Monday Volume 507 15 March 2010 No. 57

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Monday 15 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] 589 15 MARCH 2010 590

to pay less to have one of these placements instead of House of Commons paying the minimum wage, which has been so hard fought for? Monday 15 March 2010 Jonathan Shaw: The hon. Gentleman is right to remind the House of the minimum wage, which was introduced The House met at half-past Two o’clock by the Labour Government and resisted in many quarters; I am pleased to say that there is now some consensus. We will ensure with contractors—our providers who PRAYERS ensure that we get places for people who have been out of work for two years, beginning with the pilot areas of Greater Manchester, Cambridge, Norfolk and Suffolk—that [MR.SPEAKER in the Chair] there is no displacement. This is about work experience. For people who have been out of work, that is an important part of their being able to get back to work. BUSINESS BEFORE QUESTIONS We think that if people are given that opportunity, they should take it. DEATH OF A MEMBER Jobseeker’s Allowance (North Wiltshire) Mr. Speaker: I regret to have to report to the House the death of Dr. Ashok Kumar, Member for Middlesbrough, 2. Mr. James Gray (North Wiltshire) (Con): How South and East Cleveland. Ashok was a most assiduous many jobseeker’s allowance claimants there were Member, much respected by the House and, by professional (a) nationally and (b) in North Wiltshire constituency background, a very fine chemical engineer. I am sure (i) on the latest date for which figures are available and that Members in all parts of the House will join me in (ii) 12 months before that date. [321773] mourning the loss of a colleague and extending our sympathy to the hon. Member’s family and friends. The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Yvette Cooper): May I also pay a personal tribute to my hon. Friend the Member for Middlesbrough, South and East Cleveland, who we will all sadly miss and whose family Oral Answers to Questions are in our thoughts today? In the past 12 months, as a result of the recession, the claimant count nationally has risen from 1.3 million to WORK AND PENSIONS 1.6 million—500,000 fewer than expected this time last year. In Wiltshire, it has risen from 5,250 to 7,300 in the past 12 months, but remains less than half the 15,000 level The Secretary of State was asked— that it reached during the last recession in the 1990s.

Work for Your Benefit Measures Mr. Gray: The question was about the North Wiltshire constituency rather than the county of Wiltshire. In 1. John Mason (Glasgow, East) (SNP): What recent North Wiltshire, in January this year, the figure for assessment she has made of the effects on low-paid jobseeker’s allowance was 1,735—some 500 higher than workers of her Department’s “work for your benefit this time last year, and the highest figure since Labour came to power. That is against the figure of 294 jobs measures”; and if she will make a statement. [321772] advertised in North Wiltshire. Will the Secretary of I am sure that all Back-Benchers and other Members State comment on so-called ghost vacancies, which may of the House would want to share in your comments, have inflated that figure? These are vacancies that do Mr. Speaker, and, especially, to pass on our condolences not exist but which employment agencies have created to the family of the Member. in order to collect CVs more or less fraudulently.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work Yvette Cooper: The way in which the unemployment and Pensions (Jonathan Shaw): I would like to reiterate figures are calculated would not be affected by any your points about Ashok Kumar, Mr. Speaker. He will inaccuracies in the list of vacancies, because it looks be sadly missed, I am sure, among all colleagues right first at the claimant count and also at the labour force across the House. He was a good colleague and fine survey, which is very detailed. The hon. Gentleman is parliamentarian. right to say that in his own constituency the figure is The “work for your benefit” programme will provide 1,735. He will also be aware, however, that the 500,000 work experience placements, not jobs. These placements lower than expected figure for unemployment translates will be over and above the staffing requirements of the into an improvement of about 700 in the claimant host employer and in addition to the existing or expected count for every constituency right across the country. I vacancies. As such, we do not expect the programme to hope that that is something that he would welcome as a have an effect on the employment of existing workers, result of the investment that we have put in, which, whether low paid or otherwise. unfortunately, his party has opposed repeatedly over the past 18 months. As for what employment agencies John Mason: I thank the Minister for his answer. are doing, it is important that they act reputably and do Does he accept, however, that there is a danger that not operate in any way that is fraudulent when putting certain less scrupulous employers will take the opportunity forward vacancies, whatever their motive for doing so. 591 Oral Answers15 MARCH 2010 Oral Answers 592

Mrs. Theresa May (Maidenhead) (Con): First, may I jobs fund, as well as extra training and job opportunities. associate myself and my hon. Friends with the remarks That is part of a youth guarantee, which is that all that have been made about the untimely death of young people should be guaranteed a job, training or a Dr. Ashok Kumar? He was indeed widely respected work placement if they have been unemployed for more across this House, and of course our condolences go to than six months. his family and friends; our thoughts are with all of them today. Mr. Dunne: I thank the Secretary of State for that Official figures published today show that the UK answer, but does she recognise that 923,000 young people accounts for one in seven of Europe’s entire hidden aged between 16 and 24 are now unemployed? That is a jobless population. After 13 years of a Labour Government, 50 per cent. increase on the number in that age group why is that? unemployed when this Government came to power in 1997. Will she admit that the Government have got it Yvette Cooper: In fact, as the right hon. Lady will be terribly wrong for the youth unemployed? aware, unemployment in this country is significantly lower than in most of our major European competitors. Yvette Cooper: No, I think the Government are right In addition, we have seen a significant number of people to provide additional support for young people, through going into further education and full-time education. a youth guarantee that the hon. Gentleman’s party We are proud of the increase in the number of students opposes, and the future jobs fund, which it would that has taken place over the past few years. I am sorry abolish. He asked about the figures. In fact, if we that her party refused to support funding for the September exclude the number of full-time students from those guarantee, which has helped a lot more young people, in figures, there are 657,000 young people who are unemployed particular, to stay on in education and has helped to according to the definition of the International Labour reduce the number of people who are unemployed. Organisation, compared with 830,000 in the early ’90s and more than 1 million in the early ’80s. It was the hon. Mrs. May: But what the Secretary of State failed to Gentleman’s party that turned its back on the young address was the issue of the hidden jobless, which was unemployed and left a lost generation, whose scars we what my question was about. There are 2.3 million have seen for very many years. We are not prepared to people in this country who want to work but are not in do that, which is why we are investing in the youth work and are not counted in the unemployment figures. guarantee that his party opposes. In those figures, of course, one group for which unemployment has been rising in recent months has been those on incapacity benefit. The Government’s Mr. Vaizey: May I add my condolences to the family figures now show that they are going to miss their target and friends of Ashok Kumar? He and I became very of getting 1 million people off incapacity benefit by good friends, not least because he was the only Member 2015, not by 100,000 or 200,000 but by 700,000. Is it not of Parliament who had read my father’s seminal history the case that five more years of this Labour Government of British Steel. will leave 700,000 people needlessly written off to a life How can the Secretary of State say that the Government on benefits? have done enough on youth unemployment when one in five young people still cannot find a job, the young Yvette Cooper: We should look at the facts. In fact, person’s guarantee, which she mentioned, has been delayed the number of people on inactive benefits has fallen by for a year and only half the jobs that she claims have 300,000 since 1997, despite the recession. That is in been created under the future jobs fund have actually marked contrast to the figures when the right hon. received any funding? Lady’s party was in government, when the number of people on incapacity benefit trebled from 1979 because Yvette Cooper: Again, the hon. Gentleman does not her party consistently turned its back on people, wrote have his facts correct. The youth guarantee started this them off and ignored people who were on long-term January and is already offering substantial support for benefits such as unemployment and sickness benefit. If young people across the country. I am surprised, frankly, she wants to get serious about helping people back to that he cares when it started, seeing as he opposes it and work, will she finally support the £5 billion extra that his party wants to abolish it. To point out the facts in we are putting into helping people back to work, which his area, there are currently 2,455 youth claimants in her party has repeatedly refused to support? Oxfordshire, compared with 5,865 in the early ’90s recession. It is because we are putting in extra investment Youth Unemployment that we are preventing youth unemployment from rising as high as it did in previous recessions, but we agree that 3. Mr. Philip Dunne (Ludlow) (Con): What steps her we should do more and will do more next year. His Department is taking to reduce the level of youth party opposes that. unemployment. [321774] John Barrett (Edinburgh, West) (LD): Thankfully, 11. Mr. Edward Vaizey (Wantage) (Con): What steps there is very low youth unemployment in my constituency, her Department is taking to reduce the level of youth but I spoke to a large youth conference last weekend unemployment. [321783] and I can tell the Secretary of State that very few young people have any idea of the work that her Department The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Yvette is doing. What will she do to ensure that some of the Cooper): We are backing 470,000 additional youth young people who may unfortunately become unemployed opportunities, including through the £1 billion future are aware of the work that is going on? 593 Oral Answers15 MARCH 2010 Oral Answers 594

