Friday Volume 507 12 March 2010 No. 56

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Friday 12 March 2010

£5·00 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2010 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Parliamentary Click-Use Licence, available online through the Office of Public Sector Information website at www.opsi.gov.uk/click-use/ Enquiries to the Office of Public Sector Information, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 4DU; e-mail: [email protected] 519 12 MARCH 2010 520 House of Commons Marriage (Wales) Bill [Lords] Bill reported, without amendment. Third reading Friday 12 March 2010 9.44 am The House met at half-past Nine o’clock Alun Michael (Cardiff, South and Penarth) (Lab/Co-op): I beg to move, That the Bill be now read the Third time. PRAYERS Knowing of your connection with Wales, Mr. Deputy The Second Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means Speaker, there is certainly a Welsh flavour about what I took the Chair as Deputy Speaker (Standing Order trust will be a very short debate. I am a member of the No. 3). Church in Wales, although I was brought up in Eglwys Bresbyteraidd Cymru—yr Hen Gorff—and I am very Julie Morgan (Cardiff, North) (Lab): I beg to move, proud to bring the Bill before the House. That the House sit in private. When the Public Bill Committee met on 24 February, Question put forthwith (Standing Order No. 163). Members from all four parties representing Welsh constituencies attended and spoke. There was unanimity The House divided: Ayes 0, Noes 37. across all parties and all denominations from Free Division No. 107] [9.33 am Church to Catholic, and support from all parts of Wales, north, south, east and west. Perhaps that is the AYES most surprising element of unity. Tellers for the Ayes: It is ironic that the established Church of England Angela Watkinson and can make a change of the sort introduced by the Bill Mr. Christopher Chope through a simple Measure, but that we need a private Member’s Bill, that most fragile of legislative vehicles, to do so in Wales. The purpose is simple. On 1 October NOES 2008, the Church of England Marriage Measure 2008 Bellingham, Mr. Henry Jowell, rh Tessa came into force. Before then, marriage banns could be Bottomley, Peter Keeble, Ms Sally called in a parish church if one or both of the parties to Brennan, Kevin Keen, Ann be married resided in the parish. If they lived in different Brown, Lyn Lamb, Norman parishes, the banns had to be called in the parish church Burns, Mr. Simon Michael, rh Alun of each party. Clark, Paul Morgan, Julie Coaker, Mr. Vernon Naysmith, Dr. Doug The Measure added five additional cases of qualifying Corbyn, Jeremy Pelling, Mr. Andrew connection with the parish. In summary, they are as Eagle, Angela Robathan, Mr. Andrew follows: first, that one of the parties was baptised or Field, Mr. Mark Ruddock, Joan confirmed in the parish; secondly, that one of the Francis, Dr. Hywel Simmonds, Mark parties had, at any time, his or her usual place of Grogan, Mr. John Skinner, Mr. Dennis residence in the parish for not less than six months; Hanson, rh Mr. David Spellar, rh Mr. John thirdly, that one of the parties had, at any time, habitually Hoban, Mr. Mark Taylor, Dr. Richard attended public worship in the parish for not less than Hodge, rh Margaret Timms, rh Mr. Stephen six months; fourthly, that a parent of one of the parties, Iddon, Dr. Brian Villiers, Mrs. Theresa Ward, Claire during the lifetime of that party, fulfilled either of the Irranca-Davies, Huw two previous conditions; and finally, that a parent or James, Mrs. Siân C. Tellers for the Noes: grandparent of one of the parties was married in the Jones, Mr. David Nia Griffith and parish. Jones, Mr. Kevan Laura Moffatt The affirmation of the relationship between two people in marriage is important, and in these days of a highly Question accordingly negatived. mobile population, people want to make the connections that are indicated by those five additional qualifying criteria. All that the Bill will do is bring the arrangements of the Church in Wales into the same situation that the Measure brought into place for the Church of England. The only difference is some of the terminology that is necessary to meet the arrangements in the disestablished Church. Given the unity of support for the Bill throughout the Chamber and across all denominations, I am sure that I need say no more on the subject.

9.48 am Mr. David Jones (Clwyd, West) (Con): I declare at the outset that, like the right hon. Member for Cardiff, South and Penarth (Alun Michael), I am a member of the Church in Wales. As he said, the Bill has full cross-party support for all its provisions, and perhaps 521 Marriage (Wales) Bill [Lords]12 MARCH 2010 Marriage (Wales) Bill [Lords] 522

[Mr. David Jones] connections. It is only fair that they should be able to do so—as, indeed, they can in the Church of England. As more importantly, it has the full support of the governing the right hon. Gentleman pointed out, we now have a body of the Church in Wales and therefore represents much more mobile population, and the Bill is an important its official policy. measure in ensuring that those people can get married As the right hon. Gentleman said, the Bill will bring in the church of their choice, in a place where they have Church in Wales practice in line with that of the Church connections. of England. He outlined the consequences of the Church I am slightly concerned about the churches in the of England Marriage Measure 2008, which introduced Welsh marches, which were mentioned by my hon. five additional cases in which marriage banns may be Friend the Member for Clwyd, West. The church may called in a church in a particular parish. As he said, the be in one jurisdiction, but the county in a separate change in practice was meant to reflect social changes, jurisdiction across the march. I do not quite know how in that people are far more mobile than they were but that problem is going to be sorted out—perhaps the nevertheless feel an affinity with a particular place Minister can fill us in regarding the verdict of the where they have lived, or where a parent or a grandparent Ministry of Justice. It is an important issue, and a few has lived, and wish to mark important occasions such anomalies may be thrown up. as marriage there. The Church in Wales recognises that The Bill is a small but important measure, and it will the change effected by the Church of England is good bring a great deal of happiness and joy to a significant and sensible and wishes to adopt it too. number of people. It is good to see right hon. and hon. There is another point that should perhaps be made. Members on the Government Benches supporting the Along the often highly populated border between England institution of marriage. and Wales, there are parishes that fall within with one ecclesiastical jurisdiction but a different political one. 9.53 am The changes contemplated under the Bill will therefore Mr. Christopher Chope (Christchurch) (Con): I have resolve a great deal of possible confusion, of which very little to say about the Bill, given that I am not a there is frankly already enough along the English-Welsh member of the Church of Wales. It would be interesting, border. however, to speculate on whether the measure will result Mr. Christopher Chope (Christchurch) (Con): As my in an increased number of church weddings. For my hon. Friend regularly attends church in Wales, does he part, I certainly hope that will be the consequence. In know whether the proposal will result in an increased principle, if we give a wider choice of venue to people number of church weddings in Wales? Does he have any who wish their marriage to be solemnised in church, information about the impact of the 2008 Measure on that should increase take-up. the number of weddings in churches in England? I wish to examine the consequences of the equivalent Church of England Measure. Unfortunately, the most Mr. Jones: I do not have any information about the recent statistics are for 2008, before the Measure was consequences of the 2008 Measure, which is clearly fully implemented on 1 October 2008. In the Church of fairly recent. However, I have received representations England, between 2002 and 2008, the number of weddings from people interested in the Bill who think that a was relatively constant: some 54,800 in 2002; and 57,000 widening of the categories of people may be married in in 2004, falling to 53,100 in 2008. Given that there are a particular church will have a desirable effect on the some 16,000 churches under the control of the Church number of weddings. I have been approached in particular of England, that is an average of only three marriages by people in the catering trade who say that wedding per church per year. Marriage ceremonies are a good catering may well be stimulated. In both business and way of increasing church income—with due respect to social life in Wales, the consequences are highly desirable. my hon. Friend the Member for Clwyd, West, the The Bill will make it easier for people to get married income for the church is probably more important than where they wish, which is surely a good thing. The the income for the wedding cake makers. I hope that the Opposition welcome it unreservedly, and look forward Church of England Measure that was introduced has to its enactment. resulted in an increased number of church weddings. The Church of England website—I imagine that the 9.51 am Church in Wales would do something similar—says Mr. Henry Bellingham (North-West Norfolk) (Con): that as a result of the Measure I congratulate the right hon. Member for Cardiff, South “the Church of England’s network of 16,000 churches—ancient and Penarth (Alun Michael) on the Bill, which is a or modern, intimate or grand, simple or spectacular—can offer a sensible measure. I declare an interest as a former wider wedding welcome than at any time in the Church’s history.” practising barrister who undertook a certain amount of I hope that the Church in Wales, although not an family law. I absolutely agree with the purpose of the established Church, will say something similar, and will Bill, because the existing requirement is for the banns to use this Bill to promote the case for family involvement be read in the parish churches of the groom and of the in the Church and particularly the importance of church bride. The fact that the qualifying criteria are so strict weddings. leads to some hardship because, as the right hon. Gentleman I should like the Church, in Wales and in England, to and my hon. Friend the Member for Clwyd, West produce statistics to show the durability of marriages (Mr. Jones) pointed out, many people wishing to marry that take place in church, compared with that of marriages have moved away from home. They have gone to university that take place in purely civil ceremonies, as that might and taken jobs elsewhere, yet they want to get married be encouraging for couples wondering whether or not in their local church, perhaps in the place where their to get married in church. The Church, whether in Wales grandparents live or where they have other family or England, has a lot more work to do to promote that 523 Marriage (Wales) Bill [Lords]12 MARCH 2010 Marriage (Wales) Bill [Lords] 524 cause. The statistics produced by the governing body that couples will not necessarily need to be resident in of the Church in Wales show that there were only the parish in which they wish to get married, as is 68,837 communicants at Easter. In 2006—the last year currently the case. For example, a couple may have for which statistics are available—there were only moved away from their home parish in Wales, but may 3,779 church weddings in Wales, which is a pretty paltry wish to get married there because their family and figure. friends still live in the area. The current more restrictive We all know about the fine singing of the Welsh rules could prevent them from doing so, but if the Bill is choirs and everything that comes out of Wales, so I am enacted, they would need only to show that they have surprised that relatively few people wish to get married previously lived or worshipped in the parish. Alternatively, in church in Wales. I hope that the Bill—I congratulate they could demonstrate one of the other widened qualifying the right hon. Member for Cardiff, South and Penarth connections set out in the Bill—for example, that their and its sponsors on its introduction—will ensure not parents or grandparents were married in that church. only that there is improved church attendance but an I know that the Church in Wales is looking forward increase in the number of church weddings in Wales. I to welcoming more couples to its parishes for marriage am therefore happy to give the Bill my enthusiastic as a result of the Bill, and it seems only fair that people support. with a connection with Wales should have the same access to their church for marriage that people in England 9.57 am now enjoy. Norman Lamb (North Norfolk) (LD): The Liberal The hon. Member for Clwyd, West (Mr. Jones) Democrats wholeheartedly support the Bill, and we mentioned the border with England. The Bill will regularise congratulate the right hon. Member for Cardiff, South the border problem, which is the fact that some districts and Penarth (Alun Michael) on its introduction. The in Wales are under the Church of England, so parishioners hon. Member for Christchurch (Mr. Chope) asked about in those districts are covered by the Church of England the impact of the equivalent Measure in England, but Measure. for me the important thing is that the Bill provides As the Bill is a matter of Church administration, the greater flexibility. It gives people the opportunity, which Government have remained neutral. However, I am they have been denied in the past, to get married in a aware that many people with a link to Wales will welcome place to which they have an emotional attachment or a it and benefit from it. Therefore, with complete neutrality, close family connection. It brings the Church in Wales I wish the Bill well. into line with the Church of England, so it makes eminent sense for us to get on and introduce it. I do not 10 am want to delay it any further. Alun Michael: I hope that in future we will be able to look at how we legislate for the Church in Wales and 9.58 am perhaps produce a simpler solution and one that is appropriate in the age of devolution. I am grateful for The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice the support of Members on both sides of the Chamber. (Claire Ward): May I first congratulate my right hon. I know that people in the parish of St. Mellons in my Friend the Member for Cardiff, South and Penarth constituency are looking to see what happens today (Alun Michael) on successfully steering this Bill through with interest, because the Bill will make a difference to its remaining stages in the Commons? It is good to note the traditional links between the Llanrumney estate and from the speeches we have heard that it has not only the parish. I am sure the Bill will make a similar cross-party support cross-denominational support. difference in parishes up and down Wales and, as the The Bill seeks to introduce widened “qualifying hon. Member for Clwyd, West (Mr. Jones) said, particularly connections” for couples who wish to get married in a where parish boundaries cross the border. parish of the Church in Wales, which will be equivalent I am grateful for the support the Bill has received, to those introduced by the Church of England in October and I commend it to the House. 2008. Since then, parishioners of the Church in Wales have been at a disadvantage compared with parishioners Question put and agreed to. in England when it comes to their choice of venue for a Bill accordingly read the Third time and passed, without church wedding. The Bill will remedy the position so amendment. 525 12 MARCH 2010 Sunbeds (Regulation) Bill 526

Sunbeds (Regulation) Bill Are the Bill’s regulations necessary? Are they proportionate? Could the problems that they seek to Consideration of Bill, not amended in Public Bill Committee address be dealt with in a better way? Will the regulations be vulnerable to the law of unintended consequences? Are the regulations necessary as a matter of substance, New Clause 1 or are they more equivalent to exercises in gesture politics? RESTRICTIONS ON SALE OR HIRE OF SUNBEDS My understanding is that the sponsors of the Bill ‘(1) A person who sells or hires or offers for sale or hire any believe that exposure to ultra-violet light can lead to sunbed shall ensure— skin cancer, particularly if young, unprotected skin is (a) that the specification of the sunbed complies with exposed over a prolonged period. There seems to be a European standard EN 60335-2-27, and substantial amount of medical evidence to support that (b) that any UV radiation emitted by the sunbed does not proposition. The sponsors consequently argue that because exceed 0.3 watts per square metre. malignant melanoma is one of the five most common (2) Any person who is in breach of the provisions of cancers among those aged 15 to 24, and because four subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence and liable on out of five melanomas are caused by exposure to UV summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £20,000.’.— sunlight, something has got to be done, but it will not (Mr. Chope.) have escaped your notice, Mr. Deputy Speaker, that Brought up, and read the First time. there is an undistributed middle in the sponsors’ logic. That malignant melanomas are one of the five most 10.1 am common cancers among 15 to 24-year-olds is a statement of fact, but the suggestion is that, by implication, those Mr. Christopher Chope (Christchurch) (Con): I beg to melanomas are caused by exposure to artificial sunlight, move, That the clause be read a Second time. and there is no evidence for that at all. In Committee, the Bill’s promoter, the hon. Member for Cardiff, North Mr. Deputy Speaker (Sir Michael Lord): With this it (Julie Morgan), argued that the consequences of UV will be convenient to discuss the following: amendment 1, exposure—in terms of skin cancer—are often not apparent in clause 2, page 1, line 11, leave out ‘18’ and insert ‘16’. for many years. If it is correct that exposure to UV rays Amendment 2, page 1, line 15, leave out ‘18’ and results in malignant melanoma a long way down the insert ‘16’. track, where is the evidence that the melanomas in Amendment 3, page 1, line 16, leave out ‘18’ and people aged between 15 and 24 are caused by UV insert ‘16’. exposure? Might there be some alternative explanation? Amendment 8, page 2, line 15, leave out Clause 3. The incidence of cancers among relatively young people is quite small. Obviously, one case of cancer is Amendment 4, in clause 4, page 3, line 2, leave out one too many, but the sponsors of the Bill, who say that ‘18’ and insert ‘16’. UV exposure is the fifth most common cause of cancer Amendment 5, page 3, line 5, leave out ‘18’ and insert in young people, have unfortunately not given us any ‘16’. direct figures. We need to ensure that intellectual rigour Amendment 6, page 3, line 7, leave out ‘18’ and insert is brought to the arguments in support of the Bill. ‘16’. The sponsors have not discovered a way in which to Amendment 15, page 3, line 11, leave out subsection (4). prevent people from exposing themselves to natural UV Amendment 16, page 3, line 14, leave out Clause 5. light from the sun. That is obviously the most common way in which people are exposed to UV light, and Amendment 31, in clause 10, page 4, line 36 leave out thereby the risk of contracting melanomas. We know paragraph (a). that as soon as there is any sunshine, the number of Amendment 10, in clause 11, page 5, line 11, leave out people who rush out and strip off—not necessarily subsection (1). completely—is considerable. That shows that there are Amendment 11, page 5, line 17, leave out subsection (2). limits on the legislative zeal to regulate. There is no Amendment 12, page 5, line 24, leave out ‘to which proposal by the promoter of the Bill to regulate exposure this subsection applies’ and insert ‘containing regulations to ordinary sunlight. Instead of doing that—they cannot made under this Act’. regulate such exposure, but it is obviously the biggest cause of melanomas—they are bringing their legislative Mr. Chope: The background to the new clause and zeal to regulating exposure to artificial sun. the group of amendments, all of which are in my name, Artificial sun is produced by sunbeds or, more accurately, is regulation. You will know, Mr. Deputy Speaker, that by the ultra-violet tubes inside sunbeds. I am told by the that has been a perennial theme in Friday debates for Sunbed Association that an ultra-violet tube emitting many years. As this may be the last occasion on which ultra-violet radiation of 0.3 W per square metre is you preside over our private Members’ Bills proceedings, equivalent to being in the Mediterranean sun at midday, I am sure that you are deserving of praise for your so a 10-minute session on a sunbed should produce a forbearance during these repetitive debates, which have tan without burning. Prevention of burning is often often centred on whether more regulation is the answer ensured by the use of anti-sun tanning creams, which to the nation’s ills or whether we should consider legislative stop the skin being over-exposed to the ultra-violet light proposals more carefully before rushing them on to the from the sunbed tubes. statute book to deal with any problem that arises. That Interestingly, although the Government apparently theme is very much pertinent to proposed new clause 1 support the Bill, they continue to impose the full rate of and the proposed amendments. VAT on sun creams, which are a much better way to 527 Sunbeds (Regulation) Bill12 MARCH 2010 Sunbeds (Regulation) Bill 528 prevent the adverse consequences of exposure to all UV Mr. Chope: My point is that the Government have light, whether from the sun or artificial sources. So introduced an extension of the nanny state to try to although the Government say that this is a desperately make it more difficult for those between 16 and 18 to important problem that needs to be addressed urgently, gain access to cigarettes and alcohol, but we know how they still impose a 17.5 per cent. tax on the creams that counter-productive that exercise has been. We now probably help to prevent the adverse consequences of exposure have record levels of youngsters using illegal drugs, to UV light. drinking to excess below the age of 18, smoking tobacco New clause 1 addresses the issue of sunbeds with and carrying illegal knives. I could go on. My hon. tubes that emit higher levels of UV radiation. If a Friend may have heard reports on the radio just this sunbed has tubes that emit levels of radiation greater morning about the number of youngsters engaging in than 0.3 W per square metre, the likelihood of consequent self-harm by cutting themselves. Some 3,000 youngsters burning is greater. Burning is normally the precursor to a year end up in accident and emergency for that a raised risk of melanoma, so it is important to prevent reason. The promoter of the Bill is not suggesting that burning and ensure that only a gentle tanning takes we should bring in a law outlawing self-harm, but that place. I was very interested when my hon. Friend the statistic illustrates the propensity of young people to Member for Boston and Skegness (Mark Simmonds)—I experiment and do their own thing, irrespective of what am delighted to see him in his place on the Front the legislation says. Bench—raised this issue in Committee. He said that if we want to deal with this problem and reduce the risks Mr. Burns: I do not wish to be unhelpful to my hon. of using sunbeds, we should first act to regulate the Friend and I accept his point about the levels of smoking amount of UV radiation emitted by the tubes in sunbeds. and drinking, but that is not an argument to abandon I was surprised that the Government did not say that the law altogether in those areas. they agreed and would therefore use this Bill as an opportunity to ensure that the European standard was Mr. Chope: I am sure that you would rule me out of incorporated into British law, so that anyone hiring out order, Mr. Deputy Speaker, if I were to suggest that we or selling a sunbed that exceeded the recommended could use the Bill as a vehicle for changing the laws on maximum wattage per square metre of UV would be alcohol and cigarettes. I am certainly not going to be outlawed. A logical regulator would make that their drawn down that line. starting point in introducing legislation.

Angela Watkinson (Upminster) (Con): I note that this Mr. Burns: I was not for one minute suggesting that Bill places new duties on anyone hiring or selling sunbeds. the Bill be used in that way. My point was that, to my Regulating the wattage is a fairly simple aspect on mind, the Bill is eminently sensible in having an 18-year which to regulate, but under the terms of the Bill people threshold. That is in line with the law on buying cigarettes who carry on sunbed businesses would have to ensure and going to public houses, so it would be a consistent that people under the age of 18—it would be reduced to and logical level, if we are to have an age limit. 16 if later amendments are accepted—do not use them. How, in reasonable terms, could every operator be Mr. Chope: I shall address in more detail the question certain that someone below that age will not use their of whether the limit should be 16 or 18, if it should be sunbeds, especially when the sunbeds are unattended? regulated at all. Before we start introducing more At some premises, no one is in attendance, but there are regulations—this is a very good rule of thumb—we warning signs. How can operators be reasonably expected should see whether similar regulations are working in to stop people ignoring the warning signs? If someone practice. I put it to my hon. Friend that similar regulations below the relevant age did ignore the signs, who would trying to restrict access to alcohol and tobacco by 16 to be responsible—the person who had ignored the signs 18-year-olds have not achieved anything, except— or the owner of the premises? probably—to bring the law into disrepute. I can see that the argument, “Well, because we already have that bad 10.15 am law in place, there is a case for putting another bad law Mr. Chope: My hon. Friend makes a powerful and on top of it” might be logical—I cannot argue against important point and I shall address it later in my the logic—but I do not agree with the wisdom of it. remarks. New clause 1 would provide that we deal with That is the point that I shall try to address when I turn that issue at the earliest possible stage. It would ensure to the amendments in this group dealing with the question that the tubes in the sunbeds comply with the European of whether regulations should apply only to under-16s standard. That could be achieved easily, which would using sunbeds or whether they should extend to those then raise the question of whether we would then need aged 16 to 18 as well. to criminalise those who are duped by someone aged Before those interventions, I was talking about what I between 16 and 18 into allowing them to use a sunbed. think is the most important issue. My new clause 1 is The person using the sunbed would incur no penalty, designed to improve the Bill by introducing more protection but the person supplying the sunbed—however for people who use sunbeds, so that they do not use innocently—could be brought before the courts. That is any—unwittingly or otherwise—that emit more than a one of the flaws in the Bill. safe amount of artificial UV radiation. I wait with anticipation to find out whether the Bill’s promoter, the Mr. Simon Burns (West Chelmsford) (Con): Does my hon. Member for Cardiff, North and Ministers have hon. Friend agree that the proposals in the Bill are in changed their tune on this issue. I would have thought it line with the way in which the law works when it comes logical for any rational regulator to put at the top of to selling cigarettes to those under age, or admitting any list of priorities the need to ensure that there are no under-age people to public houses? sunbeds for sale, hire and, ultimately, in use—this point 529 Sunbeds (Regulation) Bill12 MARCH 2010 Sunbeds (Regulation) Bill 530

[Mr. Chope] never been given either by Ministers or the Bill promoter to question of why, just because it is technically the is supported by the Sunbed Association in England and responsibility of the Department for Business, Innovation Wales—that emit more than 0.3 W of radiation per and Skills, it cannot be incorporated into the Bill. square metre. We have had almost 13 years of this ghastly Government. That elementary, cost-effective and simple regulation They have spoken repeatedly about the need for joined-up could, and should—in my view—have been enacted by government, but here we have, on the eve of their the Government already.It is the specification in European demise, a ringing example of how, even now, they are standard EN 60335-2-27, which is referred to specifically not joined up—indeed, there is a stand-off; they are in in new clause 1. That standard was recommended by different silos. Perhaps because it is Lord Mandelson’s the European Union Scientific Committee on Consumer Department’s responsibility for some reason the Products in 2006, and was adopted and published in a Department of Health cannot possibly engage with it European Union declaration in January 2007. The United and is not prepared to concede the point—or perhaps Kingdom Government signed up to that declaration, they are simply not discussing it with each other. but have failed to legislate to ensure that all UV tanning In Committee, the Minister went on to say that equipment in service complies with that important safety standard. “although the concerns are real, unfortunately the Bill is not the right instrument to tackle them.”––[Official Report, Sunbeds That is another example of the Government talking (Regulation) Public Bill Committee, 10 February 2010; c. 16.] tough on questions of health protection, but actually Perhaps—this is being generous to her—she thought failing—neglecting—to take measures that, at a stroke, then that the new clause might not be selected because it could increase product safety and reduce the risks to was not within the scope of the Bill. sunbed users resulting from exposure to sunbeds with wattages higher than the limit to which I have referred. I However, the new clause has been selected; therefore it am told by the Sunbed Association that there might be must be within the scope of the Bill. The new clause as many as 60,000 sunbeds around, and that a large having been selected, it is apparent that this Bill could proportion of them contain tubes that emit UV radiation be the right instrument to tackle the problem. in excess of the European standard. 10.30 am New clause 1 would fill that gap in the law and ensure that all sunbeds for sale or hire would have to meet that Now that the new clause has been selected, I hope basic safety standard. In my view, that is common-sense that the Minister will indicate her support for it. I would consumer protection. Although I am instinctively against be happy, as I always am, to reduce my arguments if regulation, there is a lot to be said for consumer protection I thought that the Government had accepted them. I when the consumer himself cannot be expected to have would therefore be happy to give way to the Minister if the information available to determine whether the product she were to say to me, “Don’t worry any more about that he is using is safe. I see this as being a very sensible new clause 1. The Government will accept it.” If the area for the law of consumer protection to apply. The Minister rises to intervene, I will happily give way to reason is that no ordinary consumer would otherwise her, but I note that she is declining to do so, for reasons know what level of UV radiation emissions from the that we will perhaps find out in due course. Indeed, I equipment would be safe. hope that the Government will express some views on The fact that the Sunbed Association, which has been this group of amendments before the day is out. prayed in aid as supporting the Bill, strongly supports My new clause would protect all those who hire the new clause makes me feel that I am doing the cause sunbeds, irrespective of their age, which is very important. of public health a good turn by enabling the House to When people look back over the history of this Bill and adopt the new clause as part of the legislation. I hope its gestation, I think they will remark how extraordinary that my hon. Friend the Member for Boston and Skegness it was that a fortnight ago almost every vested interest will support the new clause if it goes to a Division. group in the country was trying to persuade me to Before that, however, I hope that the Government or withdraw my new clause—I gave two weeks’ notice—even Bill promoter will accept that it would be much better though it would improve product safety, as well as to incorporate the new clause than to exclude it. public health and public well-being. The Sunbed Association Although there may be a change of heart along those told me that without the new clause, everything in the lines today, I must say that at a meeting this Monday, Bill will at best merely amount to papering over the when the Bill’s promoter held a discussion with cracks—satisfying the test that I set out earlier and representatives from the Sunbed Association, who argued demonstrating that this Bill is about gesture politics strongly for my new clause, she expressed her strong rather than addressing the substance of the problem. opposition to it. Perhaps she was echoing the bizarre That brings me back to why we are considering the line of defence given by the Minister of State, Department amendments and whether there is a better way of addressing of Health, the hon. Member for Lincoln (Gillian Merron) the problem. I suggest that one such way would be to to my hon. Friend the Member for Boston and Skegness incorporate new clause 1. in Committee. The Minister said: Let me now discuss the need to educate and encourage “It is the responsibility of the Department for Business, Innovation people not to over-expose their skin to UV light, whether and Skills, so it is not appropriate for such a measure to be from the sun or from UV tubes in sunbeds. I think I included in a public health Bill”––[Official Report, Sunbeds speak for a generation of people who used to expose (Regulation) Public Bill Committee, 10 February 2010; c. 15.] themselves to the sun in probably too great a measure. Why not? If something is the responsibility of Lord I can remember members of my family going out in the Mandelson, why should it not be included in a Bill sun and, far from using sun creams, putting olive oil on before the House? Were it included in the Bill, it would their skin, thereby increasing the burning sensation. I increase consumer safety. A satisfactory answer has am not sure how many of them ultimately suffered from 531 Sunbeds (Regulation) Bill12 MARCH 2010 Sunbeds (Regulation) Bill 532 melanomas, but that is an indication of how public Mr. Chope: Fifteen pence? Well, that sounds pretty attitudes have changed over a generation. That has inexpensive to me—it is even less than the price of a happened as a result of increased public awareness, Mars bar, or whatever young people eat these days. I largely through education and the marketing of sun read somewhere that the price was 25p in an unsupervised creams by companies. studio, but if the price can be as low as 15p, that An important educational role is also played by suggests that the costs of provision are probably very responsible suntanning studios. I went to visit one in low and that there is scope for the development of a Christchurch two or three weeks ago, because as you black market, with substantial profits to be made. If know, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I do not like to come to the sunbeds are driven out of the legitimate community House without being fully informed about the issues and pushed underground, we could end up with another that we are discussing. I was very impressed by the sub-culture being exploited by some of our friends from detailed questionnaire that the staff at that studio, Albania or wherever, although that is speculation. It which is a member of the Sunbed Association, put to would therefore be a mistake to start legislating heavily clients, asking them about their medical history and the in a way that would result in such activity going nature of their skin, which they look at carefully. From underground and thereby becoming even less apparent those calculations staff can work out an appropriate to those concerned to regulate it and ensure that it is of amount of exposure to the UV rays in a sunbed. All high quality. There is an important educational role to that activity takes place under tight supervision, with be performed, in relation not only to artificial UV but advice and, of course, appropriate sun creams. If a to the natural UV from the sun. young person—say, a 16-year-old—goes along to such Many people experience a feel-good factor following a studio, they are likely to have a greater understanding exposure to UV light. Indeed, the dark, sunless days of of what is involved in exposure not just to artificial UV, winter are known to have an adverse effect on the but to natural UV, and be more aware of the need to use mental health of many citizens, although I am not creams as a preventive measure. advocating access to sunbeds as a solution to all the mental health problems in this country. On the radio Angela Watkinson: My hon. Friend refers to 16-year-olds, this morning, I heard evidence that mental health problems whereas 18-year-olds are deemed to be adults, and had increased significantly during the lifetime of this therefore responsible for their actions. Just as with the Government, but I will not go down that route now. purchase of alcohol or tobacco—in that parents must be responsible for how much money their children have It used to be the privilege of only a few to be able to to spend unsupervised, as well as knowing where they top up their tan in the West Indies in January and are and what they are doing—where does my hon. February. Now, that can be done by jetting off to places Friend see parental responsibility in the use of sunbeds such as Dubai, Egypt, other parts of north Africa or by 16-year-olds? the Canary islands. For those who cannot afford the time or the expense of such excursions, however, a local Mr. Chope: My hon. Friend is absolutely right, but sunbed salon is attractive. Only a couple of days ago, I the trouble is this. I speak as a parent of one child who was talking to someone who works in this great Palace is still a teenager, and not yet 18, and of another who of Westminster and who is getting married next month has just turned 20, but I am not sure that all young in Las Vegas. She has decided that it would be a good people are blessed with families who are sufficiently idea to top up her tan in advance of the trip by using a concerned about their welfare and well-being. We hear sunbed. She told me that that would raise her self-esteem of the most ghastly cases of parental neglect, and not and prepare her for the sun that she hoped to experience just of children between the ages of 16 and 18, but of in Las Vegas. The local sunbed salon has a legitimate far younger children. I am afraid that the reality is that role to play in that regard. parental responsibility does not enter into the lives of I was unfortunately unable to attend the Second lots of families up and down this country, which is a Reading debate, in which my hon. Friend the Member great pity. for Shipley (Philip Davies) raised the possibility of there being an agenda out there among those who want to Angela Watkinson: I wonder whether my hon. Friend ban all sunbeds, and wondered whether everyone in the could enlighten me—and possibly other hon. Members country might ultimately be prohibited from using them. present—on the cost of a session on a sunbed. I do not There was no clear answer from the Minister or from know what the cost is, but the money has to come from the promoter of the Bill to the question whether the Bill somewhere, and where 16-year-olds are concerned, would set us on the slippery slope, or whether it was presumably it comes from the parents. simply a free-standing Bill that was not part of a more Mr. Chope: That might be true in the world in which wide-reaching agenda. my hon. Friend lives, but I suspect there are large parts How great is the demand for sunbeds? There is a of the country where the money that 16-year-olds have shortage of hard evidence, but the Sunbed Association does not come from their parents. It might come from has told me that there are up to 6,000 salons, of which casual work—who can speculate?—but in answer to my about 1,000 are members of the association. hon. Friend’s question about the costs, I did not inquire in the Christchurch studio that I visited. Angela Watkinson: Has my hon. Friend given any Mark Simmonds (Boston and Skegness) (Con): It thought to the anecdotal evidence in the newspapers might be of assistance to my hon. Friend to learn that that a small number of young people—young women in evidence was put before the House on Second Reading particular—are almost addicted to having a very heavy to suggest that it might be possible to get a session in a tan? Does he think that some thought should be given treatment salon for as little as 15p. to the frequency with which customers visit sunbed 533 Sunbeds (Regulation) Bill12 MARCH 2010 Sunbeds (Regulation) Bill 534

[Angela Watkinson] Member for West Chelmsford (Mr. Burns) could draw that inconsistency to her attention at an appropriate establishments, and to whether, in extreme cases, the moment. proprietors should take responsibility for limiting the The Government’s attempts to deny those aged 16 and number of such visits by young girls? 17 access to alcohol and cigarettes have manifestly failed. Illegal drug taking among teenagers has now Mr. Chope rose— reached epidemic proportions, as have alcohol consumption and tobacco smoking. Even more sinister is the fact that Mr. Deputy Speaker: Order. Before the hon. Gentleman the laws to restrict the carrying of knives and the sale of responds to that intervention, may I point out that he is knives and other offensive weapons to people under 16 in danger of straying into a Second Reading debate? He seem to have had no effect whatever. Record numbers of ought to be a bit more specific and relate his remarks to young people drive without insurance—they routinely the new clauses and amendments before the House. ignore those rules—and the incidence of drink-driving and drug-driving among young people is also on the Mr. Chope: Certainly, Mr. Deputy Speaker, but I increase, having at one stage started to decline. should just like to respond to the points raised by my The Bill in its present form would ban 16 and 17-year-olds hon. Friend the Member for Upminster (Angela from using tanning salons, but would those young Watkinson). We should think about that issue. The people actually forgo their tanning sessions if they Sunbed Association has a demanding code of practice really wanted them? Of course not. They would simply that includes the need for the inspection of premises. go and find another outlet where they could have access I believe that the association would have regard to to a sunbed. I have looked on the internet to find out whether people were having sunbed treatment too the availability of sun-tanning machines. They can be frequently, particularly those between the ages of 16 bought online for a couple of hundred pounds. If we and 18. If a member of the association failed to comply drive 16 and 17-year-olds out of the legitimate salons with the code of practice, they would lose their status as on the high street, they will simply go to friends’ houses. a member of the association. Such status can be helpful They will club together to buy pieces of equipment—often in enabling them to drum up business and build a second-hand—which may not comply with the standards reputation for providing a high quality service. that I mentioned earlier. All of this would be counter- productive. 10.45 am Mr. Burns: Is that not one of the reasons why this I shall return to the specific issue of people between legislation is before us today? I have no doubt that the the ages of 16 and 18. I understand that the Sunbed vast majority of people who provide sunbed facilities Association’s code of practice does not prohibit treatment and services are highly reputable and that the services for people between those ages. If the Bill were to be are well and properly run, but there is a rogue element passed in its present form, however, such treatment whose standards are not at the proper levels demanded— would obviously be prohibited. The association recognises hence the need for regulation and legislation such as the that people of 16 are in a different category from those Bill before us. who are under 16. The amendments in this group deal with changing Mr. Chope: My hon. Friend will know that the Health the age limit from 18, as set out in the Bill, to 16. My and Safety Executive has an important role to play. The view is that, as Conservatives, we should be encouraging rogue elements to which he refers are probably already young people of 16 and over to take responsibility for operating in breach of relevant health and safety regulations. their own lives and their own health. There is relatively Another disease that we have as a Parliament is that little that the nanny state should do to people over 16 to where existing regulations are not complied with or not force them into a particular pattern of behaviour. We enforced, we duplicate them instead of enforcing the can encourage, educate and cajole them, and we can existing ones. We say, “Let us make a fresh lot of laws give them incentives, but ultimately, we must accept that and see if we can make them a substitute or a duplicate”, 16-year-olds are people with independent minds who thereby adding to the legislative burden and making it will make their own decisions. more difficult for people to understand where they are. I believe that existing laws are in place to deal with what Mr. Burns: Would my hon. Friend give the vote to my hon. Friend describes as the “rogue” tanning salons. 16-year-olds, then? I am much more concerned about driving—unwittingly or otherwise—legitimate, good quality salons out of Mr. Chope rose— business, forcing people who want to get access to these salons to go underground, adding to the underground Mr. Deputy Speaker: Order. I do not think that we culture that is on the increase in our society. My question can start talking about voting in a debate about sunbeds is this. By banning 16 and 17-year-olds from sun-tanning for 16-year-olds. The hon. Member for Christchurch salons, will we ensure that they do not expose themselves (Mr. Chope) should definitely ignore that intervention. to sun tanning? Of course we will not. One might also ask the rhetorical question, “How naive can MPs be Mr. Chope: I will ignore it, Mr. Deputy Speaker, about this?” Indeed, “naivety of MPs” might be quite a other than to say that I note the inconsistency of the good collective noun to apply to MPs in this gesture-ridden promoter of the Bill saying that it should apply to and regulation-obsessed generation of parliamentarians. people up to the age of 18, even though she introduced My amendments to change to 16 rather than 18 the a Bill two years ago—admittedly without success—to age limit for entry to a salon are designed to address the reduce the voting age to 16. Perhaps my hon. Friend the reality gap between good intentions and unintended 535 Sunbeds (Regulation) Bill12 MARCH 2010 Sunbeds (Regulation) Bill 536 consequences. Far better, in my opinion, for a 16-year-old deception, malice or criminal intent. In the rough world who wants a tan to go to a tanning studio and receive of competition, a sunbed provider might set up someone proper advice than to go to a friend’s house where the who looks well over 18—but is younger—to go along to tanning is uncontrolled and unsupervised. a rival sunbed establishment to get access to sunbeds; The hon. Member for Cardiff, North (Julie Morgan) then, as soon as access is given, they could blow the will know of the proposal by my hon. Friend the whistle. There might be scope for that sort of activity Member for Wellingborough (Mr. Bone), supported by because of the arbitrariness of the enforcement and me and others, for more private Member’s Bill Fridays penalty regime in the Bill. If my hon. Friend looks at in this last Session of Parliament. This is now the last the selection list, she will see that it is the second group private Member’s Bill Friday, so it is a time when of amendments—amendments 7, 21 to 25 and 32—that compromise should be in the air. Although the hon. deal with offences and penalties. When we reach that Member for Cardiff, North might ideally like her Bill to stage of the debate, I hope that she will be able to extend the restrictions to 16 and 17-year-olds as well as develop her remarks in more detail. to those below that age—we look forward to hearing To summarise so far, I have discussed new clause 1, her contribution shortly—she might share a spirit of along with amendments 1, 2 and 3, which leave out “18” compromise and accept that passing a Bill that is less and insert “16”. I now come to amendment 8, to which than ideal from her point of view would be better than my hon. Friend the Member for West Chelmsford referred. passing no Bill at all. On those grounds, she might feel it Under this amendment, clause 3 would be left out. It is sensible to concede to my amendments. a probing amendment, because I wanted to find out exactly in what circumstances it was thought reasonable Mr. Burns: I am grateful to my hon. Friend, who is for a person under the age of 18 to have access to a generous in giving way. I am a bit confused, however. sunbed for medical treatment. He is making a powerful case, from his point of view, If the promoter’s argument is that any exposure by a about 16 to 18-year-olds, but if we look at his amendment 8 young person, or child, to artificial ultra-violet light on we see, surprisingly, that he proposes to remove from a sunbed is bad for the health, why does clause 3 the Bill the exemptions relating to the use of sunbeds contain a special exemption for medical treatment? It for medical purposes, yet part of clause 3 specifically would be useful to know in what circumstances that provides that people under 18 who are based in a exemption would apply, and whether it would extend to medical establishment will be allowed to use a sunbed. medical treatment not directly related to a skin condition, Is there not a contradiction there? but related to a person’s mental state. Medical treatment can be related to mental as well as physical health, and Mr. Chope: On the face of it, I would concede to my it is not clear to me whether clause 3 would apply in that hon. Friend that there is a contradiction. When I come context. I hope that, in the spirit of openness and to discuss amendment 8, however, my hon. Friend will transparency, the promoter will help us to understand see that it takes the form of a probing amendment the thinking behind the clause. rather than one that I would wish to press to a vote. I hope to be able to come to that point quite quickly. 11 am I was saying to the Bill’s promoter, the hon. Member Amendments 4, 5 and 6 are all consequential. They for Cardiff, North, that there is an opportunity for all state compromise between reasonable people on this issue. “leave out ‘18’ and insert ‘16’”. At the age of 16, people are able to take key decisions relating to their personal health and well-being. In a Amendment 15 proposes to leave out clause 4(4). The sense, issues around sunbed exposure are relevant to clause is headed personal health and well-being. People at that age are “Power to make further provision restricting use, sale able to choose their doctor and their medical treatments; or hire of sunbeds”. they can also choose which piercings they want, which Subsection (4) states: tattoos, if any, and so on. The Electoral Commission “Consultation undertaken by the appropriate national authority produced a list of all the things that 16-year-olds could before the commencement of this section is as effective for the do. It seems to me that the opportunity for them to take purposes of subsection (3) as consultation undertaken after that responsibility on whether or not to go to a sun-tanning time.” studio and expose themselves to artificial UV should be It seems to me that we should allow the consultation included on that list. period to run only after the enactment of the Bill. A consultation period cannot suddenly be followed by the Angela Watkinson: If my hon. Friend’s amendments announcement of the commencement of a section. The succeed and the Bill prohibits under-16s from using Bill states: sunbeds, an offence would be created. To whom would “This Act comes into force at the end of the period of 12 months that offence attach? Would it be to the provider or beginning with the day on which it is passed.” proprietor of the sunbed establishment; would it be to That makes clear that there is no great urgency, and that the individual who used the facilities; or would it be to whether the Bill succeeds today in whole or in part will the parent who is still responsible for the behaviour of make no difference to anyone using a sunbed for the their children? next 12 months. This may be more of a Third Reading point, but surely it is better for the Bill to be perfect—even Mr. Chope: I stand to be corrected, but my understanding if it takes a little longer to get it right—than to rush it is that the parents are not responsible, even though they through, given that, as it will not come into effect for at have responsibilities under other legislation. There is least 12 months, there is no need for a rush. I consider no responsibility for the users, even if they acted with that provision to be inconsistent with the provisions in 537 Sunbeds (Regulation) Bill12 MARCH 2010 Sunbeds (Regulation) Bill 538 clause 4(4) about the consultation period. I think that, remedy will be available under consumer protection or as a matter of good practice, only after a clause has trading standards legislation that prohibits people from come into effect—after a section has commenced—should making false claims. Are we really saying that the state—the any consultation arising from that clause take place. Government—should require each sunbed salon to put I feel that rather than the Bill’s containing a lot of the up notices that comply 100 per cent. with terms laid Government’s ideas, the Government are holding back, down by it, at the centre? These are some of the most saying “Why do we not deal with this by means of prescriptive measures that I have ever come across. regulations?” When the Minister was asked, on Second Reading and in Committee, what exactly she had in Mr. Burns: I am sure there is a middle way between mind, she said that the Department would make a our different points of view. I am sure my hon. Friend decision before the introduction of the regulations. does not object to the fact that in the safe sex campaigns That was unnecessarily vague. I would much prefer to the Department of Health and others educate people know exactly what the Government and, for that matter about the health risks of unsafe sex; indeed, I believe he the promoter, have in mind, and I think that clause 4(4) thinks that that is sensible. These proposals are on a par compounds the error. with such campaigns, which most people in this country Amendment 16 proposes to leave out clause 5, which regard as highly beneficial, informative and educational. is a very controversial provision. It is headed “Power to require information to be provided to sunbed users”, Mr. Chope: Taking my hon. Friend’s analogy further, and states: in effect this Bill would require every nightclub in the country to put signs up on notice boards, and to do so “Regulations may make provision requiring any person who in such a way as to conform with a series of prescribed carries on a sunbed business… to provide, in prescribed circumstances and in a prescribed manner, prescribed health information to rules—on where the notice boards must be located, for persons who are using or may seek to use a sunbed” example, and the size of both the notices and the writing on them. All of that would have to be prescribed and from the centre. That is, in effect, what this clause is “to display prescribed health information in a prescribed manner saying must be done in respect of health information and in a prescribed form.” and sunbeds. It also states that “’health information’ means information about the health risks Mr. Burns: I am a bit confused. Why would all this be associated with the use of sunbeds”, put up in nightclubs? and that “Regulations may make provision prohibiting any person who Mr. Chope: I am sorry that my hon. Friend is confused. carries on a sunbed business from providing or displaying any He has been talking about unsafe sex. As I understand material that contains statements relating to the health effects of sunbed use other than… statements containing information prescribed it, all sorts of allegations are made against sunbed under subsection (1), or… statements containing any other information parlours, but I do not think that even their most vigilant prescribed for the purposes of this subsection.” and enthusiastic opponents have yet claimed that they That is a very wide-ranging provision, which is strongly are places where unsafe sex takes place. It may well be opposed by the Sunbed Association. The association desirable to warn people about unsafe sex, but if we believes that, apart from anything else, it would duplicate apply my hon. Friend’s analogy to clause 5, the equivalent much of the existing consumer protection legislation. measure would be for it to be required that notices be Legislation already exists to prevent people from making put up in a prescribed form in a prescribed location and false health claims in relation to treatments that are with prescribed content. Nobody—not even my hon. offered. The idea that a Big Brother Government—the Friend, with his understandable concern to reduce the Department of Health—should prescribe exactly what amount of unsafe sex—would suggest that the Department can be contained in what piece of legislation is a step of Health should be so prescriptive about health information too far down the Big Brother route. for sunbed users.

