has made of the likely loss improved its post handling times over the past year and in revenue to the Exchequer if VAT on housing repair, I expect this improvement to continue. maintenance and improvement works were set at (a) Sick Leave zero, (b) five, (c) 10, (d) 15 and (e) 17.5 per cent. [106397] Mr Ruffley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many sick days were taken by staff in his Mr Gauke: The following table shows the estimated Department in each of the last three years. [105811] cost to the Exchequer if VAT on housing repair, maintenance and improvement, were set at (a) zero, Miss Chloe Smith: The data for the financial year 1 (b) five, (c) 10, (d) 15 and (e) 17.5%. These estimates April 2011 to 31 March 2012 is not yet available as are tentative and do not include any behavioural change. sickness data are calculated and reported three months The figures are for 2012-13 and are rounded to the in arrears. nearest £100 million. The number of sick days that were taken by staff in HM Treasury in each of the last three years ending Illustrative revenue impact 2012-13 31 March are as follows: Alternative VAT rate (£ million) 0% 1n/a 1 April to 31 March each year Number of sick days 5% -2,300 10% -1,600 2010-11 4,554 15% -800 2009-10 4,771 17.5% -400 2008-09 4,187 1 Under EU laws the minimum permitted reduced rate of VAT is 5% 1445W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1446W

Written Questions: Government Responses representations he has received about the Review; and if he will make a statement. [104296] Stephen McPartland: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he plans to provide a substantive Mr Kenneth Clarke: I have been asked to reply on answer to question 99245, on the personal allowance, behalf of the Ministry of Justice. tabled on 6 March 2012 for answer on 12 March 2012. The Minister of State for Justice, Lord McNally, will [106340] lead the UK’s delegation to Geneva for its second Universal Periodic Review (UPR) on 24 May 2012. The Mr Gauke: Question 99245 was answered on 30 April UK’s UPR will be in part based on the UK’s national 2012, Official Report, columns 1189-90W. report that was submitted to the United Nations on 5 March 2012. As part of the UK’s preparations for its UPR the Ministry of Justice, in partnership with the devolved Administrations, has held a series of consultation FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE events at which NGOs and civil society groups have Human Rights been given the opportunity to raise issues in advance of the UK’s review. Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what issues he plans to [Continued in Column 1447W] raise at the Universal Periodic Review; what recent WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Tuesday 1 May 2012

Col. No. Col. No. CABINET OFFICE...... 57WS DEFENCE...... 59WS Ministerial Pensions...... 57WS Afghanistan ...... 59WS

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 57WS London Olympics 2012 (Suppliers’ Marketing INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 59WS Protocol)...... 57WS Sale of Actis...... 59WS WRITTEN ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

Monday 30 April 2012—[Continued.]

Col. No. Col. No. ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE— AFFAIRS...... 1334W continued Addison Lee...... 1334W Sudan and South Sudan...... 1360W Agriculture...... 1334W Sudan: South Sudan ...... 1360W Air Pollution ...... 1334W Syria...... 1361W Apprentices...... 1335W Thailand ...... 1362W Bees...... 1335W Turkey...... 1362W Birds of Prey: Conservation...... 1335W Climate Change ...... 1336W HEALTH...... 1285W Compost: Mushrooms ...... 1336W Accident and Emergency Departments ...... 1285W Consultants...... 1336W Alcoholic Drinks...... 1286W Derelict Land: Contamination ...... 1337W Alcoholic Drinks: Misuse...... 1286W Droughts...... 1337W Antidepressants ...... 1286W Floods...... 1338W Autism ...... 1287W Floods: Victims...... 1338W Aviation ...... 1287W Lighting ...... 1339W Breasts: Plastic Surgery...... 1287W Noise...... 1339W Cancer ...... 1288W Pesticides...... 1340W Cardiovascular System...... 1288W Peter Cruddas ...... 1342W Care Homes ...... 1289W Public Consultation ...... 1342W Cholesterol...... 1290W Retirement ...... 1342W Commission on the Funding of Care and Sarah Southern ...... 1343W Support...... 1290W Seafish ...... 1343W Community Hospitals...... 1290W Tyres: Exports...... 1343W Computers ...... 1291W Water ...... 1344W Congenital Abnormalities...... 1292W Water Charges...... 1344W Consultants...... 1293W Water: Shortages ...... 1345W Dental Services: X-rays ...... 1294W Water Supply ...... 1344W Diabetes ...... 1294W Epilepsy: Health Services ...... 1295W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 1345W General Practitioners ...... 1295W Afghanistan ...... 1345W Health and Social Care Bill 2010-12...... 1296W Business: Ethics...... 1346W Health Services ...... 1296W Commonwealth ...... 1346W Hospitals: Accidents ...... 1297W Diamond Jubilee 2012...... 1347W Human Papillomavirus: Vaccination...... 1297W Female Genital Mutilation...... 1348W Information and Communications Technology...... 1298W Female Staff...... 1348W Information Officers ...... 1298W Guided Weapons...... 1348W Manpower...... 1299W Immigration...... 1348W Medical Records ...... 1300W IRA...... 1349W Mental Health: Males ...... 1301W Israel...... 1349W Ministerial Policy Advisers...... 1301W Mali ...... 1351W National Childbirth Trust ...... 1301W Middle East ...... 1351W NHS: Bureaucracy...... 1301W Middle East and North Africa ...... 1352W NHS: Drugs...... 1302W Official Visits ...... 1352W NHS: Manpower ...... 1302W OPEC ...... 1354W NHS: Pensions...... 1302W Palestinians ...... 1354W Obesity...... 1303W Retirement ...... 1357W Obesity: Children ...... 1303W Russia ...... 1357W Prescription Drugs: Shortages...... 1303W Saudi Arabia...... 1358W Prescriptions ...... 1304W Sick Leave ...... 1358W Public Expenditure...... 1304W South Sudan ...... 1359W Schizophrenia: Prisoners...... 1305W Sri Lanka ...... 1359W Sick Leave ...... 1305W St Helena ...... 1359W Social Services...... 1305W Col. No. Col. No. HEALTH—continued TRANSPORT—continued Speech Therapy...... 1306W Railways: Electrification ...... 1280W Spinal Muscular Atrophy...... 1306W Railways: Tickets ...... 1280W Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Pregnancy ...... 1306W Retirement ...... 1282W Surgery...... 1307W Roads: Accidents ...... 1282W Surgery: Males ...... 1308W Roads: EU Grants and Loans...... 1283W Surgery: Waiting Lists...... 1307W Shipping...... 1283W Taxis ...... 1285W TRANSPORT ...... 1265W Transport ...... 1285W A31 ...... 1267W Transport: Standards ...... 1285W A120 ...... 1265W Addison Lee...... 1268W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 1308W Air Travel Organisers’ Licence...... 1268W Child Tax Credit ...... 1308W Airbus: China ...... 1269W Children: Maintenance ...... 1309W Aviation: Exhaust Emissions...... 1269W Disability Living Allowance...... 1316W Aviation: Hertfordshire ...... 1269W Employers’ Liability...... 1319W Biofuels...... 1272W Employment and Support Allowance ...... 1319W BMI ...... 1272W Employment Schemes ...... 1320W Bus Services: Fares...... 1273W Employment Schemes: Young People...... 1320W Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency...... 1273W Funeral Payments ...... 1320W Driving under Influence...... 1273W Housing Benefit ...... 1321W Edinburgh Airport ...... 1274W Maternity Pay ...... 1322W Exeter-Plymouth Railway Line ...... 1274W Occupational Pensions...... 1322W Heathrow Airport ...... 1275W PAYE...... 1323W High Speed 2 Railway Line ...... 1275W Pensions...... 1324W Legal Costs ...... 1276W Personal Independence Payment...... 1324W Lewes-Uckfield Railway Line...... 1277W Public Consultation ...... 1325W London Airports...... 1277W Remploy...... 1325W Metal Theft...... 1277W Social Security Benefits...... 1326W Motor Vehicles: Excise Duties...... 1277W Social Security Benefits: Foreign Nationals...... 1327W Motorcycles ...... 1278W Social Security Benefits: Medical Examinations..... 1328W Motorways: Speed Limits ...... 1278W Social Security Benefits: Turkey...... 1328W Olympic Games 2012 ...... 1278W State Retirement Pensions...... 1329W Peter Cruddas ...... 1278W Universal Credit...... 1329W Public Consultation ...... 1279W Welfare to Work...... 1330W Radioactive Waste...... 1279W Work Capability Assessment...... 1333W Railways: East of England ...... 1279W Working Tax Credit: North East...... 1333W WRITTEN ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

Tuesday 1 May 2012

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 1363W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS—continued Legal Costs ...... 1363W Sunday Trading: Wrexham...... 1404W Supermarkets: Competition ...... 1405W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 1396W Taxis: Minimum Wage ...... 1405W Business: Radio...... 1396W Teachers: Training...... 1405W Construction: Industry...... 1396W Travel: Fees and Charges...... 1405W Consumers: Scotland ...... 1397W UK National Contact Point...... 1406W Departmental Billing ...... 1397W UK-Israel Life Sciences Council ...... 1406W EU Emissions Trading Scheme: Manufacturing Vodafone Group ...... 1407W Industries...... 1398W Exports: Pigs...... 1398W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 1424W Higher Education: Devolution...... 1398W Affordable Housing...... 1424W Higher Education: Insolvency...... 1398W Bed and Breakfast Accommodation ...... 1424W Manufacturing Industries: EU Action ...... 1399W Council Tax Benefits...... 1424W Mature Students: Finance...... 1399W Councillors: Allowances...... 1425W Meetings ...... 1399W Councillors: Training ...... 1425W Money Lenders: Teeside...... 1399W Diamond Jubilee 2012: Religion ...... 1425W Overseas Trade...... 1400W E-mail ...... 1426W Post Office...... 1400W Homelessness...... 1426W Post Office: Credit Unions ...... 1401W Housing: Coventry...... 1427W Procurement...... 1401W Housing: Vulnerable Adults...... 1427W Railways: Freight ...... 1401W Manpower...... 1427W Railways: Radlett ...... 1402W Mayor of London: Taxation ...... 1428W Regional Growth Fund ...... 1402W Meden Valley Partnership...... 1429W Sunday Trading...... 1403W Planning Permission ...... 1431W Sunday Trading: Olympic Games 2012 ...... 1403W Regulation ...... 1431W Sunday Trading: Redditch...... 1404W Travelling People: Coventry ...... 1435W Col. No. Col. No. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT— NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 1371W continued HMS Caroline ...... 1371W Wind Power ...... 1436W Written Questions: Government Responses ...... 1437W PRIME MINISTER ...... 1371W Ministers: Codes of Practice ...... 1371W Official Visits: Japan ...... 1371W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 1371W British Sky Broadcasting: News Corporation...... 1371W TRANSPORT ...... 1374W Data Protection...... 1373W Catering ...... 1374W Gambling: Licensing...... 1373W Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency...... 1374W Public Appointments ...... 1374W High Speed 2 Railway Line ...... 1374W Railways: Fares ...... 1376W DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ...... 1394W Railways: Franchises ...... 1376W Bill of Rights ...... 1394W Railways: Tickets ...... 1377W Road Traffic...... 1377W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL Roads: Lighting ...... 1377W AFFAIRS...... 1379W Transport: Dorset ...... 1378W Animal Welfare: Circuses...... 1379W Transport for London: Finance...... 1377W British Waterways ...... 1380W Travel ...... 1378W Dairy Farming ...... 1380W Vacancies ...... 1379W Dangerous Dogs ...... 1381W TREASURY ...... 1437W Departmental Responsibilities ...... 1381W Addison Lee...... 1437W Diesel Fuel...... 1381W British Sky Broadcasting: News Corporation...... 1437W Dogs ...... 1382W EU Budget ...... 1437W Droughts...... 1383W EU Internal Trade...... 1439W Elephants: Conservation ...... 1384W Financial Services: Complaints ...... 1439W E-mail ...... 1384W Income Tax ...... 1439W Fisheries...... 1384W Inheritance Tax...... 1440W Floods...... 1384W Interest Rate Swap Transactions ...... 1440W Food: Charitable Donations ...... 1385W Legal Costs ...... 1441W Forestry...... 1385W Official Hospitality ...... 1441W Game: Gun Sports ...... 1386W Ofgem ...... 1441W Halal Meat: Labelling ...... 1386W PAYE...... 1442W Horse Racing: Animal Welfare...... 1387W Procurement...... 1442W Intellectual Property ...... 1387W Public Sector Debt ...... 1442W Legal Costs ...... 1387W Revenue and Customs...... 1443W Meat: Prices ...... 1387W Sick Leave ...... 1443W Members: Correspondence ...... 1388W Telephone Services...... 1444W Ministerial Meetings ...... 1388W VAT ...... 1444W Natural Gas: Exploration ...... 1389W Written Questions: Government Responses ...... 1445W Official Secrets ...... 1389W Pesticides...... 1390W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 1407W Poultry: Animal Welfare ...... 1390W Atos ...... 1407W Procurement...... 1391W Attendance Allowance ...... 1407W Retirement ...... 1391W Children: Maintenance ...... 1408W Set-aside Schemes ...... 1391W Disability Living Allowance...... 1412W Supermarkets ...... 1392W Employment and Support Allowance ...... 1413W Swine Flu...... 1392W Employment Schemes ...... 1413W Travel ...... 1392W Employment Schemes: Contracts...... 1414W Vacancies: Senior Civil Servants...... 1393W Employment Schemes: Young People...... 1414W Water Companies...... 1393W Housing Benefit ...... 1415W Industrial Health and Safety: Police...... 1416W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 1445W Jobcentre Plus ...... 1416W Human Rights ...... 1445W Jobseeker’s Allowance: Fraud ...... 1416W Legal Costs ...... 1416W Members: Correspondence ...... 1417W HEALTH...... 1363W Official Secrets ...... 1417W Cancer ...... 1363W Remploy: Wales ...... 1417W Hospices ...... 1364W Revenue and Customs...... 1418W Hospitals...... 1370W Social Security Benefits...... 1418W Occupational Health...... 1370W Social Security Benefits: Disability...... 1420W Prescription Drugs: Shortages...... 1371W Stress...... 1420W Travel ...... 1421W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 1394W Unemployment: North-east ...... 1421W Africa...... 1394W Universal Credit...... 1421W Overseas Aid...... 1395W Vacancies ...... 1423W West Africa ...... 1395W Work Capability Assessment...... 1423W Members who wish to have the Daily Report of the Debates forwarded to them should give notice at the Vote Office. 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CONTENTS

Tuesday 1 May 2012

Royal Assent [Col. 1371]

Prorogation [Col. 1374]

Written Ministerial Statements [Col. 57WS]

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 1265W] [see index inside back page] Tuesday Volume 543 1 May 2012 No. 297 Part2of2

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Tuesday 1 May 2012

£5·00 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2012 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Parliamentary Click-Use Licence, available online through The National Archives website at www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/information-management/our-services/parliamentary-licence-information.htm Enquiries to The National Archives, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 4DU; e-mail: [email protected] 1447W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1448W

Damian Green: It has not proved possible to respond Written Answers to to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation. Questions Boston College

Tuesday 1 May 2012 Dr Alasdair McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether she has discussed [Continued from Column 1446W] the Government’s request to subpoena recordings from the Boston College oral history project with the US Secretary of State. [106234]

HOME DEPARTMENT Nick Herbert [holding answer 30 April 2012]: Home Office Ministers and officials have meetings with a wide Alcoholic Drinks: Prices variety of international partners, as well as organisations and individuals in the public and private sectors, as part Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for the of the process of policy development and delivery. As Home Department if she will publish her consultation was the case with previous Administrations, it is not the on a minimum unit price for alcohol before the summer Government’s practice to provide details of such meetings. recess. [106202]

James Brokenshire: The Government intends to launch Computers a consultation later in the year. Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for the Asylum Home Department how many computers and related equipment have been purchased by her Department David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for the and its public bodies since May 2010; and what the (a) Home Department how much her Department spent makes and (b) costs were. [105836] on asylum seekers awaiting an immigration decision in the last year for which figures are available. [104719] Damian Green [holding answer 30 April 2012]: The Home Office, along with the United Kingdom Border Damian Green: The UK Border Agency spent Agency, Criminal Records Bureau and National Fraud £304.5 million in 2010-11 on providing accommodation, Authority, procure desktop managed services from third transport and subsistence for asylum-seekers. In 2011-12, party suppliers, and do not generally purchase computers the comparable figure is £240.2 million, (this figure is and related equipment directly. It is not possible to say provisional and unaudited). Due to the way the information how many computers and related equipment have been is recorded, it is not possible to identify separately purchased since May 2010, without incurring expenditure on asylum seekers awaiting immigration disproportionate cost. decisions without incurring disproportionate costs. The Identity and Passport Service has, since May 2010, purchased computer and related equipment through Asylum: Young People its third party service provider. The following table provides the relevant information, where available. Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Information on how many computers and related Home Department whether her Department sought equipment have been purchased by non-departmental the (a) advice and (b) permission of the Department public bodies is not held centrally, and could be obtained for Education before beginning the age assessments only at disproportionate cost. dental x-ray pilot. [106400] Computers and related equipment which have been purchased by IPS since May 2010 Damian Green: It has not proved possible to respond Make Quantity Cost (£) to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation. HP Proliant DL360 1 1,700 Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for the HPM601DN black 441 369,663 Home Department if she will consider the proposal of and white printer the Immigration Law Practitioner’s Association to Desktop PCs for 51 21,110 establish regional expert age assessment centres made Steria HP8200’s in its 2007 report When Is a Child Not a Child? Kodak i4600 scanner 23 199,683 [106401] CISCO switches 451 424,300 Kodak i2600 scanner 28 26,835 Damian Green: It has not proved possible to respond 10 x PNY Ge force 10 319 to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation. graphics cards 4345 HP printer parts 2 296 Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for the BT answer machines 6 122 Home Department if she will evaluate the effects of the Intel Graphics 133 age assessments dental x-ray pilots; and if she will adapter ensure that young people are consulted as part of such Fusion I/O drives for 8 36,012 RON an evaluation. [106402] 1449W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1450W

Computers and related equipment which have been purchased by IPS (ECRIS) in application of Article 11 of Framework since May 2010 Decision 2009/315/JHA to the United Kingdom Central Make Quantity Cost (£) Authority for the Exchange of Criminal Records (UKCA- HP SAS Expander 1 1,227 ECR) which is run by the Association of Chief Police card, storage Officers Criminal Records Office (ACRO). Information controller upgrade shared under this mechanism can only be used by the card receiving member state in relation to the purpose or Parts for APC UPS 6 1,506 proceedings for which it was requested (except where it D07 is necessary to share information to prevent an immediate Logitech Deluxe 250 10 54 and serious threat to public security). keyboards (sea grey) F5 Fibre connector 6 876 Where a British citizen is the subject of criminal for load balancer proceedings in another EU member state, the UKCA-ECR Low profile PCI- 14 356 must send that member state a copy of the individual’s express graphics cards previous criminal record where it is requested to do so. Mediant 1000 two 1 2,778 Member states are required, under Council Framework spans gateway Decision 2008/675/JHA on taking account of convictions Intel graphics adapter 11 298 in the member states of the European Union in the cards course of new criminal proceedings, to take into account HP anti reflective 10 58 convictions in other member states during criminal keyboards proceedings in the same way as they would convictions Fusion cards 4 23,593 handed down by their own jurisdiction. This also means CISCO LAN refresh 1 253,888 that EU offenders in the UK will be able to have their CISCO 10 x dual 12 4,191 previous convictions taken into account by the UK ports and 2 x adapter courts in the same way as previous convictions of British HP disc storage 10 46,803 citizens is used and so will equalise treatment before our HP printers 3 7,174 courts. Kodak scanners 7 9,590 HP monitors 57 4,976 Databases: Telecommunications HP Printers 60 14,802 APC UPS 1 44,592 Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home IBM server 3650 1 11,226 Department what assessment she has commissioned APC smart UPS 1 1,682 from external experts on the technical viability of the IBM server 3650, 1 40,482 Communications Capabilities Development including disk arrays Programme. [105378] and IBM KVM Ventis Rack 1 7,705 James Brokenshire [holding answer 25 April 2012]: Buffalo USB portable 3 1,425 The technical capabilities required for the Communications drives Capabilities Development programme have been selected CAT five Ethernet 1 978 on the basis of proven technology. Technical viability is cabling kept under review through periodic external assurance IBM Server 3400 1 6,550 reviews and by consulting with industry, suppliers and Apex container 1 1,155 other Government Departments. IBM server 3650 1 11,226 Toshiba laptops 10 16,586 Entry Clearances Nortel IP phones 3,050 491,050 Muhlbauer printers 24 600,000 Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for the 22” NEC LED 10 1,067 Home Department what her Department’s policy is on screens diplomats intervening in UK visa application cases; Total 2,687,967 and if she will make a statement. [103826]

Criminal Records: EU Action Damian Green: A request to ’fast track’ (facilitate) an application for entry clearance can be requested by Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for the FCO staff members. The facilitation process is used Home Department who is responsible for monitoring sparingly for applications submitted by persons of very the implementation of the European Criminal Records high standing in the local community where there is a Information System to ensure that British citizens are clear overriding benefit, e.g. political or economic interest treated in the same way as other residents of EU to the UK. Facilitation does not influence the entry member states; and what safeguards have been put in clearance officer’s final decision or consideration of the place in this respect. [103557] application within the immigration rules. All facilitation requests are entered in a register and the register is Lynne Featherstone: The Home Office has delegated regularly checked by an entry clearance manager and responsibility for the practical implementation and day FCO senior management. to day operation of Council Decisions 2009/315/JHA A statement will not be made on this issue. on the organisation and content of the exchange of information extracted from the criminal record between Sir Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for the member states and 2009/316/JHA on the establishment Home Department if she will introduce a ban on all of the European Criminal Records Information System those holding an Israeli passport who live in the 1451W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1452W

Occupied West Bank entering the UK; and if she will Legal Costs discuss with her counterparts in each EU member state introducing such a ban. [105707] Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much her Department Damian Green [holding answer 26 April 2012]: There spent on legal fees in each of the last three years. are no plans for the introduction of a blanket travel ban [105952] on the holders of Israeli passports who live in the Occupied Palestinian Territories from entering the United Damian Green: It has not proved possible to respond Kingdom. to my hon. Friend in the time available before Prorogation. European Union Northern Ireland Racial Equality Strategy