Yvette Cooper: If young people are unemployed, Angela Eagle: No, there are very many reasons why signing on and going to the jobcentre, they should defined benefit pension schemes have been in decline. certainly get a dedicated personal adviser who should The decline began in the 1960s when I was still at be able to tell them about all the help available in their school. Among the main reasons for it are increases in area. We are also working with the careers service and longevity and changes in FRS 17 and various other with colleges to ensure that we can make as much accounting rules. There is no single magic bullet to try information as possible available; the internet is important, to ensure that defined benefit pension schemes continue, too, because we know many young people will increasingly but we are looking through the deregulatory review to gain their information from those kinds of sources, and give such help as we can. We also need to balance that we are trying to provide better information for young by protecting those who are already members of schemes. people in that way. Kelvin Hopkins (Luton, North) (Lab): The reality is Mr. James Clappison (Hertsmere) (Con): The question that defined benefit schemes have been in decline for is how successful the Government’s policies have been decades and it is unrealistic to expect to reverse that and how well they have kept their promises. They came tide. May I suggest, however, that the reality for the to power in 1997, saying that they would get 250,000 future must be a compulsory state earnings-related scheme young unemployed off benefits and into work. Is the for everyone, as that is the only way to avoid forcing Secretary of State aware that there are now 250,000 millions of people into poverty in old age? more unemployed young people than there were in Angela Eagle: We are creating for those currently in 1997, that there were more unemployed young people work the national employment savings trust, which will before the recession began than there were in 1997 and ensure that those on medium and low earnings can for that the number of unemployed young people has been the first time in their working lives have a workplace going up since about 2001? Is it not time for some fresh pension scheme with a guaranteed employer and thinking to give chances to our young people, or is the Government contribution. We are working very hard to Secretary of State going to tell us at exactly what point introduce that new scheme. since 1997 the Government claim to have kept their promise? Mr. Nigel Waterson (Eastbourne) (Con): Can the Minister tell us why her Government have presided over Yvette Cooper: In fact, the new deal for young people the closing of 100,000 pension schemes and the halving helped huge numbers into work and off benefits. Indeed, of active membership of those schemes? Why have her the 250,000 figure of young people helped into work Government been so timid about supporting risk-sharing was met more than 10 years ago, exactly as a result of models so that employers and employees alike do not the support we put in. Young people have been more have to face the stark choice between DB and DC—defined heavily affected than older workers as a result of the benefit and defined contribution—schemes? recession. That is why we think it right to put in additional support to guarantee them that extra help to Angela Eagle: Current law allows a range of risk-sharing get back to work, but if the fresh thinking the hon. models, but they have not been much taken up by Gentleman is calling for involves cutting £5 billion of employers, and we have to remember that DB pension help for the unemployed and abolishing the future jobs schemes are a voluntary arrangement between employers fund, which is helping huge numbers of young people and employees. We have introduced changes to the to get good career opportunities, I have to say that that employer debt regulations and we have reduced the it is not a form of fresh thinking that Government revaluation cap from 5 per cent. to 2.5 per cent., all of Members are interested in. which has saved £300 million. We have also introduced statutory override and we continue to look at other Defined Pension Benefit Schemes deregulatory measures that might encourage employers to maintain provision. I add that 2.6 million people are still accruing rights in the private sector and DB schemes, 4. John Hemming (Birmingham, Yardley) (LD): Whether which remain a very important part of the pensions she plans to take steps to encourage employers to landscape. provide defined benefit pension schemes. [321775] Rob Marris (Wolverhampton, South-West) (Lab): Tax The Minister for Pensions and the Ageing Society relief on pension contributions costs £18 billion a year (Angela Eagle): We continue to look at ways of supporting in foregone revenue. Does the Minister have any evidence defined benefit pension provision while protecting members’ whatever that tax relief encourages people to save for interests through our ongoing deregulatory review. We pensions, because her Department certainly did not have today laid new employer debt regulations to help used to have any such evidence? the restructuring of companies. These are due to come into force in April this year and will save employers up Angela Eagle: My hon. Friend makes a very interesting to an estimated £49 million a year. point, but I suspect he needs to direct it to the Chancellor in the run-up to the Budget rather than to me. John Hemming: Starting with the tax on pension Child Poverty funds, the Government have introduced a number of policies over the years that have discouraged final salary 5. Tom Brake (Carshalton and Wallington) (LD): schemes. I have always wondered whether that was What recent progress has been made towards meeting intentional or due to incompetence. It looks like her Department’s 2010 target on child poverty reduction. incompetence; am I right? [321776] 595 Oral Answers15 MARCH 2010 Oral Answers 596