Mr. Burns: I understand the point that my hon. Angela Watkinson: If there were to be a power to Friend is making, but surely he is not comparing like require the proprietors of sunbed establishments to with like. The existing rules concern false claims, whereas provide information to users, does my hon. Friend clause 5 merely deals with the provision of factual think it would be reasonable for there to be a similar information about the health risks. Surely educating power to require users to provide relevant information people about risks, and about how they can protect to the establishment, particularly about their age and themselves to benefit their general health and well-being, any health complications that they know of? is a positive step. Mr. Chope: My hon. Friend is saying, with her typical Mr. Chope: I think that my hon. Friend has misread fair-mindedness, that if we are going to have these the clause. It does not deal simply with facts; it deals powers, there must be a two-way street. There are no with propaganda approved by the Department of Health. measures in this Bill that would impose a duty or If the Department says that something is a health risk, obligation on a sunbed user to provide accurate information even if it is not, under the clause it could require the to the provider or leaser of that sunbed, let alone any provider of a sunbed to put up a notice containing the measures addressing the provision of false information. information that it posed a health risk when it did not. That shows that the legislation does not provide a level We seem to be moving away from the concept of factual playing field, but that, basically, it is designed to place information. If the information is factual, the Bill should an additional—and, in my view, unfair—burden on the state that it is. If the information is not factual, a legitimate and lawful operators of tanning salons. 539 Sunbeds (Regulation) Bill12 MARCH 2010 Sunbeds (Regulation) Bill 540

The Sunbed Association wholeheartedly agrees that my great friend the Mayor of London has yet found it salons should display appropriate advice and information necessary to comment, but perhaps in due course he on who can use a sunbed and how to use a sunbed may wish to comment, if we found ourselves with responsibly, but it does not think it necessary to include differential regulations singling out Liverpool or a provision prohibiting any sunbed business from providing Cardiff for particular treatment under the provisions of or displaying statements relating to the health benefits, the Bill. because the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading I will give way to the Minister if she wishes to explain Regulations 2008 are already in force, and they prohibit and justify this part of the Bill, as I understand that the unproven, unfounded and misleading claims. Clause 5 Bill was drafted largely by civil servants in her Department, is, therefore, at best a duplication of the 2008 consumer so it might be useful to hear what the justification could protection regulations, and at worst, goes far beyond be. In the absence of a strong case being made, it would them by seeking to introduce what I consider to be be much better, in the spirit of compromise, to leave out unreasonable, detailed prescriptive requirements, including subsection (2)(a) of clause 10. the imposition of penalties for failure to comply. If the Bill goes forward, it will have a differential impact in different parts of the country because it is 11.15 am part of the culture, as I understand it, in Liverpool, We know that a big debate continues out in the real Sunderland and perhaps Cardiff for young people to world about the merits or demerits of using sunbeds. I use sunbeds to a much greater extent than they do in recall reading an article in, I think, the Daily Mail—whether other parts of the country. On the back of that, many one likes it or not, a lot of people take their health people have entered the marketplace and set up businesses advice from the columns of the Daily Mai—which said to meet that need. Those locations are not regarded as that there are substantial benefits from using sunbeds. being the most prominent centres of high employment One can therefore envisage a situation in which a sunbed and entrepreneurial activity in the country—they all salon might take that page out of the Daily Mail and have unemployment problems far greater than some put it on a notice board, and then find that it is on the other parts of the country—and the consequences of wrong side of the law because the Department of Health the Bill may be a differential loss of business and of had reached a different conclusion, or wanted to peddle employment in those important conurbations. I hope a different propaganda message. I therefore think that that in responding to the debate, the hon. Member for the terms of clause 5 represent a very sinister part of the Cardiff, North will address some remarks to that issue. Bill, and, once again, they show that its supporters and That brings me to amendment 11, which would remove promoter have got things out of perspective and proportion, subsection (2) from clause 11. Subsection (2) states: and that they are trying to introduce draconian powers far in excess of what is required to address the problem—if “Subsection (3) applies to an instrument containing (whether problem there be. alone or with other provisions)— As I have now explained the reasons why amendment 16 (a) regulations under section 4, or proposes to leave out clause 5, I shall move on to (b) regulations under section 5 or 6 which— amendment 31, which would leave out clause 10(2)(a). (i) create an offence or increase the penalty for an offence, or As a result, there would be no power to make regulations to (ii) make provision about any of the matters mentioned in “make different provision for different cases or different areas”. section 10(4)(a) to (c).” This is, in a sense, a probing amendment. Why might we The effect of amendment 11, together with amendments want to introduce regulations to allow for different 10 and 12, is that all the regulations would have to be provisions to apply? There could be different provisions made by affirmative resolution, rather than by negative for, to use race codes, a person with a white skin and resolution. Those regulation would be under the control somebody with skin of a darker hue. What justification of Parliament or the National Assembly for Wales, could there be for introducing regulations to distinguish made by Welsh Ministers. Why do I think any such between those two different clients? Also, what justification regulations should be subject to affirmative resolutions? could there be for introducing rules that might apply Because we are dealing with significant potential new differently in Liverpool than in Bournemouth or burdens to be placed upon business. Christchurch? Before we give the Government the power We are discussing quite controversial areas of the law to make regulations that may make different provision in relation to the health impact or otherwise of the use for different cases or areas, I think we need to know of sunbeds, and because the Government or the promoter why: what is the justification for this? of the Bill have chosen to leave an enormous amount of Is the Bill, in effect, hybrid legislation by the back material unexposed to parliamentary scrutiny at present, door which we are being asked to introduce? The promoter which they have it in mind at some stage to table in the of the Bill may intend the regulations to apply particularly form of regulations, those regulations should have to be to the city of Cardiff because there is, apparently, a subject to debate in Parliament. We know that the problem in Cardiff that needs to be addressed. Or it shortcoming, as always with regulations, is that it would may be that the hon. Lady thinks there ought to be not be possible to amend them, but at least they would special provision relating to the city of Liverpool, which have to be debated, and Members of Parliament has been described as many things, but for the purposes would have the chance to comment on them and respond of this debate, it is known as the sunbed capital of the to any concerns that constituents might have raised in United Kingdom, where there is a higher use of sunbeds relation to them. than in any other conurbation. That group of amendments is significant and must be It would be wrong to describe that as an epidemic, as seen in the context of the whole. In conclusion, there is that would suggest that there is something wrong with a big problem with the Bill in relation to the burden that using sunbeds. I know that this is not a topic on which it will impose. It is said that the total costs of enforcing 541 Sunbeds (Regulation) Bill12 MARCH 2010 Sunbeds (Regulation) Bill 542 the provisions of the Bill would be only £88,000 a year. be interesting to hear the Minister respond to some of If that is the case, we might say that an enormous the detail of those. However, we must ensure that we do amount of hot air is being expended for very little not give the impression to the electorate that the House activity on the ground—£88,000 would be about £200 is against responsible sunbed operators. We are not. We per constituency throughout the country. One can hardly want to ensure that they can thrive in a properly regulated see £200 worth of inspection, regulation and enforcement structure. delivering much of a transformation to the world of I am slightly surprised by a couple of my hon. Friend’s tanning salons, particularly in those city centres where amendments, particularly those seeking to remove there is an enormous amount of activity. If, as a clause 3, the exemptions for medical purposes—I am consequence of the Bill, there would be such a minor glad he said that was only a probing amendment—and cost for the regulators, the challenge that I put to the clause 5, which relates to the provision of relevant and promoter is this: why are we bothering with such prescriptive appropriate information to those using sunbeds. There regulation? Would it not be much better to go in for a is a real problem at the moment in the UK with people much lighter touch? understanding the impact of their lifestyle choices on their health in the long term, and our providing effective, Mr. Deputy Speaker: The question is that new clause 1 relevant and accurate factual information is a key part be read a Second time. Does the hon. Member for of improving the dislocation that exists at the moment. Cardiff, North (Julie Morgan) wish to respond? Does There is no doubt that one reason for the UK’s poor the Minister wish to speak? five-year cancer survival rates is the lack of earlier diagnosis, which again relates to poor information and Mark Simmonds rose— understanding of lifestyle choices. Information is key in this regard. Mr. Deputy Speaker: May I say to the House that I am not a mind reader? Unless Members rise and indicate Mr. Chope: My hon. Friend has already referred to their wish to speak, I cannot call them. the Sunbed Association’s support for the Bill in general, but he will accept that it does not support the provisions Mark Simmonds: I apologise, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I in clause 5 that duplicate the Consumer Protection from had assumed that the hon. Member for Cardiff, North Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, which already prohibit (Julie Morgan) would wish to respond, but she has unproven, unfounded and misleading health claims. evidently decided not to do so on this group of amendments. Mark Simmonds: I am not sure that I share my hon. I congratulate the hon. Lady and the hon. Member Friend’s analysis of the Sunbed Association’s position for Swansea, East (Mrs. James) on getting the Bill— on that. We discussed this in Committee, and subsequently there has been some correspondence clarifying the role Mr. Deputy Speaker: Order. May I make it clear, in of those responsible for the advertisements and misleading case there is any misunderstanding, that the hon. Member advertisements and the contents of the clause. I see the for Cardiff, North (Julie Morgan) can come in at whichever Minister acknowledging that she will address this when stage she likes, so she may well decide to contribute later she replies. in the proceedings? My hon. Friend is right to push the Government for Mark Simmonds: Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, more detailed clarification through new clause 1. He for the clarification. will be aware that that was an issue that I raised on Second Reading and in Committee. We are talking The hon. Member for Cardiff, North and those about a 2007 EU declaration on sunbed equipment, supporting the Bill will be aware that from the Conservative which the Government signed up to but have still to Front-Bench we are supportive of it. We are keen to see announce any time scale for its implementation, unlike the Bill progress on to the statute book as fast as many other EU states. The EU scientific committee on possible. It could make a significant difference to the irradiance levels set out clearly, as my hon. Friend rates and prevalence of skin cancer in young people accurately reiterated, the 0.3 W per square metre figure and, through the information that has been mentioned, as the safe level. Any level above that was deemed to be create a much greater awareness of lifestyle choices and unsafe. That was set out in January 2007, which is their impact on the health of young people. considerably more than three years ago. There is substantial clinical evidence to support the The Sunbed Association, in wishing to put pressure proposed change in the law, not just from Cancer Research on the Government by saying that they need to consider UK but from the World Health Organisation, the new clause 1, really wants, as do I, some clarification International Agency for Research on Cancer, and clinicians. from the Minister about the time scale within which the There has been a significant increase in the incidence of EU declaration will be fully implemented. If other EU malignant melanoma and other health conditions. In countries can do it, and have done it already, why addition, the European scientific committee looked into cannot we do it in the UK? I hope that the Minister this and produced a good report in 2006. The Sunbed today will come up with a response to that. COMARE, Association, the overarching association for responsible which, as the Minister will be aware, is a research body, sunbed operators, of which there are many, is also in said that full implementation was needed as fast as favour of this Bill. possible, but that advice seems to have been ignored. It would be helpful if the Minister could set out today the 11.30 am minimum time scale for implementation. The Bill was stress-tested on Second Reading and in The other main thrust of my hon. Friend’s amendments Committee. My hon. Friend was right to reiterate some was the change to the age limit. If we are being honest, of the points that he had made so eloquently, and it will we must accept that the clinical evidence as between 16, 543 Sunbeds (Regulation) Bill12 MARCH 2010 Sunbeds (Regulation) Bill 544

18, 21 and 25 is questionable, but there is no doubt that from sunbeds in this country, and from discussions with some sort of additional regulation is necessary to reduce the industry I am conscious that very many salons have the incidence of skin cancer among young people. The sunbeds with radiation that is above the recommended point that my hon. Friend the Member for West Chelmsford EU level. That is putting people—both youngsters (Mr. Burns) made in his usual forensic manner was under 18 and older people—at risk. I should like to see absolutely right. The age of 18 fits comfortably with effective action from the Government on that issue, but other pieces of public health legislation, whether it be subject to that we are very keen to see the Bill implemented. on smoking or drinking. Therefore, the conclusion of It is evidence-based, and it will save lives. the hon. Member for Cardiff, North, no doubt in consultation with the Department of Health, that 18 is Mr. Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con): I rise to the right age is correct. support my hon. Friend the Member for Christchurch In the process of enabling young people to understand (Mr. Chope) and his new clause 1, which seems to be an the impact of their lifestyle choices, the Government excellent way of protecting the public and ensuring that need to work more closely than they have so far with we comply with European standards. both the charitable and voluntary sector and with schools I have not used a sunbed for more than 40 years. and businesses to raise awareness of the symptoms and Indeed, the reason why I have such red skin is not that I risks of skin cancer, and to work towards changing sit under sunbeds. I am interested in the subject because attitudes of some young people, which was exactly the I was prescribed sunlamp treatment—we did not really point made by my hon. Friend the Member for have sunbeds 40 years ago—when I was under 18 years Christchurch. old. I have always suffered from various skin diseases, It is clear that there are significant problems in some and I suffer from rosacea now, but when I was under 18 parts of the country. The great cities of Sunderland and I was advised to sit under what would now be considered Liverpool are always the exemplars. There needs to be a very old-fashioned and, I think, very primitive sunlamps. much greater focus on changing attitudes in particular I remember that I wore some horrible black goggles, geographical areas where there is a significant problem, and that horrible lamp was boring rays into me. The not just—although it is important and related to the whole thing was completely unregulated. There was no Bill—with regard to the impact of overexposure to UV proper advice; one just went to a local shop and bought light, but in making sure that people understand the the machine, and I was under the impression that it impact of natural sunlight if they are not protected. would solve the skin ailments about which I felt more Clearly, there is a significant ignorance on those two embarrassed at 17 and 18 than I would now. points. When focus groups and people are asked about Since then I have suffered from skin cancers, which the lifestyle choices that they make that may give rise to have had to be removed. Luckily they have not been prevalent rates of cancer, it is interesting that the only particularly serious, but I have always thought that the one of the main six that people mention is smoking. very powerful sunlamp treatment that I was given, Those of us who are interested in reducing the rates of without any proper medical advice more than 40 years cancer in this country still face an enormous job in ago when I was under 18, was probably a very serious getting those key messages across. mistake indeed, and not something that a fair-skinned person in a northern temperate climate should undergo. Mr. Chope: Does my hon. Friend agree that one of I am not antagonistic towards sunbeds, because everyone the things that adds to the problem is the widespread is different and entitled to their life, but unless people belief that melanoma is a type of cancer that is easily are very careful, particularly when they are young, cured and treated, and that in any event it will occur sunbeds can be quite dangerous. many years after the exposure takes place, so there is little immediate threat? A couple of years ago I was sitting with my father-in-law in a local restaurant in Lincoln, and we noticed that Mark Simmonds: My hon. Friend makes a powerful he was scratching on the back of his leg a spot that point. The length of time from the initial exposure to was bleeding badly. We said that we should really do artificial light or sunlight to the occurrence of skin something about that, and he had not bothered, of cancer is one of the major problems in making people course. He took himself off to the doctor, however, and taking this issue seriously. However, I do not think— it turned out that my father-in-law was six months although I am not saying that my hon. Friend is suggesting away from death: the spot was a melanoma. The this—that that is an excuse to do nothing. We must do medical staff had to remove all his lymph glands; it was what we can to ensure that people understand the a very serious condition; and they reckon that it had potential risks of exposure to artificial and natural arisen just from some sun—probably not a sunbed or sunlight. anything like that—that he had received 40 or 50 years I assure the Minister and the hon. Members for before. That was the point that my hon. Friend the Cardiff, North and for Swansea, East that we on the Member for Boston and Skegness (Mark Simmonds) Opposition Front Bench support the Bill, and we hope made: people just do not realise that these conditions that it has an expeditious passage into law. can be very dangerous, but that they can arise 40 or 50 years later. Norman Lamb (North Norfolk) (LD): I shall keep my So anything that educates the public about the risk of remarks very brief, because the Liberal Democrats do sunlamps or sunbeds, and anything that ensures the not want to do anything to slow the progress of the greater protection of children, is a good thing. I am Bill, which we wholeheartedly support. I, like the hon. therefore glad that in dealing with clause 3, entitled Member for Boston and Skegness (Mark Simmonds), “Exemption for medical treatment”, my hon. Friend the Conservative spokesman, also see the case for the Member for Christchurch has made it absolutely implementing a control over the strength of radiation clear that his new clause is only a probing amendment. 545 Sunbeds (Regulation) Bill12 MARCH 2010 Sunbeds (Regulation) Bill 546

[Mr. Edward Leigh] the proposed new clause were accepted, primary legislation would be needed to update the limit. The Electrical Indeed, with medical knowledge being much more advanced Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 use the definition now than when I was under 18, it may be appropriate of “supply” in the Consumer Protection Act 1987. The for under-18s to undergo sunbed or sunlamp treatment. General Product Safety Regulations also define “supply” Generally, I think the Bill is probably a good thing. It broadly. In both cases, the definitions of “supply” are is unlikely to become law, but at least it raises the considerably wider than that proposed in the new clause. relevant issues and makes people more aware of what is The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations and going on. I very much hope, however, that the Government the General Product Safety Regulations together provide and the promoter of the Bill, the hon. Member for a legislative framework that is more robust than the one Cardiff, North (Julie Morgan), will feel able to accept that the new clause proposes. There is therefore no need new clause 1. We would then be able to protect all the for the new clause. It refers both to the European public, not just children. standard and to a limit for the UV radiation that is emitted by a sunbed. A reference to specific technical The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health standards in legislation would necessitate formal notification (Ann Keen): As my hon. Friend the Minister responsible to the European Commission, and that requirement is for public health has said on previous occasions, the intended to avoid the creation of new technical barriers Government fully support the Sunbeds (Regulation) to trade within the Community. Bill. It is about tackling a public health issue and Under that notification procedure, member states protecting young people, but we believe that it will also and the Commission have an opportunity to raise concerns raise awareness of the dangers of sunbed use more about potential barriers to trade. Adherence to the generally. European standard in the new clause might invoke I shall speak first to the new clause that the hon. objections to the draft legislation because the standards Member for Christchurch (Mr. Chope) tabled. The new are voluntary. No national legislation can conflict with clause would make it an offence, punishable by a fine of Community harmonising legislation. up to £20,000 to sell or hire a sunbed that failed to comply with a European technical standard or that Mr. Chope: The standards in new clause 1 are those emitted a certain level of UV radiation. The proposed that apply in a number of EU countries. If the EU is new clause is therefore about product safety and technical content that those standards should apply in those standards. countries, why is the Minister raising the canard that they might not be able to be applied in this country? 11.45 am Product safety for consumers is a very important Ann Keen: I am advised that considerably increased issue. There is already existing national legislation, use of sunbeds and the associated risks have spurred the implementing European Community legislation, which Commission to press member states to take positive covers the safety of both new and second-hand products, action to protect consumers. However, I am not aware including sunbeds. The European safety framework for of any Government sign-up or when that will take sunbeds is based on directive 2006/95/EC, commonly place. I am advised that the hon. Gentleman’s point referred to as the low voltage directive; directive 2001/95/EC, would not be acceptable, as that is not the case in other the general product safety directive; and European standard member states. EN60335-2-27. The directive 98/34 procedure requires a three-month In the UK, the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations standstill period after notification before any action can 1994 implement the low voltage directive and cover all be taken on the proposed legislation. It is clear that new products that are supplied on the Community accepting the new clause would stop the passage of the market. The General Product Safety Regulations 2005 Bill. The Government resist new clause 1, as they think implement the general product safety directive and apply it unnecessary. to all products—whether new or used—that are intended for consumers, except where other Community legislation Mr. Chope: Will the hon. Lady give way? contains specific safety requirements with the same objectives. The General Product Safety Regulations Ann Keen: I need to make progress, given the time 2005 require that all supplied products within their factor. scope are safe. I will now speak to amendments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, A product is considered to be safe if it complies with which all relate to the reduction of the proposed age national safety rules or voluntary national standards from 18 to 16. The World Health Organisation, the transposing European standards, such as the standard Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the that applies to sunbeds and to which the new clause Environment, which I will refer to as COMARE from refers. That standard also provides a presumption of now on, and the Scientific Committee on Consumer conformity with the low voltage directive. It has applied Products to the European Commission, have all since 1 April 2009 and currently imposes the same UV recommended that under-18s be prevented from using radiation limit to which the new clause refers. However, sunbeds for cosmetic purposes. Setting the age limit as we all know, scientific knowledge advances and what at 18 is clearly in line with these recommendations. may be considered a safe limit today may change in the Scotland already has legislation on the use of sunbeds, future. and it sets the age at 18. It is also worth mentioning that A reference to specific radiation limits in the legislation in Europe, France, Germany, Finland and Spain all ban could make it out of date as scientific knowledge advances. people under 18 from using sunbeds. Of course, there is If the radiation limit in the standard were changed, and other legislation that imposes age restrictions and that 547 Sunbeds (Regulation) Bill12 MARCH 2010 Sunbeds (Regulation) Bill 548 has been raised in the debate on the amendments this It is a standard provision seen in connection with all morning. The Government do not support the proposed modern regulation-making powers and means that reduction of the age limit from 18 to 16. regulations made under the powers in the Bill do not Amendment 8 seeks to remove clause 3 from the Bill. have to make a single, blanket provision but can be Clause 3 provides for an exemption from the duties in adapted for different areas and circumstances. clause 2 that prevent sunbed use by under-18s when the Amendments 10, 11 and 12 would amend clause 11 treatment is for medical purposes. There may be some and they would attach the affirmative procedure to all medical complaints—some skin problems, for example—for regulations made under the Bill. That procedure is which the use of a sunbed is advised as part of treatment. already attached to all such regulations save for those COMARE and the World Health Organisation recommend made under clauses 5 and 6—the latter of which is on that medical treatment should take place in clinical protective eyewear—when they do not create an offence, settings under clinical supervision. increase the penalty for an offence or include enforcement provisions. In practice, that means that the vast majority However, it is important that that medical exemption of regulations will already require debate. The small should not be used by sunbed businesses to circumvent proportion that will not are those containing details compliance with the duties in respect of the main that, although important, do not justify taking up offence in clause 2. For the exemption to apply, the parliamentary time by automatically requiring approval medical treatment must be under the supervision or after a debate. direction of a registered medical practitioner such as a licensed doctor. It must also take place on a sunbed in, Considering amendments to a Bill is always a useful or provided by, a “healthcare establishment”—a hospital, exercise in reviewing its provisions and determining for example—and the sunbed must be used only for the what purpose they serve and whether they are necessary. purposes of medical treatment. This is a very tightly I believe it is clear from what has been said that the drawn exemption, and rightly so. provisions of this Bill have been carefully considered and that each subsection has been drafted for a specific The Government acknowledge that there will be and very useful purpose. I therefore ask the hon. Member situations in which the therapeutic use of sunbeds for for Christchurch to withdraw the clause. under-18s is necessary for medical reasons. For that reason, a medical exemption is necessary and the tightly Julie Morgan (Cardiff, North) (Lab): I shall attempt drawn conditions required for the exemption to apply to cover briefly the amendments tabled by the hon. are appropriate. Member for Christchurch (Mr. Chope). New clause 1 Amendment 15 seeks to delete clause 4(4). Clause 4 raises an important issue, which the Minister covered contains some regulation-making powers, some of which fully in her response. The important point is that were require mandatory consultation with interested parties the new clause to be successful, there would have to be a before the regulations are made. If the Bill receives standstill period for consultation in the European Union. Royal Assent, there will be a year before it comes into Adopting it would wreck the Bill. force. That period can be used effectively to consult on some of the proposed regulations. The effect of Mr. Chope: The hon. Lady completely overstates her amendment 15 would be to remove the confirmation case. She recognises that the Bill would not be implemented that the consultation before the Bill comes into force is until at least 12 months after obtaining Royal Assent. the effective mandatory consultation required by the Bill. Would that not be enough time for any consultation if Amendment 16 seeks to omit clause 5 from the Bill. that is needed? Can she confirm that at the meeting on Clause 5 allows regulations to be made that require any Sunday with the Sunbed Association, it made it clear person carrying on a sunbed business to provide and that it was absolutely determined to ensure that new display information about the health risks of using clause 1 should form part of the Bill? sunbeds to those who use or may seek to use one. Regulations may ban sunbed businesses from providing Julie Morgan: If the new clause were passed, we or displaying any material containing statements relating would have to stand still while there was consultation in to the health effects of sunbed use, other than information the EU, so the Bill would not be able to go any further. prescribed by regulations. That is why I am resisting the new clause. As far as the Sunbed Association is concerned, it supports the Bill as All users of sunbeds should be aware of the health it is but would prefer it strengthened. risks involved in using sunbeds. It is right that there Amendments 1 to 3 relate to the age limit. I believe should be regulations. It is also right that users should that 18 is the right choice based on the scientific evidence. not be misled. COMARE recommendations are that We have already heard that the risk of skin melanoma is information on the health risks associated with the use increased by 75 per cent. if the use of tanning devices of sunbeds must be provided to users, and that commercial starts before 30 years of age, and all the scientific and outlets and sunbed retailers should be prohibited from medical evidence is that the minimum age should be 18. using information promoting unproven health benefits As hon. Members have said, that also fits in with the of sunbed use. The World Health Organisation guidance fact that under-18s are not allowed to buy alcohol or says that claims of health benefits should not be made cigarettes, and that the Scottish legislation relates to in the promotion of sunbeds. Clause 5 is in line with under-18s, so I firmly stand by the age of 18. recommendations, and therefore the Government do not support amendment 15. Amendment 8 has been clearly covered. There are occasions when medical treatment through sunbeds is Amendment 31 relates to clause 10(2)(a), which allows needed, so it is very important that clause 3 remains. for regulations made under the Act to For example, sunbeds are sometimes recommended as “make different provision for different cases or different areas.” treatment for psoriasis. We are saying very strongly that 549 Sunbeds (Regulation) Bill12 MARCH 2010 Sunbeds (Regulation) Bill 550

[Julie Morgan] appear counter-intuitive for me to argue for a wider scope for regulation, I think we should deal with the big such treatment should be under medical supervision at issues as much as possible, rather than try to confine medical premises, so it is important that the provision our interests to the narrow ones. I am therefore delighted remains in the Bill. that the Sunbed Association very much supports new Amendment 5 and 6, again, would lower the age at clause 1, and it made its position quite clear to the which young people are restricted from using sunbeds. I Government last Monday. repeat that I believe 18 is the right age. I am disappointed and dismayed by the Minister’s On amendment 15, clause 4(4) deals with consultation response to the new clause, as she said that we could not by the appropriate national authorities before supporting introduce such a provision without further consultation regulations are made. The principle of the subsection is with the European Union. Previously, she argued that important to ensure that there is full consultation by the the measure would need the co-operation of the Department relevant authority before regulations are introduced. It for Business, Innovation and Skills, and the Secretary of is procedural and helps make the Bill workable, so I do State, the right hon. Lord Mandelson, but today she has not support the amendment to leave the subsection out. a different proposition—that there must be consultation in the EU. I cannot understand why that should be a Amendment 16 deals with the provision of health problem even if it is necessary, but if it is necessary, why information in regulations. Sunbeds have been linked to were we not told sooner? I am sceptical about the eye damage, premature skin ageing and skin cancer. Minister’s claim, but even if it is correct, the Bill will not The point that we cannot always see the damage straight take effect for at least 12 months after Royal Assent, so away has been forcefully made by the hon. Member for there is more than enough time for the necessary discussions Christchurch. It is crucial to provide information. There and consultations with the EU. should be full consultation on what that information should include, so I am happy that the regulations Describing such a period of discussion as a standstill include a requirement for health information. I oppose completely overstates the case, as the Minister did—not amendment 31, which would delete paragraph (a) from unusually—in saying that new clause 1 would cement a clause 10 (2). The remaining amendments are technical. standard into primary legislation that could be altered subsequently only by more primary legislation. One The Bill is an important measure. In moving new reason why I gave more than two weeks’ notice of my clause 1, the hon. Gentleman said that if one young proposal was to enable the Government or the Bill’s person loses their life to skin cancer, that is one life too promoter to table an amendment. If the Government many. If the Bill is enacted, it will certainly protect thought that such a standard might subsequently need young people’s lives. changing, they could easily have sought to amend the Bill so that that could be done by regulation, yet they 12 noon declined to do so. That might be because the Minister was preoccupied with other affairs at the time, but I do Mr. Chope: We have had a useful debate on this not know. group of amendments, particularly on new clause 1. It is typical that the Government have come along Before replying to the debate, may I welcome the today with another red herring as an objection to new contribution of my hon. Friend the Member for clause 1. I suspect that they are angry about the proposal Gainsborough (Mr. Leigh) who, in his typically succinct because they did not think of it themselves, and because and articulate way, explained that the issue should be they realise that I am on the side of the angels in this about proper education so that people are aware of the debate, and that they are lagging behind on consumer risks and consequences associated with exposure to protection for people who are exposed to higher-than- ultra-violet light, whether natural or artificial? That is a necessary UV from artificial sunbed tubes. common cause across the House. If anyone is following the debate in the real world, they might decide that they I am absolutely convinced that the Bill would be are now going to put on protective creams, and not better for the inclusion of new clause 1, and I am expose themselves to the sun too much, particularly on strengthened in that belief by the support of my hon. their first exposure of the year. They might decide to Friend the Member for Gainsborough, who is an extremely ensure that their children use protective sun creams, or experienced legislator. I am concerned that the Minister, to write to their Member of Parliament and campaign in reading out her scripted response, has not really for the Government to reduce VAT on sun cream. I engaged in the detail of what is involved in new clause 1. hope that the debate has generated interest outside this She asserted—wrongly—that no other EU countries place, and thus become a means of promoting the have introduced similar regulations to those proposed educational cause that we all support. in the new clause and she mentioned Spain, Finland and France. However, as far as I know, those countries New clause 1 presents the opportunity to include a have introduced similar legislation, so it is fanciful to measure in the Bill to increase consumer protection for suggest that there is a problem with it. The only problem everyone who uses sunbeds, particularly those hired is the lack of will on the part of the Government, an from sunbed operators. On the other hand, it could be all-too-typical stubbornness and a reluctance to change argued that we should confine our concerns about a Bill when the case has been overwhelmingly made, not sunbed users to people under 18, as the promoter of the only in the House today but by people outside, not least Bill would argue, or to people under 16. As we rarely the very knowledgeable and sensible members of the have the opportunity to legislate on such issues in the Sunbed Association. I commend the new clause to the House, we should incorporate new clause 1 in the Bill, House. as that would be a major step forward. I am delighted that my hon. Friend the Member for Boston and Skegness Question put, That the clause be read a Second time. (Mark Simmonds) agrees with me. Although it might The House divided: Ayes 0, Noes 40. 551 Sunbeds (Regulation) Bill12 MARCH 2010 Sunbeds (Regulation) Bill 552

Division No. 108] [12.9 pm therefore be very easy for people to be found to be in breach, albeit not knowingly in breach—for example, if AYES a sunbed is used by somebody who is under 18, but who Tellers for the Ayes: looks significantly older. Mr. Christopher Chope and We know that offences relating to the sale of alcohol Mr. Edward Leigh to under-18s, which is pretty rife up and down the country, do not result in penalties anything like as great as that which is proposed by clause 2. I hope that the NOES Minister will explain why she thinks that a penalty of Brennan, Kevin Michael, rh Alun £20,000 is appropriate. Brown, Lyn Naysmith, Dr. Doug There is a difference between this proposed penalty Clark, Paul O’Hara, Mr. Edward and the penalty of £20,000 that I envisaged in new Coaker, Mr. Vernon Pelling, Mr. Andrew clause 1, which would have been imposed for a breach Dobson, rh Frank Pound, Stephen Eagle, Angela Raynsford, rh Mr. Nick of equipment regulations in which someone had supplied Follett, Barbara Robinson, Mr. Geoffrey equipment, for hire or otherwise, that was unsafe for Francis, Dr. Hywel Ruddock, Joan use. That is a very different proposition from the imposition Gardiner, Barry Skinner, Mr. Dennis of a fine on someone because they have been duped by Grogan, Mr. John Slaughter, Mr. Andy a young person into unwittingly allowing them to gain Hanson, rh Mr. David Spellar, rh Mr. John access to a sunbed. Hopkins, Kelvin Taylor, Matthew Amendments 21 to 25 relate to clause 8, which deals Iddon, Dr. Brian Taylor, Dr. Richard with the obstruction of so-called authorised officers. Irranca-Davies, Huw Thomas, Mr. Gareth Amendment 21 would have the effect of making clause 8(2) James, Mrs. Siân C. Timms, rh Mr. Stephen read as follows: “A person who without reasonable Jowell, rh Tessa Waltho, Lynda Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald excuse fails to give to an authorised officer, acting in the Ward, Claire Keeble, Ms Sally exercise of the officer’s functions under this Act, information Wicks, rh Malcolm Keen, Ann which the authorised officer reasonably requires of the Kirkbride, Miss Julie Tellers for the Noes: person for the performance of those functions commits Lamb, Norman Laura Moffatt and an offence.” As currently drafted, that subsection states McCarthy, Kerry Nia Griffith that the offence would be committed if the person failed to give the authorised officer Question accordingly negatived. “any facilities, assistance or information”. That is far too vague and wide-ranging, given that it would trigger an offence for which there would be a Clause 2 substantial financial penalty. I hope that the Minister and the promoter of the Bill will be able to explain what DUTY TO PREVENT SUNBED USE BY CHILDREN those words add to the Bill. The clause, as drafted, says that anyone who does not Mr. Chope: I beg to move amendment 7, page 2, answer the questions put to them will be committing an line 10, leave out ‘£20,000’ and insert ‘£5,000’. offence. That seems to cut across the principle of being innocent until proven guilty, and the principle that no Mr. Deputy Speaker: With this it will be convenient one should incriminate themselves under English law. to discuss the following: amendment 21, page 4, line 6, leave My amendment would not exclude all that; it merely out ‘any facilities, assistance or’. says that those principles should not be undermined Amendment 22, page 4, line 11, after ‘which’, insert simply because someone fails to provide facilities or ‘he knows’. assistance. We all remember people in “Dixon of Dock Amendment 23, page 4, line 12, leave out ‘and’. Green” assisting the police officers with their inquiries. Amendment 24, page 4, line 13, leave out paragraph (b). Under clause 8, anyone who did not assist the police officer with his inquiries would be guilty of an offence, Amendment 25, in clause 9, page 4, line 22, leave out and that seems a step too far. from ‘by’ to end of line 23. Amendment 22 tries to address the mischief of strict Amendment 32, in clause 10, page 4, line 43, leave out liability. Clause 8(3) states: ‘£20,000’ and insert ‘£5,000’. “A person (“P”) commits an offence if, in purported compliance with any requirement of an authorised officer mentioned in Mr. Chope: The amendments in the group deal with subsection (2)— offences and penalties. Amendment 7 seeks to reduce (a) P makes a statement which is false or misleading in a the maximum penalty in clause 2(6) from £20,000 to material respect”. £5,000. That would be a more reasonable and proportionate I believe that that should be an offence only if the maximum penalty in this context, because a maximum person knows the statement to be false or misleading in penalty of £20,000 on summary conviction of the offence a material respect. Even in this House, even by Government of breaching the duties imposed by the Bill would be Ministers and even perhaps by the Prime Minister, devastating for someone carrying on a sunbed business. statements are sometimes made that are Many such businesses are relatively small, employing small numbers of people—perhaps one or two—and as “false or misleading in a material respect”, my hon. Friend the Member for Upminster (Angela but they may not be “knowingly made”; rather, they Watkinson) said earlier, we are talking about something can be described as “inadvertently misleading the that is tantamount to a strict liability offence. It will House”. Why should someone who inadvertently makes 553 Sunbeds (Regulation) Bill12 MARCH 2010 Sunbeds (Regulation) Bill 554

[Mr. Chope] offences were drawn so widely. They will wonder why it was necessary for the Bill to make it so difficult for a misleading statement be guilty of an offence? I hope people to avoid conviction even when they had been that the Minister will address that issue, as I would unwittingly duped into believing that a person using a suggest that this is not a million miles away from some sunbed was not under age. of her own recent experiences. Mark Simmonds: My hon. Friend the Member for Christchurch is right in saying that the additional burden 12.30 pm specified in the regulatory impact assessment is only Amendment 23 would simply leave out the word “and”, £88,000 for the whole of England and Wales. I expressed taking out the conjunction between subsection (3)(a) concern about that figure on Second Reading and in and (b), while amendment 24 would remove paragraph (b). Committee. We must ensure that it is monitored carefully. It would remove the words: It would be helpful if the Minister confirmed that it “P either knows that it is false or misleading or is reckless as to really is so low, given that it relates to an additional whether it is false or misleading.” responsibility for staff in local authorities throughout The purpose is to emphasise that actual knowledge the country who already have other responsibilities. rather than any lesser test should be necessary before an Enforcement is key to the success of the Bill. offence is committed. I hope that the amendment will I do not agree with my hon. Friend the Member for commend itself to the House. Christchurch about the penalties. I think it important I also hope that amendment 25 to clause 9 will find to provide for significant penalties that will act as a favour. Clause 9(2) provides: deterrent. However, my hon. Friend made a good point about the burden of proof, and about people who are “If the offence is proved to have been committed by, or with the consent or connivance of, or to be attributable to any neglect not knowingly in breach of the provisions. It would also on the part of…any director, manager or secretary of the body be helpful if the Minister made it clear that the £20,000 corporate, or…any person who was purporting to act in any such figure is a ceiling rather than a fixed penalty, and also capacity”, that it will probably apply to repeat offenders only. As that person my hon. Friend said, it is a significant amount. We do not want genuine, responsible sunbed operators to be “is guilty of the offence and liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.” deterred from entering the market and operating within the legislative structure that we are creating. Some of It seems to me that it would be much better to limit that them operate on very slim margins. to offences proved to have been committed by the person. As currently drafted, the clause extends the Ann Keen: The hon. Member for Christchurch effective criminal liability to somebody who is conniving (Mr. Chope) has tabled a number of amendments relating with an action or is guilty of “any neglect”. A very to the offences and penalties specified in the Bill. stringent penalty is being imposed on someone working Amendments 7 and 32 apply to clauses 2 and 10, and for a body corporate, who by definition does not have seek to reduce the maximum level of the penalty from knowledge of what is happening. Once again we are £20,000 to £5,000. The risk posed to young people who over-egging the pudding, so I hope that the House will use sunbeds is great, and sunbed businesses must take accept the amendment. their duties under this Bill seriously. The Government Amendment 32 is similar to amendment 7 in that it believe that the maximum fine should be substantial, so would reduce the maximum penalty from £20,000 to that we can ensure that the sanction provides an adequate £5,000. In this context, the Local Government Association deterrent. The maximum penalty is proportionate to has asserted that the Bill will result only in an additional the offence. However, it is important to stress that this is regulatory burden for the whole of local government, the maximum fine that can be imposed for committing amounting to a cost of £88,000 a year. That is not a net the offence. Clause 10(3)(a) enables offences created by but a gross figure. If the whole Bill is going to cost only regulations to incur that maximum fine. £88,000 to police, a maximum penalty of £20,000 seems Amendments 21 to 24 relate to clause 8. Clause 8(2) disproportionate. The promoter clearly failed to understand requires people to co-operate with enforcement officers the nature of the sunbed industry, and failed to heed the who have entered the premises, but amendment 21 warning that such draconian and stringent penalties would require only that information be given to the might cause people to take their business underground enforcement officers. Clause 8 is about facilitating rather than risk the consequences of inadvertently co-operation with enforcement officers, and in order committing an offence. for enforcement officers to do their job properly, it is Although this is a narrow point in one sense, it is reasonable to expect that they may need more than serious none the less. The Bill creates new criminal information; they may need to access files on a computer, penalties, coupled with the power to amend and extend for example. them. We need to ensure that those penalties are tightly Clause 8(3) creates an offence where a person makes defined, and not more extensive than is reasonable in all a false or misleading statement either knowing or not the circumstances. caring that the statement is false or misleading. I hope that the Minister will engage in the debate Amendments 22 to 24 would amend the offence so it rather than reading out a prepared script, so that we can only covers situations where a person makes a statement understand the position fully. If, when the Bill has been knowing it to be false or misleading. The problem with enacted, any of our constituents—perhaps not many in amending clause 8(3) in this way is that it means that the south of England, as this does not seem to be such there is no recourse against a person who is asked for an issue there—find themselves before the courts, they information by an officer and guesses at answer, but will look back at this debate and wonder why the does not care whether the answer is wrong or right. 555 Sunbeds (Regulation) Bill12 MARCH 2010 Sunbeds (Regulation) Bill 556

Mr. Leigh: Clause 8(2) refers to: I am winding up the debate, which included a reasonable “A person who without reasonable excuse fails to give to an question from my hon. Friend to the Minister. The hon. authorised officer, acting in the exercise of the officer’s functions Lady has given a response on the record which must be under this Act, any facilities, assistance or information”. inaccurate. I am not suggesting that that was deliberate, What exactly does that mean, and what does the word but it is misleading. I am not even suggesting it was “facilities” mean in this context? As Chairman of the reckless, which under the terms of the Bill would result Public Accounts Committee, I am also worried about in a criminal conviction. What I am saying is that the the £88,000 figure. It seems to me that we are racking up Minister’s response was not correct, and I hope she will ever higher costs for regulating this industry. I simply intervene to correct the record, apologise for inadvertently do not believe it will cost only £88,000 to implement misleading my hon. Friend, and also address the and regulate the Bill’s provisions. substance—

Ann Keen: These points were addressed in Committee. Madam Deputy Speaker (Sylvia Heal): Order. I know I therefore suggest that the hon. Gentleman reads the that the hon. Gentleman is well experienced in matters record of the proceedings in Committee, where he might in the House and realises that he has made his point and find the answers he seeks. is now winding up the debate on the amendments. Amendment 25 relates to clause 9. Clause 9(2) allows for a director, manager or secretary of a body corporate Mr. Chope: Indeed, Madam Deputy Speaker, I realise who agrees to play a part in, or turns their back on, the that I am winding up the debate. I hope I am not commission of an offence under the Bill to be guilty of winding up the Minister too much and that she will the offence, in addition to the company. The effect of engage with my comments. If not, the only course open amendment 25 would be that those individuals would to me and my hon. Friend is to seek to divide the House be caught by this provision only where they had actually on amendment 21. committed the offence themselves. That would make the provision too narrow. Ann Keen: I do not wish to detain the House. I I ask the hon. Member for Christchurch to withdraw thought clause 8 had been discussed. I was advised that his amendment. it had been discussed. “Facilities” could mean being able to use an office or Julie Morgan: The issue of the cost of £88,000 per even a photocopier. “Assistance” could mean getting year has been raised several times, and I just want to help working the computer or filing system. Those are reassure Members that the Local Government Association examples, of course, and they are not exhaustive. The specifically worked out how many situations it would House needs to move on. have to deal with. It is also important to remember that this work would be done by existing environmental Mr. Chope: I am grateful to the Minister for that officers. Therefore, this figure of £88,000 has been very clarification. She has confirmed me in my opinion—I carefully calculated. It is also important to remember cannot speak for my hon. Friend—that the clause is a that Scotland is allocating no additional money for load of nonsense. Why should somebody whose premises enforcing this, because it thinks it can be done with are entered by an authorised officer be required to make existing staff. his photocopying facilities available to that officer, with The only other point I want to make is that £20,000 the consequence that if he does not do so, he will be is the maximum fine, and we would not expect it to guilty of a criminal offence? Even under the anti-terrorism be imposed very often. This is a very serious issue, legislation, I do not think there is any requirement that however, so it is important to have that high sum as the terrorists should make their photocopying equipment maximum fine. available to investigating officers. The provision is manifestly absurd. It smacks of the extension of regulation far beyond what is reasonable or proportionate. 12.45 pm The promoter of the Bill asserted that the costs of Mr. Chope: I was disappointed with the Minister’s policing the Bill would be only £88,000 across the whole response, particularly her response to the intervention country. I share my hon. Friend’s incredulity at that, but from my hon. Friend the Member for Gainsborough we will have to see what happens in practice. I repeat (Mr. Leigh). Knowing that my hon. Friend was not what I said earlier—that is only about £200 per constituency invited to be a member of the Standing Committee and per annum. If, as my hon. Friend the Member for was therefore unable to participate in its proceedings, Boston and Skegness (Mark Simmonds) says, we need the Minister asserted that the issue that he raised in strong implementation and enforcement, the costs will relation to the proper interpretation to be put on the end up being much higher than suggested. Rather than words in clause 8(3) was discussed in Committee, and have an academic argument about that, it is better to she told him to look up the Committee proceedings. say that we do not want to have people made into It so happens that I have the Committee proceedings criminals because they will not let the local authority before me. They show that there was no debate whatsoever officer visiting their premises borrow their photocopying in the Committee on clause 8 or on clause 9. I hope the machine. I would have thought that that was something Minister will intervene on me to explain what she had that we should leave to their discretion rather than in mind when she told my hon. Friend that the issue make it a criminal offence not to allow the photocopying had been dealt with in Committee. Obviously, that is the machine to be used. Therefore, I beg to ask leave to only procedure by which we will be able to get an withdraw amendment 7 and to press amendment 21. answer to my hon. Friend’s point. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. 557 Sunbeds (Regulation) Bill12 MARCH 2010 Sunbeds (Regulation) Bill 558