Chris Heaton-Harris: To ask the Secretary of State Ms Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for the for the Home Department which EU measures in Home Department what the terms of reference are of justice and home affairs matters falling under the her Department’s co-ordinating group referred to in responsibility of her Department the UK has sought to Section 3.9 of the Northern Ireland Racial Equality accept after their adoption by the EU; and in which Strategy; what the date has been of each meeting of that such cases the European Commission or the Council of group since March 2009; what agenda items were discussed the EU decided to require the UK to fulfil particular at each meeting; which government departments or conditions before it could become bound by the non-departmental public bodies attended each meeting; relevant EU measure; what those conditions were in and which voluntary and community sector representatives each such case; and whether the UK fulfilled them. attended each meeting. [105933] [105920] Damian Green [holding answer 30 April 2012]: I refer James Brokenshire: The Home Office is responsible to the hon. Member to the answers given on 6 March for two measures to which the UK has applied to opt in 2012, Official Report, columns 638-39W and 30 April after their adoption by participating member states: 2012, Official Report, columns 1079-80W answered on On 16 July 2011, the UK applied to opt into the adopted 30 April 2012. Directive 2011/36/EU on preventing and combating trafficking in The national asylum stakeholder forum (NASF) was human beings and protecting its victims. This application was accepted by the Commission on 16 October 2011 and no conditions launched on 12 July 2007. The forum was designed to were set. promote dialogue, transparency and the ability to work in partnership between the Agency and its external On 8 February 2012, the UK applied to opt into the adopted Council Decision on the signature of the agreement between the partners. The group meets bi-monthly and is comprised United States of America and the European Union on the use of a number of voluntary sector and other government and transfer of passenger name records to the United States department attendees. Membership can be found in the Department of Homeland Security (EU-US PNR). The Commission list placed in the Library of the House. has four-months to decide whether to accept our application and The group has met 28 times to discuss a range of we await its response. issues. The UK Border Agency is currently taking forward However, the.UK subsequently opted into the Council five joint pieces of work with NASF partners looking at Decision on the conclusion of the EU-US PNR Agreement the applicant journey, asylum screening reform, the and is therefore bound by the final measure. quality of asylum decisions, gender issues and integration. In addition to the previous answer, there are now two Immigration Controls: Crimes Against Humanity additional standing items on the agenda namely: Criminal Casework and discussions around legal aid. Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home The terms of reference have been placed in the Library Department how many people who applied for of the House. residency in the UK have subsequently gone on to face prosecution for genocide, crimes against humanity or Public Consultation: Internet war crimes (a) in the UK, (b) in another EU member state or (c) before an international criminal court since Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home May 2003. [101195] Department whether her Department collects the IP addresses of online respondents to its consultations. Mr Blunt: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the [104092] Ministry of Justice. Information available centrally to the Ministry of Damian Green: IP addresses are collected as a Justice on defendants proceeded against, found guilty consequence of the software supporting our electronic and sentenced for criminal offences in England and consultations. It is Home Office policy not to make use Wales is limited to the detail provided by the statutes of this information. under which proceedings are brought, but not all the specific circumstances of each case. From centrally held Suicide data it is not possible to separately identify a defendant’s immigration status or whether a defendant had previously Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for the applied for residency in the United Kingdom. Home Department pursuant to the answer of Information for Scotland and Northern Ireland are 21 March 2012, Official Report, column 788W, on matters for the Scottish Executive and Northern Ireland suicide, what the names are of the Government-led Office respectively. cross-sector forums seeking to improve practice in the 1453W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1454W investigation of sudden deaths; what the membership effect of the introduction of plain packaging for all of each such forum is; when she expects the forums to cigarette brands on the smuggling of contraband report; and if she will make a statement. [105794] cigarettes into the UK. [105583]

Mr Djanogly: I have been asked to reply on behalf of James Brokenshire: Home Office Ministers and officials the Ministry of Justice. have meetings with a wide variety of international The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has recently partners, as well as organisations and individuals in the set up a Coroners Working Group comprised of police, public and private sectors, as part of the process of CPS and coroner representatives. The group has been policy development and delivery. As was the case with established to focus on improving communications between previous administrations, it is not the Government’s the three parties, in the event of a suspicious death. practice to provide details of all such meetings. Discussions from the group will underpin a Memorandum Travel of Understanding between the three parties, setting out roles and responsibilities for police, prosecutors and coroners across England and Wales. I understand that Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for the this should be published by the end of the year. Home Department how many journeys (a) Ministers and (b) officials from her Department made by In February 2012 Ministry of Justice officials convened (i) train, (ii) coach and (iii) Government car in an a meeting with representatives from the Home Office, official capacity in each of the last six months. [103634] National Policing Improvement Agency, the CPS and the Coroners’ Society of England and Wales to discuss non-suspicious sudden deaths. Damian Green: The table shows the number of journeys made by Ministers and officials using the Government My officials will attend the CPS group’s next meeting Car Service in an official capacity in each of the last six in May 2012 to consider how best to co-ordinate the months. two strands of work. During the past six months, the Home Office also had one dedicated Government Car Service car and Terrorism driver, which made a number of journeys each day as required. Information on these journeys is not included Alec Shelbrooke: To ask the Secretary of State for the in the table. Home Department under the Regulation of Information on the number of train and coach journeys Investigatory Powers Act 2000, how many applications made by Ministers and officials in the Department is to release collected data resulted in an arrest under not held centrally. suspicion of terrorism since 2010. [106358] Number of journeys Number of journeys James Brokenshire: The Home Office does not collect made by GCS by made by GCS by figures on which arrests (or subsequent prosecutions) staff Ministers under Terrorism Legislation are the direct result of the use of a specific communications data request. However, October 2011 — 49 communications data has played a significant role in November 2011 1 63 every major counter terrorist investigation over the last December 2011 1 34 decade and has been used in numerous counter terrorism January 2012 0 47 prosecutions. February 2012 0 50 March 2012 0 48 Theft: Metals Total 2 291

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Victim Support: Hove Department if she will publish the (a) consultation document, (b) consultation responses and (c) economic Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for impact assessment of her plans to ban cash payments the Home Department what data her Department for scrap metal. [106201] holds on referrals to Victim Support in Hove in (i) 2009, (ii) 2010 and (iii) 2011. [103455] James Brokenshire: The Government’s economic impact assessment for taking legislative action to ban cash Mr Blunt: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the payments for scrap metal is published on the Ministry Ministry of Justice. of Justice website: While Victim Support is principally funded by a http://www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/legislation/bills-acts/ legal-aid-sentencing/laspo-metal-theft-ia.pdf grant from the Ministry of Justice, it is an independent charity and is separate from Government. The Ministry Section A.3 of this document provides details of the of Justice holds no data on referrals to Victim Support those we consulted. No consultation document was in Hove. produced. Youth Custody Tobacco: Packaging Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for the Ian Paisley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 1 March Home Department what meetings she has had with the 2012, Official Report, column 465W, on youth custody, Secretary of State for Health to discuss the potential if she will consider raising to 18 years the age at which 1455W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1456W individuals can be strip searched without an adult JUSTICE being present under the Police and Criminal Evidence Abu Qatada Act 1984. [100318] Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for Nick Herbert: I will write to the hon. Member as Justice how much his Department spent on funding soon as possible. arrangements in respect of Abu Qatada in each financial year from 2001 to 2010. [105492]

Youth Offending Teams: Finance Mr Djanogly: The deportation proceedings against Abu Qatada are still ongoing. It would be wrong of me Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for the to comment on any administrative aspects such as legal Home Department what the change is in the level of aid until the matter has concluded. funding which she plans to allocate to youth offending The Legal Services Commission (LSC) is the body service budgets in (a) Nottinghamshire, (b) the east with operational responsibility for legal aid in England midlands and (c) England in 2012-13 compared to and Wales. The LSC has received a number of requests 2011-12. [105495] for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 seeking similar information. When it is able to do James Brokenshire [holding answer 26 April 2012]: so, the LSC will publish the details of the legal aid costs The Home Office is providing £14 million in 2012-13 to for those matters that have concluded on its website. support local youth crime and substance misuse prevention Alcoholic Drinks: Misuse work across England and Wales. The funding is split between the Youth Justice Board (YJB), for allocation Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for to youth offending teams, police authorities and the Justice (1) how many people were found guilty of Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime in London. (a) drunk and disorderly behaviour and (b) drunk and These are new arrangements to help local partners aggravated behaviour in Lancashire in each of the last prepare for the introduction of police and crime five years; [106216] commissioners. (2) how many prosecutions for drunk and disorderly The allocation to Nottinghamshire is £250,890, behaviour of people aged between 10 and 17 years old comprising £107,028 to the Nottinghamshire youth there were in Lancashire in each of the last five years. offending team (via YJB) and £143,862 to Nottinghamshire [106218] police authority. The total Home Office allocation to the east midlands is £1,021,294, comprising £588,679 to Mr Blunt: The number of defendants proceeded against the relevant youth offending teams (via YJB) and £432,615 at magistrates courts and found guilty at all courts for to the police authorities in the east midlands. The total drunk and disorderly behaviour, by age in Lancashire Home Office funding for England is £13,085,241. police force area, from 2006 to 2010 (latest available) As these are new arrangements, it is not possible to can be viewed in the table. provide direct comparisons with 2011-12 funding for The Ministry of Justice Court Proceedings Database individual youth offending teams. Total Home Office holds information on offences provided by the statutes funding to the Youth Justice Board for youth crime and under which proceedings are brought but not all the substance misuse prevention work was £14.5 million in specific circumstances of each case. From centrally held 2011-12, across the whole of England and Wales. This data it is not possible to separately identify specific funding formed part of the wider youth justice grant offences relating to drunk and aggravated behaviour. that the Youth Justice Board provided to all youth Court proceedings data for 2011 are planned for offending teams. publication on 24 May 2012.

Defendants proceeded against at magistrates courts and found guilty at all courts, by age, for drunk and disorderly behaviour1, Lancashire police force area, 2006-102, 3 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Proceeded Found Proceeded Found Proceeded Found Proceeded Found Proceeded Found Age against guilty against guilty against guilty against guilty against guilty

All ages 574 409 755 617 1,120 964 1,386 1,204 1,391 1,212 Of which: 10 to 92 63 120 91 171 148 173 147 123 93 17-year- olds 1 Licensing Act 1872, S.12 and Criminal Justice Act 1967, S.91. 2 The figures given in the table relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. 3 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice. 1457W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1458W

Ashfield Young Offender Institution: Ethnic Groups: adjudicators in Ashfield Young Offender Institution in Discipline each month from January 2010 to April 2012. This includes 18-year-olds at Ashfield. Stephen Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for The second table (Table 2) shows how many additional Justice (1) what the ethnicity is of each child awarded days of imprisonment were awarded to people in Ashfield additional days of imprisonment by outside Young Offender Institution by an outside adjudicator adjudicators in Ashfield Young Offender Institute in for breaches of prison rules in each month from January each month in the last two years; [106331] 2010 to April 2012. This includes 18-year olds at Ashfield. (2) how many additional days of imprisonment were awarded to children in Ashfield Young Offender The third table (Table 3) shows how many cases were Institute by an outside adjudicator for breaches of referred to an outside adjudicator for breaches of prison prison rules in each month in the last two years; rules in Ashfield Young Offender Institution in each [106332] month from January 2010 to April 2012. (3) how many cases were referred to an outside These data have been provided by the Youth Justice adjudicator for breaches of prison rules in Ashfield Board (YJB) from Ashfield Young Offender Institution Young Offender Institute in each month in the last two (YOI). years. [106333] These figures have been drawn from YOI records, as Mr Blunt: Table 1 shows the ethnicity of each person such they are subject to possible recording errors and awarded additional days of imprisonment by outside can be subject to change over time.

Table 1: Ethnicity of each person awarded additional days of imprisonment by outside adjudicators in Ashfield Young Offender Institution in each month from January 2010 to April 2012 W1 W2 W9 M1 M2 M3 M9 A1 A2 A3 A9 B1 B2 B9 O1 O9 Total

2010 January1—— 1——— 1———————— 3 February 1——————————— 1——— 2 March——————— 1———————— 1 April1——————————————— 1 May2——————————————— 2 June———————————————— 0 July 2—————————— 5— 2—— 9 August——————————— 3 8——— 11 September 2 — 1————————————— 3 October1— 1————————————— 2 November 1——————————— 2——— 3 December 1—————————— 3— 2—— 6

2011 January3———— 1—————411——10 February — — — 1———————— 1——— 2 March1—— 2— 2 1———— 3— 3—— 12 April——— 6—— 1———— 7 1——— 15 May————— 1————— 4 1——— 6 June4—————————— 4 1——— 9 July————— 1————— 3— 1—— 5 August———————————————— 0 September ———————————————— 0 October1———— 1————— 2———— 4 November — — — 1——————— 1 1——— 3 December — — — 1 — 1 ————— 1 2——— 5

2012 January—— 1—— 1—————————— 2 February 2 1 — — 1 — ————— 1———— 5 March3 2——— 2 1—— 2— 5 2——— 17 1459W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1460W

Table 1: Ethnicity of each person awarded additional days of imprisonment by outside adjudicators in Ashfield Young Offender Institution in each month from January 2010 to April 2012 W1 W2 W9 M1 M2 M3 M9 A1 A2 A3 A9 B1 B2 B9 O1 O9 Total

April———————————————— 0 Notes: 1. This table also includes 18-year olds at Ashfield. 2. Ethnicity key: W1: White —British W2: White—Irish W9: White—Other White M1: Mixed—White and Black Caribbean M2: Mixed—White and Black AfricanM3: Mixed - White and Asian M9: Mixed—Other Mixed A1: Asian or Asian British—Indian A2: Asian or Asian British—Pakistani A3: Asian or Asian British—Bangladeshi A9: Asian or Asian British—Other Asian B1: Black or Black British—Caribbean B2: Black or Black British—African B9: Black or Black British—Other Black O1: Chinese—Chinese O9: Other Ethnic Group—Any Other 3. These figures have been drawn from YOI records, as such they are subject to possible recording errors and can be subject to change over time.

Table 2: Number of additional days of imprisonment awarded to Table 2: Number of additional days of imprisonment awarded to people in Ashfield Young Offender Institution by an outside people in Ashfield Young Offender Institution by an outside adjudicator for breaches of prison rules in each month from adjudicator for breaches of prison rules in each month from January 2010 to April 2012 January 2010 to April 2012 Total (days) Total (days)

2010 April 0 January 61 1 Prospective added February 26 Notes: 1. This table also includes 18-year olds at Ashfield. March 30 2. These figures have been drawn from YOI records, as such they are April 28 subject to possible recording errors and can be subject to change over May 30 time. June 0 Table 3: Number of cases referred to an outside adjudicator for July 130 breaches of prison rules in Ashfield Young Offender Institution in each August 172 month from January 2010 to April 2012 September 0 Number October 22 2010 November 36 January 3 December 77 February 2 March 1 2011 April 1 January 112 May 2 119 June 0 February 12 July 12 112 August 13 March 141 September 3 April 74 October 3 1105 November 5 December 12 May 134 June 156 July 52 2011 130 January 11 August 0 February 5 September 0 March 16 October 22 April 23 118 May 13 June 20 November 59 July 9 December 140 August 15 September 0 2012 October 15 January 36 November 20 February 98 December 10 March 244 1461W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1462W

Table 3: Number of cases referred to an outside adjudicator for Civil Servants: Codes of Practice breaches of prison rules in Ashfield Young Offender Institution in each month from January 2010 to April 2012 Number Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many investigations into breaches by civil servants 2012 of the Civil Service Code of Conduct occurred in his January 4 Department in each month from May 2010 to March February 16 2012. [103152] March 25 April 10 Mr Kenneth Clarke: I will write to the hon. Member Note: as soon as possible. These figures have been drawn from YOI records, as such they are subject to possible recording errors and can be subject to change over time. Community Orders Bill of Rights Penny Mordaunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what meetings he has had with the Chairman or Justice who will bear the cost of the pension deficit in members of the Commission on a Bill of Rights since respect of unpaid work and the tendering process in the its establishment; who attended any such meeting; what London probation area. [106334] the purpose of each such meeting was; and whether a record of what was said at any such meeting was made. Mr Blunt: The MOJ will be taking on a direct liability [104988] with the London Probation Fund Authority in respect of the accrued pension deficit for relevant staff and the Mr Kenneth Clarke: With ministerial colleagues I MOJ will bear authority related costs associated with have had two formal meetings with the Commission on the London Probation Trust Unpaid Work/Community a Bill of Rights since its establishment. Payback tendering process. The first meeting took place on 1 December 2011, when the Deputy Prime Minister, the Minister for Europe, Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Lord McNally and I met the Chair and all of the then Justice what the expected breach rate is of offenders Commissioners except Lord Lester of Herne Hill QC, placed on his proposed intensive community who had another appointment. The purpose of the punishment order. [106337] meeting was an update on work to reform of the European Court of Human Rights, following the Commission’s provision of its interim advice on reform to the Government Mr Blunt: The ’Punishment and Reform: Effective and to provide an opportunity for the Commission to Community Sentences’ consultation proposes to develop provide an update on its future work plans. A short an Intensive Community Punishment Order for offenders record was made of what was said at the meeting. who deserve a significant level of punishment, but who The second meeting took place on 22 March 2012 are better dealt with in the community to maintain ties when the Deputy Prime Minister, Lord McNally and I with work and family. As set out in the impact assessment, met the Chair and all of the current Commissioners. the consultation asks respondents for their views on The purpose of the meeting was to allow further updates how ICPO could work, so it would be premature to on Court reform and the Commission’s future work provide estimates of the breach rates. MOJ will examine plans. As before, a short record was made of what was the impacts when the final proposal is developed. said at the meeting. The impact assessment that MOJ published alongside Separately, I have had two bi-lateral meetings on my the consultation can be found on the following webpage: own with the Chair of the Commission, Sir Leigh https://consult.justice.gov.uk/digital-communications/ Lewis, since the Commission was established. The first effective-community-services-1 took place on I2 October 2011 and the second took place on 7 March 2012. Both meetings were conversations Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for about the Commission’s progress in fulfilling its terms Justice what assessment he has made of the effects of reference and no records were made of what was said on custody of the introduction of the intensive at these meetings. community punishment order. [106338] Immediately before the Commission was established I had a meeting with Sir Leigh Lewis on I6 March 2011 Mr Blunt: The ’Punishment and Reform: Effective to discuss its establishment. Community Sentences’ consultation proposes to develop In addition to the participants already noted, officials an Intensive Community Punishment Order for offenders also attended my meetings with the Chair and who deserve a significant level of punishment, but who Commissioners. are better dealt with in the community to maintain ties Burglary with work and family. As set out in the impact assessment, the consultation asks respondents for their views on Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for how ICPO could work, so it would be premature to Justice how many burglaries were committed by people provide estimates of the impact on custody. MOJ will on bail for burglary in each of the last five years. examine the impacts when the final proposal is developed. [105949] The impact assessment that MOJ published alongside Mr Blunt: The Ministry of Justice does not centrally the consultation can be found on the following webpage: hold information regarding the offences for which an https://consult.justice.gov.uk/digital-communications/ offender has been released on bail. effective-community-services-1 1463W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1464W

Coroners and Justice Act 2009 received a payment from the scheme, because claims officers only take unspent convictions into account Mr Doran: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice when deciding payments. In the 2011 financial year when he plans to bring into force the provisions of 3,587 people received an award that was reduced because section 50 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009. of unspent convictions. The breakdown of the 3,587 [106245] awards is shown in the following table, broken down by the bands mentioned in the Criminal Injuries Compensation Mr Djanogly: Implementation of section 50, and the scheme as requested. related provisions in sections 12 and 13 of the 2009 Act, depends on the timing of the chief coroner taking up Number of Band awards paid How much paid (£) post. I hope to be able to make an announcement shortly about the chief coroner and the timetable for 1 229 208,353 implementing Part 1 of the 2009 Act. 2 147 138,197 3 656 757,298 Crime: Victims 4 24 37,482 5 309 516,861 Simon Danczuk: To ask the Secretary of State for 6 269 532,327 Justice if he will make it his policy that victims of crime 7 429 1,121,589 should have the right to receive information about their 8 349 1,065,253 case within a specified timeframe. [104712] 9 483 1,679,358 10 242 1,549,693 Mr Blunt: Our consultation ’Getting it Right for 11 32 170,209 Victims and Witnesses’ closed on 22 April. One of its 12 115 1,096,061 key proposals is that there should be a new, clearer, 13 126 1,047,415 Victims’ Code and we have sought views on a set of 14 34 589,398 principles on which we think a new code should be based. The provision of information to victims will be 15 56 879,730 one of the matters to be considered in drafting a new 16 11 332,198 code. 17 48 991,281 18 9 205,973 Ann Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 19 1 62,321 (1) what steps he will take to ensure that the new 20 11 1,168,129 Victims Code is monitored and enforced; [106010] 21 3 262,137 (2) if he will bring forward proposals to put the new 24 1 68,975 25 3 639,658 Victims Code on a statutory footing. [106013]

Mr Blunt: A key proposal in our consultation document ‘Getting it Right for Victims and Witnesses’, published Crown Court: Prison Sentences on 30 January, is that there should be a new, clearer, Victims Code and we sought views on a set of principles Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for on which we think a new code should be based. The Justice how many cases were brought before each consultation closed on 22 April and we plan to publish Crown court in each of the last two years; and how the Government’s response to the consultation in the many such cases resulted in a custodial sentence. summer. [105893] As we begin to draft the new code we will consider how best to monitor and enforce it. There will be a Mr Blunt: The number of defendants tried at the further consultation on the code before we lay it before Crown court, by court circuit, for all offences and the Parliament. number sentenced to immediate custody, England and There is already a statutory basis for the Victims Wales, in 2009 and 2010 (latest available) can be viewed Code. It is made under the Domestic Violence. Crime in Tables 1 and 2. and Victims Act 2004. Annual court proceedings data for 2011 are planned for publication on 24 May, 2012. Criminal Injuries Compensation Table 1: Number of defendants tried at the Crown court, by court circuit, for all offences and the number sentenced to immediate Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for custody, England and Wales 20091, 2 Justice how many people who had previously been Immediate convicted of a crime received a payment from the Crown court circuit Total tried custody Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme in the year to Midland and Oxford Circuit 31 March 2011; how much was paid to people previously convicted under each band; and how many First Tier Centres people previously convicted received compensation in 0404 Birmingham 3,113 1,302 each band. [103333] 0432 Lincoln 709 391 0444 Nottingham 2,036 934 Mr Djanogly: The Criminal Injuries Compensation 0445 Oxford 791 371 Authority (CICA) cannot say definitively how many 0455 Stafford 831 379 people who had previously been convicted of a crime 0463 Warwick 707 367 1465W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1466W