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work Yvette Cooper: We are putting in place a lot of and Pensions (Helen Goodman): The decisive action additional support for people who have lost their jobs in taken by this Government has significantly reversed the Wales. That is the right thing to do. We are helping trend of rising child poverty. As a result of the policies people in Wales back to work significantly faster than introduced since 1997, we have lifted 500,000 children was the case in previous recessions. The hon. Gentleman out of relative poverty and halved absolute poverty. will know that although the figure is 80,000 today, it Measures announced in and since Budget 2007 are was 130,000 in the 1990s and 160,000 in the 1980s. I expected to lift around a further 500,000 children out of think it is right that we keep up that support. poverty. In fact, I went to Merthyr Tydfil just a few weeks ago to look at the work being done there to support the Tom Brake: Half the children in poverty live in a future jobs fund, and to provide opportunities for people family in which someone is working, yet the Government’s to get back to work as rapidly as possible. We will reliance on means-tested benefits has created a poverty continue to do that, but we have set out investment for trap, in which it does not pay to work or pay to work it. The hon. Gentleman’s party wants to cut that investment, longer. What measures do the Government propose to and that would hit Wales hard. make work pay and ensure that more children are therefore brought out of poverty? Mr. Mark Harper (Forest of Dean) (Con): Just before Helen Goodman: The introduction of tax credits and I ask my question, I should just put the Secretary of the national minimum wage have, of course, been a State right. My right hon. Friend the Member for huge success in ensuring that those families whose Maidenhead (Mrs. May) asked about incapacity benefit. parents are in work are not living in poverty. Furthermore, She was clear that the number of people on incapacity in his pre-Budget report, the Chancellor of the Exchequer benefit in May 1997 was 2.616 million, and that the announced an extension of free school meals to primary latest figures—those of August 2009—show that it is school children whose parents are on working tax credits. 2.632 million. It has gone up by 16,000 since the That, too, is a significant improvement for that group of Government have been in power, not down, and it may families and in relation to work incentives. have gone up because the Government’s White Paper said that pathways to work—the flagship programme Andrew Selous (South-West Bedfordshire) (Con): We that is supposed to be dealing with this matter—had know that the availability of part-time work is critical no employment impact when it was rolled out. The to achieving our child poverty targets. Does the Minister Government’s latest research report reveals that there is think that child poverty might now not be rising, as it “management pressure to focus on” unfortunately has been over the past few years, if more Government Departments had led the way by providing the clients who are easiest to get into employment, more part-time jobs? Is she happy that five major “parking”—leaving clients who are difficult with no Departments have fewer than 10 per cent. of their staff help—and steering people away from helping disengaged working part time? Are the Government going to do clients. We really do need a change. We cannot go on anything about that? like this. We need a programme that is successful in returning disabled people to work, which is what our Helen Goodman: The Government have already done “Get Britain Working”— something about that. We have introduced flexible working and the Department for Work and Pensions has led a Mr. Speaker: Order. taskforce on part-time working, which brought together people from the public, voluntary and private sectors to look at how we might increase the amount of part-time Yvette Cooper: The right hon. Member for Maidenhead working across the whole economy. (Mrs. May) asked about the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development’s report and about Jobseeker’s Allowance (Wales) worklessness. The figures relating to the number and proportion of workless households have indeed fallen. 6. Mr. David Jones (Clwyd, West) (Con): How many The right hon. Lady also raised the subject of incapacity jobseeker’s allowance claimants there were in (a) the benefit. As Conservative Members will know, incapacity UK, (b) Wales and (c) Clwyd West constituency on the benefit trebled under a Conservative Government. It latest date for which figures are available. [321777] rose steadily for about 30 years, and the first falls were a result of the Government’s support before the recession. The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Yvette The additional support that we are providing as part of Cooper): The claimant count is 1.6 million for the UK; the new work capability assessment and the employment 80,000 for Wales; and 1,748 for Clwyd, West in the most support allowance is also making a difference, making recent figures. it possible to find more people who are fit for work. Support for people receiving long-term sickness benefits Mr. Jones: The unemployment rate in Wales is not does need to be improved. We will not only apply the only the worst of any of the home nations, but worse new work capability assessment but increase support than that of countries such as Romania, Slovenia and for those receiving those long-term benefits as well as Bulgaria. Is that a matter of concern to the Secretary of the long-term unemployed, because we do not want to State, or does she share the satisfaction of the Secretary see—and are not seeing—the big increases in long-term of State for Wales that at least Wales is doing better sickness benefits that were encouraged by the right hon. than Rwanda? Lady’s party during the last recession. 597 Oral Answers15 MARCH 2010 Oral Answers 598

Jobseeker’s Allowance Steve Webb (Northavon) (LD): The Minister will know that pensioners can boost their incomes by paying 7. Mr. Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): How voluntary class 3 contributions and that the special many jobseeker’s allowance claimants there were in scheme for women born between April 1938 and October (a) the UK and (b) Wellingborough constituency on 1944 expires on 5 April. With the deadline coming, the latest date for which figures are available. [321778] there has been a surge of applications. Can she offer me the assurance either today in the House or in writing The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Yvette urgently that people who contact Newcastle to get the Cooper): The claimant count is 1.6 million nationally detailed and complex information that they need to and 3,111 in the hon. Gentleman’s constituency. make the right judgment will be able to pay the money after 6 April, provided they make contact by the deadline? Mr. Bone: I have here a booklet entitled “Britain forward not back”, and also entitled “The Labour party Angela Eagle: Iamhappytosaythatifwehaveproof manifesto 2005”. It can be found in the fiction sections of the contact in a timely fashion, we will be able to of all good libraries. In bold letters, chapter 1 promises ensure that the process goes ahead. “Low debt and high employment”. Instead, we have record debt and high unemployment. Why should we Pension Credit (Take-up) believe any promises made by the Labour party? 9. Bob Spink (Castle Point) (Ind): What the rate of Yvette Cooper: The hon. Gentleman may have missed take-up of pension credit was in 2009. [321781] it, but 18 months ago there was a rather major financial crisis which involved major banks throughout the world The Minister for Pensions and the Ageing Society nearly crashing to the floor and having to be rescued by (Angela Eagle): The Government are committed to national Governments throughout the world. Global ensuring that pensioners receive all the support they are trade has shrunk substantially, and as a result every entitled to. The latest estimate for 2007-08 is that the country in the world has experienced recession and an level of pension credit take-up by caseload is between impact on employment. 61 per cent. and 70 per cent. Take-up of the guarantee This Government believe that it was right to support credit only, which is paid to the poorest pensioners, is the economy through difficult times. That is why we higher, at between 72 per cent. and 81 per cent. increased investment, and also why we have kept the unemployment level half a million lower than it was Bob Spink: The House must recognise that the Labour expected to be last year. Billions of pounds have been Government have helped the poorest pensioners, saved for the Exchequer as a result. particularly with the pension credit and in promising to re-index the basic pension to earnings. I hope that Pension Credit whoever forms the next Government will get on and do that quickly. But the take-up for pension credit is still 8. Mr. William Bain (Glasgow, North-East) (Lab): too low, particularly for the poorest group; about a What recent estimate she has made of the average quarter do not take it up. Can whoever is in government annual change in income for pensioner households after the election make sure that we automate that which has resulted from the introduction of pension payment? credit. [321779] Angela Eagle: I thank the hon. Gentleman for The Minister for Pensions and the Ageing Society acknowledging the work that has been done to date (Angela Eagle): Pensioner households are currently with regard to pensioner poverty. We have taken 900,000 £600 a year better off on average as a result of increases pensioners out of relative poverty and 1.9 million out of in income provided by pension credit and its predecessors absolute poverty. The figure of 29 per cent. of pensioners since 1997. The poorest third of pensioner households in poverty that we inherited when we came into government are around £1,100 a year better off. is now 18 per cent. That is still too many, which is why we have to look at things such as automatic payment. Mr. Bain: Does my hon. Friend agree that another Draft regulations before the House will look at automating measure that would help to reduce pension poverty is pension credit payments on a pilot basis to see whether the restoration of the link between earnings and the we can improve the take-up of pension credit, especially basic state pension? Will she reaffirm that it is the by the most vulnerable. Government’s policy to do that in the next Parliament—in line with the Pensions Act 2007—and also to ensure Hywel Williams (Caernarfon) (PC): People over 80 that the retirement age is not raised until 2024-26? are in particular danger of falling into poverty. What further steps can the Government take to ensure that Angela Eagle: I certainly agree with my hon. Friend these people have the help that they need? that that is the Government’s policy. Indeed, we have legislated to restore the earnings link within the lifetime Angela Eagle: We try to contact those who are older of the next Parliament. What we have not done is and may not be taking up their entitlement to pension announce, in an “age of austerity” speech, that we will credit. I am proud to say that we make 13,000 home arbitrarily and suddenly increase the retirement age so visits to the most vulnerable pensioners every week. We that every man over 54 sees his retirement plans ripped also ensure that there are higher winter fuel payments up at a cost of £8,000 a year, and every woman is for those over 80 and free television licences, not to charged an extra £5,000 a year, because they are being mention the bus passes and free swimming. I wonder forced to work for an extra year. how much of that would survive a change of government. 599 Oral Answers15 MARCH 2010 Oral Answers 600