Clause 8 this stage. I include, of course, the hon. Lady herself and the hon. Member for Swansea, East (Mrs. James), OBSTRUCTION ETC. OF AUTHORISED OFFICERS who have both been tireless in their pursuit of that end. Amendment proposed: 21, page 4, line 6 , leave out The Bill is sensible and is supported by a significant ‘any facilities, assistance or’.—(Mr. Chope.) amount of clinical evidence. If it is enforced properly over a period of time, it will make a contribution to Question put, That the amendment be made. reducing rates of skin cancer. It is vital that we should find ways of improving cancer outcomes in this country, The House divided: Ayes 0, Noes 40. and the Bill is one small contribution to that. Division No. 109] [12.50 pm I want to make two final points. It is essential that we provide greater, more accurate and more easily accessible AYES information to enable people who might use such facilities Tellers for the Ayes: to understand the implications of doing so; I am thinking Mr. Christopher Chope and of those over 18 and those below 18, in respect of whom Mr. Edward Leigh medical exceptions apply. I should like to leave the Minister with this message: NOES the success of the Bill will be in the evaluation and monitoring. That issue must be consistently looked at Brennan, Kevin Michael, rh Alun by the Department to ensure that if there are any Brown, Lyn Moffatt, Laura improvements, the cost of the Bill is closely considered Clark, Paul Morgan, Julie as it develops 12 months hence. Coaker, Mr. Vernon O’Hara, Mr. Edward Dobson, rh Frank Pelling, Mr. Andrew I wish the Bill swift passage, and I look forward to its Eagle, Angela Pound, Stephen receiving Royal Assent. Follett, Barbara Raynsford, rh Mr. Nick Gardiner, Barry Robinson, Mr. Geoffrey 1.4 pm Griffith, Nia Ruddock, Joan Grogan, Mr. John Skinner, Mr. Dennis Norman Lamb: I, too, congratulate the hon. Member Hanson, rh Mr. David Slaughter, Mr. Andy for Cardiff, North (Julie Morgan) on having got the Bill Hepburn, Mr. Stephen Spellar, rh Mr. John through the House to this point. She has wholehearted Iddon, Dr. Brian Taylor, Matthew support from the Liberal Democrats. Irranca-Davies, Huw Taylor, Dr. Richard James, Mrs. Siân C. The Bill will save lives and protect the health of Thomas, Mr. Gareth young people. It will also help to meet the educational Jones, Mr. Kevan Waltho, Lynda Jowell, rh Tessa challenge of raising the profile of this health risk. The Ward, Claire Keeble, Ms Sally truth is that most young people simply do not recognise Wicks, rh Malcolm Keen, Ann the risk. When we read that 250,000 children have used Kirkbride, Miss Julie Tellers for the Noes: sunbeds in England, we recognise the scale of that risk, Lamb, Norman Dr. Doug Naysmith and as we do when we read that the International Agency McCarthy, Kerry Dr. Hywel Francis for Research on Cancer has reclassified sunbeds and put them in the same category as smoking. We see the Question accordingly negatived. absolute importance of getting the message out to Third Reading young people in particular, but to others as well, that there is a real risk involved and that we all need to take care of ourselves and avoid the risk of cancer. I congratulate 1.1 pm the hon. Lady, and we will support the Bill. Julie Morgan: I beg to move, That the Bill be now read the Third time. 1.5 pm The Sunbeds (Regulation) Bill will protect children; Mr. Burns: I, too, congratulate the hon. Member for that is why it has Government and cross-party support. Cardiff, North (Julie Morgan) on her achievement so It was clear on Second Reading and on Report that the far in piloting the Bill through this place, because there Bill could save lives. I am grateful to everyone who has is an overwhelming need for it. Nobody wants to legislate supported it, particularly those Members who turned and regulate for the sake of it, but there are times when out on more than one Friday. one has to save people from themselves either because I should like to put on the record how grateful I am to of their ignorance of a problem or because of their my hon. Friend the Member for Swansea, East (Mrs. James) bloody-mindedness and refusal to accept that something for all her support. She has campaigned tirelessly on might harm them. this issue for many years. I thank everybody who has I am aware from a number of press reports of horrific made such an effort to support the Bill. It is important stories involving young people who, either through and it will protect young people. I commend it to the ignorance, because they thought they knew better, or House. because of the poor operation of a salon, have done great and lasting damage to themselves, leading to great 1.2 pm pain. I have had four operations in the past six years for medical conditions related to sunbathing many years Mark Simmonds: I should like to join the hon. Member ago, though I hasten to add not in a sunbed salon. It for Cardiff, North (Julie Morgan) in congratulating was done through ignorance, but I am paying the price everybody who has been involved in getting the Bill to now and hope that other people can learn from the 559 Sunbeds (Regulation) Bill12 MARCH 2010 Sunbeds (Regulation) Bill 560 mistakes and ignorance of my generation. If the Bill that 16 and 17-year-olds are not responsible enough to goes any way towards helping young people and others, be able to decide for themselves whether to use sunbed through the restrictions on the age at which people can parlours. It flows from that that they cannot be deemed enter sunbed premises and the displays that will have to responsible enough to exercise the vote at 16, for which appear about the risks, it will be positive and a price she has campaigned. That, however, is outside the strict worth paying in regulation to help the next generation. terms of debate on Third Reading. I hope that the Bill will lead to more information becoming available, and 1.7 pm more awareness of the health issues involved and, as a Mr. Chope: May I, too, congratulate the hon. Member result, a better quality of life and standard of public for Cardiff, North (Julie Morgan) on promoting the health in the UK. Bill? As will have been apparent, I have been trying to improve it, sadly without success so far today. I do not 1.11 pm live without hope that it might be improved in the other Ann Keen: I am pleased and proud to speak to the place, and that the big gap in the Bill, which was Bill, and I apologise on behalf of the Minister of State, exposed by the failure to include new clause 1, will be Department of Health, my hon. Friend the Member for remedied. As my hon. Friend the Member for West Lincoln (Gillian Merron), who has played a key role in Chelmsford (Mr. Burns) pointed out, an even bigger its progress. She is disappointed and sorry that other gap is the fact that the Bill deals only with the exposure business prevents her from being here today. of young people and children to artificial UV. It does not deal with the much bigger problem of exposure to I warmly congratulate my hon. Friend the Member natural sunlight and burning. I hope that the hon. for Cardiff, North (Julie Morgan), who should be proud Member for Cardiff, North will show equal enthusiasm of her achievement in introducing the Bill. In addition, for campaigning for a reduction in VAT on sun creams, I recognise the efforts of my hon. Friend the Member which would contribute to wider use of those— for Swansea, East (Mrs. James), who has championed this cause too. It is a tribute to the energy and commitment Madam Deputy Speaker: Order. The hon. Gentleman shown by my hon. Friends that the Bill has gathered knows that that matter is outwith the Bill and should strong cross-party support and has reached Third Reading. therefore not be included in his speech. Much has been said about the cities of Cardiff and Mr. Chope: I absolutely know that, Madam Deputy Liverpool, which are known as sunbed capitals, but Speaker. Perhaps that gives me an opportunity to thank they are also known for their sport—rugby and football— you for all the times you have managed to keep me in culture and music. On behalf of the London Welsh order on so many Fridays during the time you have sat contingent, I am proud to support the Bill. in the Chair. I think I speak for many Members when I As has been said during the Bill’s progress through say that we very much regret the fact that— the House, the evidence is clear that sunbeds are a health risk, and that the risk is greater for young people. Madam Deputy Speaker: Order. I appreciate what the The hon. Member for West Chelmsford (Mr. Burns) hon. Gentleman is saying, but I have to be consistent spoke about his personal difficulties with sun treatment. with him. We are pleased that he is well, and is active in the House. Mr. Chope: Nobody would ever accuse you of being Voluntary self-regulation by the industry has not worked, anything other than consistent, Madam Deputy Speaker. and the Government are committed to taking action to We much appreciate it. prevent young people from harming themselves through I am not going to make a long speech, because I do sunbed use. The Bill seeks to prevent under-18s from not wish to vote against Third Reading. Although the using sunbeds by making it a criminal offence for Bill is not as good as I would like it to be, I grudgingly sunbed businesses to offer them sunbeds. There are also concede that it is probably better than nothing. As I provisions that set the scene for the future regulation of said at the outset—the hon. Member for Cardiff, North sunbed use. My hon. Friend the Minister of State, who picked up on this—if one person dies as a result of has ministerial responsibility for public health, said: overexposure to artificial UV, that is one person too “Should the Bill receive Royal Assent, the Government would many. However, we are not just talking about deaths. As begin consulting on further regulations…at the earliest possible my hon. Friends the Members for West Chelmsford and opportunity, because the evidence is compelling.”—[Official Report, 29 January 2010; Vol. 504, c. 1082.] for Gainsborough (Mr. Leigh) have pointed out, we are also talking about the worry and pain associated with We are committed to preventing cancer in young melanoma and other conditions that, although not people. We have the knowledge, so we must act on it. As fatal, result in a need for medication or operations. a result of the measures in the Bill, people will have a They could be reduced if the Bill allowed us to give greater awareness and understanding of the risks of more publicity to the consequences and risks of using sunbeds and of sun damage generally, not only to overexposure to ultraviolet light, whether artificial or young people under 18 but to people of all ages, so I am natural. proud to support it. I take quite a lot of satisfaction from the fact that the Question put and agreed to. hon. Member for Cardiff, North implicitly recognises Bill accordingly read the Third time and passed. 561 12 MARCH 2010 Co-operative and Community Benefit 562 Societies and Credit Unions Bill Co-operative and Community Benefit lesson to be learned by the Treasury. When it seeks to Societies and Credit Unions Bill [Lords] use such a route to modernise and update legislation, it should do so in a way that meets the highest possible Not amended in the Public Bill Committee, considered legislative standards. Third Reading My recollection is that the Bill was not debated on Queen’s and Prince of Wales’s consent signified. Second Reading. It was quite a way down the Order Paper, but in recognition of the fact that there was quite 1.15 pm a full debate on a similar Bill in the last Session and cross-party support, it went through on the nod. That is Malcolm Wicks (Croydon, North) (Lab): I beg to unusual—very few Bills receive that treatment, as it move, That the Bill be now read a Third time. were—so the right hon. Gentleman should be grateful I promise that this will be a very short speech, but I that the procedure of the House worked to his advantage. need to detain the House for a minute or so with an As he said, the Bill was not amended in Committee this explanation. I originally introduced a similar measure time, nor was it the first time. The Bill is therefore on 21 January 2009. That went through the Commons unamended today. without being amended and with all-party support, but it was unable to complete its passage through the Lords We all recognise the importance of mutuals, which before Parliament was prorogued on 12 November 2009. play a huge role in the economy. There are some very Concerns in relation to that Bill were raised in the well-known mutuals, such as the Co-operative Retail Lords by the Select Committee on Delegated Powers Society, and credit unions are another form of mutual and Regulatory Reform, and the Constitution Committee, society. The Wine Society—the right hon. Gentleman as well as by Baroness Noakes, who introduced amendments and I are both members—is an industrial and provident in Committee that formed the basis for some of the society. There are mutuals across the country and they changes that were made before I introduced the Bill that are increasingly being used as a way of delivering services we are debating. and opportunities to communities. This is a booming sector, so it is important that the legislation affecting it The Bill was introduced as a private Member’s Bill in is up to date, and provides people with the protection the House of Lords on 19 November 2009 with all the that they would expect in a modern, 21st century economy. required changes having been made, thanks to my colleague, The Bill would make some fundamental changes that Lord Tomlinson. As we have heard, no amendments we should reflect on before it receives its Third Reading, were made in a very brief Committee sitting following especially as it did not receive a proper outing on Second Reading. I therefore commend the Bill to the Second Reading a few weeks ago. House. I sincerely thank Lord Tomlinson for steering the Bill There is huge support for mutuals on both sides of with great ingenuity and authority through another the House, although I think that everybody recognises place. I also thank colleagues on both sides of the they have some limitations and the mutual sector has House and in the co-operative movement for their had some problems in recent years. We do not need to support for the Bill. dwell on the Dunfermline building society or the Presbyterian mutual society, but we know that mutuals fail occasionally, and we need to think carefully about 1.17 pm what happens then. Directors of friendly societies, building Mr. Mark Hoban (Fareham) (Con): I pay tribute to societies or limited companies are disqualified in such the right hon. Member for Croydon, North (Malcolm instances, but the directors of industrial and provident Wicks). His handiwork was delayed in the previous societies would be able to move on to another such Session, but this Bill is heading towards the statute society and continue to serve in that role, and that book. He was right that the Delegated Powers and creates a risk for consumers. It is right that the powers Regulatory Reform Committee identified deficiencies, in the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1976, and that they have now been rectified in clauses 5 and 6. which apply to building societies and friendly societies, It is important to recognise that a great deal of the should be extended to industrial and provident societies work to modernise the framework for mutual societies to provide that protection for consumers, creditors and in the past few years has been done by virtue of private employers. That is an appropriate modernisation measure. Members’ Bills. My hon. Friend the Member for The Bill would also modernise the language involved. Bournemouth, West (Sir John Butterfill) and others, on Industrial and provident societies are redolent of Victorian both sides of the House, have introduced Bills in recent times, when so many of them were established. In the years. When a Bill such as this has the sponsorship of Second Reading debate on the original Bill, I recall that the Treasury, it is incumbent on the Treasury to ensure someone suggested that the Romans had set up that the right steps are taken to ensure that it is robust, co-operatives, but in the UK their origins are the Victorian and that it meets the requirements of a proper legislative sense of self-help, with communities coming together process. It is to the detriment of the Treasury that such on a voluntary basis to establish businesses and enterprises a measure, which has a great deal of support, has been that help to meet the needs of their members or employees. delayed because it did not take enough time to get the Industrial and provident society is a rather out-moded drafting right. term and it does not reflect the modern uses to which I am afraid that the Bill is not the only example of such societies are put. For example, several football that. The legislative reform order for credit unions has supporters’ clubs are industrial and provident societies, had to be withdrawn because the Treasury’s supporting and foundation hospitals also take that route. It sounds documentation was inappropriate. That also delayed like a very restricted category, but it has now broadened the process of reform for credit unions, so there is a out. If we are to modernise the methods of organisation 563 Co-operative and Community Benefit 12 MARCH 2010 Co-operative and Community Benefit 564 Societies and Credit Unions Bill Societies and Credit Unions Bill for enterprises in establishing themselves and setting up unions. That is the right thing to do. The hon. Gentleman governance models, we should also try to modernise the will also know that, although one can make a speech language that is used. about a measure, the balance of opinion in the House Clause 1 would require new industrial and provident will be revealed in a Division on Third Reading, if there societies to register as co-operatives or community benefit is one. societies, and that recognises that the nature of such institutions is to benefit the whole community, rather Mr. Pelling: Can the hon. Gentleman detail any than being some relic of the industrial revolution. As criticism he has of the Bill? part of that, clause 2 would rename seven Acts of Parliament, dating back to 1965, which will now use the Mr. Hoban: My concern is that, when the Bill was new nomenclature. The mentions of industrial and first tabled before the House in the previous Session, it provident societies in the titles of those Bills will become turned out, on further scrutiny, to be deficient, but co-operative and community benefit societies and credit thankfully it has been corrected. That was the right unions. Again, that would modernise the back approach. All of us would want to ensure that a Bill is catalogue—as it were—of legislation governing industrial not simply rushed—or railroaded—through on the nod, and provident societies. We would welcome that move. and that there is proper scrutiny, because sometimes As I said, the Bill tackles a second issue in applying that can identify issues that need to be teased out. I am the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 to afraid, however, that the hon. Gentleman’s interventions industrial and provident societies. I think that Members are prolonging the rather brief speech that I wanted to from both sides of the House will recognise the need to make. As I said, we support the Bill, which is why it was ensure that officers of mutual societies are subject to given a fair passage when it returned from the other the same disciplines as directors of limited companies, place, after Lord Tomlinson’s very able stewardship of friendly societies and building societies. That function is it through the Lords. provided for in clause 3, and it is a welcome approach. This is an enabling Bill, giving the Treasury the The language has also been modernised to reflect the flexibility to apply the existing provisions of company different nature of governance of those entities. Proposed law to industrial and provident societies or to make new section 22E(3)(b) modernises new, equivalent provisions. Although we want to ensure “references to a director or an officer of a company” the right framework for industrial and provident societies so that their governance is on a par with that of companies, to part of the challenge is that, in essence, industrial and “a member of the committee…of a registered society.” provident societies are different from limited companies There are also provisions in the Bill relating to extending because of the role of their employees or members. We the equivalence of companies legislation to those societies. therefore need to ensure that we do not allow the crude For example, provisions are being made to bring societies application of company law to industrial and provident in line with companies when it comes to striking them societies, but instead take a nuanced approach. I am off: a company can be struck off the register of companies, sure that the Treasury will work with a number of and now, in this case, a society’s registration could be organisations to ensure that such an approach is adopted. cancelled. The fourth issue that I want to address is supported The Bill gives the Treasury powers to apply other credit unions. All of us across the House recognise the provisions in companies legislation to industrial and importance of credit unions in providing an alternative provident societies, including powers of investigation to the banking system. A number of moves have been into companies, and provisions relating to company made in recent years to modernise the legislative framework names, the dissolution of companies and restoration to for credit unions, to ensure that they are capable of registers. That is another aspect of how the legislative being sustainable and viable, and can provide a proper framework has been set up. As with many Treasury alternative to banks. I meet regularly the Association of Bills, it creates enabling powers, and indeed there will be British Credit Unions to talk about such issues, and I secondary legislation to work through the detailed know how keen credit unions are to see this Bill put in application of the provisions to individual societies. place and for the legislative framework to be modernised. This Bill is not the only such measure—I referred Mr. Andrew Pelling (Croydon, Central) (Ind): The earlier to the legislative reform order that was tabled, hon. Gentleman is singing the praises of the legislation, but which subsequently had to be withdrawn because of but does not seem to have any criticisms of it. Were he the inadequacy of the supporting documents—but it to make an extended contribution, is there he any enables primary legislation to be amended to facilitate danger that he might be perceived as actually being less the application to the credit union movement of various positive about the legislation than his comments would provisions in the legislation on building societies. The imply? Bill does that by inserting a new section 23A in the Credit Unions Act 1979. It also gives the Treasury the Mr. Hoban: It is important that legislation is properly power to amend by regulation the statutory provisions scrutinised. Although there was discussion about the for credit unions to bring them more into line with Bill in the previous Session, so far there has been no those applicable to building societies. Again, the power such discussion or debate on the Floor of the House. It is drawn broadly: any provision in the building societies is the responsibility of parliamentarians to scrutinise legislation deemed to be appropriate can be adapted to legislation properly, to identify its benefits and to ensure credit unions. that it is clear to people what its purpose is and, in this Indeed, the Bill also includes provision to create case, where it takes the legislative framework around equivalent criminal offences, which was one of the areas co-operative, industrial and provident societies and credit of concern for the Delegated Powers and Regulatory 565 Co-operative and Community Benefit 12 MARCH 2010 Co-operative and Community Benefit 566 Societies and Credit Unions Bill Societies and Credit Unions Bill [Mr. Hoban] played a significant role in bringing the Bill forward in the other place. The Government support wholeheartedly Reform Committee. There was a concern that the criminal the benefits of mutuals in providing choice and diversity offences created in the previous versions of the Bill in the financial marketplace, particularly during these perhaps went further than those in the comparable uncertain times. legislation. The amendments made to the Bill address I also welcome the gracious, if slightly extensive, that problem, and we are all grateful that the two support from across the House, and the work of the sponsors of the Bill were happy to make those changes. Co-operative group of MPs and the Co-operative party, One of the clear themes to emerge from the Bill is whose chairman, my hon. Friend the Member for Harrow, that if we are to ensure that industrial and provident West (Mr. Thomas), is sitting next to me on the Front societies continue to play an important role in the Bench. The party’s general secretary, Michael Stephenson, provision of services, adapting to reflect the needs of a has also played a sterling role in helping to steer the Bill modern society, the legislative framework needs to be through the House. enhanced to ensure that the consumers, employees and The Bill will modernise the legislative framework for suppliers of industrial and provident societies are protected. about 500 credit unions and about 8,000 industrial and That is why we welcome the measures dealing with provident societies. It will benefit those bodies and their disqualification. The change in language is also important, many millions of members, so that, after an illustrious in ensuring that people recognise that industrial and history over the past couple of centuries, they can move provident societies play a role in modern society and are forward proudly into the 21st century. The fundamental not remnants of the industrial revolution. For those nature of the mutuals will not be undermined by the reasons we support the Bill. I pay tribute to the right legislation; they will be strengthened by the Bill. The hon. Member for Croydon, North for his persistence in sector will continue to grow, as the legislation will taking it forward. The Bill makes an important contribution increase member confidence in the societies by improving to the legislative framework and will be widely welcomed their standards of corporate governance, thus placing by those in the credit union and co-operative movement the mutual sector on a firmer footing. who have long looked forward to the day when it is This week saw the laying in Parliament on Monday passed. of the Legislative Reform (Industrial and Provident Societies and Credit Unions) Order 2010, the secondary 1.34 pm legislation that partners the Bill. The Bill seeks to Norman Lamb (North Norfolk) (LD): Let me confirm address matters that could not be dealt with under the the Liberal Democrats’ absolute support for the Bill powers of the legislative reform order but that are and congratulate the right hon. Member for Croydon, equally important for the legislative and regulatory North (Malcolm Wicks). We are committed to championing reform of this valued sector of the financial services the role of mutuals, and we see great potential for field. I am delighted that my right hon. Friend the extending their role as we seek to transform our economy. Member for Croydon, North has brought it this far, and In particular, I am a passionate supporter of the role of I commend the Bill to the House. employee-owned businesses and mutuals; indeed, I see a considerably greater role for them in the delivery of all 1.37 pm sorts of public services, including in the health service. I have also seen credit unions developing in my area, Malcolm Wicks: As the sponsor of the Bill in this offering people who are often on low incomes a vital House, I hope that I am not dull; I am, however, alternative facility to that offered by doorstep lenders necessary, because it was necessary to take the Bill who charge high interest rates. We need to do everything through the House of Commons again. It might seem that we can to encourage and promote credit unions. strange to anyone reading the record that the sponsor of The Bill, which is rather dull but necessary, modernises the Bill in the House of Commons made the shortest the regulatory framework—[Interruption.] Well, if hon. speech on it, but I believe that over the past two years Members get excited by these things, they need to get a we have scrutinised and improved the legislation across life. The Bill also provides added consumer protection the parties in both Houses of Parliament. and aligns the rules relating to company directors with The expert exposition by the shadow Minister, the those of companies, as the hon. Member for Fareham hon. Member for Fareham (Mr. Hoban), was most (Mr. Hoban) rightly said. It is essential to have a welcome, and I also welcome the full support for the modern regulatory framework to ensure that the mutuals Bill from the hon. Member for North Norfolk (Norman can flourish in the future. We are therefore very happy Lamb). Furthermore, it is always useful to give a Whip to support the Bill. an opportunity to speak in the House of Commons. This might, in a sense, be a Treasury Bill, but the 1.35 pm Treasury Minister clearly had so much confidence in me that he or she did not feel it absolutely necessary to be The Comptroller of Her Majesty’s Household (Mr. John here in person to voice their support. I commend the Spellar): I congratulate my right hon. Friend the Member Bill to the House. for Croydon, North (Malcolm Wicks) on at last getting the Bill closer to the statute book. I also congratulate Question put and agreed to. and thank our noble colleague, Lord Tomlinson, who Bill accordingly read the Third time and passed. 567 12 MARCH 2010 Local Authorities (Overview and 568 Scrutiny) Bill Local Authorities (Overview and Scrutiny) Amendment 20, page 3, line 23, leave out ‘negative’ Bill and insert ‘the affirmative’. Amendment 23, in clause 6, page 4, line 16, leave out Consideration of Bill, not amended in the Public Bill from ‘England’ to end of line 17. Committee Amendment 24, in clause 7, page 5, line 15, at end insert— Clause 1 ‘(5) The Secretary of State must bring forward regulations to allow for joint overview and scrutiny committees to be MATTERS TO WHICH THIS PART APPLIES established between county councils and one or more district councils in their area, as provided for in the Local Democracy, 1.39 pm Economic Development and Construction Act 2009, before the provisions of this Act come into force.’. Mr. Christopher Chope (Christchurch) (Con): I beg to Amendment 26, in clause 10, page 6, leave out lines 9 move amendment 8, page 1, line 12, leave out ‘section’ to 12 and insert— and insert ‘significant section’. ‘(3) All regulations under this Act are subject to “the affirmative resolution procedure”, and the regulations must not Madam Deputy Speaker (Sylvia Heal): With this it be made unless a draft of the statutory instrument containing will be convenient to discuss the following: amendment 9, them has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each page 1, line 15, leave out ‘or’ and insert ‘and’. House of Parliament.’. Amendment 10, page 1, line 19, at end insert Amendment 27, page 6, leave out lines 13 to 15. ‘at the point of use of the public service by the public’. Amendment 28, page 6, leave out lines 16 to 18. Amendment 1, page 2, line 3, at end insert— ‘( ) Before making any regulations under this section the Mr. Chope: I am speaking to these amendments on Secretary of State must consider their potential effect on small behalf of my hon. Friend the Member for Putney businesses and voluntary or community interest organisations. (Justine Greening), who represents the constituency in For this purpose— which I had the privilege to be born—some years ago. “small business” means a business that employs fewer Amendment 8 would leave out “section” and insert than 50 employees; “significant section”; amendment 9 would leave out “voluntary or community interest organisation” means “or” and insert “and”, and amendment 10 would insert an organisation (other than a local authority or “at the point of use of the public service by the public”. other public body) whose activities are carried on— These three amendments, along with the others in the (a) otherwise than for profit, or group, are part of a theme. I know that my hon. Friend (b) for the benefit of the community on the basis the Member for Putney, like me, does not agree with too that any profits are reinvested in the business much prescription in local government. Indeed, we can of the organisation or applied for the benefit now see that the Local Government Act 2000, which of the community.’. required most local authorities in England to abolish Amendment 6, page 2, line 4, at end insert— the traditional committee system of governance and to ‘(8) The Secretary of State must on an annual basis review the adopt new executive structures, was unnecessarily meaning of a “designated authority or person”, with a view to prescriptive. That is why my hon. Friend seeks through removing any authority or person that no longer meets the the amendments to reduce the level of prescription and definition of a “designated authority or person”.’. the extent of the regulation-making powers. Amendment 14, in clause 3, page 2, line 15, leave out Let us look at the amendments in more detail. ‘negative’ and insert ‘the affirmative’. Amendment 8 would narrow the definition of a “public Amendment 17, page 2, line 31, at end insert— service” for the Bill’s purposes. In order to fit in with the ‘(i) only where that person is reasonably able to attend and Bill’s parameters, “public service” would be answer questions within their personal resource base “a service provided to the public, or a significant section of the or that of the organisation they represent, and public, that…is provided in the exercise of functions of a public (ii) only where the requirement for such attendance is not nature or under statutory authority,” in contradiction to part of an existing formal “and”—rather than “or”, as affected by amendment 9— agreement the person or the organisation they “is wholly or partly funded by grants, subsidies or other financial represent has entered into to provide public services’. assistance from central or local government funds”. Amendment 18, page 2, line 42, leave out ‘person’ Those two amendments are complemented by and insert ‘the role of the person’. amendment 10, which changes clause 1(3)(c) by adding Amendment 16, page 3, line 1, leave out ‘negative’ additional words that would make it and insert ‘the affirmative’. “irrelevant whether a service is provided on payment or without Amendment 21, in clause 4, page 3, line 15, leave out payment at the point of use of the public service by the public”. ‘two’ and insert ‘three’. Effectively, the promoter and his supporters think Amendment 22, page 3, line 20, at end insert— that local authorities should branch out from their core ‘(i) only where such compliance is reasonable within the business into the business of looking at local public resource base of the designated organisation or services other than the ones run by the council itself. person. They believe it would be a good idea for the local (ii) only where such compliance is not in contradiction to council to hold these other public services to account, part of an existing formal agreement the designated irrespective of whether they are provided by other public organisation or person has entered into to provide bodies or private companies delivering public services. public services’. The promoters argue that councillors will have the 569 Local Authorities (Overview and 12 MARCH 2010 Local Authorities (Overview and 570 Scrutiny) Bill Scrutiny) Bill [Mr. Chope] Clause 3 is headed “Power to require information”, and states: ability to shine a spotlight on services that they do not “An overview and scrutiny committee may by notice in writing think are delivering for local people and will be able to require a designated authority or person…to provide…information”. demand action on behalf of their communities to resolve Subsection (1)(b) provides that the overview and scrutiny local problems. committee may As I see it, however, the difficulty is that we already “require a designated authority or person…for that purpose to have local authorities up and down and country that are send an appropriate person to attend before the committee to not even getting on properly with their core business. If answer questions.” they cannot cope with their core business and are Amendment 17 suggests that that should not be a always complaining—well, not always, but quite often— general power, but should be limited to circumstances about the lack of resources they have to discharge that in which the person who is asked to attend business, why should we let them nose around in other “is reasonably able to attend and answer questions within their public services in the area? Why cannot we leave the personal resource base”. people charged with taking responsibility for those That is not an expression with which I am familiar, but I services to get on with providing them and to be accountable imagine it means information that it is in their power to to the public either through their Members of Parliament give. My hon. Friend the Member for Putney might, for or through some other means? If they are in receipt of example, have had in mind the brain of the person who public funds, all sorts of methods and avenues of is being asked to answer the questions, because one accountability are available. Why should we want to get could describe one’s brain as a “personal resource base”—I the local council involved in all that? am now speculating a little, however. It is also necessary to ensure that this could only be 1.45 pm done “where the requirement for such attendance is not in contradiction I remember saying, when I was leader of a local to part of an existing formal agreement the person or the organisation authority, that it was a legitimate part of an authority’s they represent has entered into to provide public services”. business to transfer powers from another authority: for That addition speaks for itself, and it would limit the example, to abolish the Greater London Council and power to require information under clause 3. give its powers to the London boroughs, or to abolish the Inner London Education Authority and give its The same can be said of amendment 18. Clause 3(3)(b)(v) powers to local councils. However, I think that that is currently refers to different from the arrangement envisaged in the Bill, “the description of person who is (or is not) an appropriate which would enable councils to sick their noses into person.” activities that were not part of their core business. The amendment would replace “person” with Amendments 8, 9 and 10 are designed to mitigate the “the role of the person”, adverse consequences of that. and I think that is what the drafter of the Bill intended. I am delighted to see that the right hon. Member for He was concerned about not the description of the Greenwich and Woolwich (Mr. Raynsford) is present. person—such as whether they had long or short hair—but His amendment 1 states: the role of that person. I am therefore sure that my hon. “Before making any regulations under this section”— Friend’s amendment is a more accurate reflection of the clause 1— original intentions of the Bill’s promoter. “the Secretary of State must consider their potential effect on The other amendments in the group refer to a number small businesses and voluntary or community…organisations.” of further issues, such as whether there should be affirmative resolutions. That strikes me as an important and sensible safeguard, which accords with the view of my hon. Friend the Member for Putney that local authorities should not Mr. Simon Burns (West Chelmsford) (Con): Does my start interfering in areas where they ought not to interfere. hon. Friend agree that it is desirable and important that If before making regulations the Secretary of State had we have the affirmative, rather than the negative, procedure? to consider their potential effect on small businesses Given that one is not able to amend a statutory instrument and so on, it would probably be to the good, particularly or regulation, and that instead they have to be taken on if that Secretary of State was a member of a Conservative an all-or-nothing basis, having the affirmative procedure Government. guarantees, or at least enhances, the chance that they will actually be debated so that the Government of the Amendment 6 proposes to insert the following provision day can be held to account on the contents of the order in clause 1: or regulation. “The Secretary of State must on an annual basis review the meaning of a ‘designated authority or person’, with a view to Mr. Chope: As so often, my hon. Friend makes a very removing any authority or person…that no longer meets the important point. We are talking here about interfering definition of a ‘designated authority or person’.’.” with another elected body—local authorities—and we I admit that I have not discussed the wording with my should not change their regime without giving proper hon. Friend the Member for Putney, but it seems notice and ensuring that we can have a proper debate in pretty innocuous and sensible to me—as, indeed, does this House. We should pay due respect to such amendment 17, which proposes to insert in clause 3 the democratically elected bodies. We are also talking about words, the implications for other public sector bodies in respect “only where that person is reasonably able to attend and answer of their interactions with local authorities, and that is questions”. another important issue. If we are going to change 571 Local Authorities (Overview and 12 MARCH 2010 Local Authorities (Overview and 572 Scrutiny) Bill Scrutiny) Bill these regimes, we must ensure that there is a chance for ‘(5) The Secretary of State must bring forward regulations to proper debate. Although we would not be able to make allow for joint overview and scrutiny committees to be established any amendments, of course, there would be more chance between county councils and one or more district councils in their of any consultation beforehand being meaningful if it area, as provided for in the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009, before the provisions of this Act were conducted in the knowledge that the statutory come into force.’. instrument could not just go through on the nod, and that there would have to be a debate in this place. I Of all the amendments that have been tabled, this is the think that all my hon. Friend’s amendments dealing most relevant to my own experience. In Dorset, we are with changing the way in which regulations could be lucky enough to have two-tier local government, where amended are very important. we have a county council and some good district councils. They are almost invariably under the control of the Amendment 22 to clause 4 states: Conservative party, but that is another story. “page 3, line 20, at end insert— (i) only where such compliance is reasonable within the resource base of the designated organisation or person. 2pm (ii) only where such compliance is not in contradiction to part At the moment, the district councils and the county of an existing formal agreement”. council are working closely together to ensure that best That is similar to the one that I described earlier. value for money is obtained. The idea that there might Then we come to amendment 23 to clause 6, which be joint overview and scrutiny committees is an imaginative states: one, which will further build upon the co-operation that “page 4, line 16, leave out from ‘England’ to end of line 17.” is already present to a large extent and growing all the That is a sensible way of restricting the ambit of clause 6, time between Dorset county council and the district which is the interpretation clause. It states: councils in its area. I hope that amendment 24 to clause 7, entitled “Consequential amendments”, will “‘designated authority or person’ has the meaning given by find favour with the Bill’s promoter or his representative section 1(4); today. ‘local authority’ means— (a) a county council in England, That brings us to the last group of amendments in the list, amendments 26 to 28 to clause 10. Their result (b) a district council in England, other than a council for a would be to leave out lines nine to 12, subsection (3), district in a county for which there is a county council’” . and insert the words in amendment 26. That is the text Under the amendment, the reference would be to all relating to the desirability of having affirmative resolutions, district councils, rather than just to those in a county. which we touched on earlier, the consequence of which is that we need to leave out lines 13 to 15 and lines 16 to Mr. Burns: Perhaps I should intervene on the Minister 18 of clause 10. later for an answer to this question. In the interpretation It is always an invidious task to speak to amendments clause, there is no mention of borough councils, only on behalf of somebody else, who has probably spent a district councils. There may be a logical reason for that, lot of time preparing them, and to get the right tenor of but as my hon. Friend knows, there is a subtle difference those amendments. I hope that I have done justice to between the two. the intent of my hon. Friend the Member for Putney and that when she sees the Official Report she will be Mr. Chope: It is true that there is no reference to not discontent with the way in which I have put her borough councils, except London borough councils. case. I look forward in due course to being able to Colloquially, people often talk about “the borough respond to this important debate. council”. For example, they talk about Christchurch borough council, but in strict parlance, Christchurch Mr. Nick Raynsford (Greenwich and Woolwich) (Lab): council is a district council, rather than a borough I should say at the outset that I am taking the Bill council. through its remaining Commons stages on behalf of my hon. Friend the Member for Bury, North (Mr. Chaytor), Mr. Burns: My hon. Friend is right, as usual. The and that is why I am speaking to this group of amendments. reason I asked is that in the area that I represent, the I should also repeat the declaration of a non-pecuniary council is called Chelmsford borough council, whereas interest that I made on Second Reading and in Committee: in the neighbouring two districts, the councils are Braintree I am chairman of the Centre for Public Scrutiny, a body district council and Brentwood district council. Perhaps that promotes good quality scrutiny by public authorities. the Minister can deal with that. This large group of amendments all deal with the Mr. Chope: Indeed. The more important issue that range and scope of the regime, and the extent to which the Minister needs to address is why a local authority is the powers may be exercised by local authorities. In defined in clause 6 as not including a district council Committee, I accepted the importance of amending which is clause 1 to safeguard against potential burdens that may arise on designated bodies, in particular, to ensure “a council for a district in a county for which there is a county that it does not have the unwanted effect of unduly council”. burdening small business and charities. Throughout, we It would be useful to find out why that wording is have been clear that this scrutiny regime must be included. Amendment 23 tries to tease that out of the proportionate. Minister in the course of the debate. Amendment 1 builds in such safeguards for small Amendment 24 to clause 7 states: business and voluntary or community interest organisations. “page 5, line 15, at end insert— It does so by requiring the Secretary of State to consider 573 Local Authorities (Overview and 12 MARCH 2010 Local Authorities (Overview and 574 Scrutiny) Bill Scrutiny) Bill [Mr. Nick Raynsford] designation every year would therefore have absolutely no purpose, and I hope that the hon. Gentleman will the potential effect on small business and voluntary and accept that the amendment is unnecessary. community interest organisations before making an However, I am sure that the Under-Secretary of State order designating bodies as subject to the regime. for Communities and Local Government, my hon. Friend The definitions in the amendment are generous. “Small the Member for Stevenage (Barbara Follett), will be business” is defined as able to reassure us that, as a matter of course, the “a business that employs fewer than 50 employees,” Government will keep under review the list of designated authorities or persons alongside that of the operation and it is consistent with the definition in section 382 of of the enhanced scrutiny regime itself. I think that the the Companies Act 2006. Similarly, a “voluntary or amendment’s objective was to ensure a periodic review community interest organisation” for these purposes of the scope of the regulations and the organisations means covered, and I am wholly sympathetic to that, so I hope “an organisation…whose activities are carried on otherwise than that my hon. Friend the Minister will be able to provide for profit, or for the benefit of the community on the basis that such reassurance. any profits are reinvested in the business of the organisation for the benefit of the community.” Amendments 14, 16, 20 and 26 to 28 seek to subject to the affirmative procedure all regulations made under That covers a wide range of third sector organisations, the Bill. The key issue in the operation of the regime is charities, voluntary and community groups and social the designation of the bodies that will be subject to it, enterprises alike. Taking those provisions together, the and that is what determines the scope of the new amendment would ensure that specific consideration powers. I recognise that that power can be said to have were given to those specific groups. The hon. Member special importance, and that is why, under the Bill, it is for Christchurch (Mr. Chope) seemed sympathetic to subject to the affirmative procedure. That approach was the amendment, and I trust that he will support it. adopted to provide hon. Members with appropriate, Amendments 8 and 9 would simply serve to limit the ample opportunity to scrutinise and debate any designation scope of the scrutiny regime, rendering it less effective prior to regulations being made. and less able to scrutinise matters of local concern. I am I do not, however, agree that the supporting regulations a little surprised that the hon. Gentleman has spoken to for the regime merit the same requirements. Those those amendments on behalf of the hon. Member for regulations will deal with some of the detail and technical Putney (Justine Greening), because they are very matters relating to the operation of the regime, but inconsistent with the position that the hon. Lady adopted there is no reason why they should be subject to a on Second Reading. procedure that, as all Members know, is reserved for the The hon. Gentleman was not at that debate and will most significant delegated powers, such as those creating not be aware of what the hon. Lady said, so I shall new criminal offences. Furthermore, regulations will be remind him. She appreciated the Bill’s intentions to give made following consultation, and in Committee the councils Minister undertook that such consultation will take place. So, there will be an opportunity for people outside “much greater powers to scrutinise local public services,” the House to have their say before regulations on those and she noted issues are drafted, and hon. Members will obviously be “a growing recognition that overview and scrutiny committees able to have their say as well. need to have powers over a wider range of external organisations The negative procedure provides hon. Members with as they become more involved in local public services”.—[Official the opportunity to secure a debate if they are so minded; Report, 5 February 2010; Vol. 505, c. 524.] I remind the House that Members have not sought such That view is supported by the Local Government an opportunity to debate similar supporting regulations, Association, which has noted that on proportionality and the operation of the scrutiny “much public spending…is in the hands of agencies with little or regime covering local area agreement partners, that no democratic accountability.” were introduced by the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007. It would seem inconsistent It is also to seek the affirmative resolution in respect of the “pleased that this Bill proposes to strengthen the powers of supporting regulations in the Bill. scrutiny available to councils”. Amendments 17 and 22 would undermine the Bill’s So, far from imposing unwanted obligations on councils, objectives; they would make it easy for any designated as the hon. Gentleman implied early in his speech, the body or person to argue that their resource base was Bill responds to councils’ aspiration for a more coherent insufficient to comply with the requirements of the framework in which to scrutinise local services. I find it scrutiny regime. Like the previous amendments, they curious therefore that he seeks to adopt a contrary are also inconsistent with the view taken by the hon. position to that which his hon. Friend took on Second Member for Putney on Second Reading. I quote her Reading just a few weeks ago. comments once again: Amendment 10 is otiose. It is simply unnecessary and “Overview and scrutiny committees perform an important would add nothing to the Bill. Amendment 6 is also function, reviewing policy and performance and holding local unnecessary. The hon. Gentleman admitted that he had public service providers to account. Currently, those committees not discussed it with the hon. Lady, but had he done so have the power to require information from a range of organisations including councils, NHS bodies, law and order bodies and partner and looked into it, he would have discovered that a authorities that are involved in local area agreements. The committees “designated authority or person” is simply an authority can also summon representatives of most of those bodies to or person designated by regulations made by the Secretary appear before them, and they can require such officials to respond of State. Requiring the Secretary of State to revisit that to reports and recommendations that have been issued to them. 575 Local Authorities (Overview and 12 MARCH 2010 Local Authorities (Overview and 576 Scrutiny) Bill Scrutiny) Bill However, that does not happen with all bodies—for example, would open up the scope for extra regulatory burdens partners that are involved in delivering local area agreement on business and voluntary organisations and will not objectives. Indeed, many other local bodies are not required to press the amendment. submit to the same level of scrutiny by local authorities, so their voluntary participation in scrutiny is not guaranteed.”—[Official I listened carefully to the hon. Gentleman’s comments, Report, 5 February 2010; Vol. 505, c. 524.] and I consider the amendments other than amendment The hon. Lady supported the Bill on Second Reading 1 to be unnecessary. I hope that he will now agree not to because it was creating a more coherent framework for press them, and to support my amendment 1, with scrutiny, and one without the holes that exist in the which he seemed to have a great deal of sympathy. current situation. Unfortunately, the amendment would create another very large hole because it would allow 2.15 pm any organisation—even the largest and most wealthy—to The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for claim that it simply did not have the resources to attend Communities and Local Government (Barbara Follett): I a scrutiny hearing. I hope that the hon. Member for will be as brief as possible. First, the Government Christchurch will give further thought to that. wholeheartedly support amendment 1, tabled by my Amendment 18 would add nothing to the current right hon. Friend the Member for Greenwich and Woolwich draft, which would see any description of persons in (Mr. Raynsford), which addresses concerns raised in regulations by reference to their role. Committee about the potential impact of the enhanced Given that existing scrutiny regimes provide for responses scrutiny regime on small businesses and voluntary or to scrutiny reports and recommendations within two community interest organisations. I urge hon. Members months, amendment 21 would complicate the scrutiny to support it as well. I am happy to give my right hon. landscape, leading to confusion in respect of not only Friend the commitment that he sought by confirming scrutiny committees, but bodies subject to scrutiny in all that the Government intend to keep under review the its forms. Under some powers they would be required to list of designated authorities or persons throughout the respond in three months, but under others they would continuing operation of the enhanced regime. have to respond within two. That does not seem at all I agree with my right hon. Friend that the other helpful. The two-month time frame for responses is amendments, tabled by the hon. Member for Putney already in place, under the Local Government Act 2000 (Justine Greening), are entirely unnecessary and would and the Local Authorities (Overview and Scrutiny in fact hamper the effective operation of the enhanced Committees) (England) Regulations 2009. scrutiny regime. On amendments 14, 16, 20 and 26 to 28, I gave a commitment in Committee that the Government Contrary to the concerns expressed in Committee would consult widely before making any regulations about proportionality and the potential burden of the under the provisions of the Bill. I repeat that commitment scrutiny regime, amendment 23—and I suspect that the today, and I hope that that will satisfy the concerns. hon. Member for Christchurch is not aware of this—would increase potential burdens on other bodies. The hon. On the hon. Lady’s amendments 23 and 24, we have Gentleman was having a little difficulty at that particular yet to make regulations to allow for the establishment point in his speech, and I suspect that he had not of joint overview and scrutiny committees involving a grasped that amendment 23 would allow a series of county council and one or more district councils. As my different district councils in county areas to have right hon. Friend the Member for Greenwich and Woolwich simultaneous scrutiny of the same organisation. Clearly, said, in this case that includes borough councils. The that would impose an unreasonable burden. power to make such regulations was originally included in the Local Government and Public Involvement in The purpose of the provisions in the Bill is to ensure Health Act 2007, and following consultation we that there is a proportionality and that within county strengthened it in the Local Democracy, Economic areas where there are district councils as well as the Development and Construction Act 2009. We recognise county council, there should be a joint approach rather the importance of those regulations and see them as a than separate scrutiny powers being available to all the high priority for the next Parliament, so that we can separate bodies. ensure that district and borough councils have a full role in the enhanced scrutiny regime being established Mr. Burns: Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will be in the Bill. able to answer my question; I genuinely do not know In closing, I echo my right hon. Friend’s comments the answer. In such circumstances, what would happen by saying that I hope the Opposition amendments will in a county where there was a borough council rather be withdrawn. They are entirely unnecessary and in fact than a district council? detrimental to the local government scrutiny regime that the Bill establishes.