Table 1: Number of defendants tried at the Crown court, by court Table 1: Number of defendants tried at the Crown court, by court circuit, for all offences and the number sentenced to immediate circuit, for all offences and the number sentenced to immediate custody, England and Wales 20091, 2 custody, England and Wales 20091, 2 Immediate Immediate Crown court circuit Total tried custody Crown court circuit Total tried custody Second Tier Centres Third Tier Centres 0421 Wolverhampton 1,809 943 0430 Leicester 1,396 695 0401 Aylesbury 436 182 0442 Northampton 1,020 557 0416 Chichester 433 178 0452 Shrewsbury 408 180 0418 Croydon 1,605 845 0466 Worcester 926 426 0427 Kingston upon 1,932 894 Third Tier Centres Thames 0417 Coventry 572 262 0428 Blackfriars 1,560 631 0419 Derby 1,350 646 (Knightsbridge) 0425 Great Grimsby 664 340 0440 Inner London 2,101 906 0456 Stoke-on-Trent 913 490 Sessions House 0473 Peterborough 900 387 0453 Snaresbrook 3,034 1,296 Circuit sub-total 18,145 8,670 0461 Basildon 1,410 457 0468 Harrow 1,375 521 North Eastern Circuit First Tier Centres 0469 Wood Green 1,708 613 0429 Leeds 2,713 1,278 0471 Southwark 2,062 1,029 0439 Newcastle-upon- 2,923 1,055 0472 Woolwich 1,282 543 Tyne 0451 Sheffield 2,079 1,010 0474 Guildford 911 407 0460 Teesside 2,101 867 0475 Isleworth 1,905 950 Second Tier Centres 0479 Canterbury 995 514 0402 Bradford 1,965 860 Circuit sub-total 34,151 15,105 0467 York 860 334 Third Tier Centres 0403 Kingston-upon-Hull 1,193 549 Wales and Chester Circuit 0420 Doncaster 557 267 First Tier Centres 0422 Durham 965 331 0411 Cardiff 2,156 935 Circuit sub-total 15,356 6,551 0415 Chester 1,406 686 0457 Swansea 1,092 536 Northern Circuit First Tier Centres 0769 Mold 1,039 606 0412 Carlisle 697 277 Second Tier Centres 0433 Liverpool 3,473 1,501 0437 Merthyr Tydfil 622 304 0435 Manchester (Crown 2,103 1,005 Sq.) Circuit sub-total 6,315 3,067 0448 Preston 2,654 1,078 Third Tier Centres Western Circuit 0409 Burnley 696 291 First Tier Centres 0436 Manchester Minhull 2,545 1,005 St 0408 Bristol 1,549 708 0470 Bolton 1,348 572 0423 Exeter 786 386 Circuit sub-total 13,516 5,729 0465 Winchester 728 326 0477 Truro 429 165 South Eastern Circuit Second Tier Centres First Tier Centres 0410 Cambridge 572 218 0407 Dorchester 183 75 0414 Chelmsford 1,257 536 0424 Gloucester 548 255 0431 Lewes 2,012 888 0446 Plymouth 570 246 0443 Norwich 1,249 570 Third Tier Centres Second Tier Centres 0413 Central Criminal 876 406 0406 Bournemouth 633 280 Court 0447 Portsmouth 897 329 0426 Ipswich 825 379 0454 Southampton 914 374 0434 Maidstone 1,450 750 0458 Swindon 425 207 0449 Reading 1,112 462 0450 St Albans 1,039 401 0459 Taunton 351 124 0476 Luton 1,010 529 0478 Newport (I.O.W) 222 57 1467W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1468W

Table 1: Number of defendants tried at the Crown court, by court Table2:Numberofdefendants tried at the Crown court, by court circuit, for all offences and the number sentenced to immediate circuit, for all offences and the number sentenced to immediate custody, England and Wales 20091, 2 custody, England and Wales, 20101, 2 Immediate Immediate Crown court circuit Total tried custody Crown court circuit Total tried custody

0480 Salisbury 120 37 Circuit sub-total 8,355 3,569 Northern Circuit First Tier Centres 0412 Carlisle 775 271 Total England and Wales 95,838 42,691 0433 Liverpool 3,755 1,580 1 The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons 0435 Manchester (Crown Sq.) 2,377 1,030 for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or 0448 Preston 3,036 1,263 more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is Third Tier Centres imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more 0409 Burnley 852 345 offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. 0436 Manchester Minhull St. 2,887 1,100 2 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are 0470 Bolton 1,372 570 accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these Circuit sub-total 15,054 6,159 data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their South Eastern Circuit inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are First Tier Centres used. Source: 0410 Cambridge 615 242 Justice Statistics Analytical Services - Ministry of Justice. 0414 Chelmsford 1,241 559 0431 Lewes 1,943 796 Table 2 : Number of defendants tried at the Crown court, by court circuit, for all offences and the number sentenced to immediate 0443 Norwich 1,297 560 custody, England and Wales, 20101, 2 Second Tier Centres Immediate 0413 Central Criminal 1,050 445 Crown court circuit Total tried custody Court 0426 Ipswich 913 362 Midland and Oxford Circuit 0434 Maidstone 1,657 750 First Tier Centres 0449 Reading 1,533 636 0404 Birmingham 2,978 1,227 0432 Lincoln 734 394 0450 St Albans 1,245 401 0444 Nottingham 2,387 996 0476 Luton 1,250 636 0445 Oxford 744 303 Third Tier Centres 0455 Stafford 1,013 415 0401 Aylesbury 413 180 0463 Warwick 858 439 0416 Chichester 461 193 Second Tier Centres 0418 Croydon 1,839 821 0421 Wolverhampton 1,853 823 0427 Kingston upon 2,094 855 0430 Leicester 1,534 700 Thames 0442 Northampton 1,080 624 0428 Blackfriars 1,720 735 (Knightsbridge) 0452 Shrewsbury 489 226 0440 Inner London Sessions 2,118 847 0466 Worcester 1,163 448 House Third Tier Centres 0453 Snaresbrook 3,223 1,194 0417 Coventry 482 233 0461 Basildon 1,521 469 0419 Derby 1,464 665 0468 Harrow 1,455 476 0425 Great Grimsby 677 309 0469 Wood Green 1,825 673 0456 Stoke-on-Trent 977 489 0473 Peterborough 1,069 502 0471 Southwark 2,047 853 Circuit sub-total 19,502 8,793 0472 Woolwich 1,459 509 0474 Guildford 1,063 436 North Eastern Circuit 0475 Isleworth 2,879 1,265 First Tier Centres 0479 Canterbury 1,033 497 0429 Leeds 3,184 1,342 Circuit sub-total 37,894 15,390 0439 Newcastle-upon-Tyne 2,969 1,057 0451 Sheffield 2,237 1,030 Wales and Chester Circuit 0460 Teesside 2,130 860 First Tier Centres Second Tier Centres 0411 Cardiff 2,350 1,017 0402 Bradford 2,408 953 0415 Chester 1,278 598 0467 York 850 291 Third Tier Centres 0457 Swansea 1,230 528 0403 Kingston-upon-Hull 1,243 555 0769 Mold 1,042 523 0420 Doncaster 663 272 Second Tier Centres 0422 Durham 1,046 321 0437 Merthyr Tydfil 820 412 Circuit sub-total 16,730 6,681 Circuit sub-total 6,720 3,078 1469W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1470W

Table 2 : Number of defendants tried at the Crown court, by court The figures are provisional and subject to change as circuit, for all offences and the number sentenced to immediate more information is recorded by the police. custody, England and Wales, 20101, 2 Immediate Table 1: Highest number of previous convictions for being drunk in Crown court circuit Total tried custody charge of a vehicle, for an individual convicted of this offence without being sent to prison, in England and Wales in the years 2008 to 2010 2008 2009 2010 Western Circuit Number of previous convictions for 10 13 25 First Tier Centres being drunk in charge of a vehicle 0408 Bristol 1,821 858 Number of previous cautions and 158 170 181 0423 Exeter 739 340 convictions for any offence at time 0465 Winchester 953 357 of conviction 0477 Truro 454 192 Number of previous immediate 57 64 97 custodial sentences for any offence Second Tier Centre Source: 0407 Dorchester 193 93 Police National Computer, MOJ JSAS 0424 Gloucester 617 269 0446 Plymouth 625 246 Third Tier Centre Drugs: Offences 0406 Bournemouth 696 297 0447 Portsmouth 911 324 Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for 0454 Southampton 1,021 344 Justice what the highest number of previous 0458 Swindon 475 195 convictions was for drug offences for an individual 0459 Taunton 398 152 convicted of drug offences without being sent to prison 0478 Newport (I.O.W) 199 50 in each of the last three years; and how many offences 0480 Salisbury 123 35 they had committed in total at the point of sentence for this offence. [106326] Circuit sub-total 9,225 3,752 Mr Blunt: The following table shows the highest England and Wales 105,125 43,853 number of previous convictions for drug offences for an 1 The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons individual convicted of a drug offence in each year for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or between 2008 to 2010 (it is the same individual in each more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is year), who received a sentence other than immediate imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more custody. It also shows the offender’s total number of offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory previous offences for any offence at the point of sentence maximum penalty is the most severe. and the number of previous immediate custodial sentences 2 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are for any offence. accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems These figures have been drawn from the police’s generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care administrative IT system, the police national computer, should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their which, as with any large scale recording system, is inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. Source: The figures are provisional and subject to change as Justice Statistics Analytical Services - Ministry of Justice. more information is recorded by the police. Table 1: Highest number of previous convictions for drug offences, for an individual convicted of this offence without being sent to prison, in Driving under Influence England and Wales in the years 2008 to 2010 2008 2009 2010 Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Number of previous convictions for 55 56 57 Justice what the highest number was of previous drug offences convictions for being drunk in charge of a vehicle held Number of previous cautions and 104 108 111 by an individual convicted of that offence without convictions for any offence at time of being sent to prison in each of the last three years; and conviction how many previous criminal convictions each such Number of previous immediate 20 20 21 person had at the point of sentence for that offence. custodial sentences for any offence [105948] Source: Police National Computer, MOJ JSAS Mr Blunt: Table 1 shows the highest number of previous convictions for being drunk in charge of a Duchy of Cornwall vehicle for individuals convicted of this offence in the years 2008 to 2010 who received a sentence other than Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for immediate custody. It also shows the total number of Justice whether he has (a) undertaken any review, (b) previous offences for any offence at the point of sentence initiated any action and (c) commenced any and the number of previous immediate custodial sentences consultation on matters of legislation relating to the for any offence for these individuals. Duchy of Cornwall or Stannery law in the last five These figures have, been drawn from the police’s years. [105316] administrative IT system, the police national computer, which, as with any large scale recording system, is Mr Kenneth Clarke: I will write to the hon. Member subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. as soon as possible. 1471W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1472W

European Convention on Human Rights First quarter Second quarter (30 June 2011) (30 September Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 2011) what safeguards he is seeking to ensure that the proposed Senior civil accession of the European Union to the European Convention servant (SCS) Proportion Proportion on Human Rights does not impose additional human level Gender Number (%) Number (%) rights obligations or liabilities on the UK Government Director General Female 4 57.14 4 57.14 and population. [106132] (SCS pay band 3) Male3— 3— Mr Kenneth Clarke: The purpose of EU accession to the Convention is to ensure that the European Union institutions themselves are directly accountable to the Director (SCS Female 17 37.77 14 30.43 European Court of Human Rights. pay band 2) Male 28 — 32 — The European Treaties provide safeguards, set out in Article 6(2) and Protocol 8 of the Treaty on European Fines: EU law Union, requiring that accession shall not affect the situation of member states in relation to the Convention, its protocols or any derogations or reservations, or Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for change the competences of the EU or the powers of its Justice pursuant to the answer of 16 April 2012, institutions. In negotiating the EU’s accession, the UK Official Report, column 208W, on what the total value will ensure that any accession agreement meets these was of the financial penalties transmitted to other EU safeguards. Member States under EU Council Framework Decision 2005/214/JHA, in each year since it came into Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice force; and if he will make a statement. [106071] what steps the Government is taking to ensure that the proposed accession of the EU to the European Mr Kenneth Clarke: The provisions of EU Council Convention on Human Rights is in line with the Framework Decision 2005/214/JHA of 24 February Brighton Declaration. [106181] 2005 were implemented into England, Wales and Northern Ireland law in 2009, through the Criminal Justice and Mr Kenneth Clarke: The Brighton Declaration sets Immigration Act 2008. There was a minor amendment out the commitment of members of the Council of made through the Criminal Procedure Rules 2011. In Europe to reform the European Court of Human Rights. Scotland the Order was made under powers conferred Accession of the European Union to the convention by sections 56 of the Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) will make the European Union directly accountable to (Scotland) Act 2007. Then implemented by the Mutual the jurisdiction of the European Court of Human Recognition of Criminal Financial Penalties in the Rights. Any changes to the functioning of the Court as European Union (Scotland) Order (SSI 2009/342). a result of the EU’s accession to the convention will be The first cases to be sent to and received from member limited to those necessary to ensure the Strasbourg states were in 2010. Court is able to carry out its functions in respect of the EU. Any convention or procedural changes that result Total value of cases transmitted to as a consequence of the Brighton Declaration will other EU member states (£) apply equally to the EU, once it accedes, as they will to 2010 100,552.92 the other High Contracting Parties. 2011 13,121.10 Female: Higher Civil Servants 2012 (to date) 7,190.04 Freedom of Information Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the proportion of female civil servants was in his Department at the level of director and above in Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State (a) the first and (b) the second quarter of 2011-12. for Justice whether his Department is considering [105875] bringing forward proposals to introduce a charge to obtain information under the provisions of the Mr Kenneth Clarke: The number and proportion of Freedom of Information Act 2000. [105184] female senior civil servants at director level and above for the first and second quarters of 2011-12 is provided Mr Kenneth Clarke: The operation and effectiveness in the following table: of the Freedom of Information Act is currently subject to post legislative scrutiny by the Justice Select Committee. First quarter Second quarter The Government will consider the recommendations of (30 June 2011) (30 September the Committee before bringing forward any proposals 2011) for future policy on Freedom of Information. Senior civil servant (SCS) Proportion Proportion Immunity from Prosecution level Gender Number (%) Number (%)

Permanent Female 0 0 0 0 Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for Secretary Justice how many notices of immunity from prosecution Male1— 1—under section 71 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 were issued in each year since 2005; and by which prosecuting authority in each case. [105224] 1473W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1474W

The Solicitor-General: I have been asked to reply. Offenders In the past five years the SFO has given one notice of immunity from prosecution under section 71 of the Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005. how many offenders were undertaking a community The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) maintains order or community sentence when convicted of a (a) information on the number of agreements made under knife-related and (b) firearms-related offence in each the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (SOCPA). of the last five years. [105630] No specific information is held on the number of cases where evidence was presented by an assisting offender, Mr Blunt: Information held centrally on court records However, the most recent available data in respect of does not identify whether or not an offender is already the number of agreements to provide immunity or seek undertaking a community order or community sentence a reduced sentence, including those made under Section at the time of conviction for a new offence. 71 of the Act was contained in an answer I gave to a parliamentary question from the right hon. Member for Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Haltemprice and Howden (Mr Davis), on 7 July 2011, how many convicted offenders have served (a) fewer Official Report, column 1305W. CPS will be updating than five, (b) between five and 10, (c) between 10 and this information on an annual basis. 15, (d) between 15 and 20, (e) between 20 and 25 and (f) over 25 separate terms in prison as a result of a custodial sentence. [105660] Legal Aid Scheme Mr Blunt: The following table shows the number of Mr George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State previous prison spells for offenders receiving a custodial for Justice what assessment he has made of the sentence in England and Wales in each year between implications of his proposals for the future of legal aid 2007 and 2010. for the decision to replace county courts with the Salford Business Centre. [106323] These figures have been drawn from the police’s administrative IT system, the police national computer, Mr Blunt: The County Court Money Claims Centre which, as with any large scale recording system, is (CCMCC), located in Salford, does not replace county subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. courts across England and Wales. The claims centre has The figures are provisional and subject to change as been established to process all Part 7 Designated Money more information is recorded by the police. Claims up to the point of a claim being ready to be Table: Number of prison spells for offenders convicted of an index allocated to a county court hearing track. Hearings will offence in each year between 2007 and 2010, in England and Wales continue to be conducted in the appropriate county Number of offenders courts across England and Wales. Year of index Number of previous receiving a custodial offence prison spells sentence The introduction of the CCMCC enables Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) to make the 2007 Less than 5 57,828 very best use of its administrative resource and provides Between 5 and 9 14,813 court users with an efficient and consistent service Between 10 and 14 7,032 across England and Wales. It will deliver costs savings Between 15 and 19 3,000 and efficiency improvements with nearly £2 million Between 20 and 24 1,401 saved in 2010-11 and £4 million in 2011-12, the first full year of operation. 25 or more 1,425 HMCTS provides support and assistance for CCMCC users through the provision of leaflets, web-based guidance 2008 Less than 5 61,494 and a national contact centre. This support and assistance Between 5 and 9 16,233 will be reviewed in advance of the implementation of Between 10 and 14 7,970 the legal aid reforms. Between 15 and 19 3,674 Between 20 and 24 1,607 Legal Opinion 25 or more 1,768

Mr George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what estimate he has made of the savings to 2009 Less than 5 59,000 the public purse arising from (1) the proposed removal Between 5 and 9 14,843 of access to legal advice for compensation for house Between 10 and 14 7,485 disrepair; [105581] Between 15 and 19 3,655 (2) the proposed removal of access to legal advice for Between 20 and 24 1,648 plaintiffs in cases of alleged clinical negligence. [105582] 25 or more 1,927 Mr Djanogly: The scope annex of the impact assessment published alongside the response to consultation lays 2010 Less than 5 54,707 out the Government’s assessment of the likely costs and Between 5 and 9 13,936 benefits of the reforms to the scope of legal aid. These Between 10 and 14 7,284 can be found at the following website: Between 15 and 19 3,617 http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20111121205348/ Between 20 and 24 1,738 http://www.justice.gov.uk/consultations/legal-aid-reform.htm 1475W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1476W

Table: Number of prison spells for offenders convicted of an index Estimate of prisoners currently enrolled on accredited substance offence in each year between 2007 and 2010, in England and Wales misuse programmes by prison, as at 31 March 2012 Number of offenders Prison Number Year of index Number of previous receiving a custodial offence prison spells sentence Ranby 12 Risley 12 25 or more 2,177 Send 18 Stafford 9 Police and Crime Commissioners Stoke Heath 22 Styal 12 Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Swaleside 6 Justice whether he has any plans to integrate probation The Mount 26 and youth justice functions as part of the police Wandsworth 12 commissioner role in the future. [106335] Wayland 28 Winchester 12 Mr Blunt: There are no immediate plans to integrate Wormwood Scrubs 12 probation and youth justice functions as part of the Wymott 41 Police and Crime Commissioner role. The consultation Total 568 document “Punishment and Reform: Effective Probation Services”, published on 27 March, asks whether there may be potential over time for other public bodies—such Prisoners on Remand as local authorities or Police and Crime Commissioners—to take responsibility for probation services. Mr Meacher: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice The Ministry of Justice is working with the Home pursuant to the answer of 18 April 2012, Official Office and across the criminal justice agencies to ensure Report, columns 435-6W, on prisoners on remand, how local areas are prepared for the introduction of Police many people were held on remand in the period in and Crime Commissioners. To support this, we are question; and what the cost to the public purse was of looking to help local areas develop relationships in this holding those prisoners on remand in that period. transition period and when Commissioners take up [106382] post in November. Mr Blunt: In the first quarter of 2009, a total of Prisoners: Drugs 13,624 prisoners entered custody on untried remand (awaiting trial). Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice The cost of a prisoner on remand in custody is not how many prisoners in each prison in England and separately calculated. Wales are enrolled on drug rehabilitation programmes. [106138] A predominantly, large number of remand sentences are served in local adult male prisons. The estimated Mr Blunt: The figures in the following table are for all average overall annual cost per prisoner in local adult accredited substance misuse programmes (including alcohol) male prisons for financial year 2008-09 is £39,000 (to and are an estimate based on the number of prisoners nearest £1,000). who were enrolled on programmes still ongoing as at The calculation for cost per prisoner is based on net 31 March 2012. resource expenditure related to prisons included in the The figures are estimated via the pre and post treatment annual accounts of the National Offender Management returns made by prisons and are based on a single point Service (NOMS) expressed in terms of the average in time, which will not necessarily represent the normal prison population. This includes some estimation. level of delivery. Expenditure which is met by other government departments, such as expenditure on health and education, is not Estimate of prisoners currently enrolled on accredited substance misuse programmes by prison, as at 31 March 2012 included. Expenditure recharged to the Youth Justice Prison Number Board in respect of young people is included.