Social Security Fraud meet while others do not really know what benefits are available to them? What is he doing to target those 12. Mark Pritchard (The Wrekin) (Con): How much people? money was recovered by her Department in respect of fraudulently claimed social security benefits in the last Jonathan Shaw: One of the measures we are taking to 12 months. [321784] support carers is the establishment of carers’ support managers, who are based in every Jobcentre Plus, and The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work whom I have met, alongside representatives of Carers and Pensions (Helen Goodman): We have recovered UK, the Princess Royal Trust for Carers and Crossroads £23 million-worth of overpayments categorised as fraud Care. They are making a real difference, bringing together in the period from April 2009 to the end of February the various carers groups in our communities to ensure 2010. We specifically target fraud overpayments and, on that people know what they are entitled to, and assisting the latest figures, 92.6 per cent. of such cases are under them if they wish to find work. That is why we have put active management. At the same time, we continue to aside some £38 million in funding to assist in paying for bear down on fraudulent claims so there are fewer fraud the care while such people undergo training. overpayments occurring in the first place. Sir Peter Soulsby (Leicester, South) (Lab): I greatly Mark Pritchard: That is a tiny amount compared welcome the Minister’s response to that question, and with the £700 million that the UK taxpayer loses every his recognition that there is much more to do to promote year to benefit fraud. Only a third of cases make it into the take-up of this benefit, but does he accept that the court. Some 12,000 people last year were cautioned and level of take-up is not yet acceptable? Many more only one in 100 was sent to prison. Is it not about time people could be benefiting from the allowance if they the Government started to take tough action rather knew about it, and the Government need to look further than just producing more rhetoric and tough talk only? into providing innovative ways of promoting take-up.

Helen Goodman: The hon. Gentleman has given a Jonathan Shaw: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for rather selective picture of what is going on. Last year that question. It is vital that we have improved infrastructure the Department for Work and Pensions and local authorities so that our care partnership managers can reach out to, between them caught over 56,000 benefit fraudsters and and meet, all the different carers groups. I can certainly took a range of actions, including administrative penalties put my hon. Friend in contact with the care partnership and court action. Consequently the level of recoveries manager in the Leicestershire area, so he can find out being made now has increased from £180 million to what is being done there to assist carers in getting the £280 million in the last five years. benefit entitlement and the advice and support that we very much want to provide to them, as mapped out Mr. Terry Rooney (Bradford, North) (Lab): The fraud in the carers strategy that we published a couple of figure has fallen from about £2 billion so although it is years ago. still too high, there has been some success. At the same time, the level of loss due to overpayments has increased Jobseeker’s Allowance (EU Claimants) dramatically. What is the Department doing to drive up standards of decision making to deal with that issue? 15. David T. C. Davies (Monmouth) (Con): Whether Helen Goodman: My hon. Friend has a very good she has made a recent estimate of the number of people understanding of what is going on across the board. In from EU accession states who are claiming jobseeker’s the last four years, the number of identified overpayments allowance. [321790] has increased from 992,000 to 1.6 million, but the level of official error has fallen as a proportion of the amount The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work of benefit paid out. Next month we will introduce a and Pensions (Helen Goodman): The information is not one-strike provision, which should prove to be a further available in the form requested. Accession-country nationals significant deterrent. who have worked and paid sufficient national insurance contributions, and who meet the other conditions of Carer’s Allowance entitlement, may be entitled to contributory jobseeker’s allowance. Of those who have claimed income-based 13. Mr. Jim Cunningham (Coventry, South) (Lab): jobseeker’s allowance, it is estimated that 5,647 passed What plans she has to review the level of carer’s the habitual residence test—the test that must be satisfied allowance in 2010-11. [321785] to access income-related benefits—in the 12 months to September 2009. However, data on how many went on The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work to receive the benefit are not available, as this information and Pensions (Jonathan Shaw): The level of carer’s is not recorded by nationality. allowance is reviewed annually and uprated in April in line with the September retail prices index. In 2009 the David T. C. Davies: Does the Minister find it surprising index was negative, so to help carers during the early that thousands of eastern Europeans may well be claiming stages of economic recovery we are bringing forward a these benefits given that, despite the fact that we have 1.5 per cent. increase. had 13 years of anti-discrimination legislation, some companies are now allowed openly to advertise that Mr. Cunningham: I thank my hon. Friend for that they do not want to employ indigenous British people, answer, but can he give us a time scale for that, and is he but only those of Polish or other eastern European aware that many carers are still struggling to make ends origin? Is that not outrageous? 601 Oral Answers15 MARCH 2010 Oral Answers 602