Mr. Raynsford: The hon. Gentleman raised that issue Mr. Chope: It is a pleasure to wind up the debate. I in an intervention on the hon. Member for Christchurch. thank the right hon. Member for Greenwich and Woolwich I am happy to give the reassurance that I think they (Mr. Raynsford) for having resorted to what is rather an were working their way towards during their exchange. old-fashioned practice in the House of actually responding The formal designation relates to a district council and to the points put forward in the debate. The Government, therefore the concept of a borough council has no whom he supports, are a less powerful body as a result impact at all. of his not being a member. Although I do not agree The purpose of the provisions is to avoid unreasonable with the Government, he knows this subject and a lot of regulatory burdens that would result from different others well, and he has always treated us with respect bodies scrutinising separately. I hope that the hon. and listened to the arguments that are put, over however Member for Christchurch will recognise that his amendment short a period they have been developed. Unfortunately 577 Local Authorities (Overview and 12 MARCH 2010 Local Authorities (Overview and 578 Scrutiny) Bill Scrutiny) Bill [Mr. Chope] Clause 8

I have not had a hotline to my hon. Friend the Member MEMBERSHIP OF OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEES for Putney (Justine Greening) to be able to take her further instructions on his points. Mr. Chope: I beg to move amendment 25, page 5, I am not sure that I go along with the right hon. line 18, leave out Clause 8. Gentleman’s argument about the case against the affirmative resolution procedure. The mere fact that the negative procedure has not been utilised does not, I submit, Madam Deputy Speaker: With this we may consider mean that it is not appropriate to have the safeguard of amendment 2, page 5, leave out lines 26 to 30 and the affirmative procedure. insert— I take the right hon. Gentleman’s point about the ‘(a) allow an overview and scrutiny committee of a local complexity of having a whole series of district councils authority (or a sub-committee of such a committee) scrutinising one body, but there are situations such as to co-opt members of the authority’s executive as that in Dorset, where each individual district council non-voting members of the committee (or sub- has a different take on the performance of the fire and committee) for the purpose of considering a particular matter that does not involve it exercising rescue service as it operates in its own area. Last night, functions in relation to the executive; and’. my hon. Friend the Member for Windsor (Adam Afriyie) introduced an interesting debate on sustainable communities and the operation of the fire service in Windsor. I am Mr. Chope: Amendment 2 was tabled by the right not sure that the complexity of the situation would be hon. Member for Greenwich and Woolwich resolved if the House failed to accept the amendment (Mr. Raynsford). Although it is an improvement on the tabled by my hon. Friend the Member for Putney. existing wording of clause 8, the solution to the problem Ultimately, one would hope that if the district and is better resolved by the proposal of my hon. Friend the county co-operate, with a combined scrutiny committee, Member for Putney (Justine Greening) to remove clause 8 they can decide for themselves which issues to raise. The in its entirety. fire authority could be brought before the scrutiny The clause deals with the membership of overview committee if Christchurch borough council were concerned and scrutiny committees, and it seeks to amend section 21 about its activities. It would not be easy for the council of the Local Government Act 2000 by adding a regulation- to rely solely on a scrutiny committee comprised of making power that would enable the Secretary of State members of other district councils and the county to make regulations to council. “allow an overview and scrutiny committee of a local authority, That, however, is a debate that we can hold at much or a sub-committee of such a committee, to include members of greater length on another occasion. The answer is to the authority’s executive when the committee (or, as the case may reduce the overlap between these different bodies, and I be, sub-committee) is not exercising functions in relation to the executive; and…make such provision as appears to the Secretary would certainly like to see directly elected police authorities, of State about any conflict of interest arising.” which would be a much better arrangement. I would also like to see—this is my personal view—directly The key to the problem is in the final phrase, elected and accountable fire authorities. That is probably “any conflict of interest arising.” a better way forward than introducing a complex system Either we effectively go for separation of powers and of joint scrutiny. The amendment tabled by my hon. have an overview and scrutiny committee for a local Friend the Member for Putney accepts in a sense that authority executive, or we have the old-fashioned system, that is the situation—we do not have directly elected fire which I prefer, of committees, so that all members of authorities, police authorities, and a whole lot of other the local authority have the same status in holding one quangos involved in local government, which is why the another to account—obviously, some will run the council solution is complex. or be the leader or chairman of a committee. I look forward to a further discussion with my hon. Friend on the subject. It would be churlish, as I, like the I am not sure that the overview and scrutiny process Minister, support amendment 1, not to seek leave to is the right solution, but I would not wish to be prescriptive. withdraw amendment 8, and urge the House to accept Rather, I would like less prescription, and to allow more amendment 1. local authorities to revert to the old committee structure if that is what they want to do. However, if we are going Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. to have overview and scrutiny committees, it would be Amendment made: 1, page 2, line 3, at end insert— wrong to allow the executive to take places on them, ‘( ) Before making any regulations under this section the certainly if they had voting powers, as envisaged in Secretary of State must consider their potential effect on small clause 8. businesses and voluntary or community interest organisations. For this purpose— Mr. Raynsford: It might help the hon. Gentleman if I “small business” means a business that employs fewer than tell him that that is exactly the effect that amendment 2 50 employees; would have—to prevent the executive members having a “voluntary or community interest organisation” means an place by right on the committees. It would allow executive organisation (other than a local authority or other public body) whose activities are carried on— members to be invited in a co-opted role to the scrutiny (a) otherwise than for profit, or committee when the committee believes that their expertise (b) for the benefit of the community on the basis that might be useful in relation to some outside matter, but any profits are reinvested in the business of the not in relation to scrutiny of the authority or its executive. organisation or applied for the benefit of the I hope the hon. Gentleman agrees that amendment 2 community.’.—(Mr. Raynsford.) would achieve the objective he wants. 579 12 MARCH 2010 Business without Debate 580

Mr. Chope: As always, the right hon. Gentleman is Ms Sally Keeble (Northampton, North) (Lab): Who very persuasive, and I can see the advantages of objected? amendment 2 over the clause as it stands. However, my preference—not just out of loyalty—is for the solution Madam Deputy Speaker: It is certainly not for me to proposed by my hon. Friend the Member for Putney, identify who objected. which is to stop yet another regulation-making power being given to the Secretary of State. He should keep Ms Keeble: On a point of order, Madam Deputy his nose out of such things and leave the arrangements Speaker. The hon. Member who objected may have for overview and scrutiny committees as they are, under been the Member who chaired the Committee, who is the terms of section 21 of the Local Government Act actually responsible for reporting the Bill to the House. 2000. That system seems to have been working. I have This Bill has all-party agreement and considerable never heard a member of an overview and scrutiny concessions were made in Committee. If the objection committee saying, “Ah, but life would be much better if came from the person who chaired the Committee, I we’d been able to get the advice of a member of the believe that that would be out of order. executive.” The answer to the right hon. Gentleman’s point is that an overview and scrutiny committee would Madam Deputy Speaker: No. I am afraid the hon. only rarely decide that it is necessary to seek advice Member is misguided in assuming that. from a member of the authority’s executive. Bill to be further considered on Thursday 18 March. This is therefore an academic argument. My view and those of the right hon. Gentleman and my hon. Friend NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE PUBLIC the Member for Putney are close. We are basically INTEREST DISCLOSURE SUPPORT BILL saying that we think clause 8 is a load of nonsense. If Motion made, That the Bill be now read a Second one is being generous, as the right hon. Gentleman is, time. one says, “Well, let’s amend it and completely negate it, but not directly.” The approach of my hon. Friend the Hon. Members: Object. Member for Putney and I is more direct: we say, “It ain’t Bill to be read a Second time on Friday 23 April. worth including in the Bill, so we want to remove it.”

Mr. Raynsford: I hope the House will not accept the ILLEGALLY LOGGED TIMBER (PROHIBITION amendment. OF SALE) BILL Amendment 25 negatived. Motion made, That the Bill be now read a Second time. Clause 8 Hon. Members: Object. Bill to be read a Second time on Friday 23 April. MEMBERSHIP OF OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEES Amendment made: 2, page 5, leave out lines 26 to 30 and insert— SCHOOL ADMISSIONS BILL ‘(a) allow an overview and scrutiny committee of a local Motion made, That the Bill be now read a Second authority (or a sub-committee of such a committee) time. to co-opt members of the authority’s executive as non-voting members of the committee (or sub-committee) Hon. Members: Object. for the purpose of considering a particular matter Bill to be read a Second time on Friday 26 March. that does not involve it exercising functions in relation to the executive; and’.—(Mr. Raynsford.) Third Reading YOUNG PEOPLE LEAVING CARE Motion made, That the Bill be now read the Third (ACCOMMODATION) BILL time. Motion made, That the Bill be now read a Second Hon. Members: Object. time. Bill to be read the Third time tomorrow. Hon. Members: Object. Business without Debate Bill to be read a Second time on Friday 23 April.

SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES ACT 2007 CLIMATE CHANGE (SECTORAL TARGETS) (AMENDMENT) BILL BILL Motion made, That the Bill be now read a Second Madam Deputy Speaker: In accordance with the decision time. of my predecessors, I regard amendments which do not bear the name of the Member in charge as constituting Hon. Members: Object. notice of opposition to the Bill. Bill to be read a Second time on Friday 23 April. Bill to be further considered on Friday 23 April.

DEBT RELIEF (DEVELOPING COUNTRIES) LIVE MUSIC BILL [LORDS] BILL Motion made, That the Bill be now read a Second Consideration of Bill, as amended in the Public Bill time. Committee Hon. Members: Object. Hon. Members: Object. Bill to be read a Second time on Friday 26 March. 581 12 MARCH 2010 582

CONTAMINATED BLOOD (SUPPORT FOR Dangerous Dogs Act INFECTED AND BEREAVED PERSONS) BILL Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House [LORDS] do now adjourn.—(Mr. Spellar.) Motion made, That the Bill be now read a Second time. 2.35 pm

Hon. Members: Object. Lynda Waltho (Stourbridge) (Lab): I open this debate by thanking the Minister and his colleagues in the Bill to be read a Second time on Friday 26 March. Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Home Office. It would appear that not only are REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY (CLOSURE OF they highly competent and hard-working Ministers, but SHOPS) BILL they have a crystal ball, because the majority of what I intended to call for in this debate was highlighted Motion made, That the Bill be now read a Second recently in the Home Secretary’s announcement on time. Tuesday of the consultation to take place on toughening up existing laws to protect the public from dangerous Hon. Members: Object. dogs. Or perhaps Stourbridge just has a psychic MP! Bill to be read a Second time on Friday 23 April. I will begin by explaining how a reign of terror by two dogs, of the presa canario breed, in Stourbridge, and the increase in the west midlands of dogfighting and breeding for fighting, prompted me to call for this debate. Wollescote is one of the most ancient parts of my constituency, and one of the nicest places in which to walk and play is the green space by Rufford primary school. Presa canario dogs are Canary island fighting dogs and a relatively new breed to this country. Two such dogs have been allowed by their owner to run free on this field for some time, and have attacked other dogs and chased and frightened young children and parents on their way to and from school. On each occasion it has been reported, and the police have attended, but of course the incident is usually long finished. I am sure the Minister can imagine that such dogs do not sit well with pensioners out for a stroll, responsible dog walkers and primary school children. The presa canario is classed as a dangerous dog in the USA, and quite recently two of these dogs killed a trainer in Los Angeles. Further details of the breed are available on the internet—it makes quite alarming reading. Although I know most people would agree that, as a rule, there are few dangerous dogs but many irresponsible owners, in this case I would like the Minister to investigate this breed and consider it for inclusion on the dangerous breeds list. There have been several local meetings on this issue, because obviously my constituents are concerned by what is effectively antisocial behaviour of the worst kind. As a result of those meetings, local people have come up with a set of clearly defined requests. First, they are asking for clearer Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs guidance on prohibited dogs because there appears to be a great deal of confusion over cross breeds, in particular, as well as the protracted detention of such dogs while awaiting assessment. They would like stricter licensing of new breeds, and are asking how anyone could have gained a licence for a presa canario given that it is known to be a fighting breed. Local people would also like irresponsible owners who allow their dogs to intimidate or harm others to be held responsible for veterinary or medical bills resulting from an attack. They are asking also for stricter legislation to enable the police to seize and detain any dog that attacks. Local people also asked for stricter law enforcement when a dog owner disregards police advice, and for a review of dog control orders 583 Dangerous Dogs Act12 MARCH 2010 Dangerous Dogs Act 584 and local council responsibility for their implementation attending. I have long felt that we surely owe a duty of in public areas, because the question of who is responsible care to such workers. We must protect them from fear for which area has made the problem quite difficult to or injury when they attend family homes in the course sort out in Wollescote. of their duties. Whether such terrorising is due to the breeding of the Along with many dog welfare institutions, I welcome dog or the irresponsibility of the owner goes right to the the news that dogs should be microchipped and that heart of the issues that Ministers need to consult on. I insurance is to be considered. I would, however, like to have spoken to many of my constituents about the flag up an area of concern. We must consider the cost of proposals to tighten the law and to local police officers such items for pensioners and those on fixed incomes. who deal with dangerous dogs, and I can tell the Minister We must also think about how we would enforce such that they are very keen to support the proposals. measures, especially among those whom we consider to The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to be irresponsible owners, who might be less likely to have Animals saw a twelvefold increase in complaints about insurance. dogfights between 2004 and 2008, and there are significant I was also pleased to hear that the Home Office is increases in the west midlands in particular. Dogfighting— increasing funding to the Association of Chief Police both caged fights and rolling fights, usually organised Officers to help the police to train dog legislation officers, quickly in parks and open spaces—is becoming extremely matching the funding from DEFRA last year. Alongside well organised and is seen as a great money spinner. The all this, it is essential that well-funded and targeted main focus is usually on pit bull-type dogs. They are education programmes are encouraged, to assist in bred to reach an extreme state of attack arousal much persuading dog owners to be more responsible for the more quickly than other dogs and to maintain it for care and control of their pets. I hope that the Government longer. That, coupled with their strong physical stature, will take on board the wishes of my constituents during makes pit bull-type dogs the dog of choice in such the consultation, so that the law relating to dogs can situations. They also attract a certain element of society function better, and that the dogs, their owners and the who sees a status value in owning such a dog or regards wider public can cease living in fear or with cruelty. them as so-called weapon dogs. Dangerous dogs are widely used by gangs and criminals 2.45 pm to intimidate and cause injury, and possession is associated with worrying elements of antisocial behaviour and The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for gang culture. Sadly, the dogs are often victims too, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Huw Irranca-Davies): suffering from cruelty, neglect or conditioning to encourage I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Stourbridge further aggressive behaviour. The RSPCA reports a (Lynda Waltho) on securing this very well-timed debate. recent explosion in the numbers of such dogs, particularly She is not only psychic but assiduous in her work on with indiscriminate breeding across cities. Exhausted behalf of her constituents, and not least on this issue, bitches are regularly brought to animal hospitals, having which has caused widespread concern throughout the been used as breeding machines, which has also led to a United Kingdom. The debate provides an opportunity flooded market. The puppies that once earned their to discuss dangerous dogs legislation. I present my owners £200 to 250 now fetch only around £100, so apologies to the House for the absence of my colleague many are now abandoned, which is an additional problem. Minister, the Minister of State, Department for Part of the problem is that dogfighting is still legal in Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my hon. Friend many parts of the world. It is important that people the Member for Poplar and Canning Town (Jim realise that dogfighting is most definitely unacceptable Fitzpatrick). I give him credit for bringing forward the and against the law in this country; indeed, along with timely consultation on this issue, and he would have many of my colleagues, I regard it as cruel as fox loved to be here today, but I will happily try to fill his hunting. shoes. I would like to commend the west midlands dangerous The debate is well timed because, as my hon. Friend dogs unit and the work that it does, particularly in the Member for Stourbridge mentioned, only this week identifying, investigating and seizing such dogs, and in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs bringing their owners to justice. I spent time with members and the Home Office launched a wide-ranging public of the unit when I participated in the police parliamentary consultation on dangerous dogs legislation. Let me scheme two years ago. I am filled with admiration for explain why we have done that now. We are responding their dedication to duty and their skilled handling of to the genuine and widespread public concern about the complex and dangerous situations. problem of dangerous dogs, and to the question of Let me turn quickly to the consultation. I am pleased whether the law in this area is adequate. The Royal to see that the Government want to update the Dangerous Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has Dogs Act 1991, to ensure that it works better and reported a twelvefold increase in complaints about enables the police, local authorities and the RSPCA to dogfighting between 2004 and 2008 in London alone, take swift action to protect the public and other animals, and 719 dangerous dogs were seized by the police and to stop abuse. It is particularly helpful that the between April 2008 and April 2009. That recent increase Government want to extend legislation to cover private in the numbers of attacks and prosecutions show that property, so that postal workers, engineers, health visitors we should consider the matter urgently. and so on can be protected and allowed to do their job Members of Parliament will shortly be using the in safety. I have spoken to a midwife and a social worker services of postal workers. The postmen and women this week who described how frightened they feel when will go about the country, delivering our leaflets that visiting a home where such dogs are allowed inside or will seek to persuade people to get out and vote, one even allowed close to the babies or children they are way or the other. The Communication Workers Union 585 Dangerous Dogs Act12 MARCH 2010 Dangerous Dogs Act 586

[Huw Irranca-Davies] It would be unfair and invidious of me to single out particular welfare organisations that are in the vanguard has campaigned assiduously for the law to be amended, of encouraging responsible dog ownership, but I must the better to prevent attacks on postal workers. I have take the opportunity to pay particular thanks to the certainly come close to some full-frontal confrontations Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, with a variety of dogs in my time, as I am sure have the Dogs Trust, the Mayhew Trust, the People’s Dispensary other hon. Members. We try to do our best, but postal for Sick Animals and the Blue Cross for the fantastic workers have to do that every day, so we must take their work they do to encourage people to give their dogs the views into account. care that they deserve. The Government share the concerns about dangerous We have heard from my hon. Friend about the Presa dogs, including dogs that are being used to threaten and Canario breed. I can reassure her that the Government intimidate people, as well as those that present a risk go into the consultation with an open mind on possible because they are just not being controlled properly. legislative changes. We have advanced for consultation That is totally unacceptable, and in the consultation we a number of different ideas on changes. I would be are asking those who enforce the law as well as animal interested to hear more of my hon. Friend’s views and I welfare organisations, the general public and Members am sure that both DEFRA and the Home Office of Parliament for their views on what needs to be done. would welcome from her a further detailed response to We are asking about a range of measures aimed at the consultation, representing the views of her constituents, dealing with the problem. which she does so well. The consultation opened on The press has, perhaps understandably, tended to 9 March 2010 and will close on 31 May, so there is major on dog control notices and third party insurance. plenty of time for my hon. Friend to contribute her I would therefore like to say a quick word about views. She will consult her constituents further and microchipping. This is already done by responsible dog I know that she will seek out a wide range of views owners, and it can be done quite cheaply. I know that to present. many police officers and local authorities feel that if it I am aware of campaigns to add more dogs to the list were to become mandatory, they would be better equipped of types banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. to trace and deal with irresponsible owners. The consultation will help me and my ministerial colleagues better to assess the case for adding more types and I was a little surprised by comments made over the breeds to the banned list. However, we will also need to last few days by the Opposition Front-Bench team consider whether imposing bans is the best solution. stating that the Government have been slow to pick up Some hon. Members have made the point that the on a problem that has been around for years. On the emphasis in new legislation should be on the deed—that contrary; the Government have responded very quickly is, the risk presented by any type or breed of dog—rather to what I have just described as a problem that in the than the breed itself. That is one of the issues covered by scale of its escalation is very new. the consultation. Five years ago, the Metropolitan police seized just The consultation is only the most recent evidence of 42 dogs under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. In 2009-10, the seriousness with which the Government take this the figure is likely to exceed 1,100. There are similarly issue. We have already taken a number of other steps depressing figures on the kennelling costs incurred by that we believe will make an impact. My hon. Friend the Metropolitan police, showing that the problem is has already spoken about the sterling work of the West not just the capture and identification of these dogs, but Midlands police force. I suspect that some of her insights the fact that they have to be kennelled. Somebody has have not only been gained from constituents who have to pay for that; it is the taxpayer, through the police. In been confronted by some of these dangerous dogs—and, 2008-09, £1.35 million was spent on the kennelling of occasionally, their owners—but have arisen from her seized dogs; this year, the figure has risen to £2.65 million, service on the parliamentary police scheme. and it has been necessary to allocate £2.85 million for I fully endorse my hon. Friend’s comments about the the next financial year. Those figures show a rapidly West Midlands police. They are among the leading and recently deteriorating system, which is why the forces in tackling the problem of dangerous dogs. They Government are determined to act now. work closely with the RSPCA in tackling the scourge of Changing the law is only one aspect of solving the organised dogfighting. Who, in this century, could smile problem. My hon. Friend the Member for Stourbridge on that sort of activity? It is sheer madness. The police remarked on that herself. Much more important are also deal with more general issues relating to antisocial changing attitudes and fostering responsible dog ownership. behaviour involving dogs, and have developed effective We should not forget, however, that despite all the policies and procedures to tackle problems caused by tabloid headlines, there are a lot of responsible dog dangerous dogs. owners out there in the country. In this context, I am My hon. Friend mentioned the difficulties that police particularly heartened by the fact that a growing number officers can experience in identifying banned breeds. of community-based projects during the last few years Last year the Association of Chief Police Officers have been aimed at encouraging responsible dog ownership. introduced a programme of training for officers who They involve the police, local authorities, community are responsible for dealing with dogs, and I am pleased groups and animal welfare organisations going out into to say that it covers recognition of pit bull types. I am particular areas where there are problems in order to also pleased to say that—as my hon. Friend rightly encourage responsible dog ownership. What do they acknowledged—DEFRA and the Home Office are do? These initiatives involve talking to people to encourage contributing to the cost of the training. a responsible attitude to dog ownership and they offer DEFRA’s policy has been to improve the way in practical help, including with regard to microchipping which current legislation is enforced nationwide. We do and neutering. not simply produce legislation and hope that the problem 587 Dangerous Dogs Act12 MARCH 2010 Dangerous Dogs Act 588 has been solved; we know that we must continue to of dangerous dog cases. The guidance has just been learn. In 2008, we produced a clear and easy-to-read published, and we hope that it will help courts to leaflet intended to better inform the public about current improve the processing of cases involving dogs. law on dangerous dogs. In 2009 we issued widely welcomed We are working across Government to tackle this guidance on the law, aimed at those who enforce the issue, because it straddles several areas. The Home legislation. The guidance, written in association with Office has recently sponsored the passage of the Policing the police and the RSPCA as well as some local authorities, and Crime Act 2009, which includes a new prohibition sets out the current law on dangerous dogs, and advises in the gang-related violence provisions to prevent gang enforcers on how the law can be used effectively to members from being in charge of an animal in a public tackle the problem of irresponsible dog ownership. place if it has been proved that they have engaged in, or The guidance recommends that each force should encouraged or assisted, gang-related violence. have, or have access to, a designated dog legislation I think it is a very good thing that there is to be officer who knows the law and how it can be used to wide-ranging consultation. The debate is timely: it will best effect. Last year, DEFRA provided £20,000 to help make not only my hon. Friend’s constituents but the fund training courses for new DLOs. The West Midlands wider public aware that they need to submit their views police force has played a central role in the provision of to the consultation. The problem of dangerous dogs has DLO training and the Home Office has just announced been escalating, which is why we need to consider how another one-off grant of £20,000 to fund further training. we can reform the legislation and the way in which we But that is not all. In 2009, DEFRA commissioned deal with it. new research on dog aggression against humans. The I hope I have reassured the House that the Government project will last for 15 months, and will entail an analytical recognise the seriousness of the problem and that they study of the risk factors associated with past aggressive continue to take it seriously, to monitor it and, in line dog behaviour towards people. At the end of last year, with the consultation, to consider useful suggestions of DEFRA published a code of practice for the welfare of ways in which we can manage the situation better. dogs. It provides advice on owning a dog and responsible Question put and agreed to. dog ownership, and will come into force on 6 April. DEFRA has also worked with the Ministry of Justice, Her Majesty’s Courts Service, the police and the RSPCA 2.59 pm to produce new guidance for the courts on the handling House adjourned.

33WS Written Ministerial Statements12 MARCH 2010 Written Ministerial Statements 34WS

This statutory instrument also makes changes to the Written Ministerial Building Regulations Competent Persons Schemes and minor technical amendments to part G of the Building Statements Regulations. The part G and Competent Person Scheme amendments will take effect on 6 April 2010 and Approved Document G will be published later today and copies Friday 12 March 2010 placed in the Library of the House.

DEFENCE COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT Chemical Weapons Convention Zero Carbon and Healthier Buildings The Minister for the Armed Forces (Bill Rammell): The UK’s chemical protection programme is designed The Minister for Housing (John Healey): I have today to protect against the use of chemical weapons. Such a laid before the House regulations that make amendments programme is permitted by the chemical weapons to parts L, F and J of the Building Regulations convention, with which the United Kingdom is fully (conservation of fuel and power, means of ventilation compliant. Under the terms of the convention, we and combustion appliances and fuel storage systems are required to provide information annually to respectively). These amendments are scheduled to come the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical into force on 1 October 2010 thereby allowing industry Weapons (OPCW). In accordance with the Government’s six months to prepare. commitment to openness, I am placing in the Library of These amendments follow last year’s formal consultations the House a copy of the summary that has been provided on our proposals and statutory consultation with the to the organisation outlining the UK’s chemical protection Building Regulations Advisory Committee. programme in 2009. Part L of the Building Regulations set building standards that are important in delivering our zero carbon policies INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT and will help to further reduce national energy demand, to meet our emission reduction targets in line with the Nutrition Strategy Climate Change Act and to lower people’s fuel bills. We want energy efficient buildings, but we also want them The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for to be healthy places to live and work in, which is why we International Development (Mr. Michael Foster): Ihave are changing parts F and J of the Building Regulations today placed in the Library of the House the Department at the same time. for International Development’s new strategy, entitled The part L changes I am confirming today, maintain “The Neglected Crisis of Undernutrition: DFID’s Strategy”. the momentum towards zero carbon, delivering a 25 per An electronic version of the strategy is also available on cent. improvement relative to current standards for the DFID website at: www.dfid.gov.uk/nutritionstrategy every new home and 25 per cent. improvement overall “The Neglected Crisis of Undernutrition: DFID’s for new non-domestic buildings. These part L changes Strategy”sets out DFID’s strategy to tackle undernutrition. also set out improved standards of energy efficiency It presents a brief overview of the situation and its when people elect to carry out work on existing homes implications for DFID’s role and priorities in nutrition and other properties such as replacing their windows or over the coming years. boilers with more efficient ones. The changes to ventilation provisions in part F are NORTHERN IRELAND necessary to maintain good indoor air quality in new homes that will tend to become more airtight because of Robert Hamill Inquiry the strengthened part L standards. The part F changes also introduce new requirements and guidance for installation and commissioning of ventilation systems. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mr. Shaun Similarly, changes to part J are required to ensure that Woodward): I have today laid before the House an combustion appliances can continue to function safely interim report of the Robert Hamill Inquiry. in more airtight homes. In addition, the part J changes also remove technical disincentives to the wider use of WORK AND PENSIONS biomass heating systems and introduce a provision for carbon monoxide alarms to be installed with all solid Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer fuel appliances. Affairs Council The impact assessments supporting these amendments will be published on 16 March. We are making these The Minister for Pensions and the Ageing Society changes based on sound evidence and where we have (Angela Eagle): The Employment, Social Policy, Health judged them to be necessary in order to minimise disruption and Consumer Affairs Council was held on 8 March and additional regulatory burden. 2010 in Brussels. I represented the United Kingdom. Revisions to the relevant supporting technical guidance The main item on the agenda was a policy debate (Approved Documents and Compliance Guides) will be about the Commission Communication on EU2020 made available later this month, together with a summary strategy. Member states agreed that EPSCO has an of responses of the recent consultations on parts L, F important role to play in defining the strategy, and and J. welcomed the greater emphasis on youth employment, 35WS Written Ministerial Statements12 MARCH 2010 Written Ministerial Statements 36WS equality and green jobs. They also supported the an oral presentation on their 2010 work programmes, employment rate goal but are cautious about the and the Council noted reports from the presidency of Commission’s proposed poverty reduction target. For conferences it had hosted. the UK, I intervened to advocate the link between At the Ministers’ lunch, there was a discussion on economic and social goals but cautioned against simplistic, youth employment. The Commission expressed concern overarching quantitative targets alone and stressed that at the impact of the recession, which had had a particularly targets should be meaningful and driven from the serious effect on youth employment. Member states national level. agreed unanimously that this issue must take priority Council conclusions on the eradication of violence and many highlighted measures they were already taking against women were adopted, after which the presidency in response to the problem. This included incentives for opened a policy debate on the topic. Many delegations businesses to recruit young people, vocational training supported further EU work in this area while others and work experience opportunities. noted that any actions should be carefully considered and analysed first. For the UK, I intervened to stress the importance of combating negative stereotypes that Contracting-out for Defined Contribution Pension perpetuate the problem of violence against women. I Schemes also outlined recent action the UK had taken in this area, including the Domestic Violence Crime and Victims Act, the 2009 strategy to end violence against women The Minister for Pensions and the Ageing Society and girls, the creation of special courts, and further (Angela Eagle): I wish to announce to the House that I investment for the national helpline for victims of domestic intend for contracting-out for defined contribution pension violence. schemes to be abolished from 6 April 2012. A delegation of Ministers for Research presented conclusions on European researchers’ mobility and careers The Pensions Commission recommended abolition adopted by the Competitiveness Council on 2 March of contracting-out on a defined contribution (personal 2010. EPSCO Ministers expressed concern that the or occupational) basis, as part of a programme of EU did not attract sufficient numbers of researchers pension reforms. and risked losing talent. The Commission will consider Abolition is a simplification measure: contracting-out this issue and present concrete proposals offering for defined contribution schemes is a complex issue and pragmatic solutions. it has become increasingly difficult to determine that a The Council reached political agreement, without scheme member would be better off by contracting-out debate, on a Proposal for a Council Directive to implement of the additional state pension. a social partners’ framework agreement aimed at protecting Section 15 of the Pensions Act 2007 provides for the hospital and healthcare workers at risk of injury and abolition of contracting-out from defined contribution infection from medical “sharps” (including needlesticks, pension schemes and, during its passage through scalpels and suture equipment). Parliament, our stated objective was to abolish to this The Council adopted the Joint Employment Report time scale. 2009-10, and also the Joint Report on Social Protection It is important to give pension schemes due notice and Social Inclusion 2010. There were presentations and the pensions industry will welcome this certainty from the Commission on the latest report on equality over the abolition date. between women and men and also information from the My officials will continue to work to implement the presidency on preparation of the Tripartite Social Summit changes in line with the above announcement in liaison due to take place before the spring European Council. with HM Revenue and Customs, the pensions industry Under any other business, the Chairs of the Employment and relevant public bodies such as the Financial Services Committee and the Social Protection Committee gave Authority and the Pensions Advisory Service. 479W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 480W

No decisions have yet been made on the number of Written Answers to ships to be constructed; this will be decided at the main investment decision point for each variant. Questions Land Mines: Detectors

Friday 12 March 2010 Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many of his Department’s hand-held mine detectors were (a) in service and (b) fit for purpose in each of the last nine years; [321365] DEFENCE (2) how many (a) Vallon VMH3CS and (b) Ebinger EBEX-420PB mine detectors are (i) in service and (ii) Armed Forces: Housing fit for purpose. [321366]

Willie Rennie: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Mr. Quentin Davies: The metal detectors currently in how many service family accommodation properties in service are Vallon, Hoodlum and Horn. There are sufficient England and Wales were identified as awaiting disposal metal detectors to meet our current operational or demolition in each year since 2004; and how much requirements. As at 5 March 2010, there were 3,071 rent was paid to Annington Homes for those properties Vallon hand-held metal detectors in service. The number in each of those years. [322038] of equipments available for use will vary daily and will depend principally on how many are in the repair loop Mr. Kevan Jones: It will take more time to collate and at the time. As at 5 March 2010, an estimated 2,440 verify the information requested. I will write to the hon. Vallon were available for use. The EBEX-420PB metal Member. detector has been withdrawn from service. The number of hand-held metal detectors in service Willie Rennie: To ask the Secretary of State for and available for use in previous years is not held Defence how many thefts from unoccupied houses centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate owned by his Department have been reported in each cost. of the last 12 months. [322040] Military Aircraft: Helicopters Mr. Kevan Jones: A complete record of thefts from unoccupied houses, is not available because these are Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for held by a number of Home Office police forces. Defence when (a) he expects the last of the nine MRA4 aircraft on order to be delivered and (b) where Electronic Warfare these helicopters will be based. [321336]

Mr. Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Mr. Quentin Davies: Delivery of the nine Nimrod what research his Department has conducted on the MRA4 aircraft is expected to be complete by the end of 2012. I assume that the second part of your question likely magnitude of an electromagnetic pulse weapon ″ ″ attack upon the UK and the consequences of such an relates to the MRA4 and that helicopters is a misprint. On current planning RAF Kinloss will be the main attack. [319897] operating base for the MRA4 aircraft. Bill Rammell: The Ministry of Defence has undertaken Warships: Decommissioning electromagnetic pulse research in a number of areas. This information is being withheld for the purpose of Willie Rennie: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence safeguarding national security. which (a) RoyalNavyand(b) Royal Fleet Auxiliary I also refer the hon. Member to the answer given to vessels have been sold to other countries since 1997; and him by my hon. Friend the Minister of State for the what revenue accrued to his Department from each Home Department (Mr. Hanson) on 3 March 2010, such sale. [322037] Official Report, column 1282W. Mr. Quentin Davies [holding answer 12 March 2010]: Future Surface Combatant Since 1997, 29 ex-Royal Navy and ex-Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels have been sold to other countries. In detail these Dr. Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for vessels are: Defence how many variants of the Future Surface Combatant will be designed; and how many ships in Gross each such variant he expects to be constructed. [321414] Ship Date Country revenue (£) HMS Plover January 1997 Philippines 7,500,000 Mr. Quentin Davies [holding answer 11 March 2010]: HMS Peacock The Future Surface Combatant programme is expected to consist of two variants. The C1, an Anti Submarine HMS Starling Warfare task group enabled platform and the C2 variant, Total financial 7,500,000 a more general purpose platform. There is a separate year 1997-98 Mine Countermeasures, Hydrographic and Patrol Capability programme, which was previously referred HMS Unseen January 1998 Canada 227,400,000 to as C3. HMS Unicorn 481W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 482W

Gross Gross Ship Date Country revenue (£) Ship Date Country revenue (£)

HMS Ursula Total gross 580,135,000 HMS Upholder revenue (1997 to 2009) Total financial 227,400,000 Note: year 1998-99 Revenue is shown as gross. Prior to 2001 no information is available regarding net revenue. Since 2001 total net revenue from sales was HMS Bicester July 2000 Greece 10,000,000 £62,645,000. HMS Berkeley February Warships: Procurement 2001 Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for HMS Orkney December Trinidad and 1,500,000 Defence when he expects the first ships to be procured 2000 Tobago under the Future Surface Combatant programme to Total financial 11,500,000 enter service. [321700] year 2000-01 Mr. Quentin Davies: It is departmental policy to HMS Orwell June 2001 Guyana 1,500,000 release in-service dates only for those ships for which Total financial 1,500,000 the main investment decision has been taken. The Future year 2001-02 Surface Combatant programme has not yet reached this stage. However, our current planning assumption is that HMS Shetland August 2002 Bangladesh 8,000,000 the first vessels will enter service early in the next HMS Alderney decade. HMS Anglesey HMS Lindisfarne HMS Guernsey CABINET OFFICE Census: Sikhs HMS London Romania 116,000,000 HMS Coventry Dr. Tony Wright: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Total financial 124,000,000 Office what recent consideration has been given to year 2002-03 including a separate category for Sikhs in the ethnic categories to be included in the 2011 Census. [321205] HMS Sheffield April 2003 Chile 27,000,000 Total financial 27,000,000 Angela E. Smith: The information requested falls year 2003-04 within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply. A copy of their letter HMS Norfolk October Chile 134,000,000 will be placed in the Library of the House. 2005 HMS Grafton Jobseeker’s Allowance: Young People HMS Marlborough Sandra Gidley: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Total financial 134,000,000 Office for how long on average claimants aged between year 2005-06 18 and 24 years resident in each local authority area in the South East were in receipt of jobseeker’s allowance HMS Sandown September Estonia 32,000,000 in (a) each of the last 12 months and (b) each of the 2006 last five years. [321449] HMS Inverness HMS Bridport Angela E. Smith: The information requested falls Total financial 32,000,000 within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. year 2006-07 I have asked the authority to reply. Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated March 2010: RFA Sir Galahad July 2007 Brazil 5,235,000 As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I Total financial 5,235,000 have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking year 2007-08 for how long on average claimants aged between 18 and 24 years resident in each local authority area in the South East were in receipt of jobseeker’s allowance in (a) each of the last 12 months RFA Sir Bedivere October Brazil 10,000,000 and (b) each of the last five years. (321449) 2009 The number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) is taken from the Jobcentre Plus administrative system. The length HMS Cottesmore November Lithuania of a claim has been defined as the time between the start of an 2009 individual’s claim and the count date in each reference month. HMS Dulverton Table 1 shows the median length of live claims for persons aged 18 to 24 resident in each local authority in the South East during Total financial 10,000,000 the last 12 months up to the latest available period in January year 2008-09 2010, and for January of each of the last 5 years. A copy of the table will be placed in the Library of the House. 483W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 484W

National and local area estimates for many labour market HOME DEPARTMENT statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant count are available on the NOMIS website at: Alcoholic Drinks http://www.nomisweb.co.uk Lord Ashcroft Mr. Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what evidence his Department has on the proportion of antisocial behaviour that is Alun Michael: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet alcohol-related. [321147] Office whether guidance was provided to members of the Political Honours Scrutiny Committee on the interpretation by that committee of the undertaking Mr. Alan Campbell: According to the 2008-09 British Crime Survey in 47 per cent. of violent incidents the given by Lord Ashcroft in 2000. [320804] victims believed the offender was under the influence of Tom Levitt: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet alcohol. Office if she will place in the Library a copy of the The data can be found at the following weblink: memorandum referred to in the statement by Lord http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs09/hosb1109vol1.pdf Ashcroft of 1 March 2010 on official confirmation from the Government on the interpretation of the first Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 undertaking he made to the Political Honours Scrutiny Committee. [320917] Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made on Mr. Meacher: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet the review process for the EU Animal Experimentation Office (1) whether ministerial approval was given for Directive; what assessment he has made of the the definition of long-term resident to be used by the implications of that review for the Animals (Scientific Political Honours Scrutiny Committee for the purposes Procedures) Act 1986; and if he will make a statement. of its consideration of Lord Ashcroft’s nomination for [320523] a peerage; [321311] (2) whether guidance was sought from HM Revenue Meg Hillier: In November 2008 the European and Customs on the interpretation of the undertaking Commission published its proposal for a new directive given by Lord Ashcroft to the Political Honours on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes Scrutiny Committee in respect of the definition of his to replace EU Directive 86/609/EEC. The European status as a long-term resident of the UK. [321384] Parliament adopted its first reading report on the Commission’s proposal in May 2009. The Council of Tessa Jowell: The Cabinet Office will be responding Ministers has not yet adopted an agreed position. However, to a request by the Public Administration Select Committee discussions between the Swedish presidency, the that it should supply a brief written statement describing Commission and the European Parliament completed the nature of the dialogue referred to by Lord Ashcroft in December 2009 made significant progress towards in his statement of 1 March 2010. The date of that agreement of a common compromise text. hearing is to be confirmed. The matters raised by the The only provisions remaining to be agreed relate to hon. Members will be dealt with in that response. the arrangements for delegated and implementing acts introduced by articles 290 and 291 of the Lisbon Treaty, Political Honours Scrutiny Committee the operational details of which are still being negotiated. Once these provisions are agreed, the way should Mr. Gordon Prentice: To ask the Minister for the then be clear for the new Directive to be adopted. Our Cabinet Office pursuant to the answer of 7 December current expectation is that this will be in the first half of 2009, Official Report, column 3W, on the Political 2010 and that the final implementation date for the Honours Scrutiny Committee, when the criteria will be measures set out in the new directive, after transposition determined for (a) the destruction and (b) the into UK law, will be 1 January 2013. preservation of records of the Committee. [320919] We believe the compromise text provides a sound Angela E. Smith: Papers relating to the Political Honours basis for the future regulation of animal research in Scrutiny Committee will be handled in accordance with Europe. The text is more flexible and less prescriptive the requirements of the Public Records Acts. than the Commission’s initial proposal and, overall, provides a regulatory framework which, we believe is Unemployment balanced and will allow the United Kingdom to maintain high standards of welfare and animal protection after Mrs. May: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office transposition and implementation without the imposition what estimate she made of the number and proportion of unnecessary bureaucracy. of people of working age who were classified as underemployed in (a) Scotland, (b) Wales, (c) Pathways to Work: Greater Manchester England and (d) Northern Ireland in each year since 1980. [322151] Tony Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people in (a) the City of Angela E. Smith: The information requested falls Manchester and (b) Manchester Central constituency within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. have (i) started Pathways to Work and (ii) made I have asked the authority to reply. A copy of their letter recorded job starts under Pathways to Work in each will be placed in the Library of the House. year since the inception of the programme. [321066] 485W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 486W

Jonathan Shaw [holding answer 8 March 2010]: I (3) when he plans to announce his Department’s have been asked to reply. proposals for replacement of the council housing The information requested is not published and could finance system. [321911] be made available only at disproportionate cost. John Healey: I intend to make a further announcement Shops: Crimes of Violence and publish a summary of responses to the consultation shortly. Mr. Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Fire Services: Manpower Home Department how many violent attacks against shopkeepers were reported in (a) the UK, (b) Yorkshire and the Humber and (c) West Yorkshire in Paul Holmes: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many fire the last 10 years. [321282] service personnel there were per 100,000 population in Mr. Alan Campbell: Information on the profession of (a) Chesterfield, (b) Derbyshire and (c) England in victims of violent offences is not collected centrally. each year since 2006. [321596] Mr. Malik [holding answer 11 March 2010]: Numbers of fire and rescue service personnel are held centrally COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT only by fire authority, thus the data in the table are for Derbyshire and England only. Audit Commission: Manpower Number of fire and rescue service personnel per 100,000 population Total fire and rescue Fire and rescue service Sir Paul Beresford: To ask the Secretary of State for service personnel personnel per 100,000 Communities and Local Government how many employees population the Audit Commission had in each year since 1997. As at [322156] 31 March each year Derbyshire England Derbyshire England

Ms Rosie Winterton: This is an operational matter for 2006 983 54,297 99.3 107.0 the Audit Commission and I have asked the chief executive 2007 984 55,036 98.8 107.7 of the Audit Commission to write to the hon. Member 2008 1,021 55,537 101.9 108.0 direct. 20091 1,017 55,540 101.5 108.0 Letter from Steve Bundred, dated 12 March 2010: 1 2009 population estimates not yet available. Mid-year 2008 population Your Parliamentary Question has been passed to me to reply. used. Sources: The Audit Commission’s full time equivalent (FTE) staffing 1. Annual returns from Fire and Rescue Services to Communities and levels at each year end since 1997 were: Local Government 2. Mid-year population estimates, Office for National Statistics FTE Housing Revenue Accounts 1996-97 1,280 7 months to October 1997 1,295 Mr. Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities 1997-98 1,403 and Local Government (1) whether his further proposals 1998-99 1,600 on reform of the Housing Revenue Account subsidy 1999-2000 1,885 system will include recommendations in respect of the 2000-01 2,271 (a) revenue and (b) capital elements; [321710] 2001-02 2,437 (2) whether he expects his further proposals for 17 months to March 2004 2,356 reform of the Housing Revenue Account subsidy 2004-05 2,307 system to increase the total housing debt of local 2005-06 2,023 authorities; [321711] 2006-07 2,005 (3) whether his further proposals on reform of the 2007-08 1,964 Housing Revenue Account subsidy system will enable 2008-09 1,971 local authorities to (a) borrow against existing housing Note: stock and (b) develop a long-term sustainable business The Commission changed its financial year end in 1997 from March plan. [321712] to October therefore there are two sets of accounts for that year. Our financial year end was changed again in 2004, so the period 2002-04 is for 17 months, from November 2002 to March 2004. John Healey: I intend to make an announcement and A copy of this letter will be placed in Hansard. publish a summary of responses to the consultation shortly. Council Housing: Finance

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for OLYMPICS Communities and Local Government (1) when he plans to publish the responses to the Reform of Council Departmental Correspondence Housing Finance consultation; [321909] (2) how many responses from (a) local authorities Mr. MacNeil: To ask the Minister for the Olympics and (b) other bodies to the Reform of Council how many (a) emails her Office has responded to and Housing Finance consultation were received by his (b) telephone calls her Office has answered from Department; [321910] members of the public since 2008. [321459] 487W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 488W

Tessa Jowell: E-mails and telephone calls regarding Built Environment in each of the last three years and at the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games the current time are set out in the table: are logged by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). 533 e-mails were responded to and 50 Press officers1 Communications officers1 telephone calls were received in the period 1 January 2008 to 9 March 2010. 2006-07 2 3.5 2007-08 2 3.5 Figures for my private office are not held. 2008-09 2 2.2 Departmental Responsibilities Current 2 3.5 1 FTE. Stewart Hosie: To ask the Minister for the Olympics what her official engagements are in March 2010. Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for [321458] Culture, Media and Sport how many staff the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (a) has Tessa Jowell: I have many engagements in connection employed in each of the last three years and (b) employed with my official duties. on the latest date for which figures are available. [321588]