Altcourse 24 Prisoners: Mental Health Services Bedford 12 Bullingdon 46 Channings Wood 31 Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Coldingley 27 what steps his Department is taking to ensure adequate Erlestoke 17 resources for prisoners serving indeterminate sentences Everthorpe 9 for public protection to get fair access to the therapy Garth 36 programmes they need to prove they are no longer a danger to society. [106166] Holloway 12 Holme House 69 Littlehey 15 Mr Blunt: The National Offender Management Service Liverpool 12 (NOMS) has introduced a number of measures to Northallerton 12 improve the availability of interventions to address the Norwich 12 risk factors which offender managers have identified in Pentonville 12 sentence plans for prisoners serving indeterminate sentences of imprisonment for public protection (IPP). In addition, 1477W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1478W

NOMS is to introduce changes to ensure that programmes reductions in budget and staffing in the latest period can be delivered more flexibly, supporting greater access, for which figures are available; and from which prisons. and inclusion of offenders with more complex needs, [106121] such as learning difficulties. Mr Blunt: Prior to April 2011, decisions regarding It is not only by completing accredited programmes the commissioning and decommissioning of substance that IPP prisoners are capable of demonstrating that misuse rehabilitation programmes were based upon a they have reduced their risk of harm to the extent that local needs analysis and were made at a local level in the Parole Board, on tariff expiry, may decide that their consultation with former regional NOMS offices. risk may be effectively managed in the community. There are a number of other interventions which will There may have been numerous reasons why programmes have an impact on reduction in risk, such as training, were removed including changes to the need of the local education, work, specialist support and resettlement prison population and decisions would not necessarily activity. have been based upon budgets and staffing costs alone. As such decisions were made at a local level, this In all cases, IPP prisoners are responsible for engaging information is not centrally available and therefore could positively with their sentence plans and the interventions be obtained only at disproportionate cost, by obtaining specified in those plans, in order to demonstrate to the information held in local and national data systems, Parole Board, once they have completed their tariff, validating it, collating it in a common format and then that it is no longer necessary, on the grounds of public calculating the overall number of programmes removed protection, for them to be detained in custody. on the basis of budgets and staffing costs alone, in order to provide a response. Prisoners: Parole The Department of Health (DH) became responsible for funding drug and alcohol treatment services in Anna Soubry: To ask the Secretary of State for prisons and the community in England from April Justice what recent representations he has received on 2011. Responsibility for deciding which drug and alcohol the refusal of parole to long-term prisoners on the prevention, treatment and recovery services to commission basis that they continue to protest their innocence; and and fund has been devolved to local partnerships as if he will make a statement. [103574] these are considered best placed to determine what is required to meet local needs. As such, information Mr Blunt: Individual prisoners can and do refer to about which specific drug and alcohol treatment denial of guilt in the representations they make to the programmes have been removed in each establishment Parole Board in support of their parole applications. is not held centrally. The starting point for the Parole Board as well as both the Prison and Probation Services must be that a Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice prisoner has been rightly convicted by the courts. These (1) how much was spent on providing methadone to organisations cannot consider the safety of the conviction drugs programmes in prisons in England and Wales in and their overriding priority must be to protect the each year between 2005 and 2012; [106123] public. (2) how many prisoners in England and Wales were Nevertheless, there must be no policy or practice being prescribed methadone while in custody in the which effectively prevents those who maintain their latest period for which figures are available. [106124] innocence from being granted parole. Mr Blunt: Data on how much was spent on providing methadone to drug programmes in prisons in England Prisons: Drugs and Wales are not held centrally. Total spent on all clinical substance misuse interventions, including the Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice provision of methadone, in England between 2005-12 is how many drug-free wings were available in prisons in shown in the table. Funding for the provision of clinical the latest period for which figures are available. drug treatment in public sector prisons in Wales is the [101190] responsibility of the Welsh Government. Additionally, from April 2011, the Department of Mr Blunt: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Health also invested £70 million per annum on psychosocial Ministry of Justice. interventions in English prisons, which are designed to A number of prisons have developed their own assist dependent users to recover from their addiction, framework for drug free wings and the last central including those on methadone. survey results reported 24, but these are locally delivered In 2010-11, a total of 61,109 prisoners received a with local standards. clinical drug intervention. Of these 30,650 (50%) received a maintenance prescription for opioid dependency of Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice either methadone or buprenorphine. 30,459 received a how many drug rehabilitation programmes were detoxification treatment.1 removed from prisons in England and Wales due to 1 NOMS Performance DATA

Funding from the Department of Health (DH) to commission enhanced clinical drug treatment services in adult prisons in England from 2005-121 £ million 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

Integrated Drug Treatment System 0 12.0 13.2 22.4 38.5 44.5 44.5 (IDTS) 1479W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1480W

Funding from the Department of Health (DH) to commission enhanced clinical drug treatment services in adult prisons in England from 2005-121 £ million 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

Baseline2 11 11.0 11.0 11.0 11.0 11.0 11.0 Total 11 23 24.2 33.4 49.5 55.5 55.5 1 Figures provided by Department of Health. 2 Detoxification allocation that predates IDTS and is held in primary care trust (PCT) generic prison health care budgets.

Ranby Prison provides a breakdown of the number of offenders convicted at one, two or three and more sentencing occasions in John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice each year. how many prisoners have made allegations against staff These figures have been drawn from the police’s at HM Prison Ranby in the last 12 months which administrative IT system, the police national computer, resulted in an investigation. [103542] which, as with any large scale recording system, is subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. Mr Blunt: In the 12-month period from February The figures are provisional and subject to change as 2011 to January 2012 there were 28 formal investigations more information is recorded by the police. commissioned in respect of HMP Ranby, of which Table: Number of offenders convicted for a sexual offence between the three are known to be as a result of allegations made by year 2007 and 2011, in England and Wales prisoners against staff. From centrally-held records it is Number of offenders not known how many of the remaining 25 cases relate Number of sentencing convicted of a sexual to prisoner allegations against staff. However, we will occasions in the year offence seek to clarify by checking individual investigations 2007 1 5,183 reports and I will write to the hon. Member when these 257 inquiries have been completed. 3ormore 4 Reoffenders 2008 1 5,198 Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for 249 Justice what steps he plans to take to improve justice 3ormore 3 outcomes and reduce reoffending. [106336]

Mr Blunt: On 27 March 2012, the Lord Chancellor 2009 1 5,268 and Secretary of State for Justice, my right hon. and 244 learned Friend the Member for Rushcliffe (Mr Clarke), 3ormore — published two consultations, entitled “Punishment and Reform: Effective Community Sentences”and “Punishment 2010 1 5,787 and Reform: Effective Probation Services”. They set 276 out the Government’s proposals to radically overhaul community sentences to deliver tough and credible 3ormore 4 punishments; these are supported by far-reaching changes to the probation service, the better to punish offenders, 2011 1 5,738 reduce re-offending and protect the public. We will 289 publish our response to both consultations in the autumn. 3ormore 6 Retirement Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the average time spent in prison was by an how many (a) civil servants and (b) senior civil offender convicted of (a) rape and (b) other sexual servants have retired from his Department since May offences aged (i) 16 years or under, (ii) 16 to 18 years, 2010; and if he will make a statement. [104147] (iii) 18 to 21 years and (iv) 21 years and over when the offence was committed in each of the last five years. Mr Kenneth Clarke: I will write to the hon. Member [105657] as soon as possible. Mr Blunt: The following table gives the average time Sexual Offences served in custody for those released from prison having served sentences for rape, other sexual offences and all Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice sexual offences, by age group, 2007 to 2011. how many offenders with (a) one conviction, (b) two The prison data held centrally does not include the convictions and (c) three or more convictions for a age of offender when the offence was committed. The sexual offence there were in each of the last five years. age of the offender within the table is based on a proxy [105629] of when they were received into prison. These figures have been drawn from administrative Mr Blunt: The following table shows the number of IT systems which, as with any large scale recording offenders convicted of a sexual offence in England and system, are subject to possible errors with data entry Wales in each year between 2007 and 2011. The table and processing. 1481W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1482W

Average time served by prisoners from determinate sentences for The highest number of previous convictions for sexual assault, for selected offences by age, England and Wales someone convicted of this offence without being sent to prison, in Offence Age group 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 England and Wales in the years 2008 to 2010 2008 2009 2010 Rape Aged 15 to 1— 1— 1— 1— 1— less than 16 Number of all previous offences 77 31 33 Aged16to 35.5 39.7 35.4 36.8 33.7 committed at the time of sentence less than 18 for the offender convicted of sexual assault Aged18to 44.5 41.6 45.3 43.3 36.9 less than 21 Number of previous immediate 51 25 2 custodial sentences for any offence Aged 21 and 60.5 60.6 59.5 57.4 56.6 over Other Aged15to 1— 1— 1— 1— 1— Sick Leave sexual less than 16 offences Mr Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Aged16to 11.3 12.1 8.6 16.3 12.2 less than 18 how many sick days were taken by staff in his Aged18to 16.4 16.5 17.1 15.6 16.6 Department in each of the last three years. [105812] less than 21 Aged 21 and 22.9 21.0 21.0 20.2 21.8 Mr Kenneth Clarke: The number of sick days taken over by staff in the Ministry of Justice (including the staff of All sexual Aged15to 1— 1— 1— 1— 1— Her Majesty’s Prison Service) in each of the last three offences less than 16 years for which information is available, is provided in Aged16to 26.7 28.0 22.0 28.5 24.6 the following table. less than 18 Aged18to 26.4 26.4 28.4 27.6 24.8 April to March each year Number of staff sick days less than 21 Aged 21 and 32.7 31.2 30.2 31.3 32.4 2008-09 731,042 over 2009-10 749,723 1 Figure suppressed as number too small to give meaningful average. 2010-11 671,917 Data Sources and Quality: These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors Travel with data entry and processing. Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for how many journeys (a) Ministers and (b) officials Justice what the highest number was of previous from his Department made by (i) train, (ii) coach and convictions for sexual assault for an individual (iii) Government car in an official capacity in each of convicted of an offence of sexual assault without being the last six months. [103639] sent to prison in each of the last three years; and how many offences each such offender had committed in Mr Kenneth Clarke: The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) total at the point of sentence for that offence. [99847] receives Management Information (MI) that includes information on rail journeys made on a quarterly basis. Mr Blunt: The following table shows the highest During the financial year of 2011-12 the MI shows that number of previous convictions for sexual assault for 33,183 journeys were made in quarter three and 40,754 individuals convicted of this offence in the years 2008 journeys were made in quarter four. This information to 2010 who received a sentence other than immediate includes single and return trips where a single trip is one custody. It also shows the total number of previous journey and a return trip represents two journeys and offences the offender had been convicted of sexual does not distinguish between Ministers and officials. assault, the total number of previous offences and the MOJ had 71,594 staff as at 31 January 2012. number of previous immediate custodial sentences. The MI held on details of journeys made by Ministers figures provided cover sexual assault and unlawful sexual and officials using the Government provider, the activity, as defined by the Sexual Offences Act 2003, but Government Car and Despatch Agency (GCDA), shows exclude rape. the following information: These figures have been drawn from the police’s administrative IT system, the police national computer, Journeys which, as with any large scale recording system, is October 2011 155 subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. November 2011 172 The figures are provisional and subject to change as December 2011 81 more information is recorded by the police. January 2012 141 The highest number of previous convictions for sexual assault, for February 2012 160 someone convicted of this offence without being sent to prison, in March 2012 168 England and Wales in the years 2008 to 2010 2008 2009 2010 Analysis of the MI suggests that less than 5% of Number of previous convictions 18 31 27 these journeys were made by officials. for sexual assault, for an offender The Ministry of Justice also makes use of an allocated convicted of sexual assault, who car and driver, also from GCDA. Details of all journeys received a sentence other than immediate custody made using this car are not recorded as there is no business need to do so. 1483W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1484W

To collect the remaining information requested would Mr Kenneth Clarke: A substantive answer to question exceed the disproportionate cost threshold for answering 104023 was provided by my Department on 25 April, parliamentary questions. which was two days after the response date. The delay in responding to the original question was caused by the Victim Support Schemes need to research back to the original Shared Services implementation NOMS/HM Prison Service in 2005-06. Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if Young Offenders he will amend his Department’s consultation paper entitled Getting it right for Victims and Witnesses to include measures to support bereaved families living in Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice the UK whose relatives who are British nationals have pursuant to the answer of 27 February 2012, Official been killed abroad. [105645] Report, column 76W, on Feltham young offender institution, how much funding for the Daedalus Mr Blunt: The consultation closed on 22 April. The initiative came from (a) the European social fund, (b) Government will publish its response to the consultation the Greater London authority, (c) the Youth Justice in the summer, taking account of the many comments Board and (d) other sources in each year of the we have received on our proposals. project. [103732] Mr Blunt: The funding from the Greater London Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice authority (including matched European social funding), (1) what account his Department has taken of the the Youth Justice Board and other sources in each year views of victims organisations in developing its of the Daedalus project is shown in the following table. proposals for local commissioning; [106152] Daedalus project funding (2) what account his Department has taken of the £ views of victims and witnesses in developing its Greater proposals for local commissioning; [106160] London (3) what steps he expects police and crime authority/ Youth commissioners to take to enable those victims of crime European Justice Other who find it hardest to access support to receive social fund Board sources Total support; [106161] 2008-09 — — 20,000 20,000 (4) what effect he expects the local commissioning of 2009-10 488,693 73,744 33,334 595,771 services for victims and witnesses to have on (a) 2010-11 395,797 147,488 78,990 622,275 services for victims and (b) the satisfaction rating with 2011-12 641,613 147,488 78,990 868,091 services; [106162] 2012-13 1149,790 273,744 239,495 263,029 (5) how plans for local commissioning of victims 1 Estimate 2 Follows decision in March 2012 to continue funding additional staff services will affect minimum quality standards across on Heron Unit. England and Wales; [106163] (6) if he will consider ring-fencing resources for Young Offenders: Greater London victims services when they are devolved to police and crime commissioners. [106214] Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many young adult offenders from each London Mr Blunt: Our proposals for local commissioning borough aged 18 to 20 years were being held in took account of input from organisations which support HM Young Offender Institution (a) Aylesbury, or represent victims and witnesses. We expect our proposals (b) Feltham, (c) Isis, (d) Littlehey, (e) Portland, to deliver positive outcomes for victims and provide (f) Reading and (g) Rochester in each month since value for money for the taxpayer. May 2009. [106205] Members of the public and other interested parties were encouraged to respond to the consultation, which Mr Blunt: All young offenders serving sentences of began in January, and people had the opportunity to DYOI are held in appropriately designated young offender participate in a number of consultation events around institution (YOI) accommodation within the prison the country. The consultation has now closed. estate. The majority of this accommodation is in dedicated YOIs, although some establishments in the estate have We shall consider the many points made by respondents a dual designation (designated both as a prison and a and come forward with a Government response to the YOI) and hold both adult prisoners and young offenders. consultation in the summer. In doing so, we shall take careful account of issues raised with us such as ring-fencing, The following table shows the number of offenders quality standards and access to services. aged 18 to 20-years-old from each London borough held in Aylesbury, Feltham, Isis, Littlehey, Portland, Reading and Rochester on a set day in each month Written Questions: Government Responses where data are available since May 2009. The data have only been recorded centrally since May 2009 and from Frank Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for September 2010 are available on a bi-monthly basis. Justice when he plans to provide a substantive answer These figures have been drawn from administrative to question 104023, on management consultants, IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording tabled on 17 April 2012 for answer on 23 April 2012. system, are subject to possible errors with data entry [106275] and processing. 1485W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1486W

Information on offenders’ residences is provided by If no address is given, an offender’s committal court offenders on reception into prison and recorded on a address is used as a proxy for the area in which they are central IT system. Addresses can include a home address, resident. These figures are also included in the table. No an address to which offenders intend to return on address has been recorded and no court information is discharge or next of kin address and these figures are available for around 3% of all offenders, these figures provided in the table. are excluded from the table.

2009 2010 2011 2012 Origin Location May Sep Nov Jan Mar May Jul Sep Nov Jan Mar

Barking and Aylesbury 73221113344 Dagenham Feltham 31122 2 Isis 1322567779 Littlehey 8886685323 Portland 1 2 1 1 Reading 1 Rochester 84524443232 Barking and 19 19 20 16 15 16 19 18 16 19 18 Dagenham total

Barnet Aylesbury 98666333111 Feltham 6 8 8 10 11 10632108 Isis 4325998756 Littlehey 666554444 Portland 86654533231 Reading 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rochester 33522322544 Barnettotal 2729353235352824222725

Bexley Aylesbury 2 1 1 1 1 Feltham 21311332343 Isis 2212 1112 Littlehey 1112 111 1 Portland 3 Reading 1 Rochester 47435433332 Bexley total 11 12 10 6 10778999

Brent Aylesbury 7 1098755661010 Feltham 20 14 9 11 11 10 8 15 14 10 5 Isis 2113768999 Littlehey 1654433333 Portland 18 12865211221 Reading231 111 Rochester 11 8 14 10 1132422 Brent total 58 50 48 41 41 31 25 38 37 37 28

Bromley Aylesbury 4 1 1 1222221 Feltham 4 1 1 3 3 Isis 2 1 112222 Littlehey 1 1 1 Portland 1322211 Reading 1 Rochester 62333255769 Bromley 158867699121416 total 1487W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1488W

2009 2010 2011 2012 Origin Location May Sep Nov Jan Mar May Jul Sep Nov Jan Mar

Camden Aylesbury 3 111111 Feltham 56337526473 Isis 1 23567675 Littlehey 2 1 22235 Portland 147643422 Reading 2 Rochester 1088910722 11 Camden 32 22 19 19 23 22 15 20 15 19 15 total

City of Aylesbury 15432223222 London Feltham 6 6 8 15 18 24 20 21 20 28 26 Isis 2123333557 Littlehey 1212334244 Portland 3 312222222 Reading 1 Rochester 43223334444 City of 14 17 20 24 31 37 33 37 35 45 45 London total

Croydon Aylesbury 11 12 9 10 11 10 12 13 6 10 11 Feltham 8 6 10 12 12956984 Isis 787810111112139 Littlehey 2445557665 Portland 84433244332 Reading3 322415 Rochester 21 23 24 23 26 23 22 20 14 11 16 Croydon 51 54 59 59 65 62 61 63 54 52 52 total

Ealing Aylesbury 63222333234 Feltham 19 18 8 14 18 11 15 10 12 5 6 Isis 11354599109 Littlehey 143244443 Portland 145521 1 Reading 1 1222 Rochester 10 14 14 10 11727322 Ealing total 49 42 31 35 40 27 29 34 32 27 26

Enfield Aylesbury 56467655677 Feltham 8445745623 Isis 33342178129 Littlehey 2245475312 Portland 1323111111 Reading 1 1 1 Rochester 13 14 10 13 10 8 10 13 10 7 4 Enfield 40 32 26 32 34 26 29 37 30 30 22 total

Greenwich Aylesbury 125556547777 Feltham 23 24 11 17 24 22 36 31 29 37 39 Isis 544591016161817 1489W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1490W

2009 2010 2011 2012 Origin Location May Sep Nov Jan Mar May Jul Sep Nov Jan Mar

Littlehey 2775456558 Portland 18852121 Reading 5 5 2 1 Rochester 11 16 17 15 13 13 13 12 10 12 16 Greenwich 64 60 49 50 59 55 69 77 69 79 88 total

Hackney Aylesbury 11 12 1088865598 Feltham 105323256583 Isis 344810162217148 Littlehey 14 15 15 13 1289644 Portland 53321 1132 Reading 1 2 1 Rochester 20 15 1276731255 Hackney 46 53 49 39 39 39 38 44 36 43 30 total

Hammersmith Aylesbury 4 111112233 and Fulham Feltham 4 9 10695599159 Isis 2222555524 Littlehey 3222 1111 Portland 5332233211 Reading 1 1 2 1 1 Rochester 125765554244 Hammersmith 26 23 25 19 21 19 19 23 22 27 22 and Fulham total

Haringey Aylesbury 147587678566 Feltham 28 34 39 25 33 24 31 42 40 37 43 Isis 10 10 15 19 14 25 31 39 Littlehey 4569111515122525 Portland 10573222 23 Reading121 113411 Rochester 15 21 16 23 16 10 14 17 21 13 15 Haringey 68 73 73 75 77 69 89 99 107 115 132 total

Harrow Aylesbury 2321 11223 Feltham 13 19 34 28 26 22 27 25 23 24 29 Isis 1 2 5 11 13 6 14 14 15 Littlehey 143755661014 Portland 6443111111 Reading221 111 Rochester 4 8 11 12 10666443 Harrow 27 37 57 49 49 45 53 45 51 56 65 total

Havering Aylesbury 4 112222 11 Feltham 2 1 1 1 Isis 21441 Littlehey 3321211113 Portland 1 Reading 1491W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1492W

2009 2010 2011 2012 Origin Location May Sep Nov Jan Mar May Jul Sep Nov Jan Mar

Rochester 3221 223322 Havering 1067438611856 total

Hillingdon Aylesbury 46755534333 Feltham 12 6 16 14 11 11477109 Isis 224227910119 Littlehey 213453221 Portland 2 10 1095544211 Reading1 2113 Rochester 46347454542 Hillingdon 23 32 39 39 34 34 27 31 32 30 24 total

Hounslow Aylesbury 48443212322 Feltham 19 32 43 39 32 29 37 38 43 40 41 Isis 1455161716232532 Littlehey 3 5 4 10 13 16 14 10 11 10 Portland 65988854432 Reading 2 1 1 4 Rochester 12 17 10 12954101058 Hounslow 43 67 75 72 67 73 80 85 97 86 95 total

Islington Aylesbury 73533344433 Feltham 14 9 14 10 10 10 10 13 17 19 18 Isis 7444679756 Littlehey 1164233235 Portland 106544255731 Reading 1113321 Rochester 89357524561 Islington 39 35 32 32 33 29 32 41 45 41 35 total

Kensington Aylesbury 91111111111 and Chelsea Feltham 154343315842 Isis 1 1 2 2 3223 Littlehey 121111 1 Portland 63222111 Reading 1 1 1 Rochester 655463 21 Kensington 37 16 14 13 15 11 4 10 11 9 8 and Chelsea total

Kingston Aylesbury 12123333244 upon Thames Feltham 9 14 20 25 32 42 37 24 14 15 24 Isis 114691318161415 Littlehey 2233487696 Portland 64444332421 Reading 1 2 1 Rochester 6 11 1189813171288 1493W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1494W

2009 2010 2011 2012 Origin Location May Sep Nov Jan Mar May Jul Sep Nov Jan Mar

Kingston 23 34 39 46 57 69 77 73 55 52 58 upon Thames total

Lambeth Aylesbury 17 13 10 10 12 15 14 13 15 16 12 Feltham 24 15 14 11 10 9 14 13 14 9 12 Isis 12 10 11 16 15 16 18 20 17 15 Littlehey 5644443333 Portland 157765633431 Reading1112 21111 Rochester 23 15 19 17 14 12 11 11655 Lambeth 80 68 67 61 61 63 63 62 63 54 48 total