Helen Goodman: No, if I can give the hon. Gentleman Yvette Cooper: The hon. Gentleman has made an a little more information he will understand that his important point, and I agree that we need to do everything claims are exaggerated, to say the very least. Last year, we can to make this easier for small businesses. Indeed, 162 A2 nationals passed the HRT. The number who I have discussed the matter with the Federation of passed for claiming income support was 40, the number Small Businesses and other employers with the aim of who passed for making a claim for employment and doing exactly that. We have been working on this for support allowance was 16, and the numbers from the some time, and we already have measures in place that A8 countries were some 6,000, so the hon. Gentleman are making it easier for small businesses to take this up. should set this in the context of the overall amount of We want to urge as many small businesses as possible to benefits that are paid in this country. find out about this and, as I have said, to take on apprentices and interns, because those small businesses Youth Unemployment that find it impossible to offer a full apprenticeship might still be able to take someone on for a temporary 16. Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con): What steps her internship. Department is taking to reduce the level of youth unemployment. [321791] Mr. Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): Does The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Yvette my right hon. Friend acknowledge that evidence given Cooper): I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer to to our Select Committee showed a clear link between Question 3. employment without training and NEETs? Apprenticeships are the preferred option for many young people. Can we Mr. Speaker: I believe that the Secretary of State seize this last chance in the last weeks of this Parliament wished to group this question with Question 17. to get the full 5,000 apprenticeships with SMEs in place? Yvette Cooper: Yes, indeed. Yvette Cooper: My hon. Friend will know that we 17. Sir Nicholas Winterton (Macclesfield) (Con): have already increased the number of apprenticeships. What programmes she has to assist unemployed young If we look back 10 or 15 years, apprenticeships had people into work. [321792] pretty much died away in many areas, which was a Yvette Cooper: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the tragedy for vocational training across the country. We answer to Question 3. have now put in the additional investment, which has substantially expanded the apprenticeship scheme, but I Tony Baldry: In north Oxfordshire, we are determined agree that we need to continue to work to increase the to ensure that no one gets left behind, including those number of apprenticeships, not only in small businesses not in education, employment or training—NEETs. but with all kinds of employers across the country. May I make two suggestions to the Secretary of State? First, there is a need for greater connectivity between Jobseeker’s Allowance Connexions and Jobcentre Plus. Secondly, most of the businesses in my patch are small and medium-sized enterprises. Can we work out a way of helping them to 18. Miss Anne McIntosh (Vale of York) (Con): What offer apprenticeships, perhaps by introducing group recent representations she has received on the criteria apprenticeship schemes for SMEs? governing eligibility for jobseeker’s allowance; and if she will make a statement. [321793] Yvette Cooper: The hon. Gentleman has raised some important points. He might know that we have been The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work working with the Federation of Small Businesses not and Pensions (Helen Goodman): We regularly receive, only on increasing the take-up of apprenticeships among and respond to, representations about the entitlement small businesses but on helping them to take on interns, rules for all benefits. The eligibility criteria for all benefits particularly graduate interns. There is a lot more that are continually kept under review. small businesses could do to help young people, and they are often keen to do so. If the hon. Gentleman is Miss McIntosh: May I express my condolences on the aware of any small businesses and employers in his passing of Ashok Kumar? We worked together on the constituency who might be interested in doing so, I recent Flood and Water Management Bill. He will be hope that he will direct them to the Backing Young sadly missed in the House and in his constituency. Britain website, which will provide them with the information that they need. May I press the Minister on this question? My understanding is that the Government have changed the Sir Nicholas Winterton: I fully support the points criteria for jobseeker’s allowance, which has taken a made by my hon. Friend the Member for Banbury large number of people who would otherwise have (Tony Baldry). The Federation of Small Businesses has qualified for it off the register. I put it to her that the advised Members of Parliament in a press release that Government are massaging the unemployment figures some 69 per cent. of apprentices work in businesses in this way, and that the actual figures are far higher with 50 or fewer employees. It has also said that many than they are indicating. more apprenticeships could be created if the apprenticeship system were simplified and better promoted. Do the Helen Goodman: I am completely taken aback by the Government agree with that, and what action will they hon. Lady’s accusation. I cannot begin to think what take to meet the views of that very sensible organisation, leads her to that view. If she would like to write to me which represents the seedcorn of future businesses? about this, I will be glad to respond to her. 603 Oral Answers15 MARCH 2010 Oral Answers 604

Mr. Graham Allen (Nottingham, North) (Lab): Would Yvette Cooper: My hon. Friend will be aware that the Minister agree that the future jobs fund is one of the there is considerable work under way between jobcentres key means to maintain our effort to combat youth and children’s centres. In some areas, we have been unemployment? Will she underline that it is something piloting having outreach workers from the jobcentres with which the Government will wish to continue? working directly with parents in the children’s centres. We want to continue with that work. There is significant Helen Goodman: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. potential and we certainly agree that there should be The future jobs fund is a vital and critical policy in close working between all children’s centres, Sure Starts enabling us to keep down the level of youth unemployment. and jobcentres. Frankly, anybody who thinks that it is a Across the country, it is projected to create 150,000 good idea to cut back on Sure Start does not know what youth jobs. it is like to bring up young children in most parts of this country. Topical Questions T5. [321799] Ann Winterton (Congleton) (Con): Will the Secretary of State accept that youth unemployment T1. [321795] Mr. Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): figures are higher now than they were when the If she will make a statement on her departmental Government came into office? Will she have the responsibilities. humility to accept that and to introduce measures that would counter it? The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Yvette Cooper): We are today publishing a paper on social Yvette Cooper: The hon. Lady will be aware from our fund reform with proposals to simplify the social fund earlier discussion that it is true that young people have so that it is easier to understand for customers and been heavily affected by the recession, but that is exactly simpler to deliver. The proposals will also make it easier why we have provided additional support through the for people to get one-off help and affordable credit future jobs fund, with more than £1 billion, and through when they are in severe financial difficulties and will the youth guarantee, too. They are all measures that will also provide more support and conditions for those help young people to get back into work and to get who need repeat help so that they can have sustainable back into training and education opportunities. I have support to tackle their long-term financial difficulties. to say to the hon. Lady that they are all measures that her party opposes and would abolish. That is the real challenge that I give back to her. Mr. Bone: The Chancellor stated in the pre-Budget report that retirement pensions would go up 2.5 per cent. In fact, it is only the basic state pension that is Mr. Speaker: Mr. Cunningham. going up 2.5 per cent., while the state earnings-related pension scheme—SERPS—is being left with zero increase. Mr. David Winnick (Walsall, North) (Lab): Those on Is this just another example of Labour trying to con the the Labour Benches, who are totally opposed— British people? Mr. Speaker: Order. Patience will have its own reward Yvette Cooper: No. In fact, the details were made for the hon. Gentleman, but I have called Mr. Cunningham clear on the day of the pre-Budget report. My hon. at this stage. Friend the Minister for Pensions and the Ageing Society gave a statement to the House in which she set out those T3. [321797] Mr. Jim Cunningham (Coventry, South) details. We have been clear about that. As hon. Members (Lab): May I ask my right hon. Friend when the will know, the retail prices index for this year would Jobcentre outreach service will be up and running? have meant that there were no increases in pensions at all had the ordinary uprating processes happened. We Yvette Cooper: I am sorry, but I did not catch my hon. did not think that that was right and that is why we have Friend’s question—I know that he referred to the Jobcentre had the increase in the basic state pension. We considered outreach service. the implications for the additional pension, but as Opposition Members will also know, it is closely linked Mr. Cunningham: When will it be up and running? across the board to both public sector pensions and a range of private sector pensions, too. That is why we Yvette Cooper: The outreach service involving children’s have ensured that there are still no real reductions in the centres is already up and running as a pilot programme value of the pension and we have increased the basic that involves a series of areas across the country. In fact, state pension by 2.5 per cent. too. I have met some of the outreach workers and I think that they are doing a fantastic job. We are considering T2. [321796] Mr. Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/ the potential for providing additional support in other Co-op): Is my right hon. Friend aware that where they areas. do it well, Jobcentre Plus offices play a vital and interesting part in Sure Start children’s centres and T6. [321801] Angela Watkinson (Upminster) (Con): make a real difference to the possibilities of a family’s Will the Minister clarify why disability employment getting a decent income? Will she ensure that all 3,500 advisers at Jobcentre Plus are no longer supporting of our children’s centres get the same attention from people with disabilities such as those with autism who Jobcentre Plus and can we ensure that Jobcentre Plus are in a work programme provided by a private provider? and her Department share data with the other players That excludes them from all sorts of disability-specific in children’s centres? services at Jobcentre Plus. 605 Oral Answers15 MARCH 2010 Oral Answers 606