Mr. Bradshaw: The number of full-time equivalent CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT staff (FTE) employed by the Commission for Architecture Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment and the Built Environment (CABE) in each of the last three financial years and at the current time is set out in Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, the following table. Media and Sport how many contracts the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment had with Staff employed by CABE (FTE) (a) local authorities, (b) Government departments and 2006-07 102 (c) non-departmental public bodies in each of the last 2007-08 120 three years. [321554] 2008-09 124 Current 120 Mr. Bradshaw: The information requested is not held by my Department and relates to matters that are the Figures provided include all permanent, fixed term responsibility of the Commission for Architecture and and temporary staff who are paid as employees through the Built Environment (CABE). CABE’s payroll. Accordingly, I have asked the chief executive of CABE to write direct to the hon. Member for Welwyn Hatfield. Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Copies of the reply will be placed in the Libraries of Culture, Media and Sport how much his Department both Houses. provided in grant in aid to the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment in each of the Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for last three years. [321611] Culture, Media and Sport how much funding, other than in grant in aid, the Commission for Architecture Mr. Bradshaw: The grant in aid from this Department and the Built Environment received from public bodies to the Commission for Architecture and the Built in each of the last three years. [321562] Environment (CABE) in the last three full financial years is in the table. Mr. Bradshaw: The amount of funding received by the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment CABE grant in aid (£000) from public bodies apart from grant in aid in each of the last three financial years is set out in the table. 2006-07 3,690 2007-08 4,690 Amount received from public 2008-09 119,790 Financial year bodies1 (£) 1 The increase reflects £15 million for Sea Change. 2006-07 7,740,548 Source: DCMS Annual Reports and Accounts 2009 2007-08 8,744,777 2008-09 9,478,904 1 Excluding grant in aid. Cricket: Finance Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many (a) press and (b) Hugh Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for communications officers were employed by the Commission Culture, Media and Sport how many first-class cricket for Architecture and the Built Environment in each of ground redevelopment plans are dependent on funding the last three years; and how many were employed at from the England and Wales Cricket Board. [322027] the latest date for which figures are available. [321587] Mr. Sutcliffe: Funding for first class cricket ground Mr. Bradshaw: The number of full-time equivalent redevelopment plans is a matter for the England and (FTE) press and communications officers that were Wales Cricket Board. Therefore, I suggest the hon. employed by the Commission for Architecture and the Member contacts them directly. 489W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 490W

Digital Broadcasting: Radio Mr. Sutcliffe: The table, provided by UK Sport, outlines their Exchequer funding and Lottery funding Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for for winter sports since the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics. Culture, Media and Sport what recent estimate he has These funds are provided as part of UK Sport’s World made of the number of households in (a) the UK and Class Performance Programme, and the awards were (b) Scotland which have (i) one digital radio and (ii) allocated for the four year Olympic cycle (reviewed after two or more digital radios. [321653] two years), rather than on a year by year basis. These figures are the allocated amounts for programme Mr. Bradshaw: Research by Radio Joint Audience and Athlete Personal Awards (APA) as agreed at board Research Limited (RAJAR) published in February 2010 level, and are published on the UK Sport website: indicates that 33.4 per cent. of adults in the UK own a http://www.uksport.gov.uk/ DAB set at home. 10.5 million DAB sets had been sold UK Sport by the end of 2009, and some of these are thought to be (£) repeat purchases: research by Digital Radio UK suggests Programme- Programme- that 66 per cent. of DAB set owners possess more than Exchequer Lottery APA-Lottery one set. Separate figures for Scotland are not published. Sport Television (Olympic) Bob Skeleton 124,000 1,595,000 391,000 Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Bobsleigh 360,000 136,000 Culture, Media and Sport what recent estimate he has Curling 720,000 416,000 made of the number of households in (a) the UK and Figure Skating 180,000 180,000 136,000 (b) Scotland which have (i) one television set and (ii) Short Track 500,000 260,000 204,000 two or more television sets; and what recent estimate he Speed Skating has made of the number of such households which Skiing 270,000 — 102,000 have (A) one television set and (B) two or more Snowboarding 180,000 — 68,000 television sets tuned to receive digital services. [321651] Totals 1,614,000 2,755,000 1,453,000 Sport Mr. Bradshaw: This information is not held centrally (Paralympic) by the Department. Disability 205,000 — — Accordingly, I have asked Ofcom’s chief executive to Skiing consider the question raised by the hon. Member for Wheelchair 445,000 — — Gordon and to write to him direct. Curling Totals 650,000 — — Copies of the reply will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses. In addition to the funding outlined in the table, as Winter Sports part of the contingency arrangements following Snowsport GB going into administration, UK Sport agreed to provide approximately £21,500 to the British Olympic Hugh Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Association. This funding was ring-fenced for the support Culture, Media and Sport whether UK Sport plans to of UK Sport’s two currently funded elite athletes and undertaken a performance review of all winter sports their immediate technical and coaching teams to participate following the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics; and if in the Vancouver Winter Olympics. he will make a statement. [321917] Allied to UK Sport’s funding for winter sports, the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) has provided Mr. Sutcliffe: UK Sport has advised that they conduct £4 million in the last four years, of which over £700,000 investment reviews with each sport after both winter has been invested in promising skiers and snowboarders. and summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. The following table, provided by Sport England, outlines Through this process UK Sport can analyse Games their Exchequer funding and Lottery funding for winter results, apply its ’No compromise’ Investment Principles sports since the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics, and and model, and issue planning figures to sports that fall is based on awards data held from 1 April 2006 to within the scope for potential investment over the Sochi, 31 December 2009. Russia 2010-14 cycle. Sport England UK Sport Board has approved a refined set of Investment Principles which are positioned to embrace both summer (£) Programme- and winter Olympic and Paralympic sports. This will Sport Exchequer Programme-Lottery ensure consistency of approach across all sports funded through the World Class Performance Programme. Bobsleigh 12,000 Following its winter sport reviews UK Sport anticipates Ice Hockey 311,176 164,800 being able to make 2010-14 funding decisions in summer Ice Skating 48,000 107,349 2010. Alpine skiing and 152,613 832,387 snowboarding1 Hugh Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Curling 651 Culture, Media and Sport how much (a) Exchequer Skiing 70,000 7,782 and (b) Lottery funding has been allocated to winter Total 581,789 1,124,969 sports by (i) UK Sport and (ii) Sport England in each 1 Alpine skiing and snowboarding awards are based on funding year since the Turin 2006 Winter Olympics. [321918] provided between 2009 and 2013. 491W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 492W

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE Jonathan Shaw [holding answer 5 March 2010]: Work Focused Support for Carers was introduced in December Morocco: International Assistance 2009 and provides one to one adviser support, referral to appropriate training opportunities and financial help Andrew Mackinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for for carers not eligible for other programmes, aged 18 or Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions over and not in full-time work. We estimate that up to he has had with his EU counterparts on the compatibility 4,000 people a year will take part. of the decision of the Moroccan Government to expel Jobcentre Plus has up to £38 million available for the volunteer workers, including citizens of EU member 2008 National Carers Strategy. The funding is all for states, on charges of proselytizing members of the use on providing support to carer’s and is available to: Kafala community and orphaned children through their introduce a network of care partnership managers work at the Village of Hope/Village de l’Esperance at provide training for care partnership managers and Jobcentre Ain Leuh with the conditions relating to human rights Plus advisers and freedom of religion in agreements between the EU introduce a job search tool to identify jobs that offer flexible and the Kingdom of Morocco; and if he will make a working, and statement. [322026] fund replacement care from December 2009 for carers participating in approved training. Mr. Ivan Lewis: Our officials in London met with the Moroccan chargé d’affaires on 10 March to express As at February 2010, Jobcentre Plus have invested the UK’s concerns. Our officials in Rabat have asked £2 million to fund the recruitment and salaries of care the Moroccan authorities for a full briefing on the partnership managers in each Jobcentre Plus district matter. and the training of Jobcentre Plus advisers, nationally. The £2 million invested to the end of February 2010 is Morocco has a good record on freedom of worship. on budget and to schedule. Moroccan officials tell us that they remain committed to ensuring freedom of worship and religious tolerance; Of the funding set aside for replacement care from however proselytising remains illegal in Morocco. December 2009, it is too early to report expenditure at this stage. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has not held specific discussions on this point with his EU Additionally, many carers already have access to counterparts. separately funded employment programmes because of their other circumstances, for example, lone parents or partners of people claiming benefit.

WORK AND PENSIONS Children: Maintenance Carer’s Allowance Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what (a) value and (b) percentage of Mr. Touhig: To ask the Secretary of State for Work payments to the Child Support Agency were made by and Pensions if she will bring forward proposals to credit card in each of the last three years. [318743] increase the level of the carer’s allowance. [320287] Helen Goodman: The Child Maintenance and Jonathan Shaw: The level of carer’s allowance is Enforcement Commission is responsible for the child reviewed annually and up-rated in April, in line with the maintenance system. I have asked the Child Maintenance September Retail Prices Index. This year, however, the Commissioner to write to the hon. Member with the September Retail Prices Index was negative so, as information requested and I have seen the response. announced in the uprating statement, to help carers during the early stages of economic recovery, we are Letter from Stephen Geraghty: proposing bringing forward a 1.5 per cent. increase. In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the This means that the weekly rate of carer’s allowance Child Support Agency, the Secretary of State promised a substantive will be increased from £53.10 to £53.90 in April 2010. reply from the Child Maintenance Commissioner as the Child The rate will be increased again in 2011 to make up the Support Agency is now the responsibility of the Child Maintenance difference with the Retail Prices Index for September and Enforcement Commission. 2010, thus preserving the real terms increase in future You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what years. (a) value and (b) percentage of payments to the Child Support Agency were made by credit card in each of the last three years. The carer’s allowance weekly earnings limit is being [318743] increased from £95 to £100 from 12 April 2010. The value and percentage of payments to the Child Support Agency made only by credit card is not available. Carers’ Benefits I am sorry on this occasion I cannot be more helpful.

Mr. Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Community Development: Expenditure and Pensions how much of the £38 million for Jobcentre Plus referred to in the 2008 National Carers Strategy intended to help carers to move into work has Justine Greening: To ask the Secretary of State for been spent by Jobcentre Plus to date; on what projects Work and Pensions how much funding has been and programmes it has been spent; and whether the granted under the Deprived Area Fund in each (a) whole amount is ring-fenced for employment support local authority and (b) lower layer super output area for carers. [320935] in each year since 2000. [318264] 493W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 494W

Angela Eagle: The Deprived Areas Fund (DAF) was Council tax benefit recipients in Tyneside local authorities; quarterly November created in 2006. Allocations are calculated on the basis 2008 to November 2009 of the relative levels of worklessness at ward level. 2008 2009 November February May August November For the available information on the allocations for 2006-07 and 2007-08, I refer the hon. Member to the Newcastle 32,280 33,230 33,690 34,270 34,240 answer given to her on 25 February 2009, Official upon Tyne South 21,630 22,210 22,330 22,520 22,810 Report, columns 783-5W. Tyneside From April 2008 onwards the DAF in England has North 21,210 22,080 22,240 22,520 22,630 been pooled with resources from Communities and Tyneside Local Government to form the Working Neighbourhoods Gateshead 25,230 25,580 25,970 26,260 26,510 Fund (WNF). Notes: 1. The data refers to benefit units, which may be a single person or a couple. It is not possible to provide a further breakdown of 2. The figures have been rounded to the nearest 10. 3. Figures for any non-responding authorities have been estimated. DAF at either local authority or lower super output 4. Housing benefit figures exclude any extended payment cases. area level as the allocation of the fund is not defined by 5. Council tax benefit figures exclude any single adult rebate cases. such boundaries. 6. SHBE is a monthly electronic scan of claimant level data direct from local authority computer systems. It replaces quarterly aggregate clerical returns. These data are available monthly from November 2008 and November 2009 is Council Tax Benefits and Housing Benefit: Tyne and the most recent available. 7. Data from SHBE incorporates the local authority changes from 1 April 2009. Wear 8. Figures are at the second Thursday in each month provided. Source: Single Housing Benefit Extract (SHBE) for October 2009 and November 2008 Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Work takenfromTable8andTable14ofpublicationat: and Pensions how many (a) housing benefit and (b) http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/hb_ctb/HBCTB19082009.xls council tax benefit recipients there were in (i) the City Departmental Carbon Emissions of Newcastle, (ii) South Tyneside, (iii) North Tyneside and (iv) Gateshead in each quarter between February 2007 and February 2010. [321119] John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether (a) her Department, (b) its agencies and (c) associated non-departmental Jonathan Shaw: The available information is in the public bodies plan to sign up to the 10:10 campaign for tables cutting carbon usage in 2010; and if she will publish Housing benefit recipients in Tyneside local authorities; quarterly February 2007 the (i) criteria and (ii) research upon which such a to August 2007 decision will be taken. [312113] 2007 February May August Jonathan Shaw: My Department, its agencies and Newcastle upon 28,370 27,910 28,180 associated non-departmental public bodies have not Tyne signed up to the 10:10 campaign to cut carbon emissions South Tyneside 17,520 16,460 16,880 in 2010, but are supportive of the aims of the campaign. North Tyneside 16,570 16,450 16,330 My Department has delivered significant reductions Gateshead 20,070 20,010 19,780 in carbon emissions from our buildings and road travel, Council tax benefit recipients in Tyneside local authorities; quarterly February by 14 per cent. and 30 per cent. respectively over the last 2007to August 2007 two years. In 2007-08 an estates emissions reduction of 2007 10.8 per cent. was achieved. While this proves that such February May August a reduction is possible, my Department continues to Newcastle upon 32,350 32,140 32,110 bear a significantly increased work load to support Tyne those impacted by the recession. While we remain South Tyneside 21,830 20,560 21,180 committed to the achievement of the carbon reductions North Tyneside 21,590 21,490 21,380 targets from Sustainable Operations on the Government Gateshead 25,580 25,700 25,520 Estate (our progress is detailed in the Sustainable Notes: Development in Government report), it is the opinion 1. The data refers to benefit units, which may be a single person or a couple. of my officials that it would be unrealistic for the 2. The figures have been rounded to the nearest 10. 3. Figures for any non-responding authorities have been estimated. Department to commit to a further 10 per cent. reduction 4. Housing benefit figures exclude any extended payment cases. in a single year from an already low baseline and with 5. Council tax benefit figures exclude any single adult rebate cases. an expanding business. 6. Figures are at the second Thursday in each month provided. Source: During December my Department has achieved the Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit Management Information System Carbon Trust Standard, and we remain committed to Quarterly 100 per cent. taken in February 2000 - August 2007 Housing benefit recipients in Tyneside local authorities; quarterly November actively reducing our carbon emissions. We will exploit, 2008 to November 2009 where possible, low carbon technologies and we will be 2008 2009 shortly relaunching our energy efficiency campaign across November February May August November our estate.

Newcastle 28,820 29,580 29,990 30,460 30,370 upon Tyne Departmental Catering South 17,490 18,020 18,130 18,350 18,660 Tyneside Mr. Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State North 16,720 17,230 17,350 17,620 17,720 for Work and Pensions what the monetary value was of Tyneside the subsidy paid by her Department in respect of food Gateshead 19,980 20,260 20,710 21,010 21,180 and drink on sale to staff of (a) her Department and 495W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 496W

(b) each of its agencies at official premises in each of showed that 10.5 per cent. of respondents considered the last five years. [320502] themselves to have a long standing health condition or disability. Jonathan Shaw: The Department provides an annual Due to the self-reporting nature of disability and the subsidy for various catering outlets that sell food and process by which part time salaries are up-rated in order drink to staff. This subsidy allows outlets to remain that they are comparable to full-time staff salaries, care viable and varies depending on a number of factors, should be exercised when drawing conclusions based on such as location and canteen usage. There are currently these statistics. The following table shows the numbers 129 sites with catering outlets, housing around 39,000 and proportion of disabled and non disabled staff for staff. DWP and its executive agencies. The total value of the subsidy paid by the department for each of the five years is in the following table: Disabled as a £ million Not percentage declared of known 2004-05 4.24 Non or non- disability Disabled Disabled response status 2005-06 4.02 2006-07 3.90 DWP Corporate 310 6,740 710 4.3 2007-08 3.72 Services 2008-09 3.47 DWP Shared 130 3,800 650 3.2 Services Departmental Manpower Pension and 670 14,510 1,550 4.4 Disability Carers Service Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for Job Centre Plus 4,190 62,930 10,360 6.2 Work and Pensions (1) how many external contractors were employed by her Department in the last 12 months; Table 2: Median Earnings of disabled and non-disabled staff, broken and at what cost to the public purse; [313764] down by full-time and part-time working patterns for each business within DWP and its executive agencies (2) for how long on average staff on interim Full-time Part-time contracts are employed by her Department; [313765] Non Non (3) how many people in her Department are disabled Disabled disabled Disabled employed on interim contracts; and at what cost to the DWP Corporate £28,900 £27,370 £25,730 £23,990 public purse. [313766] Services DWP Shared £17,600 £17,600 £17,600 £17,600 Jonathan Shaw [holding answer 28 January 2010]: Services Contractors and interims are individuals engaged by Pension and £17,600 £17,600 £17,600 £17,600 the Department to provide specific skills or support Disability Carers that is not available in-house or within the required time Service frame. Jobcentre Plus £20,430 £22,310 £19,480 £20,170 The number of contractors/interims working in December 2009 within DWP on that basis was 355. The statistics are drawn from Departmental records This should be seen in the context of a Department and have been collected by the Office for National employing well over 100,000 staff. Such contractors are Statistics (ONS) from the Annual Civil Service Employment only engaged with the prior approval of an appropriate Survey (ACSES). The latest published statistics are for senior civil servant and their agreement can only be 31 March 2009. extended beyond 12 months with the approval of the permanent secretary. During the period from January to December 2009 Directgov: Contracts (inclusive) the associated spend on such contractors was approximately £43 million. Mr. Maude: To ask the Secretary of State for Work The average tenure of an interim appointment within and Pensions how much was spent on (a) contractors DWP is currently 9.7 months. and (b) strategic advisers under the directgov programme in (i) 2007-08 and (ii) 2008-09; and what the estimated Mr. Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Work expenditure on each is in 2009-10. [320717] and Pensions how many and what proportion of staff in (a) her Department and (b) the executive agencies Angela Eagle: The information is as follows: for which she is responsible are disabled; and what the (a) Directgov spent the following on contractors: average salary in (i) her Department and (ii) the (i) 2007-08 £3.0 million executive agencies is of (A) full-time disabled staff, (B) (ii) 2008-09 £7.4 million full-time non-disabled staff, (C) part-time disabled staff and (D) part-time non-disabled staff. [317900] The estimated spend on contractors in 2009-10 is £8.2 million. Jonathan Shaw: We are aware that not all staff declare It should be noted that the increase from 2007-08 to their disability for departmental records, and the true 2008-09 was to deliver programmes such as website representation of disabled people across the Department convergence and cross-government service transformation. may be higher than the figures shown. For example, the The percentage of Directgov’s budget spent on contractors 2009 People survey (which is completed anonymously), remained the same. 497W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 498W

Contractors are required to fill short-term posts and Lambeth posts where it has not been possible to recruit permanent Leicester1 staff due to their specialist nature. Newham1 (b) There were no strategic adviser costs incurred in Norfolk 2007-08 or 2008-09. Northamptonshire The strategic adviser costs for 2009-10 are included Nottinghamshire within the spend shown for that year. This is a short-term Peterborough post and providing the information separately would allow the individual’s day rate to be calculated which is Portsmouth both commercially sensitive and considered to be personally Redbridge identifiable data. Redcar and Cleveland1 Contractor posts are tendered to ensure Directgov Rotherham obtains high quality candidates and achieve value for St. Helens money. This is underpinned by benchmarking the rates Staffordshire and charges to ensure they are within benchmark guidelines. Directgov also negotiates day rates and margins in line Stockton with, if not better than, than standard government Surrey1 contract rates. Wakefield Directgov is working across Departments to enable Worcestershire transformation of digital public service delivery and 1 Selected Trailblazers. has the potential to enable Government to make substantial savings in shifting from traditional to digital channels Economic Situation and for those channels to be used. Disabled Mrs. May: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions for which policies implemented as part of Mr. Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Work the Government’s response to the recession her Department and Pensions pursuant to the written ministerial statement is responsible; when each such policy was determined; of 25 February 2010, Official Report, column 86WS, on what timetable has been set for the implementation of Right to Control (Trailblazer sites) how many bids her each such policy; and what funding under each budget Department received to become Trailblazer sites; and heading has been allocated to each such policy. [309340] what the name was of each bidder. [320934] Angela Eagle: The Government have made available Jonathan Shaw: The Department received a strong up to £5 billion additional discretionary spending to field of bids from 43 local authorities wishing to take support people through the course of the recession. part in the Right to Control Trailblazers. Taking into This has been used in a variety of ways—and the bulk account joint bids, this amounted to bids from 36 of this has been for this Department to lead on. Of this potential Trailblazer areas. £5 billion we expect to spend £2.1 billion in 2009-10 and The Trailblazers that were selected represent a good £2.9 billion in 2010-11. mix in terms of demography, geography, and different types of local authorities (two-tier authorities, unitary As a result of the investment that the Government authorities, metropolitan and London boroughs). have made, claimant unemployment was over 450,000 lower at the end of 2009 than was expected at the time The local authorities that submitted a bid were: of the Budget 2009. This has also allowed us to use this Joint bids funding flexibly to ensure it can be directed to where it Coventry and Warwickshire can support people in the greatest need. To maintain Barnsley and Sheffield1 such flexibility, we have not ring-fenced allocations to Greater Manchester1 this includes Manchester City, Bury, each element. Trafford, Stockport, and Oldham The following DWP programmes are funded from Islington and Westminster this budget: Single bids Increasing resources available to Jobcentre Plus, employment Barnet1 programmes and local authorities Bexley Bournemouth We announced in the 2008 pre-Budget report, and in Blackpool the Budget 2009, that we would be providing extra funding to Jobcentre Plus to effectively handle the Bradford higher volume of customers through the recession. That Calderdale funding was provided immediately and Jobcentre Plus Central Bedfordshire has increased staffing levels by 16,000. The funding also Darlington allowed increase in programme budgets to core programmes Derbyshire including the new deals and the flexible new deal. Durham Benefit exit rates have been maintained and over 330,000 Enfield people left JSA in January alone. Essex1 Additional support before redundancy Hampshire In November 2008, we quadrupled the funding to Kent deliver the Jobcentre Plus’ Rapid Response Service which Kirklees offers support to employers and workers who are facing 499W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 500W redundancy. Since the service was expanded, more than Additional support for older workers 4,000 employers have taken up this support. In the “Building Britain’s Recovery” White Paper we Additional day one support for all committed to provide additional back to work support From the start of a new jobseeker’s allowance claim, to people aged 50 and over. This support includes more customers can access improved help from Jobcentre time with a personal adviser, access to specialist back to Plus to get them back to work quickly. This support can work support and giving people early access to the six include one-to-one adviser support, coaching and access month offer. to Local Employment Partnership vacancies. These new measures will be delivered from spring In April 2009, we introduced new specialist help for 2010. professionals and executives, delivered by external Help for homeowners recruitment agencies, to help them with jobsearch techniques Improvements to the help provided to homeowners and give them advice specific to their needs and experience. through the Support for Mortgage Interest scheme were In our December White Paper “Building Britain’s introduced in January 2009 for new working age claims, Recovery”, we announced our intention to extend this which: support further by offering professionals and executives shortened the waiting period to 13 weeks follow-up sessions. increased capital limit to £200,000, Six month offer for all introduced 2 year time limit for new JSA claims Every jobseeker’s allowance customer who remains froze the standard interest rate used to calculate Support for unemployed for six months or more now have access to Mortgage Interest at 6.08 per cent. for all customers (including a substantially improved range of services including pensioners), until the end of June 2010 benefiting around access to recruitment subsidies vouchers, work-focused 220,000 homeowners. training and volunteering placements and help to become Once the standard interest rate freeze ends, the self employed through the six month offer. Government intend to move towards a fairer, more The six month offer was introduced in April 2009 and affordable approach, that more closely reflects mortgage provides opportunities for up to 230,000 people. Between interest rates. April 2009 to October 2009, 39,420 people has taken up These changes demonstrate very clearly the Government’s the support offered through the six month offer. commitment to provide additional support to those Furthermore, access to self employment support and facing financial difficulties and help protect them against the financial credit is now available to all jobseekers repossessions and will be reviewed once the housing after three months. market conditions improve. Young Persons Guarantee and the Future Jobs Fund The YoungPersons Guarantee launched on 25 January Employment Schemes 2010 guarantees all young jobseekers aged 18-24 a job, training or work experience from six months Mrs. May: To ask the Secretary of State for Work unemployment. From April 2010 young people will be and Pensions (1) how many Jobcentre Plus offices have required to take up one of the options on offer if they used (a) extended postal signing, (b) telephone jobsearch are still unemployed after 10 months. The Future Jobs reviews, (c) suspension of signing, (d) 13-week interviews Fund is a key element of the guarantee, where local by telephone and (e) 13-week group sessions in each authorities, partnerships and others (such as third sector month since flexible interventions were first used; and or social enterprises) are able to bid to create jobs how many Jobcentre Plus customers were the subject of through the fund. each such practice; [309220] The first FJF jobs began in October 2009, and to date (2) what estimate she has made of the number of Government have agreed to fund up to 110,000 FJF Jobcentre Plus offices that have used flexible jobs; around 65 per cent. of the 170,000 jobs the fund is interventions in each month since they were first used; targeted to fund. and how many customers have been the subject of such The YPG is also supported by over 400,000 Government interventions. [309221] funded training, internship, work experience and job opportunities. This will include a target of 16,000 Jim Knight: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a apprenticeship places through the FJF. matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the right hon. Graduates are also eligible for a new graduate guarantee, Member with the information requested. where any new graduate still unemployed after six months is guaranteed access to an internship, training or help to Letter from Darra Singh: become self-employed. The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your questions Backing Young Britain asking how many Jobcentre Plus offices have used (a) extended postal signing, (b) telephone jobsearch reviews, (c) suspension of The BYB campaign was launched in July 2009. This signing, (d) 13-week interviews by telephone and (e) 13-week national campaign delivers a variety of measures to group sessions in each month since flexible interventions were help young people aged 16-24 into work, or move closer first used; and how many Jobcentre Plus customers were the to the labour market. As well as encouraging business subject of each such practice; and what estimate she has made of to support young people by offering jobs, apprenticeships the number of Jobcentre Plus offices that have used flexible and work experience places, it will create 10,000 mentoring interventions in each month since they were first used; and how places, 5,000 short term work experience placements many customers have been the subject of such interventions. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me and 20,000 longer term non-graduate internships, as as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus. well as supporting the graduate internships already Flexible interventions were introduced at a time of rapidly announced. Places are available now. increasing demand on our services and before we had the opportunity 870 organisations have signed up to BYB to date (at to increase our staffing levels to meet those demands. We have 8 March 2010), with the number growing all the time. subsequently recruited additional staff which in turn has allowed 501W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 502W us to reduce the number of flexible interventions deployed. In Jim Knight [holding answer 5 March 2010]: Work some circumstances, we have decided to deploy our flexibilities Choice will contribute to an increased level of employment into our core business as part of our improved delivery model, in for disabled people, particularly (but not exclusively) for order to further improve customer service. During the economic customers with learning disabilities and mental health downturn, despite these increased demands, Jobcentre Plus maintained and improved performance and is meeting all of its key performance conditions. In this respect, the new programme will targets. deliver against the objectives of Public Service Agreement 16: Socially Excluded Adults. A total of 19 flexible interventions were approved. The number of Jobcentre Plus offices that have deployed the specific flexible The Department has worked extensively with a range interventions you requested information on are detailed in the of stakeholders, including Equality 2025, Cabinet Office table below. However, management information on the number of (including the Public Service Agreement 16 Working customers who have been the subject of these interventions is not Group) and the Department of Health to provide a collected. range of support to understand and meet the complex needs of people with learning difficulties. 13 week Extended Telephone Suspension interviews 13 week The Department has produced a range of support postal jobsearch of by group products, including easy read versions, to assist signing reviews signing telephone sessions WORKSTEP providers in communicating the changes 2009 to their customers. These products have been designed for support advisers to use as a focus during face to face April4 0 13419discussions with individual customers. May 1 2 0 55 69 As the transition period progresses, further staged June0 0 06176 products will be introduced via providers to ensure July 0 0 0 8 82 customers are fully supported in their journey from August 0 0 0 2 83 WORKSTEP to Work Choice. September 0 0 1 1 84 October 0 0 0 4 75 The Department worked extensively with bidding November 0 2 0 1 57 organisations in the early stages of the competition to ensure they understood the Public Service Agreement December 0 0 0 0 56 16 commitment, integral to the Work Choice design, to support adults most at risk of social exclusion—in 2010 particular those with mental health and learning disabilities. January 0 0 0 0 55 The Department is continuing to work closely with Source: Jobcentre Plus Management Information. bidding organisations to ensure those with learning The number of Jobcentre Plus offices that have deployed one difficulties receive appropriate communication materials or more of the approved flexible interventions are detailed in the following table. Management information on the number of and the support they need during the transition period. customers who have been subject to these interventions is not During the transition period, Work Choice providers collected. will work alongside existing WORKSTEP providers and the Department to ensure a smooth and seamless Number of Jobcentre Plus offices that have used transition for participants. flexible interventions Work Choice providers will contact each customer at 2009 the earliest opportunity to introduce themselves and April 557 further explain the changes to the programme. These May 470 discussions will be tailored to best suit customers’ needs June 570 and may, for example, entail several discussions with July 628 the support of others, where this is appropriate. August 627 In developing the service requirement for the new September 636 Work Choice programme, the Project engaged with October 657 Disability Employment Advisory Committee, Equality November 687 2025, Cabinet Office (who have PSA16 responsibility), December 689 a range of local authorities and a range of local authority representatives. We continue to work closely with all these organisations on implementation issues, through 2010 our Implementation Working Group. January 691 Source: Jobcentre Plus Management Information. Mr. Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Work By introducing these flexibilities our level of customer service was not adversely affected whilst customer volumes were rising. and Pensions what estimate she has made of the For example the suspension of signing in two offices did not lead average cost to (a) private sector providers and (b) to a delay in benefits being paid. voluntary sector providers of supporting people on I hope this information is helpful. (i) Pathways to Work, (ii) Workstep, (iii) New Deal for Disabled People, into (A) work and (B) sustained work defined as 26 weeks, in respect of clients with (1) Mr. Stephen O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State mental health conditions, (2) musculoskeletal diseases for Work and Pensions how (a) her Department and and (3) visual impairment. [320816] (b) the Work Choice prime contractor will ensure that participants with learning difficulties are not adversely Jonathan Shaw: As part of the tender evaluation affected by the transition to new employment officers. process we ask potential prime contractors to put forward [320769] an overall price for the service they are offering. Tenders 503W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 504W are evaluated against a combination of quality and providing support tailored to meet the individual needs price criteria. We do not make any estimate of providers’ of jobseekers of all ages, we have doubled the resources average costs. The onus is on providers to submit costs available to help people facing redundancy, have introduced that fully cover the cost of their service. a financial incentive for employers who recruit people out of work for six months or more, and have introduced Employment Schemes: Young People extra funding for training places. The measures in the new Employment White Paper, Mrs. May: To ask the Secretary of State for Work “Building Britain’s Recovery: Achieving Full Employment” and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 2 March 2010, (Cm 7751), will strengthen specific areas where we Official Report, columns 1028-29W, on employment know there is a case for dong something extra for schemes: young people, in which (a) Jobcentre Plus people over 50. These measures, which will be delivered districts, (b) local authorities and (c) constituencies from spring 2010, include: the young person’s guarantee was not fully available on Additional time and training for Jobcentre Plus Advisers; or after 25 January 2010. [321468] New specialist back to work support for the over 50s; Jim Knight: The Young Person’s Guarantee has been Widening access for over 50s to work trials; fully available in (a) Jobcentre Plus districts, (b) all Enabling people over 50 with significant barriers to employment local authorities and (c) all constituencies, since to get early access to the Six Month Offer; and 25 January 2010. A new National Guidance Initiative to encourage and help employers to adopt flexible approaches to work and retirement. Employment: Elderly Future Jobs Fund Mr. Waterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people aged over 60 years and Mrs. May: To ask the Secretary of State for Work actively seeking work found employment in the last and Pensions how many of the 95,000 jobs announced 12 month period for which figures are available; and through the Future Jobs Fund have been granted what proportion of the number of those actively funding. [304390] seeking work this represented. [308010] Angela Eagle: Overall, the Future Jobs Fund is expected Jim Knight: The information is in the table. to create 170,000 jobs. To date, 110,000 have been Number of people age 60 and over who have found work in the last agreed, and of those, 73,000 have been granted funding. 12 months and as a proportion of total jobseeker’s allowance claimants We are currently working with the remaining successful age 60 and over bidders to agree start dates and delivery plans, and to Increases check European state aid legislation compliance ahead work to 16+ of awarding funding. Found hours/ Claimant Proportion work week Total count (Percentage) During the time between announcement and funding, the successful bidders also begin to prepare for their 2008 new workers. December 950 20 970 12,990 7.5 Margaret Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for 2009 Work and Pensions which local authorities are participating in the Future Jobs Fund; and which have January 610 25 635 15,925 4.0 plans to do so. [318533] February 1,445 45 1,490 18,195 8.2 March 1,410 40 1,450 19,300 7.5 Jim Knight: This information is available only where April 1,495 35 1,530 20,170 7.6 the local authority is the lead bidder. A list of local May 1,765 50 1,815 20,240 9.0 authority lead bidders is as follows. Future Jobs Fund June 1,535 40 1,575 19,670 8.0 activity is happening throughout the country, creating July 1,525 35 1,560 19,300 8.1 up to 110,000 jobs so far. August 1,735 25 1,760 19,020 9.3 September 1,495 35 1,530 18,230 8.4 We are engaged in discussions with a number of local October 1,450 15 1,465 17,925 8.2 authorities about further bids. These discussions are November 1,800 40 1,840 17,780 10.3 confidential at this stage. Notes: Local authorities participating in the Future Jobs Fund 1. Data is rounded to the nearest five; and percentages to one decimal place. by region. The local authority listed is when it is the lead Claimant count information is published on the Nomis website at: www.nomisweb.co.uk bidder. 2. The percentage of people leaving with an unknown destination recorded has increased over the last 10 years. This is because the completion levels of the Region: East of England JSA40 (forms filled in by people leaving jobseeker’s allowance) have decreased Bedford over this period. Many of these “unknown” leavers will have moved into employment or other benefits. Source: Count of unemployment-related benefits, Cambridgeshire Jobcentre Plus computer systems (computer held cases only). Central Beds Older workers who fail to get back into employment Colchester and become long term unemployed face a significant Harlow risk of not being in a position to take advantage of the Luton upturn. In response, the Government have already made available £0.5 billion additional support to help prevent Norfolk people out of work from becoming long-term unemployed. Peterborough In addition to rolling out Flexible New Deal, which is Suffolk 505W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 506W

Region: East Midlands Scottish Borders Bolsover South Ayrshire Erewash South Lanarkshire Leicester and Leicester Partnership Stirling Council Youth Services Nottinghamshire West Dunbartonshire West Lindsey West Lothian Region: London Region: South East Barking and Dagenham Brighton and Hove Bromley Bucks Camden Hampshire Ealing Hastings Enfield Kent Greenwich Milton Keynes Hammersmith and Fulham Oxfordshire Haringey RB Windsor and Maidenhead Havering Thanet Host Borough Councils Hounslow West Sussex County Council Islington Region: South West Kingston Avon and Somerset Probation Lewisham Bristol County Council RB Kensington and Chelsea Cornwall CC Redbridge East Enders Devon Southwark Earn and learn Dorset Westminster Somerset Region: North East Swindon Darlington BC Trowbridge Hartlepool Wiltshire County Council Middlesbrough Region: Wales North Tyneside Cardiff Redcar and Cleveland Borough LSP Stockton on Tees Carmarthenshire County Council Region: North West Merthyr Tydfil CBC Blackpool Neath Port Talbot CBC Cheshire West and Chester Pembroke County Council Copeland Vale of Glam Council Cumbria Region: West Midlands Lancashire Birmingham, Coventry and Black Country Liverpool City Region Hereford Region: Scotland Shropshire Council County Training Aberdeen Shropshire County Council Aberdeenshire Stoke on Trent Angus Stoke-on-Trent County Council and Staffordshire Argyll and Bute Warwickshire County Council City of Edinburgh Worcestershire Clackmannanshire Alliance Region: Yorkshire and Humber Dumfries and Galloway Dundee Barnsley MDC East Ayrshire Calderdale East Dunbartonshire City of Bradford East Lothian Doncaster Falkirk Hull Fife Humber Economic Partnership Glasgow Kirklees Council Highland Leeds Inverclyde North Yorkshire Midlothian North Yorkshire Learning Consortium North Ayrshire Sheffield City Council North Lanarkshire VC Train Consortium Renfrewshire C Wakefield Met 507W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 508W

Hotels Jim Knight: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is the responsibility of the chief executive, Darra Singh. I Mr. Hurd: To ask the Secretary of State for Work have asked him to provide the right hon. Member with and Pensions how many separate bookings at five star the information requested. or above hotels were made by her Department under its Letter from Darra Singh: contract with Expotel in the last 12 months; and at The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your questions what cost. [315696] asking how many jobcentres have undergone estates works to enable them to meet demand for their services in the last 12 Jonathan Shaw: DWP’s business travel policy strictly months and at what cost; how many Jobcentre Plus offices estate stipulates that 5-star hotels must not be requested by works are planned to enable them to meet demand and what the staff, regardless of grade. total estimated cost is of all such works; which Jobcentre Plus Exceptionally, 5-star accommodation may be booked offices which closed in each of the last six years have been if it clearly provides better value for money than comparable re-opened, when each was reopened and what the cost was of (a) closing and (b) re-opening each; and which Jobcentre Plus offices 4-star accommodation. which closed in each of the last six years are under consideration The number of bookings and expenditure on 5-star for re-opening and what estimate has been made of the cost of (a) hotel accommodation over the last 12 months (January the closure and (b) re-opening of each. This is something that to December 2009) are set out in the table. The number falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of bookings represents 0.1 per cent. of total hotel of Jobcentre Plus. bookings within the Department. In order to ensure that Jobcentre Plus was capable of meeting the challenge of rising caseload volumes as a result of the current Number/£ economic climate, Customer Service Directors undertook a review of existing services delivery arrangements in each District. This Number of bookings 87 review also took account of planned welfare reform changes for Expenditure (£) 14,697.50 the next two to three years, and the latest known information on the expected increase in business and customer volumes. Housing Benefit This exercise identified a requirement for work in 429 locations to increase capacity for dealing with the higher volumes of Sandra Gidley: To ask the Secretary of State for customers and to accommodate additional staff. The extent of Work and Pensions what the average processing time of this work varied from location to location, and we developed a range of solutions to meet additional capacity requirements. We applications for (a) new and (b) reassessed claims was have embarked on a programme of converting or extending our in (i) the UK and (ii) each of the smallest geographical existing buildings where necessary and in the vast majority of areas for which figures are available in each of the last sites affected there is sufficient internal space to enable capacity five years; and if she will make a statement. [321453] increases by converting under-utilised general office space. In sites where increased capacity is required, the work carried out is Helen Goodman: Information is only available for reversible and of a temporary nature. Estate modification works Great Britain. Information regarding Northern Ireland have so far been completed in 392 buildings to support meeting is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of the challenge of prevailing economic conditions. The final cost of State for Northern Ireland. modification works at these sites is not yet known and will be published in due course. The available information for local authorities in In order to make our services more accessible to customers we Great Britain between 2003-04 and 2007-08 has been are providing a range of support through outreach, often delivering placed in the Library. The data quality for 2008-09 was advisory and other support on partners’ premises. We are not high enough for publication. supplementing these measures by operating extended opening The Department has been working with local authorities hours in some locations where the need for this is identified to improve data quality. This month we intend to publish locally. This includes some offices opening to the public on processing time information for April to September Saturday. 2009, for between 270 and 300 local authorities whose We only acquire new temporary space where all other measures data meets official statistics standards. are insufficient and Jobcentre Plus presence in these buildings will be clearly badged as temporary facilities. Jobcentre Plus have Jobcentre Plus: Buildings considered re-opening four offices, which were previously open to the public but have been closed in the last six years, for temporary re-occupation. These sites are detailed at Annex A. Mrs. May: To ask the Secretary of State for Work These offices in Annex A were previously closed as part of the and Pensions (1) how many jobcentres have undergone Jobcentre Plus modernisation programme. In 2002 Jobcentre Plus estates works to enable them to meet demand for their inherited around 1,500 offices from the merger of the former services in the last 12 months; and at what cost; Benefits Agency and Employment service. At the time of merger [304400] the two organisations had many offices which were geographically (2) for how many Jobcentre Plus offices estates works close to each other, often in the same street. The modernisation are planned to enable them to meet demand; and what programme has modernised our Jobcentre network to improve customer service, rationalising our estate to provide excellent high the total estimated cost is of all such works; [304401] street coverage and a single, integrated customer facing office, at (3) which Jobcentre Plus offices that closed in each of the same time reducing cost to the taxpayer. We remain the largest the last six years have been re-opened; when each was office network in Government with 741 modern Jobcentres supported re-opened; and what the cost was of (a) closing and by 31 modern, industry standard contact centres and 79 main (b) re-opening each; [304402] benefit processing centres. (4) which Jobcentre Plus offices that closed in each of The four offices listed in Annex A have now re-opened and are delivering an appointment-only based service to customers. No the last six years are under consideration for further offices which have been closed in the last six years are re-opening; and what estimate has been made of the currently under consideration for re-opening. The original lease cost of (a) the closure and (b) re-opening of each. exit costs of closing the offices are also included in Annex A. The [304403] cost of re-occupation is yet to be finalised. 509W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 510W

The Jobcentre Plus estate remains under constant review, Income-based jobseeker’s allowance is dependent on taking into account prevailing economic conditions and changes income and savings. For contribution-based jobseeker’s in our service delivery planning. The work recently carried out on allowance, personal and household capital and savings our buildings, to meet the challenge of increased business and are not taken into account when determining entitlement. customer volumes, is of a temporary nature. This ensures we retain the ability to cope with the ever changing demands on However, periodic payments of occupational and personal Jobcentre Plus, without unnecessarily burdening ourselves with pensions made to the person claiming contribution-based permanent, costly estate which we will not need after the economy jobseeker’s allowance are taken into account. Pension has recovered. payments made to anyone else within the household are I hope this information is helpful. not considered when deciding entitlement. Annex A When assessing the amount of contribution-based jobseeker’s allowance that is payable to a person who is Jobcentre Plus considered re-opening four offices, which were previously open to the public but have been closed in the last six years, in receipt of a personal or occupational pension, the for temporary re-occupation first £50 per week of that pension is disregarded. For Cost of Now re-opened to the each 1 pence over and above the £50 disregard, 1 pence Region Location closure (£) public? of jobseeker’s allowance is deducted. Under the present arrangements contribution-based jobseeker’s allowance West South 336,183 Yes, re-opened for is only withdrawn completely from those with pension Midlands Northfield, appointment only Birmingham service from or annuity payments of more than £114.30 per week, 23 November 2009 based on April 2009 benefit rates. London Broadway, 757,909 Yes, re-opened for General guidance on the application and interpretation Bexleyheath appointment only of jobseeker’s allowance rules for our decision makers service from 8 March can be found in the decision makers guide. A copy of 2010 the guide is available in the Library and on the Department North Great Moor 1— Yes, re-opened for West Street, Bolton appointment only for Work and Pensions’ website at service from http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/ 30 November 2009 decision-makers-guide/ West Erdington, 1— Yes, re-opened for Midlands Birmingham appointment only service from 7 Jobseeker’s Allowance: South East December 2009 1 Not known. Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Jobseeker’s Allowance Work and Pensions what the average duration of a jobseeker’s allowance claim was in each local authority area in the South East in each of the last (a) 12 months Justine Greening: To ask the Secretary of State for and (b) five years. [320404] Work and Pensions how many people have made a claim for jobseeker’s allowance (a) nationally and (b) Helen Goodman: The requested information has been in each London borough in each of the last 24 months. placed in the Library. [318599]

Angela Eagle: The information is not available as no Occupational Pensions record is made of the number of claims made for jobseeker’s allowance each month. Willie Rennie: To ask the Secretary of State for Work However, the number of active jobseeker’s allowance and Pensions what steps her Department has taken to claims is recorded. The available information has been ensure companies may not end defined benefit schemes placed in the Library and is also available online at: for their employees without full consultation. [321302] https://www.nomisweb.co.uk Angela Eagle [holding answer 9 March 2010]: Employers Mrs. May: To ask the Secretary of State for Work with 50 or more employees who propose closing a and Pensions (1) by what mechanisms the effect of a defined benefit occupational pension scheme to new person’s occupational or personal pension on their members or to future accrual must consult the affected entitlement to contribution-based jobseeker’s allowance members of the pension scheme or their representatives is calculated; [320354] for at least 60 days before implementing the change. (2) whether person’s entitlement to contribution- The Pensions Regulator has powers to impose a based jobseeker’s allowance is means-tested according penalty on an employer who fails to comply with this to the (a) savings and (b) personal or occupational requirement to consult. pension income of that (i) person and (ii) their household. [320355] Pension Credit Helen Goodman [holding answer 4 March 2010]: There are two types of jobseeker’s allowance— Mr. Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Work contribution-based and income-based. Contribution-based and Pensions how many people have claimed pension jobseeker’s allowance is based on how many national credit in each quarter since April 2008. [320174] insurance contributions have been paid over the last two complete tax years. Angela Eagle: The information requested is not available. 511W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 512W