Lewisham Aylesbury 1555714141617151616 Feltham 37 13 14 11797121297 Isis 9 5 6 10 9 10 14 15 17 14 Littlehey 242221 2 Portland 155634544433 Reading 1 2 1 1 3 1 Rochester 18 11 1196713810119 Lewisham 86 47 46 38 44 46 51 58 57 56 51 total

Merton Aylesbury 12344333331 Feltham 47645559633 Isis 1111245323 Littlehey 11122211 Portland 7231111 1 Reading 1 Rochester 91334734321 Merton 21 14 16 14 16 19 18 23 17 11 10 total

Newham Aylesbury 9 10 10 11 8 8 10 9 10 11 11 Feltham 21 14 15 1083581065 Isis 5 4 8 10 10 10 16 10 15 12 Littlehey 8 12 138813322 Portland 104222223322 Reading 1 1 11322 Rochester 22 13 11 9 15 15 14 11 12 7 9 Newham 62 55 54 53 52 46 43 51 51 45 43 total

Redbridge Aylesbury 75666681211108 Feltham 34852232555 Isis 10 8 15 25 26 24 22 22 30 42 Littlehey 16 21 16 18 18 19 18 17 20 17 Portland 111112121 1 Reading Rochester 13 17 16 16 17 18 13 13 14 17 14 Redbridge 24 53 60 59 69 72 68 69 70 82 87 total 1495W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1496W

2009 2010 2011 2012 Origin Location May Sep Nov Jan Mar May Jul Sep Nov Jan Mar

Richmond Aylesbury 121111111 upon Thames Feltham 33123221321 Isis 1 1 1 3 2 Littlehey 11 Portland 411111 Reading 1 Rochester 212111121 Richmond 1085566461041 upon Thames total

Southwark Aylesbury 9 4 11 8 1076991111 Feltham 20 59 84 75 95 71 97 106 90 80 88 Isis 4 9 14 30 43 42 41 65 73 56 Littlehey 10 21 23 33 40 30 28 35 32 30 Portland 25 14 13 8 10 1079874 Reading 841 9411 Rochester 16 32 47 47 33 26 28 29 29 30 44 Southwark 70 131 189 176 211 197 210 231 240 234 234 total

Sutton Aylesbury 1222333222 Feltham 2211 131 Isis 11 Littlehey Portland 1 11111 Reading Rochester 24345433445 Suttontotal 57788889877

Tower Aylesbury 87789877766 Hamlets Feltham 48523332561 Isis 4 4 7 10 9 11 17 19 19 19 Littlehey 4736578544 Portland 423211 1 Reading 1 1 1 2 1 Rochester 14 10 1056541223 Tower 31 36 36 27 35 32 32 37 39 37 34 Hamlets total

Waltham Aylesbury 102244446323 Forest Feltham 25411332334 Isis 11167812101011 Littlehey 6 1097557754 Portland 21221111 Reading 1 1 Rochester 10 9 1098888664 Waltham 25 24 29 26 27 28 30 36 29 26 26 Forest total

Wandsworth Aylesbury 47445655543 1497W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1498W

2009 2010 2011 2012 Origin Location May Sep Nov Jan Mar May Jul Sep Nov Jan Mar

Feltham 13 17 13 14 16 16 13 12 5 13 11 Isis 556791011111514 Littlehey 5544445324 Portland 11 11975767974 Reading13111 24 Rochester 8 14999747554 Wandsworth 37 62 46 45 47 49 42 49 42 46 40 total

Westminster Aylesbury 35334457766 Feltham 10 8 19 14 16 17 12 11 12 24 10 Isis 2212425664 Littlehey 3221333457 Portland 12643322332 Reading 1 1 1 2 Rochester 23775446633 Westminster 16 24 40 32 31 35 28 36 38 47 32 total

Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice or proxy in the London boroughs of Barnet, Bexley, how many young adult offenders aged 18 to 20 years Bromley, Croydon, Hillingdon, Kingston-upon-Thames old from the (a) London Borough of Barnet, (b) and Sutton who were held in predominant function London Borough of Bexley, (c) London Borough of male young offender institutions, predominant function Bromley, (d) London Borough of Croydon, (e) male local prisons, predominant function female prisons London Borough of Hillingdon, (f) Royal Borough of and other prisons on a set day in each month where Kingston-upon-Thames and (g) London borough of data is available since May 2009. The data has only been Sutton were held in (i) young offender institutions, (ii) recorded centrally since May 2009 and from September local prisons, (iii) women’s prisons and (iv) other parts 2010 is available on a bi-monthly basis. of the secure estate in each month since May 2009. [106207] These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording Mr Blunt: All young offenders serving sentences of system, are subject to possible errors with data entry DYOI are held in appropriately designated young offender and processing. institution (YOI) accommodation within the prison Information on offenders’ residences is provided by estate. The majority of this accommodation is in dedicated offenders on reception into prison and recorded on a YOIs, although some establishments in the estate have a central IT system. Addresses can include a home address, dual designation (designated both as a prison and a an address to which offenders intend to return on YOI) and hold both adult prisoners and young offenders. discharge or next of kin address and these figures are The following tables show the number of offenders provided in the following table. aged 18-20 years old with a recorded residential address

2009 2010 2011 2012

Origin local authority Prison function May Sep Nov Jan Mar May Jul Sep Nov Jan Mar

Barnet (a) Male 32 28 28 27 27 32 26 24 23 25 23 Young Offender Institutions

(b) Male local 2010 0 242012 Prisons

(c) Female 1220 1 111121 Prisons

(d) Other 2611812876654 Prisons

Barnet total 37 36 42 35 40 43 38 33 30 33 30 1499W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1500W

2009 2010 2011 2012

Origin local authority Prison function May Sep Nov Jan Mar May Jul Sep Nov Jan Mar

Bexley (a) Male 12 10 7 4 6 7 6 7 8 9 8 Young Offender Institutions

(b) Male local 6317 6 510676 6 Prisons

(c) Female 4000 1 101100 Prisons

(d) Other 0552 4 012212 Prisons

Bexley total 22 18 13 13 17 13 17 16 18 16 16

2009 2010 2011 2012 Origin local Prison authority function May Sep Nov Jan Mar May Jul Sep Nov Jan Mar

Bromley (a) Male 1867566109131416 Young Offender Institutions (b) Male 88886746778 local Prisons (c) Female 02134335543 Prisons (d) Other 23322000001 Prisons Bromley 28 19 19 18 18 16 17 20 25 25 28 total

2009 2010 2011 2012 Origin local Prison authority function May Sep Nov Jan Mar May Jul Sep Nov Jan Mar

Croydon (a) Male 58 52 57 51 55 59 59 59 50 48 49 Young Offender Institutions (b) Male 14 36 32 29 36 35 37 51 46 25 20 local Prisons (c) Female 886 9855129710 Prisons (d) Other 215181614989 86 5 Prisons Croydon 82 111 113 105 113 108 109 131 113 86 84 total

2009 2010 2011 2012 Origin local Prison authority function May Sep Nov Jan Mar May Jul Sep Nov Jan Mar

Hillingdon (a) Male 31 32 38 32 29 31 26 29 32 31 27 Young Offender Institutions (b) Male 22 00 0 0121 2 0 local Prisons (c) Female 12 30 1 0000 1 1 Prisons (d) Other 44 37 6 5322 1 0 Prisons Hillingdon 38 40 44 39 36 36 30 33 35 35 28 total 1501W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1502W

2009 2010 2011 2012 Origin local Prison authority function May Sep Nov Jan Mar May Jul Sep Nov Jan Mar

Kingston (a) Male 24 33 38 41 50 68 70 67 52 44 53 upon Young Thames Offender Institutions (b) Male 45 21 1 2013 2 2 local Prisons (c) Female 16 53 3 2233 1 0 Prisons (d) Other 13 37 9 4887 9 6 Prisons Kingston 30 47 48 52 63 76 80 79 65 56 61 upon Thames total

2009 2010 2011 2012 Origin local Prison authority function May Sep Nov Jan Mar May Jul Sep Nov Jan Mar

Sutton (a) Male 7 8 10 10 8 8 8 10 9 10 10 Young Offender Institutions (b) Male 13 35 5 3564 6 1 local Prisons (c) Female 20 00 1 0121 1 1 Prisons (d) Other 00 00 2 2211 1 1 Prisons Sutton total 10 11 13 15 16 13 16 19 15 18 13

ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE This information is available on the DECC website: http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/emissions/ Animals co2_offsetting/gov_offsetting/gov_data/gov_data.aspx The results of the seventh auction, included in the Simon Danczuk: To ask the Secretary of State for figures above, will be published shortly. Energy and Climate Change what animals are allowed Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy on his Department’s premises. [103838] and Climate Change how much commission was paid by the Government when purchasing Certified Gregory Barker [holding answer 19 April 2012]: To Emissions Reduction credits under the Clean date, in common with many other Departments, the Development Mechanism in each year from 2005 to Department of Energy and Climate Change has not 2012 to date; and to which companies this commission had a formal policy on this matter. was paid. [106178] Carbon Emissions Gregory Barker [holding answer 30 April 2012]: The Government do not pay commissions to suppliers when Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy purchasing Certified Emissions Reduction credits under and Climate Change how many Certified Emissions the Clean Development Mechanism. Individual Reduction credits were purchased by the Government Government Departments taking part in an e-auction under the Clean Development Mechanism in each year pay the winning supplier only for the cost of the carbon from 2005 to 2012 to date; and what the cost was of they offset. purchasing those credits in each year. [106177] Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change from which Clean Development Gregory Barker [holding answer 30 April 2012]: The Mechanism projects the Certified Emissions Reduction auction for the Government Carbon Offsetting Facility credits purchased by the Government originated in (GCOF) Phase 1 the total number of Certified Emissions each year from 2005 to 2012 to date. [106180] Reduction (CER) credits purchased was 305,000 at a cost of £3,022,550. This covers the period April 2006 to Gregory Barker [holding answer 30 April 2012]: Details March 2009. of the projects covered by Government Carbon Offsetting Facility (GCOF) Phase 1 and Phase 2 (GCOF1 and 2) The first auction for GCOF Phase 2 commenced in can be found on DECC’s website at: March 2010 and to date the number of credits for each http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/emissions/ year is: co2_offsetting/gov_offsetting/gov_projects/gov_projects.aspx 2010 Total credits = 141,558 @ total cost = £1,816,739 For convenience they are shown as follows. All projects 2011 Total credits = 153,379 @ total cost £1,304,463 originate in China, India or Brazil. 1503W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1504W

GCOF 2 Energy: Conservation The latest project 7 in March 2012 had to be conducted as two separate auctions and so we have two winners: Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for South Pole Carbon Asset Management Ltd—Renewable wind, Energy and Climate Change what plans he has for location India innovation funding for the application of pre- RWE Supply and Trading Switzerland- Renewable wind, China commercial technologies which can achieve significant Project 6—won by RWE Supply and Trading Switzerland energy savings in existing non-domestic buildings; and S.A—Hebei Chengde Songshan Wind Farm Project—CDM type: if he will make a statement. [105628] Wind Farm Project—Location: China Project 5—won by First Climate Markets AG—Cruz Alta Gregory Barker: On 8 March 2012, DECC announced Bagasse Cogeneration Project—CDM type: Bagasse-based the allocation of up to £10 million to support retrofit cogeneration connected to an electricity grid—Location: Brazil applications which can improve the energy efficiency of Project 4—won by RWE Supply and Trading Switzerland existing non domestic buildings. DECC will partner S.A—Hebei Shangyi Manjing East Wind Farm Project—CDM with the Technology Strategy Board (TSB) to launch type: Wind—renewable energy—Location: China this competition known as ’Invest in Innovative Refurb’. Project 3—won by EDF Trading (for spot purchase) and The three year scheme launched on 30 April 2012. Essent Trading International S.A. (for forward purchase)—Inner Mongolia Wudaogou 50.25MW Wind Power Project—CDM type: The funding will be made available in two tranches. Wind—renewable energy—Location: China The first tranche of the competition opens on 30 April Project 2—won by First Climate Markets AG—KMS Power 2012 and applicants must register their interest by 6 June 6MW Renewable Sources Biomass Power Project—CDM type: 2012. Applications must be submitted by 13 June 2012. Biomass—Renewable energy—Location: India The second tranche will open in mid October. Project 1—won by Essent Trading International SA—Hebei Shangyi Manjing East Wind Farm Project—CDM type: Wind— Environment Protection Renewable energy—Location: China GCOF1 Projects The Horizonte wind generation project—CDM type: Wind— Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Renewable energy, Location: Brazil Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of Cucau bagasse cogeneration project, CDM type: Biomass— 19 April 2012, Official Report, column 484W, on Renewable energy, Location: Brazil environmental protection, how much of the £20 million allocated to marine energy array demonstration Sri Balaji 6MW non-conventional renewable sources biomass power project—CDM type: Biomass—Renewable energy, Location: projects has been (a) allocated to projects and (b) India spent. [105618] Gayatri agro industrial power—CDM type: Biomass—Renewable energy, Location: India Gregory Barker: The Marine Energy Array Demonstrator Sri Indra Power Energies—CDM type: Biomass—Renewable (MEAD) scheme was launched on 5 April 2012 and the energy, Location: India deadline for applications is the 1 June 2012. A two stage Gansu Zhouqu Shimenping 15MW hydropower station project— assessment and selection process will follow with final CDM type: Small hydro power—Renewable energy, Location: award of grants expected in late 2012/early 2013. China To date, no grant funds have been committed to Pesqueiro Energia small hydroelectric project—CDM type: specific projects nor has any of the grant been spent. Small hydro power—Renewable energy, Location: Brazil CAMIL Itaqui biomass electricity generation project—CDM Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for type: Biomass—Renewable energy Location: Brazil Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of Perpetual 7.5MW non-conventional renewable sources biomass 19 April 2012, Official Report, column 484W, on power project—CDM Type: Biomass—Renewable energy, Location: environmental protection, how much of the £15 million India allocated to the offshore wind accelerator project has Shalivahana non-conventional renewable sources biomass power been (a) allocated to projects and (b) spent. [105619] project—CDM type: Biomass—Renewable energy, Location: India KMS power 6MW renewable sources biomass power project— Gregory Barker: The offshore wind accelerator (OWA) CDM type: Biomass—Renewable Energy, Location: India is being delivered by the Carbon Trust who have been allocated the entire budget under a grant agreement. Electricity Generation Carbon Trust have informed us in their quarterly report that the DECC spend on the offshore wind accelerator Alun Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy to date is £3,150,000. and Climate Change whether he plans to introduce capacity payments for non-nuclear electricity Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for generating plants. [106297] Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of 19 April 2012, Official Report, column 484W, on Charles Hendry: Government intends to design and environment protection, how much of the £15 million legislate for a capacity market to ensure security of allocated to offshore wind innovative components has supply. It is expected that all providers of reliable capacity been (a) allocated to projects and (b) spent. [105620] will be able to participate in the capacity market, potentially subject to some limitations on low carbon plants. Gregory Barker: The first call for proposals for the More information on the developing design of the offshore wind component technologies development capacity market will be published later in the spring. and Demonstration scheme closed in December 2011 1505W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1506W and resulted in grant awards to four companies with a on Ofgem, what the largest amount paid to an individual fifth in the final stages of negotiation. The total allocated member of staff as a bonus was in (a) 2010 and (b) 2011. to date is approximately £4 million. [106032] The total cash spend as of 31 March 2012 is £310,000. Charles Hendry [holding answer 30 April 2012]: The bonus payments of the most senior members of Ofgem Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for are published each year by Ofgem. In 2010, the largest Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of bonus payment made to a member of staff was £41,000, 19 April 2012, Official Report, column 484W, on following agreement with the Cabinet Office in 2007. In environment protection, how much of the £15 million 2011, it was £15,000. allocated to the Bioenergy Fund has been (a) allocated to projects and (b) spent. [105621] Heating: Radioactive Materials

Gregory Barker: Of the £15 million allocated to Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Bioenergy, approximately £7 million has been allocated and Climate Change what information he has received to projects with the Carbon Trust. In the Carbon Trust from the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority on business plan for delivery of DECC-funded Innovation plans to ship radioactively contaminated heat activity dated March 2012, they indicate that they have exchangers from Magnox nuclear plant to Studsvik spent approximately £3 million. Nuclear AB at Nykoping in Sweden for treatment. [106259] The remaining funding has been allocated to projects which will be announced this summer. Charles Hendry: The Office for Nuclear Regulation informed the Department of the plan to transport them Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for to Sweden. The plans to ship these heat exchangers Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of were fully approved by the relevant regulators. 19 April 2012, Official Report, column 484W, on environment protection, how much of the £35 million Meters allocated to buildings energy efficiency projects has John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for been (a) allocated to projects and (b) spent. [105623] Energy and Climate Change what recent discussions his Department has had with Ofgem on raising the Gregory Barker: A total of £35.8 million has been debt level threshold which must be met by prepaid allocated by the Department of Energy and Climate meter customers to switch supplier. [106395] Change to buildings energy efficiency projects. This comprises £2.8 million for a demonstration scheme to Charles Hendry: DECC Ministers and officials meet test the performance of heat pumps integrated with with Ofgem on a regular basis to discuss market issues. thermal storage, which incurred full spend of the total Ofgem is responsible for regulating gas and electricity £2.8 million in FY 2011-12. supply, including the rules governing the use of prepayment The other buildings schemes where spend has been meters. The debt assignment protocol helps prepayment allocated but are due to be launched from the end of meter customers with a debt less or equal to £200 to April/May 2012 are: switch providing the new supplier agrees to take on the Up to £10 million to support innovative technologies and debt. Ofgem monitors the protocol’s effectiveness by processes to save energy in existing non domestic buildings; recording the number of customers blocked from switching as a result of debt It is for Ofgem to decide whether any £20 million of the £35 million Energy Entrepreneur’s Fund, which seeks to support innovation in SMEs and stimulate private further action is required. sector investment in energy saving technologies for buildings; Wind Power Up to £3 million for an advanced thermal storage competition which aims to assess the performance of compact storage for use Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for with heating technologies in the domestic sector. Energy and Climate Change if he will increase the minimum distance that wind turbines must be sited Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for from dwellings. [101365] Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of 19 April 2012, Official Report, column 484W, on Robert Neill: I have been asked to reply on behalf of environment protection, how much of the £180 million the Department for Communities and Local Government. allocated to support schemes for low-carbon I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave today. technologies has been spent. [105624]

Gregory Barker: The innovation spending by DECC EDUCATION in financial year ended 31 March 2012 was £29 million. This comprised the new theme areas announced plus Academies some legacy innovation projects. Ian Mearns: To ask the Secretary of State for Gas and Electricity Markets Authority Education what proportion of converter academies have (a) formal and (b) other arrangements to help another school raise its performance. [104827] Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the written Mr Gibb: It has not proved possible to respond to the answer of 23 April 2012, Official Report, column 618W, hon. Member before Prorogation. 1507W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1508W

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for not to require supportive quotes from academies for Education what proportion of primary schools in (a) use in press releases. [106399] Witham constituency and (b) Essex have converted to academy status in the last 12 months. [105207] Mr Gibb: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member before Prorogation. Mr Gibb: As of 1 April 2012: Academies: Sponsorship (a) none of the 32 primary schools in Witham have converted to academy status since April 2011. Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for (b) in Essex, 29 of 459 primary schools have converted to academy status since April 2011, which is 6% of all state maintained Education how many academies there were on the primary schools in Essex. latest date for which figures are available; how many of those were sponsored by a private donor; and how Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for much has been donated to each sponsored academy. Education what proportion of secondary schools in [105374] (a) Witham constituency and (b) Essex have converted to academy status in the last 12 months. Mr Gibb: It has not proved possible to respond to the [105208] hon. Member before Prorogation. Adoption: Sussex Mr Gibb: As of 1 April 2012: (a) in Witham, three of five secondary schools have converted Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for to academy status since April 2011, which is 60% of state maintained Education how many children in (a) Mid Sussex secondary schools within the constituency. constituency and (b) West Sussex were in foster care (b) in Essex, 41 of 76 secondary schools have converted to awaiting adoption in each of the last five years. academy status since April 2011, which is 54% of all state maintained primary schools within Essex. [105379]

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Tim Loughton [holding answer 25 April 2012]: The Education what advice and guidance his Department information requested for West Sussex local authority provides to primary school governing bodies who are can be found in the tables. Information at constituency considering academy status. [105209] level is not available. The decision that a looked after child should be Mr Gibb: Full details on the steps to becoming an placed for adoption is made by the local authority but academy are available on the DFE website at: the local authority cannot actually place the child with http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/leadership/ prospective adopters without either a placement order typesofschools/academies or parental consent (depending on the individual When a school registers an interest to convert a DfE circumstances of the case). official will contact the school and will guide and support Information about the decision that a child should be them throughout the conversion process. placed for adoption has only been collected for all looked after children, for whom the decision was made, Academies: Press Releases since 2009. Previously, this information was only given when the child had been adopted. Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Consequently, the number of children waiting for Education if he will instruct officials in his Department adoption can only be provided for the last three years.