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work Conservatives would do the same again. They want to and Pensions (Jonathan Shaw): The new posts of disability cut back all of the support now, so that would take us employment advisers provide important support for back to the 1990s—and to the 1980s as well. disabled people going into jobcentres, and included in that will be people with autism. Once someone is on a T9. [321804] John Mason (Glasgow, East) (SNP): I programme, they are part of that programme and will wonder whether the Secretary of State will follow up receive ongoing support. If the hon. Lady has a particular her indication that the social fund is to be simplified—I point to make about a particular constituent, I will am sure that many people would welcome that—with more than happily deal with that. an indication that there will be more in the way of grants and less in the way of loans, as I do not think T7. [321802] Mr. Graham Allen (Nottingham, North) that we want to be pushing vulnerable people into (Lab): Does the Minister agree that one of the Government’s more debt. greatest achievements at a time of global recession has been ensuring, through an investment package, that the Yvette Cooper: I think that the important thing is to global recession has not turned into domestic depression provide both grants and loans for people in different with perhaps 5 million, 6 million, 7 million, 8 million, circumstances. There are circumstances in which we 9 million or 10 million unemployed? Will she reassure think it is right for people to be provided with grants—if my constituents that the future jobs fund will stay in they do not have a way to repay the money and need being and that the 150,000 jobs for the young unemployed additional help for particular things—but we also think are just a start to maintain the stability of the economy? it is right to provide access to affordable credit for people who would otherwise find themselves in considerable Yvette Cooper: My hon. Friend is right that the difficulties, because the modern financial economy has Government have put in place substantial support for changed substantially. Most people need to use credit at the economy but also for the unemployed in response to different times to pay different kinds of bills, and if they the recession. We expected unemployment to be significantly do not have access to affordable credit and then end up higher, this time last year; in fact, it is around half a in the arms of loan sharks and so on, that can make life million lower than the average of the independent forecasts extremely difficult. That is why it is important to provide of last year, and it is likely to be around 650,000 lower a loan service in addition to a grant service. during 2010 as well. That is saving us billions of pounds in unemployment benefits and other benefits for those Rob Marris (Wolverhampton, South-West) (Lab): Given who are unemployed, which shows that making good that the last Government cooked the books 18 times, investment early on to support jobs and growth is also changing the way unemployment is measured, and the best way of bringing the deficit down in future. that this Government have accepted the widely recognised International Labour Organisation measure T8. [321803] John Penrose (Weston-super-Mare) (Con): of unemployment, can the Secretary of State give us Does the Secretary of State agree that our hugely some comparative figures for unemployment—the United complicated benefit system erodes incentives to work? Kingdom versus some of the other European Union What plans does she have to simplify it? member states?

Yvette Cooper: In fact, through things such as the tax Yvette Cooper: Do you know, I wish I could. I wish I credit system, we have already provided additional support had that sheet available to me, because I could then and incentives for people to go back to work, and that point out what the current ILO unemployment figure is has made the difference of, often, thousands of pounds for this country compared with France, Germany, Spain for many families, to make sure that they are better off or other areas. in work. However, we want to go further. That is why, from next year, we will introduce a better-off guarantee Rob Marris: Is it lower? so that everyone who has been unemployed and goes back into work will be at least £40 a week better off as Yvette Cooper: I can tell my hon. Friend that the a result. figure is lower than the EU average. It is also lower than the OECD average and lower than the G7 average. That Mr. Winnick: From those on the Labour Benches is important, but I apologise for not having the precise who are genuinely much opposed to unemployment, figures in front of me as my hon. Friend asked the may I tell my right hon. Friend that during the 18 years question. when I sat on the Opposition Benches I saw very little concern—indeed, hardly any—from Conservative Members Greg Mulholland (Leeds, North-West) (LD): I supported about mounting unemployment? The position now would the excellent campaign by Age UK and its predecessors be that much worse without the measures that have to abolish the mandatory retirement age. We had a been taken by the present Government arising from the positive announcement from the Minister for Women global recession. and Equality in January, so can the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions give us an idea about whether Mr. Speaker: Order. I hope that the Secretary of State the Government will actually do something about it will focus her reply on what the Government are doing, before the election? rather than on what happened 20 years ago. Yvette Cooper: The hon. Gentleman raises a very Yvette Cooper: My hon. Friend draws some important important point. For many people across the country, historical comparisons, but if the focus is on what is the existence of a default retirement age simply does not happening now, Mr. Speaker, the key thing is that the fit with their expectations and their approach to working 607 Oral Answers15 MARCH 2010 Oral Answers 608 as they get older. That is why we set up the review of the down, more than a year ago, the Liberal Democrat and default retirement age, and we are currently looking at Conservative council that closed it down said there the results of the review. The evidence has all been would be further opportunities for those people to take gathered, so we are looking at it and will set out the way up in the local community, but many of them are still forward. The important thing is to give people choice, without jobs. What can my hon. Friend do to ensure not to tell people in their late 50s that they suddenly that councils do not close operations such as that, have to work for longer because their state pension is which provide such an important service— being withdrawn at very short notice. I think it is right to give people choice, as the hon. Gentleman suggests. Mr. Speaker: Order. We have got the point.

Ms Sally Keeble (Northampton, North) (Lab): My Jonathan Shaw: Obviously, local authorities have their hon. Friend will be aware that under the Child Poverty own decisions to make in terms of what they provide, Bill it was agreed that one of the measures of childhood and I hear what my hon. Friend said about councils in deprivation was that every family should have access to his area. I can tell him that from October the workstep a living room that no one should have to sleep in; it programme will become work choice, and we are extending should just be used for living, recreation, homework, the number of places on it for disabled people. He will eating and so on. Can she tell us how that measure is also be aware that we are increasing the access to work being taken forward? programme with some specific places—about 3,500—for people with mental health conditions and learning The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work disabilities. The public sector, including Whitehall, can and Pensions (Helen Goodman): My hon. Friend was do far more to employ people with learning disabilities, most assiduous in promoting the need for improved and I am pleased to announce that we are employing housing as an important component of ending child people with learning disabilities in Ministers’ offices. poverty. We have, therefore, decided to ask further questions in the family resources survey about the quality Sir Nicholas Winterton (Macclesfield) (Con): The of people’s housing so that we have reliable data on Government will be aware that many pensioners responsibly which we can base policy. planned their retirement relying upon savings. The return from those savings is now virtually nil. Mr. Desmond Swayne (New Forest, West) (Con): Mr. Brian Jenkins (Tamworth) (Lab): Rubbish. During the passage of the Welfare Reform Act 2009, we were assured by the Government that council tax benefit Sir Nicholas Winterton: It is not rubbish. What thought was to be renamed. What has happened to that assurance? have the Government given to help people who have fallen on difficult times through no fault of their own, The Minister for Pensions and the Ageing Society having been responsible in their working life? (Angela Eagle): As the hon. Gentleman knows, we have taken the power to do that, but because housing benefit— Yvette Cooper: The hon. Gentleman makes an important following its introduction by the Conservatives—is point. As a result of very low interest rates, which have administered by 400 different local authorities, there are been the right thing to support the economy as a whole, some practical issues, particularly to do with IT and those who depend on savings income have been affected. software, which we are, even now, working with them to That is why the Chancellor took action in the Budget overcome. I assure the hon. Gentleman that we are last year to try to provide support for people through making progress as quickly as possible. their savings. We will continue to do that through such things as individual savings accounts, but I agree with Barry Gardiner (Brent, North) (Lab): For more than him about the importance of people being able to plan 25 years, the Carlyon print works in my constituency with some certainty. That is why I oppose his party’s provided work opportunities to those who had physical policies to rip up people’s retirement age when they are disability or mental impairment. When it was closed already in their 50s. 609 15 MARCH 2010 Points of Order 610

Points of Order Friday—that further consideration should take place this Thursday, 18 March, which was agreed to by Madam Deputy Speaker, was not objected to by the Conservative 3.30 pm party, and was printed in Hansard—to be adhered to. Ms Sally Keeble (Northampton, North) (Lab): On a We should then have enough time for a vote on the Bill. point of order, Mr. Speaker. Further to the point of order that I raised last week, I wonder whether you have Mr. Speaker: The date to which the hon. Lady refers had an opportunity to look at the advice provided. I is not a private Members’ day. Therefore, it is not understand that there is a convention of the House that immediately obvious to me that the situation is as she members of the Panel of Chairs who chair Bill Committees describes. I think that the fairest thing that I can say to and report them to this place are supposed to remain the hon. Lady, whose two points of order I have listened neutral and are not supposed to object. It was therefore to very attentively, is that I will inquire further into the wrong for the objection to the Debt Relief (Developing matter, and I am happy to revert to her and other Countries) Bill made by the hon. Member for Christchurch Members raising points of order on it, and indeed to (Mr. Chope) to be taken. the House as a whole.