Pensions Social Security Benefits: Vulnerable Adults

Mrs. May: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Mr. Stephen O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State and Pensions how many of those employed in the (a) for Work and Pensions for what reasons vulnerable public and (b) private sector were active members of adults will only have continued support if they sign the an occupational pension scheme in each of the last data transfer form; and what advice she has taken on 10 years. [321489] the compatibility of this practice with (a) the Human Rights Act 1998 and (b) other anti-discrimination Angela Eagle: The number of active members of legislation. [320749] occupational pension schemes in the public and private sectors are set out in the following table. Jonathan Shaw: The Work Choice programme guarantees a place for every WORKSTEP customer who chooses Public sector Private sector Total to transfer when the new programme commences in 1953 3.1 3.1 6.2 October 2010. We will work closely with all WORKSTEP 1956 3.7 4.3 8.0 customers to ensure they feel able to give their consent 1963 3.9 7.2 11.1 to give the incoming provider the information they need to be able to put the right support in place. 1967 4.1 8.1 12.2 1971 4.3 6.8 11.1 Before Work Choice begins in October the new prime 1975 5.4 6.0 11.4 providers will not only have to undertake all the usual 1979 5.5 6.1 11.6 activities to set up and prepare their business but will 1983 5.3 5.8 11.1 also be under a contractual obligation to understand 1987 4.8 5.8 10.6 the often complex employment support needs of up to 14,000 current WORKSTEP customers that will transfer 1991 4.2 6.5 10.7 to them. 1995 4.1 6.2 10.3 2000 4.4 5.7 10.1 To enable them to do this, Department for Work and 2004 5.0 4.8 9.8 Pensions officials have developed a process to transfer 2005 - 4.7 - only the necessary minimum customer data from existing providers to incoming prime providers. The process and 2006 5.1 4.0 9.2 a supporting data transfer form have been developed in 2007 5.2 3.6 8.8 consultation with existing providers, bidders, the 2008 5.4 3.6 9.0 Department for Work and Pensions Provision Forum Notes: 1. The 2005 survey did not cover the public sector and a total figure is Work Choice Sub-group and the British Association for therefore not available. Supported Employment. 2. Due to changes in the definition of the public and private sectors, The critical part of the process is for the customer to estimates for 2000 onwards differ from earlier years. From 2000, give their informed consent. They will be invited to do organisations such as the Post Office and the BBC were reclassified from the public to the private sectors. so by their current provider and will be advised that 3. Changes to the methodology for 2006 onwards mean that comparisons they can withdraw their consent at any time up to with 2005 and earlier years should be treated with caution. 14 days later. Source: We expect the great majority of customers to give Occupational Pension Schemes Survey their consent. But any customers who express doubt Social Security Benefits: Na h-Eileanan an Iar about whether or not they should give their consent will be able to speak to a Disability Employment Adviser in Mr. MacNeil: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Jobcentre Plus. If the customer is not reassured by, or if and Pensions how many people were in receipt of they do not wish to speak with the adviser, they will still jobseeker’s allowance in Na h-Eileanan an Iar be able to move to Work Choice. constituency in the latest period for which figures are In those exceptional cases the current and future available; and what the average weekly payment made providers will agree a convenient time and place where in such benefit was in that constituency in that period. the new provider can discuss with the customer the [319067] personal information that the new provider needs to effectively support the customer and to administer the Jim Knight: The information requested is in the table. programme. Number of cases in payment and average weekly payment of At all stages during the development of the data jobseeker’s allowance in the Na h-Eileanan an Iar constituency in August 2009 transfer process, the Work Choice project has been advised by solicitors in the Department’s Legal Group Jobseeker’s allowance Number/£ to ensure that the process is compliant with all relevant Number of cases in payment 430 legislation. Average weekly amount paid (£) 66.28 Notes: State Retirement Pensions 1. Benefit recipients are rounded to the nearest 10. 2. Average weekly amounts are rounded to the nearest penny 3. All data refers to benefit recipients and will therefore exclude Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work credits only and nil payment cases and Pensions what the rate of basic state pension 4. Figures include number of cases in payment to couples and civil payable to (a) single pensioners and (b) couples (i) partnerships. Source: was in 1996-97 and (ii) will be in 2010-11; and what the Department for Work and Pensions Information Directorate: Work 2010-11 rates would have been if they had been uprated and Pensions Longitudinal Study. since 1996-97 in line with prices. [321691] 513W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 514W

Angela Eagle: The information requested is in the Winter Fuel Payments: Glasgow following table: Level of the basic state pension John Mason: To ask the Secretary of State for Work £ per week and Pensions how many (a) households and (b) individuals Standard rate for couple in Glasgow East constituency have received winter fuel where one spouse or civil payments since 1 November 2009. [317053] Standard rate on partner is reliant on the Financial year own contributions other’s contributions Angela Eagle: Information on winter fuel payments 1996-97 61.15 97.75 in Glasgow East since 1 November 2009 is not yet 2010-11 (actual) 97.65 156.15 available. For winter 2008-09, the latest year for which information is available, 11,710 payments were made to 2010-11 (price 87.50 139.75 uprated) households and 15,890 to individuals in that constituency. Notes: Notes: 1. All figures in cash terms. 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10. 2. Uprating calculations employ historic annual increase in the RPI 2. Parliamentary constituencies are assigned by matching postcodes series for September of the previous year. against the relevant ONS postcode directory. 3. The standard rate of the Category A pension (payable on a person’s own contributions) is commonly referred to as the ‘singles Source: rate’. DWP Information Directorate 100 per cent. data. 4. Category B pension is about 60 per cent. of the standard rate basic Category A pension. It is currently payable by virtue of a Winter Fuel Payments: Morecambe husband’s qualifying years or earnings, and from May 2010 or later will also be payable by virtue of a wife’s or civil partner’s contributions where the wife or civil partner was born after 5 April Geraldine Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for 1950 and has reached state pension age. Work and Pensions how many pensioners in Morecambe 5. The sum of the Category A and Category B pension is often referred to as the ‘couples rate’. and Lunesdale constituency have received winter fuel 6. From 2010-11, anyone reaching SPA will have their BSP payments during this winter. [311300] entitlement under reformed contributory conditions; 75 per cent. of women will have full basic state pension in their own right in Angela Eagle: Information on winter fuel payments 2010-11. in Morecambe and Lunesdale during this winter is not Winter Fuel Payments yet available. For winter 2008-09, the latest year for which information is available, 16,430 payments were Mr. Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Work made to households and 23,100 to individuals in that and Pensions how many pensioners received winter fuel constituency. allowance on the most recent date for which figures are Notes: available. [311776] 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10. 2. Parliamentary constituencies are assigned by matching postcodes Angela Eagle: For winter 2008-09, the last year for against the relevant ONS postcode directory. which information is available, 12,421,130 people aged Source: 60 or over received the winter fuel payment. DWP Information Directorate 100 per cent data. Notes: 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10. Winter Fuel Payments: Perth 2. Parliamentary constituencies are assigned by matching postcodes against the relevant ONS postcode directory. Source: Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many (a) households and (b) DWP Information Directorate 100 per cent. data. individuals in Perth and North Perthshire constituency Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for have received winter fuel payments since 1 November Work and Pensions how many claims for winter fuel 2009. [317059] payments were made by households in (a) England, (b) the East of England, (c) Bedfordshire and (d) Angela Eagle: Information on winter fuel payments Mid Bedfordshire constituency in the latest period for in Perth and North Perthshire since 1 November 2009 is which figures are available. [317538] not yet available. For winter 2008-09, the latest year for which information is available, 16,270 payments were Angela Eagle: For winter 2008-09, the latest year for made to households and 23,500 to individuals in that which information is available, the following numbers constituency. of winter fuel payments were made to households: Notes: 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10. Number 2. Parliamentary constituencies are assigned by matching postcodes England 7,713,430 against the relevant ONS postcode directory. East of England 894,710 Source: Bedfordshire 57,520 DWP Information Directorate 100 per cent data. Mid Bedfordshire 18,350 Notes: Work Capability Assessment 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10. 2. Parliamentary constituencies are assigned by matching postcodes against the relevant ONS postcode directory. Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Source: and Pensions how much her Department has paid to DWP Information Directorate 100 per cent data. Atos Healthcare in each of the last six months. [319997] 515W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 516W

Jonathan Shaw [holding answer 3 March 2010]: The TREASURY latest figures available for payment to Atos Healthcare over the period September 2009 to February 2010 is Bank Services detailed in the following table. John Mann: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer £ what support his Department is providing to those who cannot open a bank current account because of their 2009 credit rating. [321466] September 9,280,154 October 8,599,235 Sarah McCarthy-Fry: The Government have negotiated November 9,905,895 voluntary agreements with all the major UK banks to December 17,437,105 offer a basic bank account. Basic bank accounts do not offer overdrafts so new customers do not have to pass a 2010 credit check to qualify for an account. January 752,941 Capital Gains Tax February 9,759,882 Hywel Williams: To ask the Chancellor of the Invoices are raised in arrears for reports completed Exchequer (1) what estimate he has made of the effect the previous month. The payment in December on capital gains tax receipts of the introduction of the exceptionally includes (early) payment for some December 50 per cent. income tax rate; [321956] outputs. (2) if he will estimate the annual additional sum to These figures cover the total number of examinations accrue to the Exchequer from charging capital gains undertaken and costs relating to written and verbal tax at the same rates as income tax. [321961] medical advice, fixed overheads, administrative costs, salaries and fees paid directly to Healthcare Professionals Mr. Timms: The effect on capital gains tax receipts of by Atos Healthcare, investment in new technology and the introduction of the 50 per cent. income tax rate was other service improvements. included in the modelling explained to the Treasury Select Committee but no separate estimate has been made. The relevant transcript is available at pages 33 to 35 ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS and 46 to 48 of: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/ Restaurants: Closures cmselect/cmtreasy/438/438ii.pdf The estimate requested could be provided only at Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for disproportionate cost, due to the difficulties of assessing Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many the large behavioural responses that would result from restaurants in (a) England, (b) Essex and (c) Castle changes of this kind. Point constituency were closed for failing to meet food Civil Servants: Location safety and hygiene standards in each of the last five years; and for how long each was closed in each such Mr. Maude: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer case. [321441] pursuant to the answer of 5 February 2010, Official Report, on Civil Service: location, from what baseline Gillian Merron: I have been asked to reply. year the figures for the relocation of civil service posts The figures in the following table show the number of were calculated; and which Government departments restaurants and caterers subject to an emergency prohibition and agencies have not met their targets for relocation. notice/order, or to a voluntary closure: [320900]

England Essex1 Castle Point2 Mr. Byrne: The baseline for civil service staffing figures was 1 April 2003 and was used by Sir Michael 2008-09 729 11 0 Lyons in his 2004 report “Well Placed to Deliver?”. 2007-083 n/a n/a n/a 2006-07 615 9 1 The Departments for: Business, Innovation and Skills; 2005-06 450 5 0 Children, Schools and Families; Communities and Local Government; Culture, Media and Sport; Environment, 2004-05 470 7 0 Food and Rural Affairs; Department for International n/a = Not available. 1 Data for Essex includes the district councils for Basildon, Braintree, Development; Department for Work and Pensions; Her Brentwood, Castle Point, Chelmsford, Colchester, Epping Forest, Majesty’s Treasury; the Home Office; Ministry of Defence; Harlow, Maldon, Rochford, Tendring and Uttlesford, and the unitary Ministry of Justice; and the Northern Ireland Office councils for Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock. have either already exceeded or have met, or will meet 2 Data for Castle Point is for Castle Point district council. their targets imminently. 3 Full year data was not collected for 2007-08. The Cabinet Office, Department for Transport, Foreign These figures are based on the monitoring returns for and Commonwealth Office, Her Majesty’s Revenue and food law enforcement provided by individual local Customs (previously two departments, Inland Revenue authorities to the Food Standards Agency. and Customs and Excise) and UK National Statistics Data are not available for the length of time each (previously the Office for National Statistics) continue restaurant or caterer was closed. to work towards meeting their target. 517W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 518W

Departmental Location BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS

Bob Spink: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Exports: Yorkshire and the Humber how much his Department spent on the relocation of staff from posts in (a) Essex and (b) Castle Point Hugh Bayley: To ask the Minister of State, constituency in each of the last five years. [321424] Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how many companies in (a) Yorkshire and the Humber and Sarah McCarthy-Fry: There has been no spending on (b) the City of York exported goods or services to (i) the relocation of staff from either Essex or the Castle other EU countries and (ii) non-EU countries in the Point constituency in any of the last five years. last 12 months. [321726]

Departmental Official Visits Ian Lucas: HM Revenue and Customs publishes a regional breakdown for trade in goods. UK Regional Trade Statistics were published on 11 March 2010. The Mr. Philip Hammond: To ask the Chancellor of the provisional numbers of unique exporters of goods in Exchequer what the destination was of each official Yorkshire and the Humber during the year 2009 for EU visit by (a) Ministers in his Department and (b) and non EU countries were 1,583 and 4,994 respectively. officials in his Department, its agencies, HM Revenue and Customs and the Valuation Office Agency in each The UK Trade Statistics are provided at regional of the last three years. [321174] level so we are unable to confirm the number of companies for the City of York. Sarah McCarthy-Fry [holding answer 8 March 2010]: Ministers and officials of the Treasury, its agencies, HM Literacy Revenue and Customs and the Valuation Office Agency undertake official visits throughout the UK and wider. Mr. Hayes: To ask the Minister of State, Department A central record of the destination of such visits is not for Business, Innovation and Skills what the functional kept centrally, and compiling the information could not literacy rate of school leavers were in each year since be achieved within the disproportionate costs threshold. 1997. [304544]

Landfill Tax Mr. Coaker: I have been asked to reply. The Department does not currently report figures for Mr. Evans: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer functional literacy at age 16. We are piloting functional what estimate he made of the revenue raised from English qualifications at entry level, level 1 and level 2 landfill tax in 2009. [322024] to be available from 2010 which will provide young people and adults with the essential knowledge, skills Sarah McCarthy-Fry: Estimates of landfill tax revenues and understanding that will enable them to operate are set out in Table B10 of the 2009 pre-Budget report. confidently, effectively and independently in life and at work. The Government currently have a National Indicator to increase the percentage of pupils achieving 5 or more Non-departmental Public Bodies A*-C grades at GCSE and equivalent including GCSEs in English and mathematics in maintained schools. Mr. Maude: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Figures showing the percentage of pupils in maintained if he will place in the Library a copy of the schools meeting this target in each year since 1997 is questionnaire which his Department is sending to chief given in the following table: executives of non-departmental public bodies asking for a breakdown of the functions and spending of the Percentage body concerned. [320721] 1997 32.5 1998 34.0 Mr. Byrne: No questionnaire has been issued to the 1999 39.4 chief executives of NDPBs. 2000 37.3 2001 38.1 VAT: Veterinary Services 2002 39.5 2003 39.5 Annette Brooke: To ask the Chancellor of the 2004 40.4 Exchequer what recent representations he has received 2005 42.5 on value added tax liability for (a) veterinarians’ bills 2006 44.0 and (b) animal medication; and if he will make a 2007 45.8 statement. [321901] 2008 48.2 2009 50.7 Mr. Timms: Treasury Ministers and officials receive Note: Figures from 2005 relate to pupils at the end of Key Stage 4. representations from a wide range of organisations and Figures prior to this relate to 15-year-olds (age at start of academic individuals in the public and private sectors as part of year, i.e. 31 August). Figures relate to pupils in maintained schools. the process of policy development and delivery. It is not Since 2005 the Department has also collected data on the Government’s practice to provide details of such pupils achieving English and mathematics skills at Level representations. 1. This shows the proportion of pupils achieving Level 519W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 520W

1 English and mathematics, literacy and numeracy—even are currently considering the European Commission’s though some may not have achieved the equivalent recommendations on sustainability requirements for GCSEs: the use of solid and gaseous biomass sources for heat and electricity. DECC will make an announcement later Percentage this month, setting out what actions the Government can now take to introduce sustainability standards for 2005 91.1 biomass in the UK. 2006 91.6 2007 93.9 The European Commission is due to report by 2008 93.6 31 December 2010 on the impact of indirect land-use 2009 94.5 change on greenhouse gas emissions and ways to minimise that impact. We are pushing for an early resolution on Note: Figures from 2005 relate to pupils at the end of Key Stage 4. Figures prior to this relate to 15-year-olds (age at start of academic this within the EU and we will continue to work hard year, i.e. 31 August). Figures relate to pupils in maintained schools. for global sustainability standards. Venture Capital: Wales Boilers: Government Assistance Hywel Williams: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what John Thurso: To ask the Secretary of State for the Barnett consequentials for Wales of the (a) UK Energy and Climate Change what discussions officials High Technology Fund, (b) Regional Venture Capital from his Department have had with their HM Treasury Funds, (c) Community Development Venture counterparts on extending the boiler scrappage (Bridges) Funds, (d) Early Growth Funds, (e) scheme; and if he will make a statement. [321855] Enterprise Capital Funds, (f) Aspire Fund and (g) Capital for Enterprise Fund were in each year for Joan Ruddock: Officials in DECC have had a wide which figures are available. [321954] range of discussions with officials in HM Treasury on a number of issues in the context of expenditure plans. Ms Rosie Winterton: The UK High Technology Fund, HM Government will consider all proposals for expenditure Enterprise Capital Funds, Aspire Fund and Capital for as part of the budgetary cycle. Enterprise Funds are UK funds. The Regional Venture Capital Funds, Early Growth Funds and Community Development Venture (Bridges) Funds were funds available Departmental Advertising to the English regions only. They were established during 2000-01 and are no longer open to make new investments. Charles Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for The details of the Barnett Consequentials agreed at that Energy and Climate Change how much his Department time have been archived and are not immediately available. spent on television advertising in relation to each initiative My right Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Regional in each month of 2009. [320335] Economic Development and Co-ordination will write to the hon. Member in the near future. A copy of the Joan Ruddock: The cost of ACT ON CO2 television letter will be placed in the Libraries of the House. advertising for each month in 2009 is outlined in the following table. Costs are media only, include fees and are exclusive of VAT. ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE £ Biofuels 2009 Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for January 590,080 Energy and Climate Change what his policy is on the February 564,500 use of imported biomass from areas at risk of (a) March 613,920 degradation of natural or semi-natural ecosystems or April 10,000 habitats, (b) indirect land use change and (c) net May to September 0 biodiversity loss. [321487] October 1,600,000 November 554,758 Mr. Kidney [holding answer 10 March 2010]: The December 0 Government are determined to ensure that biomass, whether imported or produced in the UK: delivers real and substantive carbon dioxide savings; uses land Departmental Location responsibly avoiding damaging land use change; and does not undermine global food supplies or inflate Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy prices. and Climate Change how much his Department spent We already require suppliers of transport biofuels, on the relocation of staff from posts in (a) Essex and and electricity generators over 50 kilowatts, to report on (b) Castle Point constituency in each of the last five the available information on the origins of the biomass years. [321431] they use and whether the biomass complied with an environmental standards scheme. Joan Ruddock: The Department was formed on We will implement the sustainability criteria set out 3 October 2008. The Department has not spent any in the Renewable Energy Directive for transport biofuels money on the relocation of staff from posts in Essex or and bioliquids for heat and electricity generation. We Castle Point. 521W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 522W

Food: Prices Mr. Kidney: Investment is a commercial activity. Details of future commercial investment in gas import projects Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for can be found in National Grid’s latest Ten YearStatement Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has (published in December 2009). made of the effect on UK food prices of his Mr. Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Department’s biomass strategy. [321463] and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the (a) gas import capacity of and (b) demand for gas in Mr. Kidney [holding answer 10 March 2010]: The the UK (i) in 2010 and (ii) in each of the next five years. Government are determined to ensure that biomass, [322030] whether imported or produced in the UK: delivers real and substantive carbon dioxide savings; uses land Mr. Kidney: The latest estimates of gas import capacity responsibly avoiding damaging land use change; and and demand for gas in the UK for 2010 and each of the does not undermine global food supplies or inflate next five years can be found in the latest edition of the prices. Energy Markets Outlook (published in December 2009). A study carried out by E4Tech to inform the UK’s This can be found on the DECC website at: 2009 Renewable Energy Strategy, examined the availability http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/what_we_do/ of biomass supplies. The results indicate that there uk_supply/markets/outlook/outlook.aspx could be sufficient biomass resource potential in the UK for bio-energy to play a significant role in meeting Natural Gas: Storage the renewable energy target in 2020, and that imported biomass feedstocks could increasingly become a traded commodity. The study assumed that food demands are Charles Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for met first, and only considered the potential for UK Energy and Climate Change what the lowest level of energy crops from land currently not used for arable gas storage has been in each week since 1 December crops. The study also considered unexploited UK biomass 2009. [321402] reserves such as energy from waste and bringing back into production forest and woodland that has fallen out Mr. Kidney [holding answer 9 March 2010]: The of good management practice. These sources of biomass Government do not publish this information. However, do not compete with food crops and so do not impact daily gas storage levels from 1 October 2009 can be on food prices. found on the National Grid website: Biomass used for the production of transport biofuels http://www.nationalgrid.com/uk/Gas/Data/storage/ currently accounts for approximately 1 per cent. of global land use. The Government undertook an assessment of the causes and implications of the agricultural food price spike in 2007-08 (published on 5 January and JUSTICE available on DEFRA’s website as part of the Food 2030 package). The report concluded that biofuels had not Care Proceedings been a significant cause of recent food price spikes worldwide. For the longer term, we are supporting the Alistair Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice development of “second generation” technology which when he expects to publish (a) the report of could produce biofuels from non food sources such as Mr. Francis Plowden on court fees for the issue of care algae, wood, straw and food waste, so reducing pressure proceedings of local authorities and (b) his comments on food crops and land. on the report. [321720] We will continue to monitor the impact of our bio-energy targets on food prices. Mr. Straw: We are currently finalising arrangements for the publication of the independent review of court Fuel Poverty: Birmingham fees in care and supervision proceedings undertaken by Francis Plowden. The Review, together with a statement from the Government, will be published on Monday. Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what percentage of households in Birmingham were in fuel poverty in each Crimes of Violence: Convictions year since 1997. [321574] Paul Holmes: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr. Kidney: The methodology used for the 2006 work Justice how many (a) arrests, (b) prosecutions and (c) differs from that previously used, so care should be convictions of (i) men and (ii) women in each police taken in comparing the fuel poverty levels in one area force area for the offence of attempted murder there between 2003 and 2006. were in each year since 1997. [321913] Claire Ward: The number of males and females Natural Gas: Imports proceeded against at magistrates courts and found guilty at all courts for attempted murder, England and Wales, Mr. Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy by police force area, from 1997 to 2008 (latest available) and Climate Change what plans the Government have is given in Tables 1 and 2. for investment in gas import projects over the next Court proceedings data for 2009 are planned for 10 years. [322029] publication in the autumn, 2010. 523W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 524W

The information requested on arrests is not collected categories such as violence against the person and robbery. centrally. The arrests collection held by the Home Office From these centrally reported categories it is not possible covers arrests for recorded crime (notifiable offences) to separately identify arrests for attempted murder. only, broken down at a main offence group level, covering

Table 1: Number of males proceeded against at magistrates courts and found guilty at all courts of attempted murder, by police force area, England and Wales, 1997 to 20081, 2, 3, 4 Proceeded against Police force area 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 20083

Avon and 1329912316646112 Somerset Bedfordshire4322102372323 Cambridgeshire 6676954436—1 Cheshire 45655615—31053 City of London — — — 1 — — — — 1 — 2 — Cleveland 7 5 8 — 9 4 1654776 Cumbria 6 12 2 4 3 2 2 2—— 1— Derbyshire54364122—464 Devon and 910715153834322 Cornwall Dorset 4433955781—2 Durham 6481521310121 Essex 5776111615126847 Gloucestershire 3343543—23—1 Greater 33 42 40 41 60 56 49 39 15 35 38 20 Manchester Hampshire101524111911221111363 Hertfordshire 6483327514346 Humberside 1 2 —521947523 Kent 11547722710346 Lancashire 17 15 16 19 16 7 22 14 7 16 14 21 Leicestershire 6 9 14 6 18 17 16 14 12531 Lincolnshire313373231315 Merseyside 18 22 15 21 17 24 17 16 7 14 10 6 Metropolitan 67 69 66 56 76 69 66 55 61 95 82 71 Police Norfolk 6 4 3— 6—————— 2 NorthYorkshire143358324435 Northamptonshire7911———221—3 Northumbria 12 46896773122 Nottinghamshire 513362587142 South Yorkshire 6 9 11 10 17 11 18 19 12 6 6 10 Staffordshire315—45575144 Suffolk 454254145—33 Surrey 322285—35452 Sussex 5527207772462 Thames Valley 12 7 15 13 14 25 15 15 11 13 14 13 Warwickshire534——3—532—2 WestMercia92391411113424 West Midlands 35 44 25 52 52 42 55 35 23 36 19 30 WestYorkshire151110123231251723111913 Wiltshire 132546695321 Dyfed-Powys —1221254114— Gwent 116112111671213521 North Wales 735131263615 South Wales3 1118117545651064 Total 402 391 384 372 538 434 469 388 327 347 308 282

Found guilty Police force area 1997 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 20083

Avon and Somerset 2 —231132—2211 Bedfordshire——————— 1——111 Cambridgeshire 2 2 1———— 1— 2— 1 1 Cheshire 121——3—1—2211 525W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 526W

Found guilty Police force area 1997 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 20083

City of London — ———————————— Cleveland — — — 1 — — 1 — 3 1 — 1 1 Cumbria 2 — 1 — 1 1————— — Derbyshire—1112——11—211 Devon and 31—31131—2222 Cornwall Dorset 1 1121—211———— Durham 1 1——— 1————— 1 1 Essex ——1—1—31—11—— Gloucestershire — ———————————— Greater 42592710737855 Manchester Hampshire 4231231336144 Hertfordshire — 1 1 — — 1 2 — — 1——— Humberside — — 1 — 2 — 1 1 —2122 Kent 34——1—231—1—— Lancashire 2 23222—331155 Leicestershire 1 1 2 —12242——11 Lincolnshire 1 — 2 4 — 2 — 2 — — 1 — — Merseyside — 5 2 1 —23212222 Metropolitan 12 12 9 8 7 10 17 12 16 18 21 29 29 Police Norfolk ———— 1 2—— 1 2——— NorthYorkshire— 1 2——— 1—————— Northamptonshire2 2 2 2——— 1————— Northumbria 2 2251—5—1—211 Nottinghamshire 5 12512—612122 South Yorkshire 1 2 — —232422133 Staffordshire—1———111—21—— Suffolk —— 1—— 1——— 1— 1 1 Surrey ——— 1————————— Sussex 22211234——433 Thames Valley 2 121136426622 Warwickshire2—————— 1 2———— WestMercia42——21——2—111 West Midlands 4 27524101186755 WestYorkshire5252317674877 Wiltshire — ———————————— Dyfed-Powys — — 2 —4111—11—— Gwent — 1 1—— 2—— 3 1 1—— North Wales 1 — 1 1———111322 South Wales3 —22—12421—111 Total 69 58 67 58 43 61 90 88 65 75 83 85 85 1 The statistics 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 the principal offence is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offences selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. 2 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. 3 Excludes those proceeded against at Cardiff magistrates court in April, July and August 2008. 4 The found guilty column may exceed those proceeded against, as it may be the case that the proceedings in the magistrates court took place in the preceding year and they were found guilty at the Crown court in the following year, or the defendants were found guilty for a different offence to the original offence proceeded against. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice. Table2:Numberoffemalesproceeded against at magistrates courts and found guilty at all courts of attempted murder, by police force area, England and Wales, 1997 to 20081, 2, 3, 4 Proceeded against Police force area 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 20083

Avon and —1—2——132—1— Somerset Bedfordshire— 1—————————— Cambridgeshire 1 2 — 1 1 — — — 2 — 1 2 527W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 528W

Table2:Numberoffemalesproceeded against at magistrates courts and found guilty at all courts of attempted murder, by police force area, England and Wales, 1997 to 20081, 2, 3, 4 Proceeded against Police force area 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 20083

Cheshire 1—— 1—— 2— 1— 1— Cleveland 32122—3—1—32 Cumbria — 1 — —1121———— Derbyshire — 1————————— 1 Devon and 211——111111— Cornwall Dorset — 1 — 2 — 1 — 1———— Durham — 1———— 1 1———— Essex —11211——2——1 Gloucestershire — — 1——— 1 1 2— 1— Greater 175391443113 Manchester Hampshire—112251—1——— Hertfordshire —1111—2—1—1— Humberside —————— 1—111— Kent 11—12———1—11 Lancashire 2 —11251——— 1 1 Leicestershire — 1 3 — 1 — 1 1———— Lincolnshire1— 1— 1— 1————— Merseyside 23112312——1— Metropolitan 44514122—146 Police Norfolk ——— 1——— 1———— NorthYorkshire————— 2—————— Northamptonshire———————— 1—— 1 Northumbria 31211—21———— Nottinghamshire 1——————————— South Yorkshire — 3 2 — — 3 1 — 1 — 4 — Staffordshire2————— 1—— 1—— Suffolk —— 1————— 1——— Surrey 1——122—1——— 1 Sussex 1—213—1——— 1 3 Thames Valley 2 1 1——— 1— 1 2— 1 Warwickshire1———————— 1—— WestMercia——111—21—111 West Midlands 311354532——6 West Yorkshire 2 1 — 1 2 — 1 2 — — 1 3 Wiltshire — 1 —111—11——— Dyfed-Powys — 1 1————————— Gwent —— 1— 2— 4 1 2——— North Wales ———— 1—— 1———— South Wales3 — 1— 1————— 1—— Total 34 40 34 31 47 31 43 29 27 10 25 33

Found guilty Police force area 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 20083

Avon and ———————————— Somerset Bedfordshire———— 1——————— Cambridgeshire ———————————— Cheshire —— 1———— 1— 1—— Cleveland — — — 1———————— Cumbria ———————————— Derbyshire ——————————— 1 Devon and — 1 1—————— 1—— Cornwall Dorset ———————————— Durham ———————————— Essex —————— 1————— Gloucestershire ———————————— 529W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 530W

Found guilty Police force area 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 20083

Greater ——— 1———— 1 1—— Manchester Hampshire 1————— 1——— 1— Hertfordshire — 1 — — 1 1 — 1———— Humberside ————————— 1 1— Kent ——————————— 1 Lancashire —————————— 1— Leicestershire — — — 2——— 1———— Lincolnshire——— 1——— 1———— Merseyside ———————————— Metropolitan ———11111——— 2 Police Norfolk ———————————— NorthYorkshire— 1—————————— Northamptonshire———————————— Northumbria ———————————— Nottinghamshire — 1—————————— South Yorkshire — — 1———————— 1 Staffordshire——————————— 1 Suffolk ———————————— Surrey ——————————— 1 Sussex ——— 1— 2— 1———— Thames Valley ———————————— Warwickshire———————————— WestMercia— 1———— 1——— 1— West Midlands ——————— 1———— WestYorkshire— 1————————— 1 Wiltshire ———————————— Dyfed-Powys ———————————— Gwent ———————————— North Wales ———————————— South Wales3 ——————— 1———— Total 163734481448 1 The statistics 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 the principal offence is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offences selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe 2 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used 3 Excludes those proceeded against at Cardiff magistrates court in April, July and August 2008 4 The found guilty column may exceed those proceeded against, as it may be the case that the proceedings in the magistrates court took place in the preceding year and they were found guilty at the Crown Court in the following year, or the defendants were found guilty for a different offence to the original offence proceeded against Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice.

Departmental Buildings Costs incurred since then, including the balance of 2008, are shown as follows. The costs stated are for refurbishment works to the fabric and structure of Mr. Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State buildings and do not include items such as furniture for Justice how much his Department spent on office and are exclusive of VAT. refurbishments in each year since its inception. [320507] Balance of 2008: £862,392

Mr. Straw: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I 2009: £150,223 gave on 17 November 2008, Official Report, columns 17-18W, to the right hon. Member for Horsham These figures above cover Ministry of Justice HQ (Mr. Maude). and the Tribunals Service buildings. Figures are not held centrally for buildings in the NOMS and HMCS The tables in my previous answer which covered estates and could be provided only at disproportionate Ministry of Justice HQ, NOMS (custodial and non- cost. However, they have not been refurbishing offices, custodial, HMCS Estates, Tribunals Service and the rather reducing and making better use of the buildings Legal Services Commission) provide costs for the full that they have. calendar year 2007; and costs up to November 2008. The Ministry of Justice was created in May 2007 and we 2010 costs are not yet available. are unable to separate costs for that year. 531W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 532W

Departmental Location Administrative and Clerical Agency Staff providers at that time (Brook Street; Hays; Reed; Employment Plus; Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Kelly Services; NRG and Office Angels). how much his Department spent on the relocation of In most cases, the Ministry now utilises the OGC staff from posts in (a) Essex and (b) Castle Point Buying Solutions framework arrangements for the provision constituency in each of the last five years. [321426] of temporary staff. The suppliers under this framework can be found at the following link under the categories Mr. Wills: The information requested is not held of (1) Temporary Clerical and Admin (2) Specialist centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate Contractors (3) Interim Management: cost. Local HR teams are not necessarily informed of http://www.buyingsolutions.gov.uk/frameworks/full.html physical relocations within a given business area. Using a slightly different definition for headcount The Ministry of Justice’s accounting systems record monitoring purposes, the departmental annual resource relocation costs at an organisational level and not according accounts identify agency and contract staff costs and to the geographical location of staff. numbers within notes (9a) and (9c) in the column It would incur disproportionate cost to identify spend headed ″others″. However, these figures include some on the relocation of staff from posts in Essex and staff on temporary contracts who are employed directly Castle Point. To identify the information required would by the Ministry of Justice, hence the pension and social involve investigations by all of the local offices and security costs disclosed within the total expenditure. agencies of the Ministry of Justice operating within The figures also include the Scotland Office and Wales Essex and the Castle Point constituency, including prisons, Office. It would incur disproportionate costs to identify probation services, magistrates, Crown and county courts the specific costs and numbers associated with staff and tribunal services. employed through agencies rather than directly employed. The accounts can be found at the following links for Departmental Temporary Employment 2008-09 and 2007-08 respectively: http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/resource-accounts- Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for 2008-09.htm Justice from which companies his Department sourced http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/1055.htm temporary staff in each of the last three years; how As part of its Performance Efficiency Programme, many temporary staff his Department employed in the Ministry of Justice has controls in place to restrict each year; and what the monetary value of the and reduce the number of agency and contract staff contracts with each such company was in each such employed. In some circumstances, however, the employment year. [320015] of temporary personnel is unavoidable, for example to secure specialist skills for specific time-limited projects Mr. Straw: According to the definition provided by or to cover for absences such as maternity leave. the Office of Government Commerce (OGC), temporary staff include all interim managers, specialist contractors, Driving under Influence: Convictions administrative, manual and clerical staff. Personnel who are engaged to provide advisory services are excluded as the OGC classifies them as ″consultancy″. It is often the Paul Holmes: To ask the Secretary of State for case that the same suppliers provide temporary staff Justice how many (a) arrests, (b) prosecutions and and consultants. (c) convictions of (i) men and (ii) women in each police force area for the offence of drink driving there On its formation on 9 May 2007 as a merger between have been since 1997. [321912] the former Department for Constitutional Affairs and parts of the Home Office, the Ministry of Justice inherited Claire Ward: The number of persons proceeded against a range of local procurement arrangements which were at magistrates courts and found guilty at all courts for brought together within a single departmental wide “driving after consuming alcohol or taking drugs”, by function from April 2009. It is not possible therefore to sex and police force area, from 1997 to 2008 (latest identify expenditure on temporary staff classified according available) is shown in tables 1 and 2. to OGC definitions from procurement data prior to the current financial year. To provide this information would Court proceedings data for 2009 are planned to be incur the disproportionate cost of scrutinising thousands published in the autumn, 2010. of invoices from relevant suppliers to determine what The arrests collection held by the Home Office covers costs relate to consultancy and what costs relate to arrests for recorded crime (notifiable offences) only, temporary staff. broken down at a main offence group level, covering The new departmental wide arrangements are based categories such as violence against the person and robbery. on the best practice processes that were already in Information on summary motoring offences including operation on the National Offender Management Service those of driving etc. after consuming alcohol or taking (NOMS) agency. NOMS is therefore able to identify drugs are non-notifiable and as a result are not covered £27.25 million expenditure in 2008-09 with its contracted by the collection.

Table 1: Number of males proceeded against at magistrates courts and found guilty at all courts for driving after consuming alcohol or taking drugs, by police force area, England and Wales, 1997 to 20081, 2, 3 Proceeded against Police force area 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Avon and 2,387 2,233 2,347 2,113 1,888 2,007 2,261 2,249 2,167 1,981 2,017 1,772 Somerset 533W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 534W

Table 1: Number of males proceeded against at magistrates courts and found guilty at all courts for driving after consuming alcohol or taking drugs, by police force area, England and Wales, 1997 to 20081, 2, 3 Proceeded against Police force area 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Bedfordshire 1,066 930 757 681 826 838 929 953 950 972 883 747 Cambridgeshire 924 898 798 664 666 713 797 914 996 1,050 1,043 917 Cheshire 1,618 1,594 1,486 1,405 1,317 1,735 1,528 1,751 1,372 1,456 1,449 1,245 City of 379 275 211 167 139 208 197 157 165 149 181 115 London Cleveland 817 706 704 667 753 766 795 882 761 806 783 808 Cumbria 756 709 700 660 612 633 661 733 659 686 680 565 Derbyshire 1,396 1,278 1,242 1,186 1,192 1,234 1,332 1,554 1,345 1,264 1,191 969 Devon and 2,069 1,986 1,992 1,907 2,095 2,129 2,283 2,130 2,080 1,960 1,908 1,794 Cornwall Dorset 996 989 935 897 934 937 1,013 1,035 986 957 1,010 874 Durham 894 863 957 970 918 932 966 1,007 910 790 796 694 Essex 2,437 2,186 2,190 2,150 2,108 2,150 2,202 2,362 2,131 2,229 2,084 1,918 Gloucestershire 919 833 740 672 746 812 754 759 711 710 601 613 Greater 4,016 3,886 3,893 3,814 3,864 3,793 3,817 3,846 3,786 3,749 3,650 3,011 Manchester Hampshire 3,200 3,084 3,264 2,948 3,005 3,331 3,132 3,215 2,825 2,426 2,462 2,245 Hertfordshire 1,464 1,473 1,459 1,320 1,451 1,640 1,641 1,629 1,554 1,511 1,503 1,307 Humberside 1,080 1,171 1,103 1,110 1,049 1,218 1,330 1,367 1,315 1,247 842 477 Kent 2,056 2,327 2,313 2,272 2,309 2,400 2,410 2,589 2,419 2,332 2,329 2,025 Lancashire 2,825 2,380 2,177 2,171 1,927 2,161 2,269 2,251 2,234 2,274 2,191 1,965 Leicestershire 1,438 1,297 1,389 1,304 1,359 1,422 1,443 1,445 1,382 1,275 1,290 1,099 Lincolnshire 980 882 805 735 791 746 972 998 991 1,051 1,051 997 Merseyside 2,290 2,042 1,804 1,891 1,918 1,951 2,268 2,394 2,434 2,219 1,998 1,529 Metropolitan 14,886 12,798 11,332 10,936 10,651 11,970 11,549 11,758 11,650 11,579 10,738 9,717 police Norfolk 952 954 837 776 976 1,017 1,106 1,026 1,040 1,137 1,008 861 North 1,106 1,039 930 908 896 938 1,002 938 1,033 998 946 886 Yorkshire Northamptonshire 1,000 945 927 708 356 195 698 794 737 868 748 790 Northumbria 2,263 2,047 2,018 2,196 2,097 2,107 2,245 2,192 2,127 2,064 1,984 1,835 Nottinghamshire 1,705 1,511 1,523 1,452 1,332 1,220 1,379 1,358 1,369 1,403 1,256 1,255 South 1,993 1,646 1,620 1,815 1,748 1,625 1,748 1,864 1,906 1,667 1,690 1,609 Yorkshire Staffordshire 1,752 1,637 1,428 1,554 1,222 1,374 1,399 1,419 1,411 1,354 1,369 1,251 Suffolk 898 882 907 762 823 940 1,010 1,125 914 979 866 711 Surrey 1,205 1,137 1,203 1,328 1,528 1,422 1,236 1,270 1,231 1,170 1,204 1,074 Sussex 2,076 1,891 1,903 1,845 2,128 2,050 2,125 2,064 1,933 2,023 1,985 1,794 Thames Valley 3,638 3,458 3,302 3,056 2,904 3,786 3,419 3,094 2,987 2,941 2,852 2,406 Warwickshire 686 671 730 682 758 724 782 742 734 725 808 650 West Mercia 1,727 1,571 1,475 1,395 1,477 1,463 1,527 1,532 1,672 1,682 1,591 1,424 West 5,622 4,949 4,229 3,953 4,225 4,383 4,481 4,759 4,830 4,739 4,651 3,877 Midlands West 3,352 3,161 3,176 2,879 2,858 3,161 3,191 3,328 3,366 3,134 2,936 2,609 Yorkshire Wiltshire 892 947 832 775 848 828 816 845 840 809 639 546 Dyfed-Powys 857 822 788 731 724 792 811 807 777 762 748 646 Gwent 976 1,016 933 1,016 946 898 973 980 901 986 894 787 North Wales 1,122 1,079 1,012 1,088 1,049 1,066 1,117 1,108 1,097 1,112 1,049 890 South Wales3 2,282 2,340 2,088 2,171 2,283 2,159 2,269 2,323 2,303 2,227 2,062 1,494 Total England 86,997 80,523 76,459 73,730 73,696 77,874 79,883 81,546 79,031 77,453 73,966 64,798 and Wales

Found guilty Police force area 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Avon and 2,212 2,077 2,210 1,981 1,780 1,894 2,089 2,126 2,042 1,857 1,903 1,678 Somerset Bedfordshire 959 877 709 640 771 780 863 891 882 929 841 708 Cambridgeshire 887 860 756 627 645 680 758 880 972 1,022 1,012 883 Cheshire 1,546 1,513 1,406 1,304 1,239 1,551 1,443 1,664 1,313 1,390 1,393 1,209 535W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 536W

Found guilty Police force area 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

City of 366 252 202 145 129 182 187 133 154 143 165 105 London Cleveland 759 652 636 612 707 721 702 813 725 776 754 790 Cumbria 720 670 678 625 584 602 634 709 627 656 663 545 Derbyshire 1,280 1,212 1,173 1,105 1,105 1,161 1,264 1,472 1,290 1,210 1,151 940 Devon and 1,931 1,870 1,876 1,801 1,987 2,020 2,145 2,036 1,987 1,851 1,830 1,720 Cornwall Dorset 938 930 889 843 881 877 960 975 943 915 925 819 Durham 840 810 907 924 874 879 901 972 880 760 775 673 Essex 2,320 2,025 2,078 2,048 1,986 2,031 2,105 2,266 2,027 2,130 2,003 1,844 Gloucestershire 878 787 703 626 715 766 711 716 651 655 564 596 Greater 3,819 3,685 3,728 3,648 3,638 3,622 3,616 3,686 3,600 3,595 3,511 2,923 Manchester Hampshire 3,040 2,920 3,078 2,788 2,840 3,134 2,934 3,007 2,659 2,299 2,373 2,145 Hertfordshire 1,386 1,371 1,378 1,238 1,356 1,538 1,516 1,498 1,448 1,431 1,427 1,247 Humberside 1,024 1,102 1,072 1,055 998 1,132 1,242 1,289 1,265 1,208 801 436 Kent 1,947 2,217 2,205 2,169 2,147 2,245 2,250 2,455 2,314 2,238 2,236 1,938 Lancashire 2,701 2,266 2,057 2,034 1,790 1,995 2,090 2,097 2,107 2,108 2,057 1,876 Leicestershire 1,366 1,224 1,301 1,245 1,257 1,346 1,386 1,386 1,300 1,210 1,218 1,038 Lincolnshire 924 825 770 690 726 706 907 961 930 1,008 1,008 951 Merseyside 2,129 1,901 1,703 1,712 1,776 1,833 2,107 2,174 2,266 2,097 1,896 1,478 Metropolitan 13,515 11,503 10,215 9,808 9,427 10,752 10,333 10,674 10,601 10,766 10,052 9,218 police Norfolk 940 937 823 746 911 966 1,036 965 996 1,094 962 827 North 1,062 977 885 862 859 901 938 887 977 963 914 863 Yorkshire Northamptonshire 928 867 850 639 315 181 644 749 655 823 711 755 Northumbria 2,069 1,881 1,869 2,038 1,935 1,946 2,060 2,030 1,986 1,942 1,861 1,756 Nottinghamshire 1,598 1,402 1,404 1,349 1,245 1,128 1,285 1,292 1,284 1,322 1,201 1,203 South 1,868 1,554 1,544 1,700 1,643 1,528 1,613 1,757 1,795 1,582 1,625 1,526 Yorkshire Staffordshire 1,655 1,554 1,360 1,504 1,158 1,293 1,325 1,323 1,306 1,255 1,310 1,208 Suffolk 846 842 861 718 764 889 938 1,041 875 934 825 687 Surrey 1,121 1,071 1,140 1,223 1,271 1,292 1,156 1,190 1,161 1,110 1,142 1,029 Sussex 1,923 1,756 1,785 1,708 1,950 1,918 1,990 1,967 1,861 1,943 1,928 1,734 Thames Valley 3,402 3,241 3,081 2,844 2,680 3,543 3,192 2,897 2,809 2,745 2,679 2,317 Warwickshire 647 631 698 644 722 686 755 713 705 695 781 625 West Mercia 1,643 1,487 1,420 1,338 1,407 1,387 1,432 1,436 1,601 1,616 1,529 1,379 West Midlands 5,220 4,564 3,893 3,652 3,928 4,071 4,192 4,467 4,580 4,487 4,458 3,715 West 3,154 2,939 2,950 2,672 2,583 2,883 2,976 3,146 3,161 2,950 2,742 2,448 Yorkshire Wiltshire 845 907 810 748 809 778 781 794 798 775 616 519 Dyfed-Powys 803 774 749 675 677 725 757 750 724 716 700 617 Gwent 926 954 857 951 891 851 883 917 829 919 846 738 North Wales 1,043 1,018 963 1,037 965 986 1,034 1,044 1,049 1,067 1,024 858 South Wales3 2,166 2,179 1,965 2,046 2,114 2,045 2,112 2,183 2,147 2,105 1,979 1,448 Total England 81,346 75,084 71,637 68,762 68,185 72,444 74,242 76,428 74,282 73,297 70,391 62,012 and Wales 1 The statistics 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 the principal offence 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. 2 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. 3 Excludes data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July and August 2008. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice. 537W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 538W