Looked after children for whom the decision was made that they should be placed for adoption while placed in foster care, who were then placed for adoption, adopted, had the decision that they should be placed for adoption reversed or who were still waiting to be adopted at 31 March1,2,3,4,years ending 31 March 2009 to 2011, coverage: West Sussex

Number

Year in which the child was placed for adoption, adopted, for whom the decision was reversed or was waiting to be adopted

2009

Year in which the decision was Number of children in made that the foster care for whom the child should be decision was made that Number for whom placed for they should be placed Number of children Number of the decision was Number at 31 March adoption for adoption placed for adoption5 children adopted reversed awaiting adoption6

2009 35 10 * 0 30

2010 65 n/a n/a n/a n/a

2011 20 n/a n/a n/a n/a 1509W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1510W

Number Year in which the child was placed for adoption, adopted, for whom the decision was reversed or was waiting to be adopted 2010 Year in which the decision was Number of children in made that the foster care for whom the child should be decision was made that Number for whom placed for they should be placed Number of children Number of the decision was Number at 31 March adoption for adoption placed for adoption5 children adopted reversed awaiting adoption6

2009 35 15 15 * 15 2010 65 25 0 * 60 2011 20 n/a n/a n/a n/a

Number Year in which the child was placed for adoption, adopted, for whom the decision was reversed or was waiting to be adopted 2011 Year in which the decision was Number of children in made that the foster care for whom the child should be decision was made that Number for whom placed for they should be placed Number of children Number of the decision was Number at 31 March adoption for adoption placed for adoption5 children adopted reversed awaiting adoption6

2009 35 * * 0 10 2010 65 30 30 * 25 2011 20 15 * * 20 * = Figures not shown in order to protect confidentiality. n/a = Not applicable. 1 Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 5. Consequently, the figures may not add up. For confidentiality purposes, numbers from one to five inclusive have been replaced by an asterisk (*). Where any number is shown as zero (0), the original figure submitted was zero (0). 2 Only children looked after in a foster care placement when the decision was made that they should be placed for adoption have been counted. 3 For children living with the family intending to adopt them (i.e. placed for adoption), it is for the prospective adopters to apply to court for an adoption order. 4 Children waiting to be placed for adoption may either be waiting for a placement order to be made by the court or be in the process of being matched with prospective adopters. 5 The number of children placed for adoption during the year may include some children who were also adopted that year. 6 The number of children at 31 March awaiting adoption is calculated as the total number of children in foster care for whom the decision was made that they should be placed for adoption, minus the total number of children who were adopted, for whom the decision was reversed. The number includes children who have been placed for adoption, but for whom an adoption order has not yet been made, as well as children who have not yet been placed. Source: SSDA 303

Information on adopted children can be found in the Tim Loughton: The Government are committed to Statistical First Release ‘Children Looked After by improving the support to families with vulnerable children. Local Authorities in England (including adoption and In particular we have freed local authorities to focus on care leavers)—year ending 31 March 2011’, which is essential frontline services, and to invest in early intervention available on the Department’s website via the following and prevention in order to produce better results for link: children, young people and families. This includes the http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s001026/ development of Sure Start Children’s Centres, accessible index.shtml to all families with young children, but focused on those in greatest need. Building Schools for the Future Programme The Department for Education is also supporting Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for and part funding the Government’s Troubled Families Education whether (a) he or (b) his special advisers programme, which aims to transform the lives of the (i) sent or (ii) received emails relating to the Building country’s 120,000 most troubled families. These will Schools for the Future programme through their include families with children on the edge of care. private email accounts. [93243] The Early Intervention Grant provides a substantial funding stream—worth more than £2.2 billion per Tim Loughton: It has not proved possible to respond annum—to support local authorities. EIG brings together to the hon. Member before Prorogation. funding for early intervention and preventative services Children in Care for the most disadvantaged in society; for example Sure Start Children’s Centres, support for families with multiple Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for problems and targeted support for young people. Education what support he plans to put in place for the The Department for Education is also currently funding parents of at-risk children to reduce the number of a number of multi systemic interventions for children care applications. [103867] on the edge of care or custody and their families. These 1511W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1512W include multi systemic therapy (MST) for young people his Department on the use of private e-mail accounts to living at home and their families where there may be discuss items of Government business; and if he will antisocial behaviour and offending, substance misuse make a statement. [90468] and mental health problems in parents and/or children and/or domestic violence. Tim Loughton: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member before Prorogation. Children: Speech Therapy Departmental E-mail Sir Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what recent discussions he has had with Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Ministers in the Department of Health on reductions Education how many people have contacted his in funding for speech therapy for children; and if he Department on official business using the Mrs Blurt will make a statement. [105238] email account since May 2010. [94256]

Tim Loughton: The Secretary of State for Education, Tim Loughton: It has not proved possible to respond the right hon. Member for Surrey Heath (Michael to the hon. Member before Prorogation. Gove), has not had any recent discussions with Ministers in the Department of Health regarding reductions in Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for funding for speech therapy for children. Education what recent representations he has received from the Information Commissioner’s Office on the use Computers of private emails and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. [97217] Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many computers and related equipment Tim Loughton: It has not proved possible to respond have been purchased by his Department and its public to the hon. Member before Prorogation. bodies since May 2010; and what the (a) makes and (b) costs were. [105835] Departmental Responsibilities Tim Loughton: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member before Prorogation. Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what his Ministerial engagements were Departmental Computers between 27 March and 16 April 2012. [106014] Tim Loughton: It has not been possible to respond to Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation. Education whether (a) he or (b) his special advisers use any non-departmental issued computers or tablets for official business; and what steps he is taking to Disclosure of Information ensure that data stored on any such devices can be searched in response to requests under the Freedom of Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Information Act 2000. [93238] Education when his Department most recently appealed a Decision Notice issued by the Information Tim Loughton: It has not proved possible to respond Commissioner; and how much his Department spent to the hon. Member before Prorogation. on legal fees to challenge that decision under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. [99467] Departmental Email Tim Loughton [holding answer 12 March 2012]: The Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Department’s most recent appeal was lodged in March Education whether any (a) Ministers, (b) officials and 2012. To date no payments have been made in respect of (c) special advisers in his Department have been external litigation services on that case. disciplined for using private email accounts to discuss The costs of internal legal advice relating to the case government business since May 2010; and if he will are not held in such a way that they can be separately make a statement. [90467] identified.

Tim Loughton [holding answer 18 January 2012]: Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for The Department is aware of two instances in which one Education how much his Department has spent on official and one contractor used private accounts in legal advice in respect of the Freedom of Information contravention of the guidance provided to them for the Act 2000 since September 2011. [99468] work that they were undertaking. The contractor was no longer working for the Department when the Tim Loughton [holding answer 12 March 2012]: The contravention came to light. In the case of the official, Department has since September 2011 spent £18,546.86 appropriate disciplinary action was taken. Neither case on external legal advice and litigation services relating involved Ministers or special advisers. to two FOIA Decision Notices issued by the Information Commissioner’s Office in 2011 or earlier, and a further Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for £1,575 on general FOIA advice from counsel. The costs Education what recent guidance he has issued to of internal legal advice on FOIA matters are not held in (a) Ministers, (b) officials and (c) special advisers in such a way that they can be separately identified. 1513W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1514W

E-mail (2) whether his Department would allow the establishment of a satellite campus of an existing grammar school following amendments to the Admissions Code Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for in 2012. [105284] Education whether (a) he and (b) his special advisers have used the private e-mail account known as Mrs Mr Gibb [holding answer 24 April 2012]: Current Blurt to discuss (i) the decision to cancel the Building legislation prohibits the introduction of a new wholly Schools for the Future Programme in Sandwell and (ii) selective maintained school or academy and we have no other Government business since 2010; on how many plans to change this. occasions any such usage took place; and if he will Kent county council, in response to an e-petition make a statement. [90422] from parents in Sevenoaks, voted for an expansion of grammar school provision onto additional sites in that Tim Loughton: It has not proved possible to respond area. The ability to open a satellite school has been in to the hon. Member before Prorogation. place since the Education Act 1944 and the recent Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for amendments to the Admissions Code to enable all types Education pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member of school to be able to increase their admissions number for Liverpool, West Derby of 11 January 2012, Official make no change to that. Any proposal to open a selective Report, column 317W, on e-mail, whether (a) he and satellite school would have to be compatible with legislation (b) his special advisers used private e-mail accounts to preventing the introduction of new selective schools discuss the decision to cancel the Building Schools for into our education system. the Future Programme in Sandwell; and if he will place Home Education in the Library a copy of any such item of correspondence. [90450] Caroline Dinenage: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many children were being home- Tim Loughton: It has not proved possible to respond schooled in (a) Hampshire and (b) England in the to the hon. Member before Prorogation. latest period for which figures are available. [106294] Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Gibb: It has not proved possible to respond to my Education on what date he received advice from the hon. Friend in the time available before Prorogation. Cabinet Office that private email accounts were outside the scope of the Freedom of Information Act 2000; Home Education: Standards from whom he received that advice; in what format it was received; and if he will place in the Library a copy Caroline Dinenage: To ask the Secretary of State for of that advice. [93892] Education what assessment his Department has made of the extent to which local authorities are fulfilling Tim Loughton: It has not proved possible to respond their duty to identify home-schooled children who are to the hon. Member before Prorogation. not receiving a suitable education. [106293] Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Gibb: It has not been possible to respond to my Education what his policy is on the period for which hon. Friend in the time available before Prorogation. emails sent and received by (a) Ministers, (b) officials, and (c) special advisers in his Department are Caroline Dinenage: To ask the Secretary of State for retained; and whether such emails are recoverable from Education what steps his Department has taken to the IT systems in his Department after that period. ensure that parents who are home educating their [102944] children are actually delivering a suitable education for their children. [106295] Tim Loughton: It has not been possible to reply to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation. Mr Gibb: It has not proved possible to respond to my hon. Friend in the time available before Prorogation. Government Departments: Computers Caroline Dinenage: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps his Department has taken to Education how many requests have been made to his ensure that children who are being educated at home Department’s IT department from (a) Ministers, are receiving an education suitable to their age, ability (b) officials and (c) special advisers requesting and aptitude, as required by section 7 of the Education information about the process of replacing their Act 1996; and what criteria are used to define a suitable desktop computers in the last 12 months. [93237] education. [106296] Tim Loughton: It has not proved possible to respond Mr Gibb: It has not proved possible to respond to my to the hon. Member before Prorogation. hon. Friend in the time available before prorogation. Grammar Schools Jobcentres: Training

Stephen Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State Education (1) what his Department’s policy is on the for Education what evidence on the effectiveness of establishment of a satellite grammar school as provision of learning within Jobcentre Plus centres he proposed by Kent County Council for Sevenoaks; took account of before deciding to end inspections of [105283] such provision. [103430] 1515W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1516W

Chris Grayling: I have been asked to reply on behalf Tim Loughton: It has not been possible to reply to the of the Department for Work and Pensions. hon. Member before Prorogation. The decision to end external inspection was based on Pupils: Disadvantaged reducing onerous and unnecessary interference in the business of organisations contracted to deliver DWP Stephen Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for employment programmes, use of existing internal assurance Education whether the service premium is no longer processes and financial savings (£4.2 million per annum). being withdrawn from those pupils who have a parent Evidence of the effectiveness of learning through contracted who has died in service. [105281] employment provision offered by Jobcentre Plus did not form part of the criteria. Mr Gibb: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member before Prorogation. Legal Costs Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Education which schools in Plymouth Unitary Education how much his Department spent on fees for Authority have received funding from the pupil legal work in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12; and if he premium; and how many pupils in each such school will make a statement. [104547] have attracted payment of the pupil premium. [105817]

Tim Loughton: It has not proved possible to respond Sarah Teather: The pupil premium was introduced in to the hon. Member before Prorogation. April 2011 and allocations have so far been made for the 2011-12 financial year only. For 2011-12 the pupil Literacy: Standards premium funding is £488 per pupil in respect of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals (FSM), and Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for for children in care who have been continuously looked-after Education whether it is still national guidance that for at least six months and £200 per pupil for those teachers should correct no more than three spelling whose parents are serving in the armed forces. mistakes in a piece of work in order not to harm a In 2011-12 the total pupil premium allocation for child’s self-esteem. [106341] schools in Plymouth local authority was £3,633,000, in respect of 8,760 eligible pupils. This includes 6,272 Mr Gibb: It has not been possible to respond to my pupils eligible for the deprivation premium, 256 eligible hon. Friend in the time available before Prorogation. for the looked-after premium and 2,236 eligible for the service premium. Ministers’ Private Offices The allocation for each school in Plymouth for 2011-12 is shown in the following table. It is not possible to Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for present at school level eligible looked-after children, Education how many (a) desktop and (b) laptop service children and FSM pupils recorded on the Alternative computers are available for use by him and his staff in Provision census. This is because of the way we collect his Private Office. [96937] data for these pupils and for data protection reasons.

State-funded primary, secondary and special schools, and pupil referral units1, 2, 3, 4: Number of pupils eligible for the pupil premium in 2011/128, 9 Plymouth Deprivation pupil premium6 Number of pupils Allocation for the eligible for the deprivation deprivation pupil pupil premium URN LA Estab School name Number on roll5 premium 2011/127 (£)

113058 1105 Plymouth Tuition Service: Young Parent’s Centre * * * 136155 1106 A.C.E - Alternative Complimentary Education * * * 113269 2627 Weston Mill Community Primary School 283 107 52,216 113270 2630 Ford Primary School 172 91 44,408 113273 2634 High Street Primary School 157 76 37,088 113274 2636 Hyde Park Junior School 358 22 10,736 113275 2637 Hyde Park Infants’ School 270 17 8,296 113276 2638 College Road Primary School 187 42 20,496 113277 2639 Knowle Primary School 295 128 62,464 113278 2640 Laira Green Primary School 251 85 41,480 113281 2643 Mount Street Primary School 176 60 29,280 113282 2646 Pilgrim Primary School 163 81 39,528 113287 2657 Stoke Damerel Primary School 304 48 23,424 113288 2659 Stuart Road Primary School 195 49 23,912 113289 2660 Victoria Road Primary School 233 111 54,168 113292 2665 Drake Primary School 201 53 25,864 113295 2668 Plaistow Hill Infant and Nursery School 181 22 10,736 113297 2670 Pennycross Primary School 223 71 34,648 113298 2671 Lipson Vale Primary School 364 95 46,360 1517W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1518W

State-funded primary, secondary and special schools, and pupil referral units1, 2, 3, 4: Number of pupils eligible for the pupil premium in 2011/128, 9 Plymouth Deprivation pupil premium6 Number of pupils Allocation for the eligible for the deprivation deprivation pupil pupil premium URN LA Estab School name Number on roll5 premium 2011/127 (£)

113299 2672 Woodfield Primary School 156 59 28,792 113300 2674 Mount Wise Community Primary School 148 78 38,064 113301 2677 Manadon Vale Primary School 411 29 14,152 113302 2678 Austin Farm Primary School 257 52 25,376 113305 2681 Widey Court Primary School 596 72 35,136 113306 2682 Marlborough Primary School 151 79 38,552 113307 2683 Morice Town Primary School 195 85 41,480 113312 2688 Dunstone Community Primary School 171 21 10,248 113313 2691 Hooe Primary School 228 19 9,272 136380 2693 Oreston Community Primary School 315 12 5,856 113315 2694 Boringdon Primary School 428 22 10,736 113316 2695 Plympton St Maurice Primary School 161 28 13,664 113317 2696 Pomphlett Primary School 206 22 10,736 113320 2699 Old Priory Junior School 232 19 9,272 113322 2701 Elburton Primary School 402 20 9,760 113323 2702 Widewell Primary School 200 22 10,736 113324 2703 Eggbuckland Vale Primary School 401 44 21,472 113326 2705 Glen Park Primary School 328 26 12,688 113327 2706 Estover Primary School 146 43 20,984 113328 2707 Yealmpstone Farm Primary School 210 24 11,712 113329 2708 Thornbury Primary School 251 37 18,056 113344 2724 Prince Rock Primary School 170.3 78.8 38,454 113345 2725 Goosewell Primary School 567 47 22,936 132215 2729 Whitleigh Community Primary School 317 110 53,680 133602 2730 Leigham Primary School 370 63 30,744 113416 3159 Compton CofE Primary School 373 13 6,344 113417 3160 St Andrew’s CofE VA Primary School 186 47 22,936 113418 3161 Mary Dean’s CofE Primary School 331 42 20,496 113419 3162 St Edward’s CofE Primary School 207 18 8,784 113483 3757 St Budeaux Foundation CofE (Aided) Junior School 191 40 19,520 113484 3758 St George’s CofE Primary School 91 29 14,152 113485 3759 St Peter’s CofE Primary School 120 56 27,328 113486 3760 Plympton St Mary’s CofE Infant School 178 14 6,832 113487 3761 Holy Cross Catholic Primary School 222 16 7,808 113488 3762 Keyham Barton Catholic Primary School 201 52 25,376 113489 3763 The Cathedral School of St Mary 107 33 16,104 113490 3764 St Paul’s Roman Catholic Primary School 215 28 13,664 113491 3765 St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School 116 28 13,664 113492 3766 St Peter’s RC Primary School 172 32 15,616 134802 3767 Ernesettle Community School 278 108 52,704 134803 3768 Montpelier Primary School 628 67 32,696 135146 3769 Oakwood Primary School 305 50 24,400 135145 3770 Beechwood Primary School 326 98 47,824 135144 3771 Chaddlewood Primary School 378 34 16,592 135348 3772 Riverside Community Primary School 389 191 93,208 135349 3773 Woodford Primary School 419 31 15,128 135350 3774 Salisbury Road Primary School 373 95 46,360 135351 3775 Shakespeare Primary School 399 129 62,952 135852 3776 Mayflower Community School 395 207 101,016 135853 3777 High View School 262 120 58,560 113531 4152 Devonport High School for Girls 602 23 11,224 113532 4155 Plymouth High School for Girls 599 25 12,200 113533 4172 Sir John Hunt Community Sports College 683 161 78,568 113535 4178 Ridgeway School 903 118 57,584 113536 4179 Hele’s School 1045 60 29,280 113537 4180 Plymstock School 1286 83 40,504 113538 4181 Coombe Dean School 893 109 53,192 1519W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1520W

State-funded primary, secondary and special schools, and pupil referral units1, 2, 3, 4: Number of pupils eligible for the pupil premium in 2011/128, 9 Plymouth Deprivation pupil premium6 Number of pupils Allocation for the eligible for the deprivation deprivation pupil pupil premium URN LA Estab School name Number on roll5 premium 2011/127 (£)

113542 4185 Eggbuckland Community College 1155 113 55,144 113543 4186 Tor Bridge High 895 168 81,984 113544 4187 Lipson Community College 1076 287 140,056 113547 4190 Stoke Damerel Community College 1176.5 380 185,440 113552 4605 Notre Dame RC School 688 69 33,672 113558 5403 St Boniface’s RC College 681 54 26,352 113530 5406 Devonport High School for Boys 865 15 7,320 136142 6905 The All Saints Church of England Academy 783.5 262 127,856 136166 6906 Marine Academy Plymouth 830 266 129,808 113644 7062 Woodlands School * * * 113645 7063 Downham Special School * * * 113647 7065 Courtlands School * * * 113648 7066 Brook Green Centre for Learning * * * 113649 7067 Mount Tamar School * * * 113650 7068 Longcause Community Special School * * * 113651 7069 Mill Ford School * * * x = less than 5 pupils or a percentage based on less than 5 pupils or an allocation amount based on less than 5 pupils. * = Allocations for these schools are not included as they are either a maintained special school or PRU. The premium for these establishments is held with the local authority (please see the conditions of grant) 1. Includes middle schools as deemed. 2. Includes primary academies. 3. Includes city technology colleges and secondary academies. 4. Includes maintained special schools, excludes general hospital schools and non-maintained special schools. 5. Full-time equivalent (FTE) pupils in year groups R-11 (where National Curriculum year groups do not apply pupils aged 4 to 15). For all those aged 5 and over includes sole or dual main registrations only. In Pupil Referral Units, FTE pupils aged 4 (all registration types) and headcount of pupils aged 5 to 15 (sole or dual main registrations as well as pupils who are registered with other providers and further education colleges). 6. Full-time equivalent (FTE) number of pupils known to be eligible for and claiming free school meals in year groups R-11, (where National Curriculum year groups do not apply pupils aged 4 to 15). For all those aged 5 and over includes sole or dual main registrations only. In Pupil Referral Units, FTE pupils aged 4 (all registration types) and headcount of pupils aged 5-15 (sole or dual main registrations as well as pupils who are registered with other providers and further education colleges) known to be eligible for and claiming free school meals. 7. Each FSM eligible pupil will attract £488 through the pupil premium. For pupils in maintained primary and secondary schools funding will be passed to schools via the Local Authorities. Academies will receive funding from the YPLA. For pupils in maintained special schools and PRU’s funding will be allocated to local authorities to decide whether to pass on funding to the education setting or to hold back funding to manage centrally for the benefit of those pupils it has responsibility for. 8. The number of eligible Looked After Children and FSM pupils recorded on the Alternative Provision census are not included in school level tables (although are eligible for the pupil premium) as they are taken from Local Authority returns. 9. The number of service children are not provided at school level due to data protection issues.

Craig Whittaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Gibb: It has not proved possible to respond to my Education if he will bring forward proposals to make hon. Friend in the time available before Prorogation. all adopted children eligible for the pupil premium. [106328] Schools: Expenditure

Sarah Teather: It has not been possible to respond to Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation. Education if he will estimate the expenditure per pupil by his Department on (a) secondary academies, Schools: Admissions (b) primary academies and (c) free schools in the last two financial years; and if he will estimate the expenditure per pupil by his Department and local Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for authorities on (i) grammar schools and (ii) all other Education what exceptions from the Schools maintained secondary schools and maintained primary Admissions Code he has granted to schools since his schools in the last two financial years. [105375] appointment. [103349] Sarah Teather: It has not proved possible to respond Mr Gibb: It has not proved possible to respond to the to the hon. Member before Prorogation. hon. Member before Prorogation. Sixth Form Colleges: Redundancy Schools: Bullying Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many teaching jobs were (a) lost in Education what steps his Department is taking to sixth form colleges between January 2010 and January reduce absences from school due to bullying. [106316] 2011 and (b) have been lost since May 2010. [104464] 1521W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1522W

Mr Gibb: The Department for Education does not Teachers: Complaints hold staffing data for sixth-form colleges. We are therefore unable to provide the information requested. Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many complaints have been Special Educational Needs (Direct Payments) (Pilot received by his Department in respect of supply teacher Scheme) Order 2012 agencies. [106350]

Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Gibb: It has not proved possible to respond to the Education what progress has been made on the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation. implementation of the Special Educational Needs (Direct Payments) (Pilot Scheme) Order 2012; and if he Teachers: Pay will make a statement. [106383] Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Sarah Teather: It has not proved possible to respond for Education what discussions he has had with the to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation. School Teacher’s Pay Review Body on the introduction of pay flexibilities permitting headteachers to reduce Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for teachers’ pay. [106250] Education when he expects personal budgets for special educational provision to be offered to parents in each Mr Gibb: The Secretary of State for Education, my of the local authorities listed in Schedule 2 of the right hon. Friend the Member for Surrey Heath (Michael Special Educational Needs (Direct Payments) (Pilot Gove), has met the Chair of the School Teachers’ Scheme) Order 2012. [106384] Review Body (STRB) to discuss the current pay remit, which asks the STRB to make recommendations on the Sarah Teather: It has not proved possible to respond introduction of greater freedoms and flexibilities into to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation. teachers’ pay. There was no discussion about reducing teachers’ pay. Stakeholder Advocacy Group Teachers: Veterans Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education for what reason his Department’s communications department Stephen Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for established the Stakeholder Advocacy Group; and on Education how many former members of the Armed what date the Group started work. [105995] Forces have entered the teaching profession since November 2010. [104854] Tim Loughton: The Department’s Communications Group established the Stakeholder and Advocacy team Mr Gibb [holding answer 23 April 2012]: The to improve relationships and build understanding of Department for Education does not hold details of the the Department’s policies with key stakeholders. The former careers of individuals entering the teaching team started work on 11 April 2011. profession. We cannot, therefore, provide information on how many members of the armed forces have entered Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for the teaching profession since November 2010. Education why his Department’s Stakeholder We have worked closely with the Ministry of Defence Advocacy Group was shut down; and on what date it and the Teaching Agency on ways to bring more service ceased work. [105996] leavers into the teaching profession. Since March 2011, 195 service leavers have applied for initial teacher training Tim Loughton: It has not proved possible to respond courses, which is significantly higher than the 40 to 50 to the hon. Member before Prorogation. we would normally expect to receive. Further to this, we allocated 50 additional places on the Graduate Teacher Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for programme, to commence from September 2012, which Education how much his Department spent on its will be available exclusively to service leavers. Stakeholder Advocacy Group; and how much it spent We are also in the process of developing a high on re-organising its communications department at the quality, employment based training programme, which inception and subsequent abolition of that Group. will form a key part of troops to teachers. This will aim [105997] to recruit the most talented service leavers and place them where they can really make a difference in the Tim Loughton: It has not proved possible to respond schools that most need them. We will announce further to the hon. Member before Prorogation. details later this year.