Mr. Graham Allen (Nottingham, North) (Lab): Further Sir Gerald Kaufman: On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. I have been a Member of the House for a considerable number of years, and never have I come across a situation Mr. Speaker: Order. Before the hon. Gentleman speaks in which a person who has been Chairman of a Public further to the point of order, may I establish from the Bill Committee through which a Bill proceeded on a hon. Member for Northampton, North (Ms Keeble) Tuesday comes down to the House of Commons on whether she notified the hon. Member for Christchurch a Friday to object to a Bill of which he was in charge in (Mr. Chope) that she intended to raise this matter? Committee. I will not go into the fact that that Bill was supported by all three political parties whose MPs were Ms Keeble: Yes, I did. I put a note in his pigeonhole. members of that Committee, but it strikes me as unprecedented, and unparliamentary, for the Chairman Mr. Speaker: I am grateful—[Interruption.] Order. I of a Committee to block the Bill whose proceedings he can look after these matters myself, I assure the hon. chaired. In view of the fact that we may have very little Member for Wellingborough (Mr. Bone). It is important time in which the Bill can go through its stages, it is that the Member about whom a complaint is being essential that the matter be dealt with speedily—and, made is given reasonable notice. I am grateful to the frankly, that the hon. Member for Christchurch (Mr. Chope) hon. Lady, who says that she left a note— be called to order, because he seems to me, rather than being in charge of parliamentary procedure, to be in Sir Gerald Kaufman (Manchester, Gorton) (Lab): need of psychiatric help. Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker: Order. The last comment was unfortunate. Mr. Speaker: In a minute. I ask the right hon. Gentleman, whose very long service I am grateful to the hon. Lady for confirming that in the House I and others respect, to withdraw that last she has done that, and for raising this matter. I am well statement. He allowed his tongue to carry him away. aware that objections to private Members’ Bills on Fridays are often the cause of frustration. It has not Sir Gerald Kaufman: I will be guided by you always, hitherto been the practice of the House to require the Mr. Speaker. identification of an objector at that time or on other occasions. At this stage, I am not aware that anything Mr. Speaker: Thank you. I am very grateful to the disorderly occurred. right hon. Gentleman. He expressed himself with the freedom and force for which he is renowned in all parts On the specific point about whether the Chair of a of the House. I hope that he will understand if I simply Public Bill Committee could or should object to a Bill sound a cautionary note at this point. It is not clear that proceeding, if that is what happened—and I emphasise the hon. Gentleman who is “accused” of objecting to the word “if”—I suggest that that is a matter for study the Bill did so; I do not have that information. It is right by the Procedure Committee. As the hon. Lady has that the matter be looked into further. I understand raised the matter with me, I will discuss it further with what the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton the Chairman of Ways and Means. (Sir Gerald Kaufman) said about precedent, the On the future progress of the hon. Lady’s Bill, I am chairmanship of Committees and subsequent performance, sure that she will seek the advice of the Public Bill or non-performance, at the later stages of Bills, and that Office. is clearly on the record. I reiterate very clearly for the right hon. Gentleman, whose point of order I take very Ms Keeble: I have a second point of order, Mr. Speaker. seriously, that I will look further into the matter. I will discuss it as appropriate and I will revert to the House Mr. Speaker: I will take another point of order from as a whole speedily, to use his word. the hon. Lady. Mr. Allen: Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. Ms Keeble: I am grateful to you, Mr. Speaker. Would you accept that private Members’ Bills Fridays The House is a sovereign body and is entitled under are a shambles, and that, as one of our most public-facing our constitution to make decisions unfettered by anything, means of communication, they should be, to use your I understand. Therefore, I ask for the decision made on phrase, referred to the Procedure Committee, as was 611 Points of Order15 MARCH 2010 Points of Order 612

[Mr. Allen] David T. C. Davies (Monmouth) (Con): On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. As a young and relatively inexperienced recommended by the Wright Committee—the Reform Member, may I say that I am looking forward very of the House of Commons Committee—so that we can much to discussing in this House the important subject look at the matter in the round, as well as at the of defence? I am getting worried that we will be unable behaviour of a member of the Panel of Chairs on to do so because of these ludicrous points of order. If Friday? the Government wanted the Bill, whatever it was—I do not even know what Members are talking about—to go Mr. Speaker: I said what I have said about the possible through its stages, they could have found time to enable locus of the Procedure Committee in relation to at least that to happen on some other day during the week, and a part of the matter. The hon. Gentleman is a highly not through the private Members’ Bill process, could active and very experienced parliamentarian, and they not? I know that he is extremely exercised about the issue; I understand that. I have ruled on the matter, and I know Mr. Speaker: First, that is not a point of order. that the hon. Gentleman would not for one moment Secondly, I say to the hon. Gentleman, for the avoidance seek to inveigle me into a debate in which I should of doubt, that he should not make more likely the not join. fulfilment of a self-fulfilling prophecy by further taking up time that he does not need to take up. Dr. Phyllis Starkey (Milton Keynes, South-West) (Lab): Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. I absolutely take the point that the hon. Member for Christchurch Mrs. Claire Curtis-Thomas (Crosby) (Lab): On a (Mr. Chope) is a senior Member of this House and will point of order, Mr. Speaker. Last Thursday, the right be well aware of the convention relating to members of hon. Member for Rotherham (Mr. MacShane) came to the Panel of Chairs. However, my understanding is that the House and informed all Members of “alarming the other two Opposition Members who were present in stories” of the diversion of aid from the Department for the House, and who might equally have shouted “Object”, International Development into the pockets of Ministers are members of the Opposition Front-Bench team. A in Sierra Leone. That hugely damaging statement was way of removing the aspersion cast on the hon. Member totally inaccurate and, moreover, the DFID office has for Christchurch forthwith would be for one or other of just been subjected to a rigorous National Audit Office those two Members to admit now that it was them who audit, which went very well. Will you advise me, shouted “Object”. Mr. Speaker, what means exist to enable Members to correct wholly inaccurate statements in the House, Mr. Speaker: I do not think that it is my suspicious particularly that statement, which has unnecessarily mind; I have now come to the view that there is an damaged reputations and undermined the good work attempt to inveigle me into further participation in this and offices of the presidential and DFID offices in debate. I feel sure that the attempt was an inadvertent Sierra Leone? one, and I am sure that it will not persist. I have been very fair on the subject. I have said clearly what I intend Mr. Speaker: Order. I am genuinely sorry to have to to do, but I really cannot properly or safely add to what say to the hon. Lady, having heard her remarks, that I have said. that is not a point of order. It is a very real expression of concern, but what she is considering and commenting Mr. Nick Raynsford (Greenwich and Woolwich) (Lab): on is ultimately a matter of debate. She has, however, On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I have no wish to very clearly put her thoughts and concerns on the inveigle you into any further involvement in today’s record, which will be there for everyone to see. discussion, but I want to draw to your attention and If we have no further points of order— that of the House the fact that the Bill promoted by my hon. Friend the Member for Northampton, North (Ms Keeble) was not the only one blocked on Friday. Mr. Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): On a point The Local Authorities (Overview and Scrutiny) Bill, of order, Mr. Speaker. If the House had not decided to which I have been taking through its later stages—it was suspend standing orders and reduce the number of days introduced initially by the hon. Member for Bury, North available for private Members’ Bills, there would be (Mr. Chaytor)—also had all-party support but was also more time. Unfortunately, the Members who have raised blocked, despite having completed all its stages other points of order today all voted for that suspension. than Third Reading. Mr. Speaker: The House has decided what it has Mr. Speaker: The right hon. Gentleman has made his decided—to which, as the hon. Gentleman would expect, own point in his own way, but I know that he will I have nothing to add. If the enthusiasm for points of understand, and others will accept, that the point of order has been exhausted, we shall proceed to the main order procedure cannot be an occasion for individual business, which is a general debate on defence in the complaints about the failure of particular measures to world. I call the Secretary of State for Defence to move progress. the motion. 613 15 MARCH 2010 Defence in the World 614