Table 2: Number of females proceeded against at magistrates courts and found guilty at all courts for driving after consuming alcohol or taking drugs, by police force area, England and Wales, 1997 to 20081, 2, 3 Proceeded against Police force area 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Avon and 253 234 257 267 235 276 309 350 356 330 360 301 Somerset Bedfordshire 84 95 73 76 83 102 121 100 92 133 125 96 Cambridgeshire 90 102 96 74 69 87 103 117 118 134 142 139 Cheshire 200 200 201 195 170 272 270 278 233 285 282 287 City of 44 30 28 14 18 28 20 15 12 16 13 13 London Cleveland 81 77 75 73 74 93 105 106 116 134 116 135 Cumbria 84 73 95 88 83 89 106 92 130 116 111 137 Derbyshire 148 120 116 143 121 148 173 197 188 204 169 184 Devon and 236 232 233 268 252 269 357 325 326 363 326 340 Cornwall Dorset 110 128 118 141 133 165 148 156 158 164 201 174 Durham 64 110 119 104 112 135 118 134 163 144 162 141 Essex 240 221 251 222 254 274 276 349 340 352 363 385 Gloucestershire 92 113 94 89 99 98 120 131 120 124 128 141 Greater 358 411 413 421 448 462 512 506 541 501 552 568 Manchester Hampshire 377 361 375 387 363 442 413 443 462 393 411 396 Hertfordshire 140 153 136 181 191 233 249 244 256 277 284 264 Humberside 99 105 95 146 129 127 120 139 139 166 120 62 Kent 155 219 229 232 261 310 268 305 317 312 349 362 Lancashire 316 340 303 297 284 340 321 351 344 414 411 398 Leicestershire 115 105 117 125 126 152 162 167 169 158 176 137 Lincolnshire 100 92 93 69 86 75 115 154 150 133 137 138 Merseyside 228 239 178 190 189 240 296 328 327 343 387 349 Metropolitan 1,392 1,240 1,187 1,091 1,057 1,210 1,179 1,328 1,253 1,343 1,340 1,338 police Norfolk 89 99 95 93 116 153 122 149 153 149 165 164 North 147 111 126 126 130 128 155 141 171 163 182 166 Yorkshire Northamptonshire 82 99 105 76 32 24 85 99 120 104 101 130 Northumbria 194 234 231 242 228 290 323 344 300 337 373 355 Nottinghamshire 162 145 158 166 159 113 164 183 180 217 214 211 South 146 178 153 176 171 193 232 216 208 215 229 238 Yorkshire Staffordshire 177 191 149 149 146 201 196 222 220 208 221 253 Suffolk 102 109 129 97 101 117 152 154 128 138 146 146 Surrey 128 155 173 190 243 215 193 194 227 211 256 247 Sussex 271 215 252 226 267 255 275 341 311 337 372 303 Thames Valley 357 368 353 405 352 473 450 414 425 438 447 432 Warwickshire 79 80 90 72 101 89 95 81 103 138 137 134 West Mercia 111 118 146 144 172 206 192 191 146 215 188 182 West Midlands 371 348 312 397 374 389 419 517 524 564 557 490 West 277 304 296 307 280 313 329 330 354 333 411 401 Yorkshire Wiltshire 106 86 105 108 110 116 133 117 125 129 129 116 Dyfed-Powys 95 107 103 82 99 113 123 133 121 117 124 122 Gwent 111 113 99 113 135 104 131 149 180 161 153 177 North Wales 128 137 147 139 127 150 157 153 166 168 176 171 South Wales3 217 255 239 266 285 310 332 333 359 349 372 307 Total England 8,356 8,452 8,343 8,467 8,465 9,579 10,119 10,776 10,831 11,230 11,618 11,230 and Wales

Found guilty Police force area 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Avon and 241 219 237 249 220 259 285 331 337 313 339 287 Somerset Bedfordshire 80 87 68 73 74 100 114 95 87 131 122 96 Cambridgeshire 84 96 92 72 68 82 96 114 116 128 138 138 539W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 540W

Found guilty Police force area 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Cheshire 192 192 194 184 157 248 257 269 229 265 269 277 City of 44 29 23 11 18 27 20 15 11 15 12 13 London Cleveland 77 74 73 67 70 87 98 102 113 131 111 128 Cumbria 82 70 93 85 81 84 103 90 122 112 109 136 Derbyshire 132 113 108 135 111 139 157 188 178 186 165 176 Devon and 218 218 222 251 238 251 344 305 312 348 310 323 Cornwall Dorset 106 121 111 131 120 155 143 144 150 154 184 159 Durham 61 103 117 101 108 125 114 133 154 140 158 134 Essex 225 206 231 214 245 259 261 332 327 342 350 371 Gloucestershire 91 107 88 85 94 93 112 126 111 114 122 136 Greater 342 394 398 406 429 441 495 492 530 479 540 550 Manchester Hampshire 362 343 351 370 345 408 394 424 440 375 392 381 Hertfordshire 133 144 136 171 182 224 233 238 237 261 276 250 Humberside 98 101 89 145 122 119 115 135 132 159 114 60 Kent 147 212 217 220 243 295 258 291 297 304 333 343 Lancashire 302 325 292 278 269 321 303 330 325 395 382 385 Leicestershire 110 103 111 118 123 143 151 160 158 142 166 134 Lincolnshire 95 88 85 67 82 73 110 143 142 124 128 135 Merseyside 218 228 171 179 174 226 279 311 306 317 373 335 Metropolitan 1,280 1,153 1,085 995 947 1,105 1,073 1,218 1,159 1,257 1,265 1,277 Police Norfolk 85 97 92 92 107 143 114 140 145 147 157 159 North 142 103 123 124 123 125 147 138 166 158 180 162 Yorkshire Northamptonshire 78 90 93 64 28 24 82 95 109 96 96 123 Northumbria 179 220 219 234 219 274 302 316 280 320 352 343 Nottinghamshire 149 137 152 159 149 104 152 175 170 209 199 202 South 136 168 146 166 164 182 216 198 190 203 226 236 Yorkshire Staffordshire 165 181 143 137 145 194 187 210 205 195 210 244 Suffolk 98 104 119 90 92 108 143 145 122 130 138 140 Surrey 123 152 166 180 198 200 183 178 219 202 252 242 Sussex 255 198 236 217 255 240 261 328 296 330 351 295 Thames Valley 341 352 335 375 333 451 422 385 402 416 423 411 Warwickshire 78 77 86 70 98 84 92 76 102 134 132 132 West Mercia 105 112 138 139 160 197 181 180 138 205 179 175 West Midlands 358 333 292 374 356 364 402 481 500 543 536 465 West Yorkshire 271 284 274 286 265 287 308 312 334 316 389 375 Wiltshire 103 85 104 104 104 113 127 109 121 124 125 106 Dyfed-Powys 90 103 96 73 93 103 115 123 113 113 114 111 Gwent 107 105 96 107 125 96 125 140 170 151 144 166 North Wales 124 131 139 132 121 138 148 145 158 159 170 163 South Wales3 205 232 227 254 269 298 317 309 345 335 355 293 Total England 7,912 7,990 7,868 7,984 7,924 8,989 9,539 10,169 10,258 10,678 11,086 10,767 and Wales 1 The statistics 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 the principal offence 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. 2 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. 3 Excludes data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July and August 2008. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice.

Drugs: Convictions Claire Ward: The number of offenders cautioned, Paul Holmes: To ask the Secretary of State for defendants proceeded against at magistrates courts and Justice how many (a) arrests, (b) prosecutions, (c) found guilty at all courts by drug class, sex and police convictions and (d) cautions of (i) men and (ii) women force area, 1997 to 2008 (latest available) can be viewed in each police force area for drug offences relating to in tables 1 and 2 that have been placed in the House each type of drug there were in each year since 1997. Library. [321902] 541W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 542W

Court data for 2009 are planned for publication in Data on arrests for drug offences from 1999-2000 the autumn, 2010. (previous data unavailable) to 2007-08 (latest available) The arrests collection held by the Home Office covers are provided in tables 3 and 4 as follows. It is not arrests for recorded crime (notifiable offences) only, possible from these centrally reported data, to identify broken down at a main offence group level, covering the specific drugs involved in the arrests. categories such as violence against the person, robbery and drug offences.

Table 3: Number of males arrested for drug offences by sex and police force area, England and Wales, 1999-2000 to 2007-08 Males 1999- Force name 20001 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

Avon and Somerset 1,436 1,735 1,698 1,670 1,433 1,231 1,229 1,444 1,892 Bedfordshire 892 775 850 789 695 550 526 471 652 Cambridgeshire 725 619 694 585 543 439 581 751 910 Cheshire 1,415 1,250 1,166 1,288 873 846 584 661 828 Cleveland 1,242 1,043 1,468 1,499 1,383 n/a 1,138 878 920 Cumbria 1,103 761 755 861 785 770 764 767 717 Derbyshire 1,180 1,020 1,046 1,214 1,288 1,095 810 691 861 Devon and Cornwall 2,059 1,903 2,456 2,478 2,250 1,554 1,602 1,544 1,806 Dorset 1,111 948 1,036 946 910 820 839 899 908 Durham n/a n/a n/a n/a 868 797 918 695 648 Essex 1,704 1,833 1,438 1,625 1,399 959 877 966 1,992 Gloucestershire 904 903 893 890 794 542 538 459 681 Greater Manchester 4,169 3,992 3,703 4,481 4,413 3,502 3,517 3,734 4,597 Hampshire 3,392 2,695 2,668 2,628 2,587 2,061 1,979 1,559 2,077 Hertfordshire 946 1,106 1,015 1,053 1,125 1,216 1,335 1,383 1,794 Humberside n/a n/a n/a n/a 1,200 984 870 999 1,083 Kent 2,663 2,072 2,077 2,144 1,772 1,343 1,658 1,709 2,393 Lancashire 2,881 2,812 2,898 3,616 3,165 2,927 2,955 2,867 3,742 Leicestershire 1,200 1,120 1,396 1,624 1,158 940 897 835 891 Lincolnshire n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 238 776 717 London, City of n/a n/a 440 640 577 279 341 374 409 Merseyside 4,990 4,741 4,675 6,650 6,275 4,231 4,100 3,502 6,164 Metropolitan Police 22,807 20,348 21,417 25,823 21,771 14,489 16,342 17,598 20,505 Norfolk 1,201 899 881 905 921 812 709 782 1,008 Northamptonshire 670 603 545 507 439 589 561 538 538 Northumbria 4,044 4,153 4,642 5,103 4,609 3,723 3,882 3,852 3,142 North Yorkshire 1,295 1,132 1,359 1,470 1,471 n/a n/a 842 994 Nottinghamshire 1,363 1,621 1,481 1,604 1,824 1,284 n/a 1,670 2,148 South Yorkshire 2,984 2,935 2,797 2,895 2,327 1,649 1,623 1,742 2,083 Staffordshire n/a n/a n/a n/a 1,378 1,119 931 1,336 1,539 Suffolk 858 695 633 752 813 664 712 704 589 Surrey 1,059 1,354 1,374 1,306 1,015 835 889 799 1,108 Sussex 327 1,481 1,892 2,003 1,717 1,271 1,610 1,488 1,868 Thames Valley 3,305 3,033 3,192 3,257 3,232 3,910 4,299 4,275 4,160 Warwickshire 605 413 462 457 477 334 316 342 307 West Mercia 1,488 1,263 1,166 1,069 1,090 905 1,009 972 960 West Midlands n/a n/a n/a 6,209 5,716 3,102 3,614 3,410 4,342 West Yorkshire 4,353 3,954 3,574 4,393 3,958 3,273 3,839 3,701 3,345 Wiltshire 648 601 576 473 516 326 374 344 324

Dyfed Powys n/a 1,376 2,343 2,681 2,031 1,176 1,323 1,138 1,126 Gwent n/a n/a n/a 1,534 1,250 556 643 755 733 North Wales 1,265 1,089 1,106 1,560 1,854 1,006 776 1,242 1,306 South Wales 556 2,609 3,075 2,931 2,386 1,307 1,802 1,797 2,035

England and Wales1 105,400 97,400 101,500 114,700 97,800 72,500 76,300 77,291 90,842 n/a = Data not available 1 Figures for England and Wales from 1999-2000 to 2005-06 are estimated to take account of missing data for some forces, additionally, data for 1999-2000 is of lower quality than subsequent years due to it being the first year data on arrests were collected. 543W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 544W

Table 4: Number of females arrested for drug offences by sex and police force area, England and Wales, 1999-2000 to 2007-08 Females 1999- Force name 20001 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

Avon and Somerset 248 328 317 340 305 269 267 247 300 Bedfordshire 101 129 119 116 116 104 86 53 83 Cambridgeshire 117 116 110 126 103 86 116 159 180 Cheshire 207 141 110 139 108 117 121 123 124 Cleveland 252 216 377 471 435 n/a 332 251 291 Cumbria 194 186 121 154 152 157 148 164 116 Derbyshire 173 137 170 163 229 220 149 128 172 Devon and Cornwall 407 344 485 554 485 352 381 341 398 Dorset 223 176 213 168 189 142 212 231 200 Durham n/a n/a n/a n/a 167 163 193 160 190 Essex 350 275 205 225 186 177 137 164 316 Gloucestershire 183 150 173 195 138 124 101 84 144 Greater Manchester 622 601 512 655 713 632 630 535 726 Hampshire 376 364 453 461 434 397 396 317 394 Hertfordshire 135 145 150 146 176 177 227 205 250 Humberside n/a n/a n/a n/a 284 258 212 210 259 Kent 499 316 337 377 368 305 315 331 389 Lancashire 434 373 418 594 483 422 432 413 508 Leicestershire 181 183 204 198 168 163 169 153 136 Lincolnshire n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 43 130 111 London, City of n/a n/a 28 36 58 41 33 29 32 Merseyside 504 463 488 667 632 347 188 380 603 Metropolitan Police 2,478 2,182 2,155 2,284 2,085 1,650 1,609 1,735 1,926 Norfolk 206 163 139 169 196 200 155 173 191 Northamptonshire 136 95 113 115 114 122 124 100 90 Northumbria 675 678 831 859 781 698 624 614 590 North Yorkshire 208 200 190 237 352 n/a n/a 188 240 Nottinghamshire 264 251 255 258 349 301 n/a 307 413 South Yorkshire 602 551 483 506 595 447 428 415 459 Staffordshire n/a n/a n/a n/a 238 231 183 212 269 Suffolk 154 99 94 125 192 166 143 131 114 Surrey 153 178 172 169 144 145 156 139 161 Sussex 62 285 390 392 397 279 338 365 438 Thames Valley 522 518 506 516 613 571 624 582 579 Warwickshire764159645560634548 West Mercia 247 204 200 170 207 185 204 167 157 West Midlands n/a n/a n/a 675 663 391 435 395 424 West Yorkshire 712 775 728 722 752 518 782 679 533 Wiltshire 122 90 95 69 63 62 72 64 75

Dyfed Powys n/a 250 385 461 377 218 228 218 225 Gwent n/a n/a n/a 185 130 71 86 92 96 North Wales 188 150 144 239 282 181 159 228 217 South Wales 99 443 656 640 529 387 434 445 523

England and Wales1 15,700 13,900 15,100 16,400 15,200 12,200 12,300 12,102 13,690 n/a = Data not available 1 Figures for England and Wales from 1999-2000 to 2005-06 are estimated to take account of missing data for some forces, additionally, data for 1999-2000 is of lower quality than subsequent years due to it being the first year data on arrests were collected.

Freedom of Information: Welsh Language Mr. Wills: The Government have made no such assessment. Where an individual makes a request for Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for information under the Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA) Justice what assessment he has made of the merits of or the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA), any translating information provided in response to information released will generally be provided in the requests made under the provisions of the Freedom of language in which it is held. There are no obligations Information Act 2000 and the Data Protection Act under either the DPA or the FOIA for organisations to 1998 from (a) English to Welsh and (b) Welsh to translate the information requested into different English in cases where the request is made by a person languages. who does not have an adequate understanding of the language used in the documents. [321442] 545W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 546W

Legal Aid £000 Financial year Mr. Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for 2008-09 2007-08 Justice how much and what proportion of the legal aid Wages and salaries 147 200 budget has been spent on terrorism cases in each of the Social security costs 14 21 last five years. [320747] Other pension costs 36 17 Total 197 238 Mr. Straw: The Legal Services Commission (LSC) is unable to identify all legal aid expenditure on terrorism The figures above represent the element of costs cases as terrorism cases do not have a specific identifying within note 9 (a) to the published departmental annual code for all the legal aid schemes. Cases in the Crown resource accounts that relates to MoJ’s Request for Court do not have an identifying code unless they are Resource 1 in respect of MoJ headquarters and executive funded under the Very High Cost Case Scheme (VHCC). agencies. The balance of the published totals, which Therefore, it is not possible to state what proportion of amount to £424,000 in 2008-09 and £511,000 in 2007-08, all legal aid expenditure was attributable to terrorism reflects the costs of Special Advisors supporting the cases. Scotland Office (MoJ Request for Resource 2) and the Wales Office (MoJ Request for Resource 3). Table 1 shows legal aid expenditure during each of the last five years on terrorism cases funded under the Press Officers VHCC scheme covering cases expected to last 41 days The cost of press officers, including contractors and or longer at trial. agency staff and excluding support staff, is as follows: Table 2 shows legal aid expenditure during each of £000 the last three years on terrorism cases funded under the magistrates court fee scheme and the police station 2008-09 2,219 advice and assistance scheme. The unique code for 2007-08 1,774 identifying terrorism cases under the magistrates court fee scheme and the police station advice and assistance Communications Officers scheme was introduced in 2007-08. Communications officers include intranet/internet staff, Table 1: VHCC legal aid expenditure event organisation, marketing and publishing staff and £000 others involved in communications roles. Expenditure, including contractors and agency staff within the head 2005-06 7,000 office team, is as follows: 2006-07 12,000 2007-08 22,000 £000 2008-09 20,200 2008-09 4,694 2009-101 8,600 2007-08 3,862 Table 2: Legal aid expenditure £000 The costs of press officers and communications officers Police station relate to MoJ headquarters and its four executive agencies advice and Magistrates court (HM Courts Service, the National Offender Management assistance fee scheme Total Service (NOMS), the Tribunals Service and the Office of the Public Guardian). 2005-06 n/a n/a n/a The growth in expenditure on press officers and 2006-07 n/a n/a n/a communications officers reflects the significantly increased 2007-08 283.5 187.1 470.6 size and remit of MoJ compared to its predecessor, the 2008-09 152.9 179.2 332.1 Department for Constitutional Affairs, and a consequent 2009- 132.2 96.0 228.1 need to increase the number and capability of staff 101 1 employed. To meet the challenge, a number of Up to and including January 2010. communications-led projects were undertaken which required the employment of specialist contractors by the MoJ HQ Communications Directorate for a limited period of time which further increased costs in 2008-09 Ministerial Policy Advisers on a one-off basis. The MoJ is one of the largest Departments in Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for Government. Communications, including the work of Justice how much expenditure his Department incurred the press office, is an important element of this. The on the employment of special advisers and MoJ press office operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a communications and press officers in each year since year, dealing with all media relations for the Department 2003. [319756] and its agencies from the international, national and regional media. Offending Behaviour Course Mr. Straw: The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) was formed in May 2007. Andrew Stunell: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many and what proportion of offenders Special Advisers with (a) learning difficulties and (b) learning The amount spent on special advisers is as follows: disabilities had (i) taken part in an Offending 547W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 548W

Behaviour Course and (ii) qualified for an Offending Maria Eagle: There are no specific instructions or Behaviour Course and were awaiting a starting date on training for staff in young offender institutions working the last date for which figures are available; and if he with children who do not speak English. However guidance will make a statement. [321317] issued to’ establishments to support the development of local polices for managing foreign national prisoners Maria Eagle: This is a complex area of work and reminds staff of the need to support prisoners whose there is an extensive programme of work under way to English is poor and to encourage to them learn English better understand and meet the needs of offenders with while in prison. All establishments are able to offer learning disabilities. Much of this work is set out in a courses in English as a second language as part of the National Delivery Plan which was published by the core curriculum where the need arises. Department of Health in November 2009 which is All establishments in England and Wales can access being overseen by a new Health and Criminal Justice interpreting and translation services. The availability of Board. This plan builds on the Government’s response these services should, wherever possible, be advertised to Lord Bradley’s review of people with mental health throughout establishments and, in particular, in areas problems or learning disabilities in the Criminal Justice such as reception, induction, health care and segregation System, and work already under way. units. There is a commitment across Government to work Information on the use of interpreting facilities is not together to improve the health and well being of offenders broken down by service within individual establishments. across the criminal justice pathway—in police, courts, probation and prison services, and in the community. Mr. Gerrard: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice under what circumstances an interpreter is required to Detailed information on offenders with learning be provided for a foreign national child in custody. difficulties or disabilities is held in a number of places [321751] including individual case files or by those who have undertaken specialist assessments or are responsible for Maria Eagle: Providers of secure accommodation for particular activities or data. Therefore to collate, validate young people are required to ensure that young people and provide meaningful information for this question, are able to understand what their sentence involves. It is and in many cases manually check records, could be particularly important that young people can understand undertaken only at disproportionate cost. and contribute to the meetings that are held to plan and Whether an offender requires a particular programme review their progress while in custody. If this requires will depend upon the assessment of their risk and needs. the use of an interpreter or translation service then this All reasonable adjustments should be made to ensure must be arranged. programmes are accessible to those who could potentially Young people must receive key documentation in a benefit, and if not alternative provision should be made. form that they can understand. This may involve the The National Offender Management Service offers a information being reproduced in their own language or number of interventions to meet the needs of offenders provision of an interpreter or translation service to including for example an adapted sex offender treatment explain it to them. programme. It has also recently been agreed to develop an adapted version of the Thinking Skills Programme, and a new programme for violent offenders to accommodate CHILDREN, SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES a broader range of learning needs. Young Offender Institutions: Languages Building Schools for the Future Programme

Mr. Gerrard: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Michael Gove: To ask the Secretary of State for how many young offender institutions have foreign Children, Schools and Families what estimate he has national co-ordinator posts; and how many such posts made of the (a) cost, (b) capital cost and (c) cost per are vacant. [321735] square metre of each Building Schools for the Future project. [316583] Maria Eagle: Although each prison in England and Mr. Coaker: The National Audit Office report, “The Wales is required to produce a foreign national prisoner Building Schools for the Future (BSF) Programme: policy it is not a mandatory requirement of this policy Renewing the secondary school estate” (HC 135 Session that a foreign national coordinator be appointed. 2008-09 12 February 2009) estimated that the average Nevertheless, out of 21 designated young offender cost to local authorities of establishing a Local Education institutions in England and Wales 14 currently have Partnership to deliver its BSF project was £6.5 million. foreign national coordinators in post. This includes local authority staff and adviser costs. The cost of building a school varies greatly depending Mr. Gerrard: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice on the size, location, type of site, facilities included, and (1) what guidance and training is available to young the amount of new build and refurbishment in the offender institution staff in working with children who project. The capital cost of BSF projects is kept under do not speak English as a first language; [321738] control by the funding arrangements the Department (2) what provision is made for young people in has put in place with Partnerships for Schools. These prison who do not speak English [321740] place the cost of increasing the scope of school projects (3) in how many young offender institutions with the local authorities, where responsibility lies for interpreters are provided for (a) induction, keeping projects affordable. (b) education, (c) healthcare, (d) sentence planning The average total capital cost and cost per square and (e) disciplinary matters. [321752] metre of completed BSF mainstream schools is: 549W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 550W

Mr. Coaker: The information requested is in the Average total capital Cost per square cost (£ million at metre (£ at today’s following table. The first academy opened in September today’s prices) prices) 2002 with first results published for 2003.

New build schools 20.04 1,810 Number of pupils Percentage of pupils Remodelled/ 11.06 1,157 achieving 5 or more achieving 5 or more refurbished schools GCSEs at grades GCSEs at grades A*-C inc. English A*-C inc. English and Maths in and maths The capital cost includes preliminaries, overhead and Academies academies profit, external works, professional fees and surveys, sub and super structure, internal finishes, building fittings 2003 58 10.8 and furnishings, services and furniture and equipment. 2004 221 11.9 Average cost information has been provided because of 2005 290 13.9 the commercial sensitivity of data on individual schools. 2006 1,044 29.3 2007 1,819 28.4 Mr. Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for 2008 3,790 31.7 Children, Schools and Families for what reason Dorset 2009 6,729 33.8 county council has not been invited to enter the Building Schools for the Future programme in Qualifications included are full GCSEs, GCSE double 2009-10. [322146] awards and applied GCSEs. Equivalents are excluded. Figures for 2003 and 2004 are based on pupils aged Mr. Coaker: Local authorities are prioritised on the 15. All other figures are based on pupils at the end of need for Building Schools for the Future (BSF) investment Key Stage 4. but must also demonstrate that they are ready and able, and have all the elements in place to deliver their BSF project. As well as assessing submissions to enter on a case-by-case basis, bids are also compared against each John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for other so that the most ready and able are selected. Children, Schools and Families what proportion of 16-year-olds did not achieve five GCSEs at grades A* The assessment of Dorset’s “Readiness to Deliver” toCin(a) Leeds West constituency, (b) West submission concluded that further work is needed in Yorkshire and (c) England in 2009. [306622] some areas before the authority can be deemed ready to enter BSF. Applications from some authorities were also considered to be stronger than that submitted by Dorset. Mr. Coaker: The proportion of pupils at the end Key Stage 4 that did not achieve five or more GCSEs at Partnerships for Schools will work with the local grade A*-C or the equivalent in 2009 was: authority over the coming weeks to address the areas that need further work. (a) 47.0 per cent. in maintained schools located in the Leeds West constituency.

(b) 32.0 per cent. in schools maintained by West Yorkshire local Education: Finance authorities of Leeds Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield.

(c) 30.0 per cent. in all schools in England. Mr. Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how much his This answer is derived from the revised Achievement Department and its predecessors have spent on (a) and Attainment tables. primary and (b) secondary school education in (i) Jarrow constituency, (ii) South Tyneside, (iii) the North East and (iv) nationwide in each year since 1997. Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for [313495] Children, Schools and Families how many and what proportion of pupils at the end of Key Stage 4 of each Mr. Coaker: Figures are not available for the ethnic group who were (a) eligible and (b) not eligible parliamentary constituency of Jarrow as data are collected for free school meals, did not achieve a GCSE at A* to at a local authority level. The available information has C grade in (i) English, (ii) mathematics, (iii) history, (iv) been placed in the Libraries. French and (v) physics in each year since 1997. [309212]

GCSE Mr. Coaker [holding answer 6 January 2010]: Figures for 2005 to 2009 are presented in the tables and are derived from the National Pupil Database (NPD). The Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for way subject level information has been captured on the Children, Schools and Families how many and what NPD means that figures prior to 2005 are not consistent percentage of pupils at the end of Key Stage 4 at with later years and have therefore not been provided in academies achieved five GCSEs at grades A* to C this answer. including English and mathematics but excluding equivalents in each year since 2000. [304656] Figures are based on pupils at the end of Key Stage 4. 551W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 552W

White Mixed Asian Black No. of No. of No. of No. of No. of No. of No. of No. of Non-FSM FSM pupils Non-FSM FSM pupils Non-FSM FSM pupils Non-FSM FSM pupils pupils not not pupils not not pupils not not pupils not not achieving achieving achieving achieving achieving achieving achieving achieving A*-C A*-C A*-C A*-C A*-C A*-C A*-C A*-C

English 2005 170,490 40,898 3,438 1,685 9,402 6,174 6,603 4,250 2006 172,966 39,481 3,741 1,785 10,029 5,885 6,757 4,193 2007 171,548 38,027 4,190 1,902 10,200 5,500 6,781 3,843 2008 163,920 36,193 4,456 1,808 10,682 5,152 6,530 3,731 2009 148,438 34,280 4,236 1,801 10,547 4,996 6,263 3,678

Maths 2005 197,517 43,629 4,346 1,935 9,810 6,567 7,780 4,684 2006 197,738 41,823 4,753 2,007 10,317 6,136 8,028 4,562 2007 192,470 40,052 5,051 2,102 10,207 5,787 7,768 4,076 2008 183,003 37,620 5,424 2,029 10,531 5,295 7,471 3,915 2009 164,815 35,642 5,021 2,047 10,415 5,097 7,098 3,918

History 2005 337,632 52,116 7,377 2,430 19,723 9,530 11,913 6,020 2006 348,146 50,789 8,231 2,629 21,381 9,366 12,778 6,125 2007 355,783 49,972 9,349 2,852 22,408 9,029 13,268 5,916 2008 353,086 48,564 10,377 2,879 24,014 8,867 13,618 5,912 2009 335,422 47,462 10,654 3,024 25,085 8,963 13,984 6,227

French 2005 335,547 52,078 7,086 2,421 19,122 9,576 11,471 5,641 2006 356,509 51,492 8,193 2,605 21,218 9,624 12,590 5,861 2007 370,361 50,711 9,393 2,849 22,598 9,378 13,169 5,640 2008 373,047 49,441 10,574 2,875 24,487 9,193 13,483 5,641 2009 355,510 48,494 10,850 3,063 25,579 9,251 13,945 5,983

Physics 2005 408,161 54,999 8,839 2,626 23,019 10,424 13,419 6,423 2006 418,481 53,629 9,808 2,797 24,853 10,346 14,543 6,586 2007 424,182 52,716 10,883 3,054 25,787 9,974 15,025 6,339 2008 409,035 50,738 11,760 3,062 26,895 9,644 15,266 6,315 2009 378,839 49,425 11,828 3,200 27,100 9,596 15,412 6,635

Chinese Any other ethnic group Refused or not obtained No. of Non- No. of FSM No. of Non- No. of Non- No. of FSM FSM pupils not pupils not FSM pupils not No. of FSM pupils FSM pupils not pupils not achieving A*-C achieving A*-C achieving A*-C not achieving A*-C achieving A*-C achieving A*-C

English 2005 550 85 1,368 1,057 7,629 1,648 2006 581 99 1,341 1,028 6,599 1,258 2007 475 72 1,518 989 4,225 1,054 2008 532 86 1,608 1,055 2,983 796 2009 527 48 1,772 1,007 2,377 610

Maths 2005 301 51 1,405 1,004 8,763 1,762 2006 288 73 1,360 1,000 7,432 1,329 2007 236 49 1,444 922 4,780 1,109 2008 236 51 1,449 965 3,318 865 2009 256 47 1,594 935 2,564 632

History 2005 1,570 188 2,630 1,530 14,039 2,163 2006 1,489 216 2,587 1,566 11,896 1,651 2007 1,440 172 2,829 1,538 8,019 1,401 2008 1,476 202 3,064 1,703 5,923 1,116 2009 1,581 162 3,345 1,770 5,066 899 553W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 554W

Chinese Any other ethnic group Refused or not obtained

No. of Non- No. of FSM No. of Non- No. of Non- No. of FSM FSM pupils not pupils not FSM pupils not No. of FSM pupils FSM pupils not pupils not achieving A*-C achieving A*-C achieving A*-C not achieving A*-C achieving A*-C achieving A*-C

French 2005 1,347 180 2,403 1,476 14,122 2,156

2006 1,350 193 2,452 1,477 12,218 1,671

2007 1,293 167 2,674 1,476 8,404 1,412

2008 1,424 205 2,852 1,654 6,168 1,133

2009 1,498 173 3,250 1,728 5,325 913

Physics 2005 1,811 212 3,020 1,656 16,708 2,300

2006 1,676 235 2,977 1,677 14,122 1,748

2007 1,607 189 3,253 1,664 9,516 1,474

2008 1,553 216 3,350 1,839 6,766 1,173

2009 1,530 164 3,637 1,901 5,736 950

White Mixed Asian Black % of Non- % of Non- % of Non- % of Non- FSM pupils % of FSM FSM pupils % of FSM FSM pupils % of FSM FSM pupils % of FSM not pupils not not pupils not not pupils not not pupils not achieving achieving achieving achieving achieving achieving achieving achieving A*-C A*-C A*-C A*-C A*-C A*-C A*-C A*-C

English 2005 39.6 73.6 36.5 63.3 38.2 58.1 47.7 65.1 2006 39.0 72.8 35.8 62.7 37.6 55.6 44.9 62.8 2007 38.0 71.3 35.9 61.3 36.6 53.8 43.3 59.5 2008 36.4 69.9 34.2 57.4 35.6 51.4 40.5 57.7 2009 34.5 67.5 31.2 54.3 33.6 49.2 37.5 53.3

Maths 2005 45.9 78.5 46.1 72.7 39.8 61.8 56.1 71.7 2006 44.5 77.1 45.4 70.5 38.6 58.0 53.4 68.3 2007 42.7 75.1 43.3 67.8 36.6 56.6 49.6 63.1 2008 40.7 72.7 41.7 64.4 35.1 52.8 46.4 60.6 2009 38.3 70.1 37.0 61.7 33.2 50.2 42.5 56.8

History 2005 78.4 93.7 78.3 91.4 80.1 89.6 86.0 92.2 2006 78.4 93.7 78.7 92.4 80.1 88.5 85.0 91.7 2007 78.9 93.7 80.1 91.9 80.4 88.3 84.8 91.6 2008 78.5 93.8 79.7 91.4 80.0 88.4 84.6 91.5 2009 78.0 93.4 78.5 91.2 80.0 88.3 83.7 90.3

French 2005 77.9 93.7 75.2 91.0 77.6 90.1 82.8 86.4 2006 80.3 95.0 78.3 91.5 79.5 90.9 83.7 87.7 2007 82.1 95.0 80.4 91.8 81.1 91.7 84.1 87.3 2008 82.9 95.5 81.2 91.3 81.6 91.7 83.7 87.3 2009 82.7 95.4 79.9 92.4 81.6 91.2 83.5 86.7

Physics 2005 94.8 98.9 93.8 98.7 93.4 98.1 96.8 98.3 2006 94.3 98.9 93.8 98.3 93.1 97.7 96.7 98.6 2007 94.0 98.8 93.2 98.5 92.5 97.6 96.0 98.1 2008 90.9 98.0 90.3 97.2 89.6 96.2 94.8 97.7 2009 88.1 97.3 87.2 96.5 86.4 94.6 92.2 96.2 555W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 556W

Chinese Any other ethnic group Refused or not obtained % of Non- % of Non- % of Non- FSM pupils FSM pupils % of FSM pupils FSM pupils not achieving % of FSM pupils not achieving not achieving not achieving % of FSM pupils A*-C not achieving A*-C A*-C A*-C A*-C not achieving A*-C

+English 2005 26.3 36.6 42.2 62.6 43.7 70.8 2006 29.6 39.1 41.8 59.6 44.6 70.6 2007 24.8 34.1 43.6 57.6 42.0 70.2 2008 26.9 33.7 43.3 55.8 39.9 65.8 2009 25.5 23.0 43.2 50.3 36.2 61.8

Maths 2005 14.4 22.0 43.4 59.4 50.2 75.7 2006 14.6 28.9 42.4 57.9 50.2 74.6 2007 12.3 23.2 41.5 53.7 47.5 73.9 2008 11.9 20.0 39.0 51.0 44.4 71.5 2009 12.4 22.5 38.9 46.7 39.1 64.0

History 2005 75.2 81.0 81.2 90.6 80.3 93.0 2006 75.7 85.4 80.6 90.7 80.4 92.6 2007 75.3 81.5 81.3 89.5 79.8 93.3 2008 74.5 79.2 82.5 90.0 79.2 92.3 2009 76.5 77.5 81.6 88.5 77.2 91.1

French 2005 64.5 77.6 74.2 87.4 80.8 92.7 2006 68.7 76.3 76.4 85.6 82.5 93.8 2007 67.6 79.1 76.8 85.9 83.6 94.1 2008 71.9 80.4 76.8 87.4 82.5 93.7 2009 72.5 82.8 79.3 86.4 81.2 92.5

Physics 2005 86.7 91.4 93.2 98.0 95.6 98.8 2006 85.2 92.9 92.7 97.2 95.4 98.1 2007 84.0 89.6 93.5 96.9 94.7 98.2 2008 78.4 84.7 90.2 97.2 90.5 97.0 2009 74.1 78.5 88.7 95.0 87.4 96.3

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for GCSEs excluding equivalent qualifications at grades Children, Schools and Families how many and what A* to C in 2009. [318193] proportion of (a) boys and (b) girls achieved five A* to C grades at GCSE, including English and Mr. Coaker: The requested information by Government mathematics but excluding equivalents in the (i) earliest office region and England can be found in the following and (ii) most recent year for which figures are available. table. The figures by parliamentary constituency have [309635] been placed in the House of Commons Library. Number and percentage of pupils at the end of Key Stage 41 in (a) Mr. Coaker [holding answer 11 January 2010]: In England2, (b) each Government office region3 achieving five or more 1997, 96,468 (32.2 per cent.) boys and 112,587 (39.2 per A*-C grades at GCSE excluding equivalents in 2008-09 cent.) girls aged 15 achieved five or more GCSEs1 at Number of pupils1 Percentage of pupils1 grade A*-C including English and maths. achieving 5+ A*-C achieving 5+A*-C grades at GCSE grades at GCSE In 2009, 141,357 (43.5 per cent.) boys and 162,523 excluding equivalents excluding equivalents (52.5 per cent.) girls at the end of Key Stage 4 achieved five or more GCSEs2 at grade A*-C including English North East 15,134 49.3 and maths. North West 44,225 53.1 Yorkshire and 30,029 49.3 1 Includes full, double and short course GCSEs only. Humber 2 Includes full, double and short course GCSEs as well as GCSEs East Midlands 27,334 52.9 in vocational subjects. West Midlands 32,826 50.6 East 36,583 56.1 Michael Gove: To ask the Secretary of State for London 42,100 57.3 Children, Schools and Families how many pupils in South East 51,779 57.7 (a) England, (b) each region and (c) each South West 32,319 57.1 parliamentary constituency achieved five or more England 312,404 54.0 557W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 558W

1 National and Regional figures include pupils attending all maintained Pupils: City of York schools (including city technology colleges and academies). 2 England figures include pupils recently arrived from overseas. 3 Regional figures do not include pupils recently arrived from overseas. Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Source: Children, Schools and Families how much was spent National Pupil Database (2008-09 amended data) on average per child on (a) primary and (b) secondary GCSE: Young Offenders school pupils in state schools in the City of York (i) in cash terms and (ii) at constant prices in each year since Mr. Rob Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for 1996-97. [322117] Children, Schools and Families what proportion of 16-year-olds who had been in custody for more than Mr. Coaker: The available information is shown in one year was entered for GCSE examinations in each the following table: year since 1997; and what proportion gained five A* to School based expenditure per pupil in City of York local authority C grades at GCSE in each such year. [301603] from 1996-97 to 2008-09 Cash terms expenditure per Cash terms expenditure per pupil in City of York LA pupil in England Mr. Coaker: Data from the Learning and Skills Council Pre- Pre- (LSC) shows that in the 2006/07 academic year, there primary primary were 163 enrolments in GCSEs by under 18-year-olds in and and HM Prison Service Young Offender Institutions. Of Primary primary Secondary Primary primary Secondary education education education education education education these, 18 resulted in grades A* to C and 50 resulted in grades below C. In the 2007/08 academic year, there 1996-97 — 1,540 2,210 — 1,740 2,350 were 207 enrolments in GCSEs. Of these, seven resulted 1997-98 — 1,600 2,350 — 1,740 2,360 in grades A* to C, 57 resulted in grades below C and 1998-99 — 1,730 2,460 — 1,870 2,450 there were 52 GCSE courses still to be completed. The data above includes only achievements that were 1999- 1,760 1,800 2,430 2,010 2,050 2,610 secured by young people who took the examination 2000 while they were in custody. Those who were released 2000-01 1,860 1,870 2,640 2,210 2,280 2,830 before the examination date may have continued study 2001-02 2,180 2,260 2,830 2,480 2,570 3,150 and taken examinations in the community. Some young people in YoungOffender Institutions are still registered 2002-03 2,390 — 3,080 2,530 — 3,230 at schools and colleges in the community and therefore 2003-04 2,560 — 3,330 2,750 — 3,550 any GCSEs that they achieve while in custody will be 2004-05 2,680 — 3,660 2,910 — 3,800 reflected in the achievement figures of their respective 2005-06 2,930 — 3,860 3,150 — 4,070 school or college. 2006-07 3,140 — 3,970 3,360 — 4,320 HM Prison Service YoungOffender Institutions make 2007-08 3,290 — 4,190 3,580 — 4,620 up part of the custodial estate for under 18s and 2008-09 3,490 — 4,570 3,780 — 4,890 Notes: achievements of GCSEs in Secure Children’s Homes, 1. The financial information used in the answer to this PQ is taken from the Secure Training Centres, or private prisons are not Department’s s52 data collection. recorded centrally. 2. 1999-2000 saw a change in data source when the data collection moved from the R01 form collected by CLG to the Section 52 form from the DCSF. 2002-03 saw a further break in the time series following the introduction of consistent Local Government Finance financial reporting (CFR) and the associated restructuring of the outturn tables. The change in sources is shown by blank rows. 3. Pupil numbers include only those pupils attending maintained establishments Mr. Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State within each sector and are drawn from the DCSF annual schools census for Children, Schools and Families with reference to adjusted to be on a financial year basis. the answer to the hon. Member for Meriden of 4. Local government reorganisation (LGR) took place during the mid to late 1990’s 22 October 2009, Official Report, column 1645W, on 5. Expenditure was not distinguished between the pre-primary and primary local government finance, what data sets not contained sectors until the inception of Section 52 for financial year 1999-2000. in the national indicator set local authorities are 6. School based expenditure in LA maintained nursery schools was not recorded in 2002-03 and comparable figures are not available for 2003-04 onwards. required to submit to his Department. [314953] 7. Figures are rounded to the nearest £10. Cash terms figures as reported by local authorities as at 10 March 2010. Mr. Coaker: Local authorities are required under section 251 of the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Teachers Learning Act 2009 (formerly section 52 of the Schools Standards and Framework Act 1998) to prepare and Michael Gove: To ask the Secretary of State for submit an education budget statement (containing details Children, Schools and Families how many (a) physics, of the LAs funding plans for the financial year) before (b) chemistry and (c) mathematics teachers were the start of each financial year (i.e. by 31 March). They recruited through school-based teacher training are also obliged to prepare and submit an education programmes excluding Teach First in (i) 1997, (ii) 2004, outturn statement (containing details of the actual (iii) 2006 and (iv) the latest year for which figures are expenditure and funding of schools and LAs during the available. [319362] financial year) at the end of each financial year. Details on exactly what data are collected by these Mr. Coaker [holding answers 1 March 2010]: The exercises can be accessed via the Every Child Matters available information is given in two tables. The first website: shows recruitment to employment based initial teacher http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/everychildmatters/strategy/ training courses, excluding the Teach First programme. financeandfunding/informationforlocalauthorities/section52/ The second table shows recruitment to school centred section52/ initial teacher training courses. 559W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 560W

Recruitment to secondary initial teacher training courses: employment with a lower age limit of 24. The anticipation of age based routes, excluding Teach First, Years: 1997/98, 2004/05, 2006/07 discrimination legislation and a desire to widen access and 2008/09, Coverage: England to GTP without threatening postgraduate and 1997/98 2004/05 2006/07 2008/09 undergraduate routes led to the removal of the age Secondary 50 4,560 4,410 3,930 restriction. The age limitation did not apply from 2003/04 Of which: in anticipation of the introduction of the age discrimination regulations in 2006 (Equal Employment (Age) regulations 2006). Mathematics * 530 460 440 Graduate Teacher Programme: Age breakdown of first year trainees, Years: 2003/04 and 2007/08, Coverage: England Science * 700 550 490 Age group Biology n/a n/a 90 110 25 30 35 40 45 50 Chemistry n/a n/a 70 90 Under to to to to to to Over 25 29 34 39 44 49 54 55 Total General n/a n/a 350 220 sciences 2003/04 380 1,760 890 780 770 420 170 60 5,210 Physics n/a n/a 50 80 2007/08 1,200 1,710 670 570 560 350 110 20 5,190 n/a = Not available Notes: 1. Data relating to the age of trainees are not collected on entering initial * = Less than 5 teacher training courses. This information is collected as part of the Performance Notes: Profiles at the end of the trainees’ first year. 2. The Graduate Teacher Programme 1. Includes recruitment to the Graduate Teacher Programme, Registered was introduced in 1997/98 but a breakdown by age is not available for this year. Teacher Programme and the Overseas Trained Teacher Programme. 3. Performance Profiles data are collected at the end of a trainees’ first year. Excludes the Teach First programme, which started in 2003/04. Data for 2008/09 were collected in autumn 2009 and will be published in July 2010. 4. Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10. Source: TDA Performance 2. Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10. Profiles. 3. Figures for 1997/98 have been taken from TDA records at the end of the academic year and are not directly comparable with data for later years. 4. The latest available full year figures for recruitment to employment based courses are for 2008/09. Recruitment data for 2009/10 relate to Truancy the autumn term only. Source: TDA’s Employment Based Routes Database Michael Gove: To ask the Secretary of State for Recruitment to secondary school centred initial teacher training courses by selected subject, Years: 1997/98, 2004/05, 2006/07, 2008/09 and 2009/10, Children, Schools and Families in how many schools Coverage: England placed in special measures more than (a) five, (b) 10, 1997/98 2004/05 2006/07 2008/09 2009/10 (c) 15, (d) 20, (e) 25, (f) 30, (g) 35, (h) 40, (i) 45, (j) 50, (k) 60 and (l) 75 per cent. of pupils were classified Secondary 430 850 890 820 880 as persistent truants in the latest year for which figures Of which: are available. [315521]