Stakeholder Advocacy Group: Codes of Practice Written Questions: Government Responses

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps he took to ensure that the Education when he plans to answer questions Stakeholder Advocacy Group complied with the Civil (a) 90450 and (b) 90422 on private e-mail accounts Service Code of Conduct. [106398] and (c) 90217, on departmental technology, tabled on 12 January 2012 for answer on 17 January 2012; and Mr Gibb: It has not proved possible to respond to the when he plans to answer questions (i) 90467 and hon. Member before Prorogation. (ii) 90468 on private e-mail accounts, tabled on 1523W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1524W

13 January 2012 for answer on 18 January 2012. In accordance with this principle, I announced to the [91952] House on 26 April 2012, Official Report, columns 1117- 1119, the detail on how we will draw down our force Tim Loughton: It has not proved possible to respond levels by 500 this year. All ISAF partners, including to the hon. Member before Prorogation. Australia, remain committed to helping the Afghans provide their national security until the Afghans take Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for over full security responsibility across the country by Education when he plans to answer question (a) 94256, the end of 2014. tabled on 3 February 2012 and (b) 97217, tabled on 23 February 2012. [106130] Aircraft Carriers Tim Loughton: It has not proved possible to respond Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for to the hon. Member before Prorogation. Defence (1) what contracts have been awarded by his Department relating exclusively to the conversion of the aircraft carrier to a CATOBAR configuration since DEFENCE May 2010; and what the value was of each contract; [105853] Afghanistan (2) what items have been ordered by his Department relating exclusively to the conversion of the aircraft Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for carrier to a CATOBAR configuration since May 2010; Defence what discussions he has had with and what the value was of each item; [105854] representatives of NATO on the protection and safety (3) how much his Department has spent on of NATO non-combat personnel in Afghanistan after feasibility studies on conversion of the aircraft carrier 2014. [105864] to a CATOBAR configuration since May 2010; [105856] Mr Gerald Howarth: Ministers and officials within the Ministry of Defence, have regular discussions with (4) how much his Department has spent on NATO on a range of issues including both the UK’s preparation for the installation of catapult and arrestor and NATO’s post 2014 role in Afghanistan. gear to (a) the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carrier and (b) the Prince of Wales aircraft carrier since May By the end of 2014, UK forces will not be serving in 2010. [105857] Afghanistan in a combat role as a result of which the number of British troops will be substantially reduced Peter Luff: It has not proved possible to respond to from their current force levels. However, we are clear the right hon. Member in the time available before that our long-term commitment to Afghanistan will Prorogation. last beyond the end of our combat role. As part of our enduring legacy, UK troops will continue to support Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for the development of the Afghan National Security Forces Defence with which nations carrier strike capability by providing training at the new Afghan National Army with a STOVL configuration is interoperable. [106242] Officer Academy. The safety and wellbeing of our forces is at the Peter Luff: It has not proved possible to respond to forefront of our military strategy. We will continue to the right hon. Member in the time available before work with other ISAF nations and the Afghan Government Prorogation. to ensure that necessary force protection measures are in place for our military personnel still serving in Afghanistan after 2014. Armed Forces: Disclosure of Information

Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for for Defence what assessment he has made of the effect Defence (1) whether his Department has issued new of the Australian decision to withdraw troops from guidance on (a) contact between members of the Afghanistan earlier than planned on the UK’s stated armed forces and parliamentarians and (b) sanctions timetable for withdrawal. [106021] for any individual found guilty of leaking information; [105781] Mr Philip Hammond: The Australian Prime Minister’s (2) what his Department’s policy is on sanctions comments do not represent a shift in Australian or individuals found guilty of leaking information would ISAF policy. Her suggestion that Australia will be able face. [105782] to draw down some of its forces once the Afghans have assumed full security responsibility in Uruzgan is in line Mr Philip Hammond: In relation to contact between with the strategy agreed by international partners at the members of the armed forces and parliamentarians, I Lisbon Summit in 2010. refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave him on As the transition process continues, international forces 20 March 2012, Official Report, columns 1050-51W. In are gradually handing over security responsibility to the relation to the unauthorised disclosure of information, Afghans. The UK and other ISAF nations will realise the Ministry of Defence has recently issued guidance force dividends in the run-up to the transition process reminding staff of their obligations to protect classified to be complete at the end of 2014. These will be made in and other sensitive information. A variety of sanctions a co-ordinated and cohesive manner and will be aligned exists for individuals who disclose such information with the strategy agreed at the NATO Lisbon Summit. without authorisation, depending on the severity of the 1525W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1526W offence. These range from internal disciplinary or Armed Forces: Young People administrative action, to dismissal and possible criminal prosecution. Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) which child protection safeguarding Armed Forces: Olympic Games 2012 measures which are in place for people aged under 18 in the UK armed forces are implemented in training and Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for capability building provided by the UK to forces in Defence what role the E-3D Sentry will have in each overseas country; [97449] monitoring the airspace around London during the (2) what measures his Department has put in place Olympics. [105932] to ensure UK military assistance to foreign armed forces is not used to train under 18s to be deployed to Nick Harvey: The E-3D Sentry will contribute to the active service; [106288] overall radar coverage of the prohibited and restricted (3) what mechanism his Department has put in place airspace during specific periods of the Olympic games to monitor whether foreign armed forces receiving as part of a layered approach to enhance radar coverage military assistance from the UK deploy child soldiers. when required. [106289]

Armed Forces: Pay Mr Gerald Howarth: When undertaking counter terrorism training, capacity building overseas, or providing Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State military assistance using Conflict Pool funding, the for Defence what estimate he has made of the level Overseas Security and Justice Assistance Human Rights of savings which will accrue from reductions in Guidance is applied. This is to be extended to all (a) civilian and (b) armed forces’ allowances in each overseas military assistance as soon as is practical. year of the Comprehensive Spending Review period; The guidance includes the requirement carefully to and what estimate he has made of total expenditure on consider and mitigate a range of human rights issues as (i) civilian and (ii) armed forces allowances in each of part of the delivery of training. These include potential those years. [95687] violations of the rights of the child and ensuring that soldiers under the age of 18 take no direct part in Mr Robathan [holding answer 22 February 2012]: As hostilities. The guidance further includes requirements stated in the Strategic Defence and Security Review, our to conduct an assessment of the human rights situation aim remains to deliver a reduction of £300 million a prior to providing assistance; to monitor this throughout year by 2015. the course of it, and for consideration to be given as to whether applicable human rights training should be Armed Forces: Pensions included as part of it. Asylum John Glen: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Pension Credit members of the Armed Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Forces Pension Scheme have been affected by his whether he plans to provide the information requested Department’s miscalculation of the level of pension to by the Council of Europe in connection with its inquiry which they are entitled; and if he will estimate the cost into the Left-To-Die Boat; and when this information to the public purse of maintaining the payments to will be provided. [106393] such members at the current level. [106372] Mr Gerald Howarth: The Minister for the Armed Mr Robathan: There are 128 Pension Credit Members Forces, my hon. Friend the Member for North Devon (PCMs) who have been paid a full pension from the (Nick Harvey), intends to write soon to the Council of effective award date when in fact they should either have Europe’s Committee on Migration, Refugees and been paid on an actuarially reduced basis, or not paid Population about its investigation into the loss of lives until age 60 or 65. There are also 427 PCMs whose at sea off Libya. pensions are deferred, but they have been incorrectly notified they can claim their full pension at age 55 Departmental Allowances without actuarial reduction. The pensions currently in payment are more than the Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for PCMs are entitled to and legally, there is no provision Defence (1) how much his Department expects to spend to continue to pay the pensions at the incorrect rates. on (a) motor mileage allowance, (b) commitment bonus, The reduction to these pensions will be implemented (c) specialist pay reserve banding, (d) recruitment and from 1 June 2012. The PCMs with deferred pensions retention allowance (London), (e) disturbance allowance, are able to claim their pension at any time between age (f) daily subsistence (overseas), (g) get you home (early 55 and age 65; however, these must be paid on an years), (h) get you home (seagoers), (i) food and incidentals actuarially reduced basis. allowance, (j) incidental expenses allowance, (k) local Actuarial reduction is a reduction made to a member’s overseas allowance and (l) living out supplemental rates final pension and lump sum (where applicable) to take of local overseas allowance in the next 12 months; and account of the fact that pension/lump sum is being how many people he expects to receive each such allowance; drawn earlier than the scheme pension age. The amount [83950] of the reduction applied depends on the age the member (2) how much his Department spent on (a) motor is when the pension becomes payable. mileage allowance, (b) commitment bonus, (c) specialist 1527W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1528W pay reserve banding, (d) recruitment and retention allowance In response to this, project teams have been challenged (London), (e) disturbance allowance, (f) daily subsistence to increase the use of competition, with rates now (overseas), (g) get you home (early years), (h) get you running at 43% in the period 1 August 2011 to 31 March home (seagoers), (i) food and incidentals allowance, 2012. Work continues to improve this further. (j) incidental expenses allowance, (k) local overseas Depleted Uranium allowance and (l) living out supplemental rates of local overseas allowance in each financial year between 2005-06 Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State and 2010-11; and how many people received each such for Defence whether his Department has produced allowance. [83951] a scientifically robust characterisation of the levels of trans-uranic material contaminants, such as Mr Robathan [holding answer 30 November 2011]: plutonium, which are present across all batches of the The information held on Ministry of Defence expenditure UK’s in-service CHARM3 ammunition manufactured categories listed is set out in the following table; the from depleted uranium sourced from the US. [106164] commitment bonus and specialist pay reserve banding Mr Gerald Howarth [holding answer 30 April 2012]: are elements of pay rather than allowances. Work by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) on depleted The table covers 2007-08 to 2010-11, as well as provisional outturn for uranium(DU) in UK munitions is described in a report 2011-12: entitled “MOD DU Research programme; Radiochemical £ million analysis task summary customer report, Dstl/CR23587 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 V 1.0” dated 20 May 2007. The report concludes that the presence of such nuclides is of no significance as Motor mileage — — 27.7 26.8 19.9 allowance1 their combined radiation dose adds less than 1.0% to Commitment bonus2 43.5 40.3 64.2 74.8 76.0 the dose from the DU itself. This research was overseen Specialist pay — — 13.3 14.2 13.7 by an Independent Review Board and is supported by reserve banding2 work by the US Department of Defense and the Royal Recruitment and 6.1 6.0 6.0 6.3 6.2 Society. retention allowance A copy of the report has been placed in the Library (London)1 of the House. Disturbance — — 28.9 28.5 22.8 Falkland Islands allowance1 Get you home (Early — — 1.3 0.6 1.3 Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 1 years) pursuant to the answer of 19 April 2012, Official Get you home — — 2.0 0.7 0.5 Report, column 527W, on the Falkland Islands, how (Seagoers)1 his Department defines (a) campaign medal and Food and 25.8 28.3 33.6 31.0 18.8 incidentals (b) service medal; and if he will make a statement. allowance1 [106030] Incidental expenses 17.2 22.7 21.8 12.4 1.3 Mr Robathan: Discrete UK operations with little or allowance1 no opportunity for troops to routinely return to the UK Local overseas — — 225.0 198.2 152.6 allowance1 may be recognised by a specific campaign medal. Longer Living out 3.8 4.9 5.0 5.9 3.2 deployments which require successive troop rotation to supplement local be sustained would more usually be recognised by the overseas allowance1 Operational Service Medal and repeat service by the |1 Allowance Accumulated Campaign Service Medal. The decision 2 Pay element on whether to recommend an award and the appropriate Information on daily subsistence (Overseas) is not type of award, however, is ultimately one for the military discretely identified as the allowance has been merged commanders based on their assessment of the nature of with UK subsistence. Information on the number of the military task and the enduring level of ‘risk and recipients could be provided only at disproportionate rigour’. cost. Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Departmental Procurement Defence when Ministers in his Department were made aware that the F35C could not land on the Charles de Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Gaulle aircraft carrier. [105280] Defence how many and what proportion of contracts awarded through the framework agreement technical Peter Luff: It has not proved possible to respond to support process were not awarded after a competitive the right hon. Member in the time available before tendering process in the last 12 months for which Prorogation. figures are available; and what the value was of each Legal Costs such contract. [82054] Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department spent on fees for Peter Luff [holding answer 23 November 2012]: The legal work in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12; and if he Defence internal audit on the framework agreement for will make a statement. [104556] technical support reviewed the period from April 2009— March 2011. The audit reported that, based on the data Mr Robathan: External fees for legal work in England available for those tasks placed since 1 July 2010, 25% and Wales arranged through the Treasury Solicitor’s were awarded following a competitive tendering process. Department amounted to: 1529W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1530W

hold contracts to recruit professional higher management £ grades to interim posts with either Penna Consulting or FY 2010-11 6,481,703 Reed Personnel Services. FY 2011-12 5,050,300 Meetings The Ministry also instructs a panel of external law firms to provide commercial legal services in support of Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for private finance initiatives and major Defence projects. Defence how many times (a) Mark Bamford, (b) Jean In FY 2010-11, expenditure in this area amounted to Parmer, (c) Mary Cross, (d) Edwin Healey, (e) Nicholas £7,220,636. Expenditure on the panel for 2011-12 is Jenkins, (f) Alexander Knaster, (g) David Rowland, currently being collated. (h)MichaelFarmer,(i)JonathanWood,(j)MayMakhzoumi, (l) Paul Beecroft, (m) Chris Rokos, (n) Sir Anthony In Scotland, where the Ministry is represented by a Bamford, (o) Michael Hintze, (p) Paul Ruddock, firm of solicitor-agents, the amounts were: (q) Michael Freeman, (r) Clara Freeman and (s) Michael Spencer has been inside his Department’s buildings £ since May 2010. [105953] FY 2010-11 1,034,126 FY 2011-12 1,348,718 Mr Philip Hammond: This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate These amounts represent the most significant areas cost. of departmental legal expenditure. Other smaller pieces of legal work are sometimes commissioned locally by Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for some sections of the Department, but figures for these Defence how many times (a) he, (b) Ministers in his amounts are not held centrally and could be provided Department, (c) officials and (d) special advisers have only at disproportionate cost. met (i) Mark Bamford, (ii) Jean Parmer, (iii) Mary Cross, (iv) Edwin Healey, (v) Nicholas Jenkins, (vi) Alexander Lost Property Knaster, (vii) David Rowland, (viii) Michael Farmer, (ix) Jonathan Wood, (x) May Makhzoumi, (xi) Paul Beecroft, (xii) Chris Rokos, (xiii) Sir Anthony Bamford, Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for (xiv) Michael Hintze, (xv) Paul Ruddock, (xvi) Michael Defence what property has been lost or stolen from his Freeman, (xvii) Clara Freeman and (xviii) Michael Spencer; Department in the last 12 months; and what the what the purpose was of each such meeting; and when estimated cost was of replacement of such property. and where each such meeting took place. [105954] [100888] Mr Philip Hammond: We have no records of any Mr Robathan: The information requested will be official departmental meetings between Ministers, special placed in the Library of the House. advisers and the named individuals. Ministers will have met some of these individuals in their personal capacities Manpower at social and party political gatherings, but the Department does not hold records of such meetings. Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for We are not aware of any officials meeting any of the Defence how many people are employed in interim named individuals. This information is not held centrally posts by the Department, or a non-ministerial and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. department or arm’s length body controlled by his Military Aid: Fuels Department through (a) Penna Consulting, (b) Reed Personnel Services and (c) Capita Resourcing Ltd (trading as Veredus); how many such people have been Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for in post for over a year; and how many are full-time. Defence how many army personnel have been trained [102107] to drive fuel tankers in preparation for a strike by tanker drivers. [105774] Mr Robathan [holding answer 27 March 2012]: The Nick Harvey: It has not proved possible to respond to number of people employed by the Ministry of Defence the right hon. Member in the time available before in interim posts is as follows: Prorogation. Contractor: Capita Resourcing Ltd Number Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Total number of interim staff 48 Defence (1) how much his Department has spent on preparing army personnel for a strike by fuel tanker Number of full-time interim staff 46 drivers; and how much has been spent training army Number of interim staff employed 9 over 12 months personnel to drive fuel tankers; [105775] (2) how much it costs his Department to train an The term ’interim post’ is considered to refer to individual to drive a fuel tanker in preparation for a professional higher management grades with specific strike by fuel tanker drivers. [105776] skill sets, or with specific qualifications, who are recruited to fill a temporary post that cannot otherwise be filled Mr Gerald Howarth: Under the Military Assistance internally.The Department recruits such personnel through to the Civil Authorities (MACA) arrangements, the a contract let with Capita Resourcing Ltd. We do not Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) 1531W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1532W has requested assistance from the Ministry of Defence Where the MOD enters into agreements with other (MOD) for contingency planning in the event of the nations, we may include a requirement that applicable disruption of fuel supplies within Great Britain as a international human rights conventions be observed, or result of potential industrial action by commercial fuel seek assurances to that effect. tanker drivers. Additional costs incurred by the MOD When undertaking counter terrorism training and as a result of this activity will be reimbursed by DECC. capacity building overseas or providing military assistance I am at present unable to disclose figures regarding using Conflict Pool funding, the Overseas Security and costs, as their disclosure might prejudice any future Justice Assistance Human Rights Guidance is applied. discussions between DECC and the commercial haulage This is to be extended to all overseas military assistance companies regarding cost recovery to Her Majesty’s as soon as is practical. The guidance includes the Government. requirement carefully to consider and mitigate a range of human rights issues as part of the delivery of training. Military Aircraft: Helicopters This includes considering the provision of applicable human rights training and a system for reporting any human rights abuses. Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when his Department last reviewed the contracts for maintenance of transmission, rotor and Peter Cruddas rotorhead components for Westland Sea King and Agusta Westland Lynx AH9 helicopters with (a) Agusta Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Westland, (b) its parent company and (c) any associated Defence how many times Peter Cruddas has been companies. [106377] inside Ministry of Defence buildings since May 2010. [105764] Peter Luff: Maintenance of the transmission, rotor and rotorhead components for Sea King and Lynx Mr Philip Hammond: It is not possible to confirm aircraft is delivered by AgustaWestland (AW) through whether Mr Cruddas has been inside any Ministry of the Sea King Integrated Operational Support (SKIOS) Defence buildings since May 2010 without incurring contract and Lynx In-Service Support Agreement (LISSA). disproportionate costs as access control arrangements These were last reviewed prior to commitments made in and records are managed locally by individual Defence 2007 and 2009 respectively but both are currently being establishments. However, on the basis of an initial reviewed to agree prices for the next periods of these check of the official electronic access control records contracts. for the Ministry of Defence Main Building in Whitehall there is no indication that Mr Cruddas has visited this These reviews are between the Ministry of Defence establishment since May 2010. and AgustaWestland as the prime contractor; they have not been formally reviewed with either AgustaWestland’s Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for parent company (Finmeccanica) or any associated Defence how many times (a) he, (b) Ministers in his companies. Department, (c) his officials and (d) special advisers have met Peter Cruddas; what the purpose was of each Military Alliances such meeting; and when and where each such meeting took place. [105800]

Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Philip Hammond: I refer the hon. Member to the Defence what steps his Department is taking to ensure answer I gave on 23 April 2012, Official Report, column that foreign armed forces with which it co-operates 713W to the hon. Member for Houghton and Sunderland observe international human rights conventions. South (Bridget Phillipson). [106287]

Mr Gerald Howarth [holding answer 30 April 2012]: Terrorism: Chemical and Biological Warfare There are a number of steps the Ministry of Defence (MOD) takes to ensure that foreign armed forces with Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for whom it co-operates observe international human rights Defence if he will place in the Library a copy of the conventions. agreement between the Government and NATO Prior to deployment, UK military personnel are trained regarding Ministry of Defence sites as locations to in how to respond in the event that troops they are receive victims in the event of a chemical, biological, mentoring or partnering act in a manner which appears radiological or nuclear attack. [69757] to them to be inconsistent with applicable international human rights obligations. This includes how to report Mr Robathan: I will write to the hon. Member. up the chain of command incidents of mistreatment by Substantive answer from Gerald Howarth to Angus UK forces, our allies, or other nations’ forces, to allow Robertson: appropriate action to be taken. UK military personnel In his answer to your Parliamentary Question dated 24 November are trained not to participate in or facilitate acts we 2011 (Official Report, column 549W) about Ministry of Defence believe would contravene applicable international human sites used as locations to receive victims in the event of a chemical, rights conventions. biological, radiological or nuclear attack, Andrew Robathan, the Minister for Defence Personnel Welfare and Veterans, undertook UK military personnel are also required to act in to write to you. I very much regret that owing to an administrative accordance with relevant policy and guidance, such as error it has not been possible to respond before prorogation, but relevant Standing Operating Instructions. we will write to you as soon as the information is available. 1533W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1534W

Theft Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the written answer of 16 April 2012, Official Report, column 77W, on theft, what level of Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence evidence is required to apply internal disciplinary what thefts there were from his Department’s action in cases of suspected theft; who conducts establishments in (a) January, (b) February and (c) March investigations to identify perpetrators; who conducts 2012; what the value was of the items taken; and if he disciplinary hearings in each case; whether the will make a statement. [105816] suspected perpetrator has access to (a) an advocate, (b) legal advice and (c) appeal; and if he will make a statement. [106028] Mr Robathan: The information requested is provided in the following tables: Mr Robathan: It has not proved possible to respond January 2012 to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation. Item reported as stolen Estimated value (£) Veterans: Suicide Tool Boxes 1— Vehicle Batteries 584.00 Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Television 399.00 Defence pursuant to the answer of 13 March 2012, Weights 115.00 Official Report, column 542W, on veterans: suicide, Tumble Dryer 232.00 during what time period data on mental disorders was Vehicle Batteries 9,979.00 collected; and how long after service personnel had left Watches 168.00 the armed forces the data was collected. [104903] 1 No records held. February 2012 Mr Robathan: It has not proved possible to respond Item reported as stolen Estimated value (£) to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation. Projector 100.00 Core Anglais and Oboe 5,911.00 Folding Camp Beds 127.00 CABINET OFFICE Bike 293.00 Fuel 625.00 Behavioural Sciences Unit Helmet 1,350.00

March 2012 Rachel Reeves: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Item reported as stolen Alleged value (£) Office how much his Department has spent on establishing the Behavioural Sciences Unit; and how Synthetic Tiger Skin 1,125.00 much his Department has budgeted for the future costs Mount, pod rack mount and I-Pod 285,00 of the Unit. [105838] Head Mounted Night Vision Sight 3,999.00 ACOG 1,347.00 Mr Maude [holding answer 30 April 2012]: The Television 278.00 Behavioural Insights Team in my Department was Toolboxes 1,314.00 established in July 2010 to find innovative ways of Multimeter 198.00 encouraging, enabling and supporting people to make Night Vision Goggles 4,365,00 better choices for themselves. Annual costs for running Drill, Funnel, Axe And Stands 276.00 the existing team are around £520,000 per year. Head Mounted Night Vision 3,999.00 The team is working with a number of Departments System to realise significant savings, including with the Department Shirt And Trouser 27.00 of Health on promoting healthier food, with the Projectors 2,618.00 Department for Business, Innovation and Skills on Room Keys 28.00 consumer empowerment and SME access to finance, Fire Extinguisher 32.00 with HMRC and the Ministry of Justice on reducing I-Pod 89.00 fraud and debt, and with the Department for Energy and Climate Change on improving energy efficiency. To It should be noted that in many cases of suspected give just one example of what has been achieved by the theft the property is later recovered, or found not to team, by slightly changing the wording in letters sent have been stolen, and some value estimates turn out out by HMRC to self-assessment taxpayers who owed to be significantly inaccurate. The figures in the tables money, the team has increased payment rates from 68% do not include recovery data. to 83%, leading to savings of £30 million a year in administrative and court costs. In the case of key assets however, Ministry of Defence sites have a wide range of additional security measures Civil Servants: Pay to ensure their safety. The detection rate for key assets specifically, where a police investigation is the norm, is Mr Tom Harris: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet high. Office what the process was for the awarding of The military environment and supply chain represents bonuses to civil servants in 2011-12; how many a population of hundreds of thousands of people. civil servants received bonuses in 2011-12; what the Reported theft represents only about 0.0015% of overall monetary value was of such bonuses; and what the Defence assets. annual salaries were of the recipients. [103271] 1535W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1536W

Mr Maude: Non-consolidated performance-related Community Development payments (NCPRP) are one-off, non-pensionable, awards that are primarily used to reward individuals for high Michael Dugher: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet performance against annual business objectives. Since Office how many Big Society community organisers May 2010, NCPRP for senior civil servants has been cut were trained in the (a) first and (b) second quarter of back. This has been achieved by reducing the number of 2011-12. [105884] people who receive awards from 65% to 25% of senior civil servants, so that only those who have given exceptional Mr Hurd: By 2015 the Government is committed to performance over the year are rewarded. This has delivered training 500 Senior Community Organisers who will in savings of around £15 million. Departments and agencies turn recruit and then train a further 4,500 Voluntary are responsible for determining which of their senior Community Organisers. staff should receive such rewards against criteria set by the Cabinet Office. Non-senior staff are covered by The contract to deliver the community Organisers delegated pay arrangements and the proportion of staff Programme was signed with Locality in March 2011. receiving such awards and the eligibility criteria for Therefore during the first quarter of the 2011-12 financial NCPRP is matter for each Department and agency. year, April-June 2011, no Senior Community Organisers had yet been trained. By the end of the second quarter Further information on NCPRP paid in 2011-12, of 2011-12 financial year, July-September 2011, 47 Senior including the value and number of such awards, was Community Organisers had been trained. published on departmental websites and linked to data.gov.uk in October 2011. The Cabinet Office does Government Departments: Billing not hold information on the salaries of staff who received such payments. Michael Dugher: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what proportion of government contracts to small and medium-sized enterprises have been paid late Civil Servants: Pensions since May 2010 using his Department’s standard definition of lateness. [105946] Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office with reference to recommendation 10 of Mr Maude: This information is not held centrally. the Hutton Report, whether he plans to remove Nevertheless, to help business manage cash flow and to abatement from Civil Service pensions; and if he will transform the culture of late payment, our policy in make a statement. [105348] central Government is to pay undisputed invoices within five days and to pass 30 day payment terms down supply chains. Moreover, the Crown Representative team Mr Maude [holding answer 24 April 2012]: in the Cabinet Office is encouraging prime contractors Recommendation 10 of the Independent Report on to pay more quickly than the 30 days commitment on a Public Service Pensions include a suggestion that abatement voluntary basis; and we have tasked Departments to should be eliminated for those who return to work after monitor prime contractors’ performance against our starting to draw their pension. In line with this the commitment to pay sub contractors within 30 days. proposed new Civil Service Pension scheme will not apply abatement, in respect of their service in the new Government Departments: Databases scheme, to those staff who return to work after they have retired and started to draw their pension. The abatement rules in the current schemes will remain Michael Dugher: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet unchanged. Office what timetable he has set for implementation of the G-Cloud. [105879]

Mr Maude: Key milestones for the G-Cloud programme Civil Servants: Recruitment are set out in the ICT Strategy (March 2011), Strategic Implementation Plan (October 2011) and Cloud Computing Stephen Barclay: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Strategy (October 2011) which are all published on the Office how many (a) permanent secretaries and (b) director Cabinet Office website. generals in the Civil Service began their career as fast streamers; and how many were not fast streamers. Michael Dugher: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet [105401] Office what mechanisms the Government Application Store has put in place to provide small and medium- sized businesses with greater access to Government IT Mr Maude [holding answer 25 April 2012]: We collect contracts. [105885] centrally information on whether individuals have been on the Fast Stream programme at any point in their Mr Maude: It has not proved possible to respond to career. the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation. As at 31 March 2011 the civil service had: 17 Permanent Secretaries who have been members of the Fast Legal Costs Stream at some point in their career and 23 Permanent Secretaries who have never been on the Fast Stream programme. Mr Thomas: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet 50 Directors General who have been members of the Fast Office how much his Department spent on fees for legal Stream at some point in their career and 107 Directors General work in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12; and if he will who have never been on the Fast Stream programme. make a statement. [104544] 1537W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1538W

Mr Maude: It has not proved possible to respond to Table 1 as follows shows the percentage of male and female the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation. workers in the public sector in each Standard Occupational Classification 2010 ( SOC2010 ) Main Job Group for their main job in the West Midlands for the 12 month period, ending in Mutuals Taskforce September 2011, the latest available period. As with any sample survey, estimates from the APS are subject Mr Thomas: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet to a margin of uncertainty. Office if he will publish the dates, minutes and attendees at meetings of the Mutuals Taskforce since National and local area estimates for many labour market statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant May 2010; and if he will make a statement. [106388] count are available on the NOMIS website at:

Mr Maude: The Mutuals Taskforce is chaired by http://www.nomisweb.co.uk. Professor Julian Le Grand. I am content for the Mutuals Table 1: Percentage of male and female workers in public sector Taskforce to publish the dates, minutes and attendees of occupations1 in the West Midlands—October 2010 to September 2011 meetings and I understand that Professor Le Grand Percentage plans to do so in the run up to the publication of the Male Female Taskforce’s report this summer. Professional 31 69 occupations National Lottery Associate professional 50 50 and technical occupations Mr Thomas: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Administrative and 17 83 Office how much funding the Big Lottery Fund secretarial occupations distributed in total for each purpose in (a) 2010-11 and Caring, leisure and 16 84 (b) 2011-12; how much it expects to distribute in (i) other service 2012-13, (ii) 2013-14 and (iii) 2014-15; and if he will occupations make a statement. [105687] Elementary occupations 33 67 Other2 30 70 Mr Hurd: All funding by the Big Lottery Fund is Unclassified 32 68 connected with its statutory power to support health, 1 SOC 2010 Major job group for main occupation. 2 Other includes managers, directors and senior officials; skilled environment, education and other charitable purposes; trade occupations; sales and customer service occupations; and because many grants support more than one purpose it process plant and machine operatives. is not possible to provide a break down in the format Source: requested. The Big Lottery Fund made the following Annual Population Survey payments to grant holders, including to those where awards were made in previous years.

Payments made (£ million) Public Sector: Pay

2010-11 512 2011-12 1676 1 This figure is subject to external audit and may vary. Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office which public sector occupation in the Big Lottery Fund’s projected awards are detailed on West Midlands has the greatest level of earnings their website, and are that for 2012-13, 2013-14 and relative to the local average. [106253] 2014-15 the Big Lottery Fund expects to make awards of around £770 million per year. Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Public Sector: Manpower responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply. Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Minister for the Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated April 2012: Cabinet Office what the ratio of male to female workers in each public sector occupation in the West As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I Midlands is. [106251] have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking which public sector occupation in the West Midlands has the greatest level of earnings relative to the local average. (106253) Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Average levels of earnings are estimated from the Annual asked the authority to reply. Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), and are provided for all employees on adult rates of pay whose pay for the survey period Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated April 2012: was not affected by absence. The ASHE, carried out in April each As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I year, is the most comprehensive source of earnings information in have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking the United Kingdom. what the ratio of male to female workers in each public sector The following table shows the median gross weekly earnings occupation in the West Midlands is. (106251) for full-time employees in the West Midlands by broad occupational Public sector employment statistics for local areas can be groups (Standard Occupational Classification 2010 sub-major calculated from the Annual Population Survey (APS). Individuals group) for 2011. Public sector earnings are highest, as a percentage in the APS are classified to the public or private sector according of the local average, in elementary administration and service to their responses to the survey. occupations. 1539W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1540W

Median Gross Weekly Earnings (£)—for full-time employee jobs1 in Median Gross Weekly Earnings (£)—for full-time employee jobs1 in the West Midlands by occupation for 2011 the West Midlands by occupation for 2011 All Public Absolute Percentage All Public Absolute Percentage employees sector difference difference employees sector difference difference

Elementary 308.0 380.4 72.4 23.5 Business and 553.9 496.9 -57.0 -10.3 administration public service and service associate occupations professionals Sales 286.9 *338.8 51.9 18.1 Science, 669.2 *575.2 -94.0 -14.0 occupations research, engineering Skilled *319.3 *376.0 56.7 17.8 and agricultural technology and related professionals trades Science, 482.7 *412.4 -70.3 -14.6 Other *565.5 **664.4 98.9 17.5 engineering managers and and proprietors technology Corporate 684.2 *797.6 113.4 16.6 associate managers and professionals directors Culture, *425.3 x — — Customer 360.2 **419.4 59.2 16.4 media and service sports occupations occupations Elementary 335.8 *390.9 55.1 16.4 Textiles, 345.0 x — — trades and printing and related other skilled occupations trades Leisure, travel *313.3 *352.6 39.3 12.5 ‘x’ = Unreliable. and related 1 Employees on adult rates whose pay for the survey pay-period was personal not affected by absence. service Guide to quality: occupations The Coefficient of Variation (CV) indicates the quality of a figure, Caring 318.8 341.2 22.4 7.0 the smaller the CV value the higher the quality. The true value is personal likely to lie within +/- twice the CV—for example, for an average of service 200 with a CV of 5%, we would expect the population average to be occupations within the range 180 to 220. Key: Transport 424.8 **450.0 25.2 5.9 CV <= 5% and mobile * CV > 5% and<= 10% machine ** CV > 10% and<= 20% drivers and Source: operatives Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), Office far National Secretarial 339.8 *352.7 12.9 3.8 Statistics and related occupations Public Sector: Procurement Administrative 361.7 371.7 10.0 2.8 occupations Skilled 455.0 *464.8 9.8 2.2 Chi Onwurah: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet construction Office pursuant to the answer of 7 September 2011, and building Official Report, column 619W, on departmental trades procurement, if he will publish the Efficiency and Health 644.3 654.9 10.6 1.6 Reform Group’s analysis of procurement spend. professionals [105537] Health and 469.9 *477.4 7.5 1.6 social care associate Mr Maude [holding answer 30 April 2012]: It has not professionals proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the Protective 639.5 646.9 7.3 1.1 time available before Prorogation. service occupations Michael Dugher: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Skilled metal, 484.4 **484.9 0.5 0.1 Office whether his Department has assessed the Welsh electrical and Government’s community benefit policy on public electronic trades procurement. [105889] Process, plant 402.2 **399.9 -2.3 -0.6 and machine Mr Maude: My Department has examined the policy operatives to see whether there are any lessens for UK procurement. Teaching and 673.2 653.5 -19.7 -2.9 educational professionals Mrs Moon: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will give consideration to requiring companies Business, 624.2 596.0 -28.2 -4.5 media and bidding for public sector contracts to comply with specified public service (a) social, (b) environmental and (c) ethical criteria; professionals and if he will make a statement. [106299] 1541W Written Answers1 MAY 2012 Written Answers 1542W

Mr Maude: Social, environmental and ethical criteria BT Global Services can be taken into account during the procurement Capgemini process where they are non-discriminatory, represent Hewlett Packard Enterprise Services Ltd value for money, and the factors in question are relevant Serco UK & Europe to the subject matter of the contract. Telereal Trillium Mrs Moon: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Crossrail Ltd Office if he will give consideration to requiring Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations companies bidding for public sector contracts to Research Councils UK submit their tax records for scrutiny as a part of the A representative of the Federation of Small Business process; and if he will make a statement. [106300] was also invited but was unable to attend.

Mr Maude: The public procurement rules require Sick Leave suppliers to be excluded if they (or directors or other persons with control) have been convicted of various Mr Ruffley: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet specific offences, which include ″cheating the Revenue″ ″ ″ Office how many sick days were taken by staff in his and fraudulent evasion . Department in each of the last three years. [105814] There are further grounds for exclusion, including failure to fulfil obligations related to payment of tax. Mr Maude: The Cabinet Office absence data are published on the Cabinet Office website at: Mr Thomas: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/content/absence-data Office which (a) private sector and (b) charities and third sector organisations (i) attended and (ii) were Voluntary Work: Young People invited to his Department’s briefing on 26 April 2012 on bid opportunities for Government contracts; and if Michael Dugher: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet he will make a statement. [106389] Office what estimate he has made of the number of people who will participate in National Citizen Service Mr Maude: Representatives from the following private in 2012. [105886] sector, charities and third sector organisations attended the ’Strengthening Supply Chains’ event on 26 April: Mr Hurd: I refer the hon. Member to my ministerial British Chambers of Commerce statement on 27 February 2012, Official Report, column Business Services Association 6WS. Confederation of British Industry Engineering Employers Federation Michael Dugher: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Forum of Private Business Office what the cost was of each participant in the Institute of Directors National Citizen Service in the (a) first and (b) second quarter of 2011-12. [105947] UK Contractors Group Intellect Mr Hurd: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I National Grid gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Banbury (Tony Network Rail Baldry) on 19 March 2012, Official Report, column BAE Systems (UK Operations) 530W. WRITTEN ANSWERS

Tuesday 1 May 2012

Col. No. Col. No. CABINET OFFICE...... 1534W EDUCATION—continued Behavioural Sciences Unit...... 1534W Pupils: Disadvantaged...... 1516W Civil Servants: Pay ...... 1534W Schools: Admissions ...... 1519W Civil Servants: Pensions ...... 1535W Schools: Bullying ...... 1519W Civil Servants: Recruitment ...... 1535W Schools: Expenditure ...... 1520W Community Development...... 1536W Sixth Form Colleges: Redundancy ...... 1520W Government Departments: Billing ...... 1536W Special Educational Needs (Direct Payments) Government Departments: Databases...... 1536W (Pilot Scheme) Order 2012 ...... 1521W Legal Costs ...... 1536W Stakeholder Advocacy Group ...... 1521W Mutuals Taskforce ...... 1537W Stakeholder Advocacy Group: Codes of Practice .. 1521W National Lottery...... 1537W Teachers: Complaints...... 1522W Public Sector: Manpower...... 1537W Teachers: Pay ...... 1522W Public Sector: Pay ...... 1538W Teachers: Veterans ...... 1522W Public Sector: Procurement...... 1540W Written Questions: Government Responses ...... 1522W Sick Leave ...... 1542W Voluntary Work: Young People...... 1542W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 1501W Animals ...... 1501W DEFENCE...... 1523W Carbon Emissions...... 1501W Afghanistan ...... 1523W Electricity Generation...... 1503W Aircraft Carriers ...... 1524W Energy: Conservation...... 1504W Armed Forces: Disclosure of Information ...... 1524W Environment Protection...... 1504W Armed Forces: Olympic Games 2012 ...... 1525W Gas and Electricity Markets Authority ...... 1505W Armed Forces: Pay...... 1525W Heating: Radioactive Materials...... 1506W Armed Forces: Pensions...... 1525W Meters...... 1506W Armed Forces: Young People...... 1526W Wind Power ...... 1506W Asylum ...... 1526W Departmental Allowances...... 1526W HOME DEPARTMENT...... 1447W Departmental Procurement...... 1527W Alcoholic Drinks: Prices ...... 1447W Depleted Uranium ...... 1528W Asylum ...... 1447W Falkland Islands...... 1528W Asylum: Young People...... 1447W Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft...... 1528W Boston College...... 1448W Legal Costs ...... 1528W Computers ...... 1448W Lost Property...... 1529W Criminal Records: EU Action...... 1449W Manpower...... 1529W Databases: Telecommunications ...... 1450W Meetings ...... 1530W Entry Clearances...... 1450W Military Aid: Fuels ...... 1530W European Union ...... 1451W Military Aircraft: Helicopters ...... 1531W Immigration Controls: Crimes Against Humanity . 1451W Military Alliances ...... 1531W Legal Costs ...... 1452W Peter Cruddas ...... 1532W Northern Ireland Racial Equality Strategy ...... 1452W Terrorism: Chemical and Biological Warfare ...... 1532W Public Consultation: Internet...... 1452W Theft ...... 1533W Suicide ...... 1452W Veterans: Suicide...... 1534W Terrorism ...... 1453W Theft: Metals ...... 1453W EDUCATION...... 1506W Tobacco: Packaging ...... 1453W Academies...... 1506W Travel ...... 1454W Academies: Press Releases...... 1507W Victim Support: Hove ...... 1454W Academies: Sponsorship ...... 1508W Youth Custody...... 1454W Adoption: Sussex ...... 1508W Youth Offending Teams: Finance...... 1455W Building Schools for the Future Programme ...... 1509W Children in Care...... 1509W JUSTICE...... 1456W Children: Speech Therapy ...... 1511W Abu Qatada ...... 1456W Computers ...... 1511W Alcoholic Drinks: Misuse...... 1456W Departmental Computers ...... 1511W Ashfield Young Offender Institution: Ethnic Departmental Email ...... 1511W Groups: Discipline ...... 1457W Departmental E-mail ...... 1512W Bill of Rights ...... 1461W Departmental Responsibilities ...... 1512W Burglary...... 1461W Disclosure of Information ...... 1512W Civil Servants: Codes of Practice ...... 1462W E-mail ...... 1513W Community Orders ...... 1462W Government Departments: Computers ...... 1513W Coroners and Justice Act 2009 ...... 1463W Grammar Schools...... 1513W Crime: Victims ...... 1463W Home Education...... 1514W Criminal Injuries Compensation ...... 1463W Home Education: Standards ...... 1514W Crown Court: Prison Sentences...... 1464W Jobcentres: Training ...... 1514W Driving under Influence...... 1469W Legal Costs ...... 1515W Drugs: Offences ...... 1470W Literacy: Standards...... 1515W Duchy of Cornwall ...... 1470W Ministers’ Private Offices ...... 1515W European Convention on Human Rights...... 1471W Col. No. Col. No. JUSTICE—continued JUSTICE—continued Female: Higher Civil Servants...... 1471W Prisons: Drugs ...... 1477W Fines: EU law...... 1472W Ranby Prison ...... 1479W Freedom of Information ...... 1472W Reoffenders...... 1479W Immunity from Prosecution ...... 1472W Retirement ...... 1479W Legal Aid Scheme ...... 1473W Sexual Offences...... 1479W Legal Opinion...... 1473W Sick Leave ...... 1482W Offenders ...... 1474W Travel ...... 1482W Police and Crime Commissioners...... 1475W Victim Support Schemes ...... 1483W Prisoners: Drugs ...... 1475W Written Questions: Government Responses ...... 1483W Prisoners: Mental Health Services...... 1476W Young Offenders ...... 1484W Prisoners on Remand...... 1476W Young Offenders: Greater London...... 1484W Prisoners: Parole ...... 1477W 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. 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CONTENTS

Tuesday 1 May 2012

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 1447W]