Mathematics 30 90 90 100 110 Mr. Coaker: The available information, on persistent absentees, is shown in the tables. These cover both Science 70 140 160 160 150 authorised and unauthorised absence. Unauthorised Biology n/a n/a 20 20 20 absence is absence without leave from a teacher or other Chemistry n/a n/a 10 10 20 authorised representative of the school. This includes General n/a n/a 120 120 110 all unexplained or unjustified absences, such as lateness, sciences holidays during term time not authorised by the school, Physics n/a n/a 10 10 10 absence where reason is not yet established and truancy. n/a = Not available Notes: Maintained primary1, state funded secondary1, 2 and special3 schools: 1. Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10. Number of schools placed in special measures by the percentage of 2. Recruitment numbers for 2009/10 are provisional and include actual and persistent absentees4, 5, Year: 2007/08, Coverage: England forecasted trainees who are expected to enter initial teacher training courses during the academic year. Number of schools in special measures Source: Percentage of school Primary Secondary Special TDA’s Trainee Numbers Census enrolments who are Persistent Absentees6, 7: Total Michael Gove: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many entrants More than 5% 121 39 67 15 into the Graduate Teacher Programme were (a) under More than 10% 39 3 23 13 23, (b) between 23 and 25, (c) between 26 and 30, More than 15% 19 0 7 12 (d) between 31 and 35, (e) between 36 and 40, (f) more than 20% 10 0 2 8 between 41 and 45 and (g) over 45 years old in (i) More than 25% 8 0 0 8 1997, (ii) 2003 and (iii) the last year for which figures More than 30% 8 0 0 8 are available. [319981] More than 35% 8 0 0 8 More than 40% 7 0 0 7 Mr. Coaker [holding answer 2 March 2010]: The More than 45% 6 0 0 6 available information is presented in the table and shows More than 50% 4 0 0 4 the number of trainees at the end of their first year of More than 60% 2 0 0 2 the Graduate Teacher Programme by age group in More than 75% 0 0 0 0 2003/04 and 2007/08. The Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP) was Total number of schools 380 283 81 16 introduced in 1997/98 as a route for mature trainees in special measures8 561W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 562W

1 Includes middle schools as deemed. available, in line with the model publication scheme set 2 Includes maintained secondary schools, city technology colleges and out by the Information Commissioner’s Office. academies (including all-through academies). 3 Includes maintained and non-maintained special schools. Excludes The agency will commence operations on 1 April general hospital schools. 2010 and will consider a publication scheme at its first 4 Includes schools with at least one enrolment aged between 5 and 15. meeting, although it is important to note that I would 5 Persistent Absentees are defined as having 64 or more sessions of not expect the agency to publish records of any meetings absence (authorised and unauthorised) during the year, typically over 20 per cent. overall absence rate. until they have been agreed as a proper record. 6 The number of Persistent Absentees expressed as a percentage of the total number of enrolments. 7 Those schools counted in the ‘more than 60%’ category are also counted in all the lower categories. Similarly, for schools in the ‘more HEALTH than 50%’ category, and all lower categories. 8 The total number of schools includes two schools (one primary and Abortion one special) that did not return absence data. Source: School Census Anne Milton: To ask the Secretary of State for Maintained primary1, state funded secondary1, 2 and special3 schools: Health pursuant to the answer of 4 March 2010, Number of schools placed in special measures by the percentage of Official Report, columns 1393-94W, on abortion, persistent absentees4, 5, Year: 2006/07, Coverage: England whether his Department has (a) commissioned and Number of schools in special measures (b) evaluated studies which demonstrate a direct Percentage of school causal link between its expenditure on contraception enrolments who are services in the last two years and the trend in the Persistent Absentees6, 7: Total Primary Secondary Special abortion rate over the same period; and if he will make [322101] More than 5% 123 30 80 13 a statement. More than 10% 58 0 46 12 Gillian Merron: The Department has not commissioned More than 15% 24 0 12 12 or evaluated any studies which seek to demonstrate a More than 20% 15 0 3 12 direct causal link between recent investment in contraception More than 25% 13 0 1 12 and the decline in abortion rates over the same period. More than 30% 10 0 0 10 However, research undertaken in the United States found More than 35% 9 0 0 9 that 86 per cent. of the reduction in the US teenage More than 40% 7 0 0 7 birth rate between 1995 and 2002 was due to increased More than 45% 7 0 0 7 contraceptive use Santelli et al, “Explaining Recent More than 50% 6 0 0 6 Declines in Adolescent Pregnancy in the United States: More than 60% 2 0 0 2 The Contribution of Abstinence and Improved More than 75% 0 0 0 0 Contraception Use”, American Journal of Public Health, January 2007, vol. 97, No. 1. A copy has been placed in Total number of schools 375 274 84 17 the Library. in special measures8 1 Includes middle schools as deemed. Blood: Contamination 2 Includes maintained secondary schools, city technology colleges and academies (including all—through academies). 3 Includes maintained and non-maintained special schools. Excludes Mr. Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health general hospital schools. whether his Department has made an estimate of the 4 Includes schools with at least one enrolment aged between 5 and 15. cost to the public purse of implementing Lord Archer’s 5 Persistent Absentees are defined as having 64 or more sessions of recommendations on compensation to those affected absence (authorised and unauthorised) during the year, typically over by NHS-supplied contaminated blood. [322033] 20 per cent. overall absence rate. 6 The number of Persistent Absentees expressed as a percentage of the total number of enrolments. Gillian Merron: The Department has made an estimation 7 Those schools counted in the ‘more than 60%’ category are also that the potential cost of implementing in full Lord counted in all the lower categories. Similarly, for schools in the ‘more Archer’s recommendations as set out in his report, on than 50%’ category, and all lower categories. financial relief to those affected by NHS-supplied 8 The total number of schools includes five schools (three primary and two special) that did not return absence data. contaminated blood and blood products, could be Source: approximately £3-3.5 billion. School Census Mr. Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Young People’s Learning Agency what financial assistance, excluding lump sum payments, is available for those diagnosed with Mr. Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for (a) HIV and Hepatitis C, (b) HIV only and Children, Schools and Families if he will take steps to (c) Hepatitis C only as a result of the transfusion of ensure that the Young People’s Learning Agency NHS-supplied contaminated blood. [322034] publishes on its websites minutes of its council and committee meetings within two weeks of those Gillian Merron: The Government currently make meetings taking place; and if he will make a statement. ex-gratia payments to those infected with HIV by [320277] contaminated NHS blood and blood products, through the Macfarlane and Eileen Trusts and to those infected Mr. Iain Wright [holding answer 4 March 2010]: I with hepatitis-C by contaminated NHS blood and blood expect the Young People’s Learning Agency (YPLA) to products through the Skipton Fund. In addition to the follow best practice in making information publicly new flat rate sum of £12,800 per annum paid to infected 563W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 564W registrants with the Macfarlane and Eileen Trusts, the time from referral to treatment in cases of non-urgent trusts make discretionary payments which vary on a GP referral for cancer in Birmingham was in each such case by case basis. The Skipton fund only makes lump year; and how many cancer consultants there were in sum payments. Birmingham in each such year. [321571] Cancer: Birmingham Ann Keen: The information is not available in the Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for format requested. However, data relating to the percentage Health what percentage of urgent GP referrals for of patients with suspected cancer seen within two weeks suspected cancer in Birmingham were seen by a (from 2002-03) following urgent referral from a general specialist within two weeks of referral in each year practitioner, and the percentage of patients with suspected since 1997; what percentage of urgent GP referrals of cancer receiving treatment within two months (from cancer cases in Birmingham were treated within two 2004-05), in the Birmingham area, has been placed in months of referral in each of those years; what the the Library. average waiting time to be seen by a specialist in cases The number of medical consultants working within of non-urgent GP referral for suspected cancer in the six main cancer specialities in the Birmingham area Birmingham was in each such year; what the average from 1997 to 2008 are shown in the following table:

University Sandwell and Hospital Birmingham Birmingham Royal West Heart of England Birmingham Children’s Women’s Orthopaedic Birmingham NHS Foundation NHS Foundation Hospital NHS Healthcare NHS Hospital NHS Hospitals NHS Trust Trust Trust Trust Trust Trust

1997 20 45 12 6 0 — 1998 18 46 12 6 1 — 1999 22 44 14 7 3 — 2000 21 37 14 7 4 — 2001 24 50 16 6 3 — 2002 25 46 16 10 3 26 2003 26 48 17 11 6 26 2004 30 56 17 11 6 26 2005 31 66 17 10 5 28 2006 38 57 18 7 6 31 2007 48 66 19 11 5 34 2008 47 73 20 10 5 36 Notes: 1. The six main cancer specialties include clinical oncology, medical oncology, haematology, histopathology, palliative medicine and clinical radiology. 2. Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust was formed in 2002 from a part merger of Sandwell Healthcare NHS Trust and City Hospital NHS Trust. It is therefore not possible to accurately map this trust prior to 2002. Source: The NHS Information Centre for health and social care, medical and dental workforce census.

Cancer: Drugs offered to make it available on a risk-sharing basis. [321547] Anne Milton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what drugs for the treatment of cancer the Mr. Mike O’Brien: The information requested is shown National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence in the table. For each of the appraisals, the table shows has (a) recommended and (b) not recommended for whether one or more Patient Access Schemes agreed NHS use since 1 November 2008; how long the between the Department of Health and the manufacturer appraisal of each took; and whether the have been considered by the National Institute for pharmaceutical company supplying each such drug Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).

Start of NICE Date of final NICE Patient access scheme Topic appraisal1 guidance Recommendation considered by NICE

Yondelis (trabectedin) for soft September 2008 February 2010 Partial Yes tissue sarcoma recommendation

Hycamtin (topotecan) for small August 2008 November 2009 Partial No cell lung cancer recommendation

Hycamtin (topotecan) for December 2008 October 2009 Partial No Cervical Cancer (recurrent) recommendation

Sutent (sunitinib) for August 2008 September 2009 Partial Yes Gastrointestinal stromal recommendation tumours 565W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 566W

Start of NICE Date of final NICE Patient access scheme Topic appraisal1 guidance Recommendation considered by NICE

Alimta (pemetrexed) for the October 2008 September 2009 Partial No first-line treatment of non- recommendation small-cell lung cancer Erbitux (cetuximab) for January 2008 August 2009 Partial Yes Colorectal Cancer (first line) recommendation Avastin (bevacizumab) (first- September 20072 August 2009 Not recommended Nexavar (sorafenib) - line), Nexavar (sorafenib) (first- yes line and second-line), Sutent (sunitinib) (second-line) and Torisel (temsirolimus) (first- line) for the treatment of advanced and/or metastatic renal cell carcinoma Avastin (bevacizumab )-yes Sutent (sunitinib) - yes Mabthera (rituximab) for first- September 2008 July 2009 Partial No line treatment of chronic recommendation lymphocytic leukaemia Erbitux (cetuximab) for Head September 2008 June 2009 Not Recommended No and Neck Cancer (squamous cell carcinoma) Revlimid (lenalidomide) for April 2008 June 2009 Partial Yes Multiple Myeloma recommendation Sutent (sunitinib) for the first- September 20072 March 2009 Partial Yes line treatment of advanced recommendation and/or metastatic renal cell carcinoma Tarceva (erlotinib) for the March 2006 November 2008 Partial Yes treatment of non- small-cell recommendation lung cancer 1 The date NICE commenced work on the appraisal. NICE will also have carried out scoping work for the appraisal before this date. 2 This is the date on which the Multiple Technology Appraisal (MTA) began for Avastin (bevacizumab) (first-line), Nexavar (sorafenib) (first- line and second-line), Sutent (sunitinib) (first and second-line) and Torisel (temsirolimus) (first-line) for the treatment of advanced and/or metastatic renal cell carcinoma. The MTA was subsequently split and Sutent (sunitinib) for the first-line treatment of renal cell carcinoma was considered in a separate single technology appraisal.

Complementary Medicine A summary of National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence recommendations relating to complementary and alternative medicines Guidance Publication topic date Recommendation Mr. Willis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Multiple November There is some evidence to suggest that the pursuant to the answer of 4 March 2010, Official Report, Sclerosis 2003 following items might be of benefit, although columns 1397-8W, on complementary medicine, which there is insufficient evidence to give more complementary or alternative treatments, medicines or flexible recommendations: therapies the National Institute for Health and Clinical Reflexology and massage Excellence has (a) considered and (b) approved for use Fish oils by NHS clinicians. [321915] Magnetic field therapy Neural therapy Gillian Merron: A summary of National Institute for Massage plus body work Health and Clinical Excellence recommendations relating T’ai chi to complementary and alternative medicines is shown Multi-modal therapy in the following table. A summary of National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence recommendations relating to complementary and alternative medicines Dementia November For comorbid agitation, interventions Guidance Publication 2006 tailored to the person’s preferences, skills topic date Recommendation and abilities should be considered. Options to consider include: Antenatal March Few complementary therapies have been Aromatherapy care 2008 established as being safe and effective during pregnancy. Multisensory stimulation The following interventions appear to be Therapeutic use of music and/or dancing effective in reducing morning sickness: Ginger Animal-assisted therapy P6 acupressure Massage 567W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 568W

A summary of National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence recommendations relating to complementary and alternative medicines 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 Guidance Publication Total patients in 2,266 2,590 2,839 3,055 topic date Recommendation treatment during the year Parkinson’s June 2006 The Alexander Technique may be offered disease to benefit people with Parkinson’s disease Treatment 129 168 577 813 (PD) by helping them to make lifestyle completed free of adjustments that affect both the physical dependency nature of the condition and the person’s Percentage 6 6 20 27 attitude to having PD. completed free of Supportive March When organising supportive and palliative dependency and 2004 care services for people with cancer, Note: Data prior to 2005-06 is not robust enough to be reported at palliative commissioners and the NHS and voluntary local drug action team level. care sector providers should work in partnership across a Cancer Network to decide how Greater Manchester to best meet the needs of patients for complementary therapies where there is evidence to support their use. As a minimum, Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for high quality information should be made Health if he will set out, with statistical information available to patients about complementary related as directly as possible to Manchester, Gorton therapies and services. Provider organisations constituency, the effects on that constituency of his should ensure that any practitioner delivering complementary therapies in NHS settings Department’s policies since 1997. [322144] conforms to policies designed to ensure best practice agreed by the Cancer Network. Ann Keen: The Government have put in place a Hypertension June 2006 Informing people with hypertension that programme of national health service investment and relaxation therapies can reduce blood reform since 1997 to improve service delivery in all parts pressure and individual patients may wish of the United Kingdom. 93 per cent. of people nationally to pursue these as part of their treatment. However, routine provision by primary now rate the NHS as good or excellent. The NHS care teams is not currently recommended. constitution contains 25 rights and 14 pledges for patients Examples include: stress management, and the public including new rights to be treated within meditation, cognitive therapies, muscle 18 weeks, or be seen by a cancer specialist within two relaxation and biofeedback. weeks and an NHS health check every five years for Depression October Although there is evidence that St. John’s those aged 40-74 years. 2009 wort may be of benefit in mild or moderate depression, health care professionals should There is significant evidence that these policies have not prescribe or advise its use by patients yielded considerable benefits for the Gorton constituency. because of uncertainty about appropriate For example: doses, variation in the nature of preparations and potential serious interactions with Figures for December 2009 show that in the Manchester other drugs (including oral contraceptives, Primary Care Trust (PCT): anticoagulants and anticonvulsants). 87 per cent. of patients whose treatment involved admission to Low back May 2009 Consider offering a course of manual hospital started their treatment within 18 weeks. pain therapy, including spinal manipulation, 97 per cent. of patients whose treatment did not involve spinal mobilisation and massage. Treatment admission to hospital started their treatment within 18 weeks. may be provided by a range of health professionals including chiropractors, In December 2009, at the Central Manchester University osteopaths, manipulative physiotherapists Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, 98.0 per cent. of patients spent or doctors who have had specialist training less than four hours in accident and emergency from arrival to Consider offering a course of acupuncture admission, transfer or discharge. needling, up to a maximum of 10 sessions Between September 2002 and September 2008, the number of over a period of up to 12 weeks Injections consultants at the Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS of therapeutic substances into the back Foundation Trust has increased from 304 to 366. Between September for non-specific low back pain are not 2002 and September 2008 the estimated number of nurses has recommended. increased from 2,383 to 3,274. Between September 2001 and September 2008 the number of general practitioners (GP) per 100,000 within the Manchester Drugs: Rehabilitation PCT area has increased from 67.9 to 70.3. 85.6 per cent. of urgent GP referrals to the Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust with suspected cancer Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Health are seen by a specialist within two weeks of the referral (as at how many and what proportion of patients treated by December 2009). the NHS for drug addiction and resident in (a) Essex A £512 million private finance initiative (PFI) scheme to and (b) Castle Point constituency were no longer replace many of Central Manchester University Hospital NHS addicted at the end of their treatment in each of the Foundation Trust’s existing hospitals into a linked development last five years. [321439] on the Manchester Royal Infirmary (Oxford Road) site is now complete. It includes: The new Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, which opened to Gillian Merron: Information is not available in the patients in August 2009; format requested. National Drug Treatment Monitoring The new Manchester Royal Infirmary wing, which opened to System (NDTMS) data is not collected at the Castle patients in August 2009; Point constituency level. The NDTMS data available The new Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital opened to for adults in Essex completing drug treatment free from patients in June 2009. It brings together the specialist services dependency is as follows: previously provided at the Booth Hall and Pendlebury Children’s 569W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 570W

Hospitals. The new children’s hospital includes the paediatric Report, column 1115W,on health centres: Christchurch, intensive care unit which is one of the leading centres in the North (1) on what date discussions with the landlord to vary West and a paediatric emergency department. the terms of the lease began; and when he expects them Although statistical information is not available at a to be concluded; [322147] local level, Manchester will have also benefitted from (2) on what date the repairs notice was served; what national policies in other areas. For example: the expected date of completion of the repairs is; and Since 1997, gross current expenditure on personal social services what estimate has been made of their cost. [322148] has increased by around 70 per cent. in real terms with around 105,000 households now receiving intensive home care and 3,076 new extra care housing units—exceeding the original target of Mr. Mike O’Brien: Attempts have been made since 1,500 new extra care units. the property became surplus to dispose of the Department’s Other strategies currently being implemented are: interest, subject to the use restrictions contained within Subject to parliamentary approval, the Personal Care at Home the leasehold agreement. Bill will guarantee free personal care for 280,000 people with the Since the service of Notice of Repairs on 5 August highest needs and help around 130,000 people who need home 2008, the Department has been in discussion with the care for the first time to regain their independence. landlord on the possibility on varying the terms of the “Shaping the Future of Care Together” Green Paper, published lease to relax the use restrictions without any progress. in July 2009, sets out a vision of a National Care Service for all However, following a meeting with the landlord in late adults in England which is fair, simple and affordable. The Department has consulted widely on this reform and is currently February 2010 it was agreed that further work would be analysing the responses, which will feed into a White Paper later undertaken to establish the feasibility of the most this year. appropriate alternative use for the property after which The National Carer’s Strategy—(“Carers at the heart of 21st further discussions would take place with the landlord. century families and communities”)—launched in 2008. The work will involve a number of external organisations The first National Dementia Strategy was published in February and is expected to take up to four months. Every effort 2009. will be made to conclude subsequent discussions with “Valuing People Now”—a three year strategy for people with the landlord as soon as possible. learning disabilities published in January 2009. Following the service of the Repairs Notice there “New Horizons: A Shared Vision for Mental Health”—launched have been discussions with the landlord as to the extent in December 2009—to maintain improvements in mental health of the works required having regard to the terms of the services combined with a new cross-Government approach to lease. The extent of the works will also now be dependent promoting public mental health. on the outcome of the discussions with the landlord Since 1998, there are now 2.4 million fewer smokers in England as a result of the Government’s comprehensive tobacco control with regard to alternative uses. Estimates of the costs strategy which has a measurable impact on reducing smoking will be made at that stage. prevalence. Child obesity levels are reducing due to the efforts of families Health Services: Birmingham across England, supported by the Government’s obesity strategy. In 2008, 13.9 per cent. of children (aged two to 10) in England were classified as obese, compared with 17.3 per cent. in 2005. Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Overall, life expectancy at birth for men has increased Health how many NHS (a) dentists and (b) GPs were from 74.5 years (1995-97 data) to 77.7 years (2006-08 practising in Birmingham in each year since 1997. data) while for women, life expectancy at birth has [321534] increased from 79.6 years (1995-97 data) to 81.9 years (2006-08 data). Ann Keen: The information is not available in the Health Centres: Christchurch format requested. However, information on the number of dentists with national health service activity for the Mr. Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Birmingham area by primary care trust (PCT) for 1997-2009 pursuant to the answer of 2 March 2010, Official is shown in the following table:

Number of dentists with NHS activity as at 31 March Heart of North Eastern Birmingham East South Birmingham Birmingham PCT Birmingham PCT and North PCT Birmingham PCT Teaching PCT Total

1997 47 64 — 180 98 389 1998 45 67 — 189 101 402 1999 47 65 — 178 109 399 2000 51 71 — 184 112 418 2001 50 77 — 188 131 446 2002 53 76 — 179 136 444 2003 53 78 — 188 134 453 2004 57 83 — 197 145 482 2005 54 87 — 196 142 479 2006 60 100 — 210 151 521 2007 — — 144 157 138 439 2008 — — 155 167 139 461 2009 — — 177 174 142 493 571W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 572W

Notes: 1. The numbers of NHS dentists, in Birmingham, as at 31 March, 1997 to 2006 are based on the old contractual arrangements, which were in place up to and including 31 March 2006. 2. The numbers of dentists with NHS activity during the years ending 31 March, 2007, 2008 and 2009 are based on the new dental contractual arrangements, introduced on 1 April 2006. 3. Birmingham East and North PCT was formed on 1 October 2006 from a complete merger of Eastern Birmingham PCT and North Birmingham PCT. Sources: The Information Centre for health and social care NHS Dental Services of the NHS Business Services Authority

The number of general practitioners (excluding retainers and registrars) for the Birmingham area by PCT for the period 1997-2008 is shown in the following table:

Headcount by year Birmingham Health North Eastern South Heart of Birmingham Authority Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham East and (HA) PCT PCT PCT Teaching PCT North PCT Total

1997590—————590 1998603—————603 1999614—————614 2000610—————610 2001608—————608 2002 — 91 136 232 149 — 608 2003 — 102 135 236 177 — 650 2004 — 99 144 247 159 — 649 2005 — 106 146 260 168 — 680 2006 — — — 263 176 236 675 2007 — — — 267 176 248 691 2008 — — — 274 175 261 710 Note: Prior to the formation of PCTs, the area of Birmingham was serviced by Birmingham HA. Birmingham HA may not map completely into the separate PCTs beyond 2001, but has been displayed here as background and appears consistent with subsequent aggregated PCT figures. Source: The Information Centre for health and social care.

Hearing Impaired: Health Services Local national health service organisations are best placed to assess the health needs of their local health community and plan the workforce they need. SHAs Mr. Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of are responsible for commissioning the correct number State for Health how many people have undertaken of training places to maintain a work force to meet the training courses in audiology in (a) England and needs of the local population. (b) Gloucestershire in each of the last five years; how many people he expects to undertake such courses in Mr. Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of future years; and if he will make a statement. [321857] State for Health what recent assessment he has made of Ann Keen: The number of training places in audiology the adequacy of provision of audiology services for in England and the South West Strategic Health Authority children in (a) England and (b) Gloucestershire, with (SHA) for each of the last five years is shown in the particular reference to the number of practitioners; and following table. The number of planned training if he will make a statement. [321858] commissions for 2009-10 is also shown. Ann Keen: The Department in its “Transforming Audiology training commissions Planned Services for Children with Hearing Difficulty and their commissions Families: a good practice guide”, outlined the work England 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 force roles required to deliver different levels of service. Within Modernising Scientific Careers, training programmes Audiological 22 27 26 16 18 20 Scientists are being developed to reflect these work force requirements AudiologyBSc 180 139 206 187 208 215 and we are working with strategic health authorities to ensure a smooth transition. South West SHA Hospices: Charities Audiological 00000 0 Scientists Mr. Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Audiology BSc 16 30 29 31 30 30 for what reason the Care Quality Commission requires Sources: Multi-Professional Education and Training Fund small charities providing hospice places to produce 75 SHA Quarterly Returns policies in order to achieve registration. [322149] 573W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 574W

Mr. Mike O’Brien: Registration allows the Care Quality detect the presence of the measles virus carried out on Commission (CQC) to give the public assurance that claimants and controls in research in connection with wherever they receive care or treatment, they can be concluded MMR vaccine litigation. [321636] confident that essential, common standards of safety and quality are being met. CQC strives to operate in Gillian Merron [holding answer 11 March 2010]: We accordance with better regulation principles, particularly understand that the tests in question were carried out as to minimise regulatory burden. part of now concluded litigation that followed claims The CQC has advised us that it does not require a set that the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine was linked number of policies from providers seeking registration. to autism. It appears that the tests were organised by It does, however, require that providers have policies in the legal teams involved and the Department played no place relating to the management of their organisation, part in these arrangements. and can demonstrate that they have a good infrastructure NHS: Finance in place to deliver safe care. Under the current Care Standards Act 2000, CQC refers any queries about which policies might be appropriate Mr. Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health to the list of suggested policies in the National Minimum what assumptions his Department is asking NHS Standards for Independent Health. This was published organisations to make in their financial planning for in February 2002 following extensive consultation with (a) 2011-12, (b) 2012-13 and (c) 2013-14. [320781] the sector in 2001. Mr. Mike O’Brien: The NHS Operating Framework The CQC is now in the process of registering all for England 2010-11, published in December 2009, providers of health and adult social care under a new advised primary care trust (PCTs) to allow for flat real system of registration in line with the Health and Social revenue allocations growth for the years 2011-12 and Care Act 2008. 2012-13. The national health service was also to expect This new system will apply to independent health the full deployment during the years of 2010-11, 2011-12 care providers, including hospices, from 1 October 2010. and 2013-14 of any surplus generated by the PCT and CQC is intending to send high level guidance on how to strategic health authority (SHA) sector in 2009-10. apply for registration to hospices shortly. The CQC’s Alongside this SHAs were to ensure that all PCTs in guidance about compliance which sets out how providers their region did not recurrently commit the totality of can comply with the new registration regulations is their recurred funding, such that at least 2 per cent. of already available on its website at: recurrent funding was only committed non-recurrently www.cqc.org.uk/publications.cfm?fde_id=13512 by 2013-14. In addition the Operating Framework stated that the Mr. Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Health uplift in tariff for 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14 will be if he will take steps to exempt charitable hospices from set at a maximum of 0 per cent. the requirement to pay registration fees to the Care It also confirmed that the NHS needs to identify Quality Commission. [322150] £15 billion to £20 billion of efficiency savings by the end of 2013-14 and specifically set an aggregate target reduction Mr. Mike O’Brien: Registration provides assurance of 30 per cent. in management and agency costs by to users of registered services that the care that a 2013-14 for each SHA. provider delivers at least meets essential levels of safety and quality. It is a standard principle that organisations These savings will remain with the NHS, enabling it that are regulated should meet the cost of regulation. to continue to deliver service improvements. There will The Care Quality Commission is responsible for setting be no cuts to NHS front line spending. the level of fees that are paid by different providers and As an interim step, “NHS 2010-15 From Good to is required to consult on these fees. Great”, published in December 2009, set an interim challenge of £10 billion efficiency savings by 2012-13. Hospitals: Police Patient Choice Scheme: Mentally Ill Chris Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many hospitals with accident and Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for emergency departments provide anonymised data to Health what assessment has been made of whether his their local (a) police and (b) crime and disorder Department’s guidance to Extended Choice Network reduction partnership. [321964] providers not to treat patients with unstable psychiatric disorders discriminates against patients with mental Mr. Mike O’Brien: There are 103 accident and emergency illness. [321762] departments, which are currently collecting and sharing anonymised data with local partners, in England. In Mr. Mike O’Brien: Patient welfare and safety is a most cases, this data is being shared with the crime and priority for patients being treated under the Extended disorder reduction partnerships. However, in some cases Choice Network (ECN) as it is across the national data is being shared directly with the police. health service. The ECN rules are in place to govern the referral of MMR Vaccine patients by general practitioners (GPs) to elective care facilities operated by independent providers. The rules Mr. Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health are also in place to help safeguard patient safety. NHS whether there has been an investigation of purported patients referred to ECN facilities are assessed before ethical approval for blood tests funded by legal aid to they receive treatment to ensure that they are treated at 575W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 576W a hospital that has the facilities and level of care required ability of prescribers to opt in or out of the generic to meet their needs. The ECN rules state that ECN substitution arrangements for any prescription item. providers should not treat a patient who has a current Therefore, patients would continue to receive a specific and significantly unstable psychiatric disorder where manufacturer’s product where their treating clinician the approved facility cannot reasonably be expected to judges that there is clinical need. accommodate the patient’s needs. ECN providers are not permitted under the ECN Sir Paul Beresford: To ask the Secretary of State for rules to exclude patients who have a history of mental Health for what reason his Department opted to illness and who are currently in a stable condition undertake a partial impact assessment on its proposals whether on medication or not. A GP will use their relating to automatic generic substitution; and what his clinical judgment and knowledge of the patient and Department’s practice is on the preparation of (a) full their medical history to determine this. However, many and (b) partial impact assessments on matters which of the hospitals in the ECN network do not have the concern patient safety. [322159] psychiatric facilities or trained psychiatric staff required to safely care for a patient with a current and significantly Mr. Mike O’Brien: Generic substitution is not automatic unstable mental illness. For this reason current and under any of the options which are currently being significantly unstable mental illness is included as a consulted on and patient safety is at the core of these co-morbidity in the ECN exclusion criteria. proposals. ECN providers are required to take their obligations It is good practice to issue a consultation impact under the Disability Discrimination Act into account assessment (previously known as a partial impact when listing services available for ECN. assessment) alongside a consultation paper and to seek ECN and Free Choice Network have given patients a views from stakeholders on its content, so these can be greater choice of healthcare providers and helped to considered in the final impact assessment later in the reduce waiting times. As at 30 January 2010, more than policy development process. 150,000 procedures have been performed under the Extended Choice and Free Choice networks. Radiotherapy

Prescription Drugs Anne Milton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of cancer patients in England Sir Paul Beresford: To ask the Secretary of State for have received radiotherapy treatment in the last 12 Health pursuant to the answer of 25 January 2010, months. [321572] Official Report, column 553W, for what reason the views of the National Patient Safety Agency were not Ann Keen: It is not currently possible to calculate a sought before publication of his Department’s reliable estimate of the proportion of cancer patients consultation on proposals to implement generic receiving radiotherapy. substitution in primary care. [322158] The Department is working with the national health service to implement a comprehensive and robust data Mr. Mike O’Brien: During 2009, the Department collection and monitoring system to support the undertook a series of meetings with key national implementation later this year of the commitment that stakeholders, representing general practitioners, community no patient should wait longer than 31-days for subsequent pharmacists, and manufacturers, to discuss the commitment radiotherapy, as set out in the Cancer Reform Strategy. in the Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme (PPRS) agreement in England. These national stakeholders were Stroud the General Practitioners Committee of the British Medical Association, the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee, the Association of British Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if Pharmaceutical Industry, the British Generic Manufacturers he will set out, with statistical information related as Association and the Ethical Medicines Industry Group. directly as possible to constituency, the effects on that We recognise that we could not have meetings with all constituency of his Department’s policies and actions stakeholders that might have views on the PPRS since 2000. [321474] commitment and this informed our decision to hold a full public consultation, which gives all stakeholders the Mr. Mike O’Brien: The Government have put in opportunity to input. place a programme of national health service investment Patient safety is at the core of the proposals. Substitution and reform since 1997 to improve service delivery in all will not be permissible where it may pose a potential parts of the United Kingdom. 93 per cent. of people risk to patient safety. Option 1 involves no change to the nationally now rate the NHS as good or excellent. The current arrangements. Both options 2 and 3, which NHS Constitution contains 25 rights and 14 pledges for involve changes, would give the flexibility to create a list patients and the public including new rights to be of drugs that is either exempt from any arrangements treated within 18 weeks, or be seen by a cancer specialist (option 2), or included in any arrangements (option 3), within two weeks and a NHS Health Check every five which allows implementation to take account of whether years for those aged 40-74 years. there are any general clinical or patient safety concerns There is significant evidence that these policies have with regard to interchange between different manufacturers’ yielded considerable benefits for the Stroud constituency. products. Furthermore, both options 2 and 3 also maintain For example: prescribers’ clinical autonomy to tailor prescribing to Figures for December 2009 show that in Gloucestershire Primary their individual patients’ clinical needs, through the Care Trust (PCT): 577W Written Answers12 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 578W

91 per cent. of patients whose treatment involved admission to Other strategies currently being implemented are: hospital started their treatment within 18 weeks. Subject to parliamentary approval, the Personal Care at Home 97 per cent. of patients whose treatment did not involve Bill will guarantee free personal care for 280,000 people with the admission to hospital started their treatment within 18 weeks. highest needs and help around 130,000 people who need home In December 2009, at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation care for the first time to regain their independence. Trust, 97 per cent. of patients spent less than four hours in accident and emergency from arrival to admission, transfer or “Shaping the Future of Care Together” Green Paper, published discharge. in July 2009, sets out a vision of a National Care Service for all adults in England which is fair, simple and affordable. The Between September 2007 and September 2008, the number of Department has consulted widely on this reform and is currently consultants at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust analysing the responses, which will feed into a White Paper later has increased from 272 to 287. Between September 1997 and this year. September 2008, the estimated number of nurses has increased from 2,320 to 2,407. The National Carer’s Strategy—“Carers at the heart of 21st Between September 2001 and September 2008 the number of century families and communities” launched in 2008. general practitioners (GPs) per 100,000 within Gloucestershire The first National Dementia Strategy was published in February PCT has increased from 61.6 to 68.7. 2009. 97.5 per cent, of urgent GP referrals to Gloucestershire Hospitals “Valuing People Now”—a three-year strategy for people with NHS Foundation Trust with suspected cancer are seen by a learning disabilities was published in January 2009. specialist within two weeks of the referral. A new GP health centre opened at the Gloucester Health “New Horizons—A Shared Vision for Mental Health” was Access Centre, Gloucester in May 2009. It is open between 8am launched in December 2009 to maintain improvements in mental and 8pm, seven days a week, 365 days a year, offering appointments health services combined with a new cross-Government approach and walk-in services for any member of the public; patients may to promoting public mental health. also choose to register at the health centre if more convenient Since 1998, there are now 2.4 million fewer smokers in England than their existing practice, or use the service while remaining as a result of the Government’s comprehensive tobacco control registered at another practice. strategy which has a measurable impact on reducing smoking There is a private finance initiative (PFI) scheme in the area prevalence. that serves this constituency: a £32 million PFI scheme at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital opened in September 2005. Child obesity levels are reducing due to the efforts of families across England, supported by the Government’s obesity strategy. Although statistical information is not available at a In 2008, 13.9 per cent. of children (aged 2 to 10) in England were local level, Stroud will have also benefited from national classified as obese, compared with 17.3 per cent. in 2005. policies in other areas. For example: Overall, life expectancy at birth for men has increased Since 1997, gross current expenditure on personal social services has increased by around 70 per cent. in real terms with around from 74.5 years (1995-1997 data) to 77.7 years (2006-08 105,000 households now receiving intensive home care and 3,076 data) while for women, life expectancy at birth has new extra care housing units—exceeding the original target of increased from 79.6 years (1995-97 data) to 81.9 years 1,500 new extra care units. (2006-08 data). 13MC Ministerial Corrections12 MARCH 2010 Ministerial Corrections 14MC Ministerial Corrections COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT New Deal for Communities

Friday 12 March 2010 Julia Goldsworthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much has been spent by the New Deal for Communities programme since its inception; and what estimate he DEFENCE has made of the number of people assisted by the programme. [317910] Atomic Weapons Establishment: Radioactive Waste [Official Report, 22 February 2010, Vol. 506, c. 276W.] Letter of correction from Ms Rosie Winterton: Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State An error has been identified in the written answer for Defence what progress has been made in the given to the hon. Member for Falmouth and Camborne preparation of an integrated waste strategy for the (Julia Goldsworthy) on 22 February 2010. I have notified Atomic Weapons Establishment. [298095] the MP of the error. [Official Report, 10 November 2009, Vol. 499, c. 231W.] The error was in the 3rd line of the answer and read 797,100 when it should have been 385,815. Letter of correction from Mr. Quentin Davies: The full answer given was as follows. Some errors have been identified in the written answer given to the hon. Member for North Devon (Nick Julia Goldsworthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Harvey) on 10 November 2009. Communities and Local Government how much has The full answer given was as follows: been spent by the New Deal for Communities programme since its inception; and what estimate he Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for has made of the number of people assisted by the Defence what progress has been made in the programme. [317910] preparation of an integrated waste strategy for the Ms Rosie Winterton: Between 2000-01 and 2007-08 Atomic Weapons Establishment. [298095] (the last year for which audited accounts are available) NDC Partnerships reported that they have spent Mr. Quentin Davies: An integrated waste strategy for £1,559 million in grant funding. The latest figures available the Atomic Weapons Establishment was first approved estimate that there were 797,100 people living in NDC by the board of AWE plc. in March 2007 and updated areas in 2007. in April 2008 and May 2009. The regulators (the Note: Environment Agency and the nuclear installations Population figures from: Sheffield Hallam University’s Centre for inspectorate) have assessed the strategy as appropriate Regional and Economic and Social Research. for use. It is being progressively implemented and is The correct answer should have been: subject to annual review. The correct answer should have been: Julia Goldsworthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much has been spent by the New Deal for Communities Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for programme since its inception; and what estimate he Defence what progress has been made in the has made of the number of people assisted by the preparation of an integrated waste strategy for the programme. [317910] Atomic Weapons Establishment. [298095] Ms Rosie Winterton: Between 2000-01 and 2007-08 Mr. Quentin Davies: An integrated waste strategy for (the last year for which audited accounts are available) the Atomic Weapons Establishment was first approved NDC Partnerships reported that they have spent by the board of AWE plc. in March 2007 and updated £1,559 million in grant funding. The latest figures available in March 2008 and June 2009. The regulators (the estimate that there were 385,815 people living in NDC Environment Agency and the nuclear installations areas in 2007. inspectorate) have assessed the strategy as appropriate Note: for use. It is being progressively implemented and is Population figures from: Sheffield Hallam University’s Centre for subject to annual review. Regional and Economic and Social Research.

WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Friday 12 March 2010

Col. No. Col. No. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT . 33WS NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 34WS Zero Carbon and Healthier Buildings...... 33WS Robert Hamill Inquiry ...... 34WS

DEFENCE...... 34WS WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 34WS Chemical Weapons Convention ...... 34WS Contracting-out for Defined Contribution Pension Schemes...... 36WS INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 34WS Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Nutrition Strategy...... 34WS Affairs Council ...... 34WS WRITTEN ANSWERS

Friday 12 March 2010

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 518W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE—continued Exports: Yorkshire and the Humber ...... 518W Food: Prices ...... 521W Literacy...... 518W Fuel Poverty: Birmingham ...... 521W Venture Capital: Wales...... 519W Natural Gas: Imports...... 521W Natural Gas: Storage ...... 522W CABINET OFFICE...... 482W Census: Sikhs ...... 482W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL Jobseeker’s Allowance: Young People ...... 482W AFFAIRS...... 515W Lord Ashcroft ...... 483W Restaurants: Closures ...... 515W Political Honours Scrutiny Committee...... 483W Unemployment ...... 483W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 491W Morocco: International Assistance ...... 491W CHILDREN, SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES ...... 548W Building Schools for the Future Programme ...... 548W HEALTH...... 562W Education: Finance...... 549W Abortion ...... 562W GCSE ...... 549W Blood: Contamination ...... 562W GCSE: Young Offenders ...... 557W Cancer: Birmingham...... 563W Local Government Finance ...... 557W Cancer: Drugs...... 563W Pupils: City of York ...... 558W Complementary Medicine...... 565W Teachers...... 558W Drugs: Rehabilitation...... 567W Truancy...... 560W Greater Manchester ...... 568W Young People’s Learning Agency...... 561W Health Centres: Christchurch...... 569W Health Services: Birmingham...... 570W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 485W Hearing Impaired: Health Services ...... 571W Audit Commission: Manpower ...... 485W Hospices: Charities ...... 572W Council Housing: Finance ...... 485W Hospitals: Police ...... 573W Fire Services: Manpower...... 486W MMR Vaccine ...... 573W Housing Revenue Accounts ...... 486W NHS: Finance ...... 574W Patient Choice Scheme: Mentally Ill ...... 574W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 487W Prescription Drugs...... 575W Commission for Architecture and the Built Radiotherapy ...... 576W Environment ...... 487W Stroud ...... 576W Cricket: Finance...... 488W Digital Broadcasting: Radio...... 489W HOME DEPARTMENT...... 484W Television...... 489W Alcoholic Drinks...... 484W Winter Sports...... 489W Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986...... 484W Pathways to Work: Greater Manchester...... 484W DEFENCE...... 479W Shops: Crimes of Violence ...... 485W Armed Forces: Housing ...... 479W Electronic Warfare ...... 479W JUSTICE...... 522W Future Surface Combatant ...... 479W Care Proceedings ...... 522W Land Mines: Detectors ...... 480W Crimes of Violence: Convictions...... 522W Military Aircraft: Helicopters ...... 480W Departmental Buildings...... 529W Warships: Decommissioning ...... 480W Departmental Location...... 531W Warships: Procurement ...... 482W Departmental Temporary Employment ...... 531W Driving under Influence: Convictions ...... 532W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 519W Drugs: Convictions ...... 539W Biofuels...... 519W Freedom of Information: Welsh Language ...... 543W Boilers: Government Assistance...... 520W Legal Aid ...... 545W Departmental Advertising...... 520W Ministerial Policy Advisers...... 545W Departmental Location...... 520W Offending Behaviour Course...... 546W Col. No. Col. No. JUSTICE—continued WORK AND PENSIONS—continued Young Offender Institutions: Languages...... 547W Departmental Manpower...... 495W Directgov: Contracts...... 496W OLYMPICS ...... 486W Disabled...... 497W Departmental Correspondence ...... 486W Economic Situation...... 498W Departmental Responsibilities ...... 487W Employment: Elderly ...... 503W Employment Schemes ...... 500W TREASURY ...... 516W Employment Schemes: Young People...... 503W Bank Services...... 516W Future Jobs Fund...... 504W Capital Gains Tax ...... 516W Hotels ...... 507W Civil Servants: Location...... 516W Housing Benefit ...... 507W Departmental Location...... 517W Jobcentre Plus: Buildings ...... 507W Departmental Official Visits...... 517W Jobseeker’s Allowance ...... 509W Landfill Tax ...... 517W Jobseeker’s Allowance: South East...... 510W Non-departmental Public Bodies ...... 517W Occupational Pensions...... 510W VAT: Veterinary Services...... 517W Pension Credit...... 510W Pensions...... 511W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 491W Social Security Benefits: Na h-Eileanan an Iar...... 511W Carer’s Allowance ...... 491W Social Security Benefits: Vulnerable Adults...... 512W Carers’ Benefits...... 491W State Retirement Pensions...... 512W Children: Maintenance ...... 492W Winter Fuel Payments...... 513W Community Development: Expenditure...... 492W Winter Fuel Payments: Glasgow ...... 514W Council Tax Benefits and Housing Benefit: Tyne Winter Fuel Payments: Morecambe ...... 514W and Wear...... 493W Winter Fuel Payments: Perth ...... 514W Departmental Carbon Emissions ...... 494W Work Capability Assessment...... 514W Departmental Catering ...... 494W MINISTERIAL CORRECTIONS

Friday 12 March 2010

Col. No. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 14MC New Deal for Communities...... 14MC

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CONTENTS

Friday 12 March 2010

Marriage (Wales) Bill [Lords] [Col. 520] Bill reported, without amendment; read the Third time and passed

Sunbeds (Regulation) Bill [Col. 525] Not amended, further considered; read the Third time and passed

Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies and Credit Unions Bill [Lords] [Col. 561] Not amended, further considered; read the Third time and passed

Local Authorities (Overview and Scrutiny) Bill [Col. 567] Not amended, further considered

Dangerous Dogs Act [Col. 582] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Written Ministerial Statements [Col. 33WS]

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 479W] [see index inside back page]

Ministerial Corrections [Col. 13MC]