Defence in the World in Nad Ali. Three thousand local Afghans have been employed to work on development projects in cash-for-work programmes. 3.41 pm Last week the Secretary of State for International Development and I walked down a lane that only weeks The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr. Bob Ainsworth): earlier had been known as “IED alley”. The Afghan I beg to move, police were on patrol where previously they had been That this House has considered the matter of defence in the absent. Locals were selling fruit from stalls where previously world. commerce had been too dangerous. The Royal Anglians The armed forces of the United Kingdom provide the told me how different things were from their first tour in country with a unique instrument for the protection of 2006, when they were involved in head-on fighting with Britain’s national security and the promotion of our Taliban units. This time, they had settled in with speed. national interests. Whether it is protecting the shipping The response from the locals had been warm. In total, lanes from piracy, defending our dependent territories 1,000 Afghan national security forces personnel have on land, in the air or at sea, providing humanitarian taken part in the latest operations across Helmand, and assistance, keeping the peace in areas of conflict, or we expect more than 2,500 to take part in the next fighting to protect national and international security, phase, including 1,000 Afghan gendarmerie. they are a force for good, and the people of Britain are rightly proud of them. But let nobody underestimate the task ahead. Only the first part of Operation Moshtarak has been done. As we have said before, the main effort for our armed The area has been cleared, but we now have to hold and forces is Afghanistan—it is also the main effort for the build. Together with our partners, and in particular the Ministry of Defence. We are in Afghanistan to ensure Afghans themselves, we have to provide security for that the country cannot be used again as a base to confidence and governance to grow. As the suicide export terrorism, which is a proven threat to our citizens. attacks in Kandahar show, the Taliban will come back We will achieve that by supporting the growth of an at us. We cannot take our eye off the ball. Afghan Government who reject violent extremism, and who can deny terrorists a haven by maintaining their Mr. Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth, East) (Con): I, own security. We must see this job through. The too, have just come back from a visit to Afghanistan consequences of premature withdrawal would be profoundly and share the Secretary of State’s cautious optimism dangerous. that things are progressing and moving in the right This is the context in which the brave men and direction. However, Operation Moshtarak does not include women of our armed forces are risking life and limb on the Sangin area, and I am concerned that as areas of our behalf. So far this year, 27 UK personnel have been responsibility are handed over to the Americans, Sangin, killed, and many more injured. We can minimise, but we which is very much a British focus, seems to be left out can never eliminate, the risks that our armed forces and is turning into our Achilles heel. My former regiment, face—this is hard soldiering at the sharp end, and there the Rifles Regiment, is based there. Can the right hon. will be further sacrifice ahead. I was with our forces in Gentleman provide more information about that area, Helmand and Kandahar last week, and I met senior which seems to be left out in the cold? allied military commanders, civilian officials and Afghan Mr. Ainsworth: The hon. Gentleman anticipates me. Ministers in Kabul. There is clear progress on both the I am coming to the issue of Sangin, as people would security front and the political front, which I shall take expect me to do. in turn. We cannot take our eye off the ball. In other parts of First, on security, over the past 12 months the number Helmand, UK forces are continuing to support the of international security assistance force troops in Helmand Afghan Government to bring security and governance has risen from about 7,700 to more than 20,000. The to its people. It is a difficult task, which they face with Regional Commander South, Major-General Nick Carter, resilience and courage. Sangin in particular is one of the will therefore continue to review the balance of forces most difficult places where our forces are operating. across southern Afghanistan. As announced last week, Sangin is Afghanistan in microcosm—an extraordinarily as part of that, responsibility for Musa Qala will be complex situation where poor governance, the drug transferred from UK forces to other ISAF forces. The trade and tribal grievances fuel the insurgency. 3 Rifles transfer gives ISAF the opportunity to redeploy UK are doing a remarkable job in the most difficult troops to central Helmand, thickening our forces in the circumstances, and the casualties, sadly, reflect that. most heavily populated area of the province, where the The answers to the problem in Sangin will not be majority of our troops are already based. Further changes provided by the security effort on its own. The problems in Helmand are likely in due course to ensure that force are political, and the answers will be political. Governor lay-down is in line with the campaign priorities set by Mangal has acted with determination. He has replaced Major-General Carter. those who have fallen short or who have abused power—the The early stages of Operation Moshtarak are now district governor, the chief of police and other senior complete. We have achieved significant success. The security officials. Progress in Sangin is slow and it has, operation has created the space for district Afghan sadly, been hard won. Providing security is difficult and governance to emerge, removing the Taliban’s hold over dangerous work and we should expect these challenges a large area of central Helmand. Immediate stabilisation to endure for some time. activity has begun. The Afghan Government, supported by the UK-led provincial reconstruction team, has launched Mr. John Baron (Billericay) (Con): Although the its district stabilisation plan. This has set priorities and Secretary of State is right that troops on their own cannot committed resources and manpower to deliver key services provide the entire solution, troop density levels in counter- 615 Defence in the World15 MARCH 2010 Defence in the World 616

[Mr. John Baron] in military operations, and as the military will tell us, no plan survives first contact with the enemy. In both cases, insurgency operations are still very important. Ten thousand the situation on the ground changed rapidly, and we British troops account for roughly two thirds of the had to adjust posture and learn lessons quickly. For population, and 20,000 Americans account for one instance, in 2006 when UK forces first entered Helmand, third. Does he not think that that balance is out of insurgent fighters came at us in groups of up to 100; kilter, and that we need to put it right? now they increasingly use IEDs, which, as we are all too aware, cause the majority of UK fatalities. In 2009 more Mr. Ainsworth: The changes that Major-General Carter than 70 per cent. of the UK’s fatalities involved IED has announced will address that issue to a degree, but strikes, compared with 20 per cent. in 2006. As the not to the fullest extent, as I think the hon. Gentleman situation evolved in Afghanistan, the force lay-down, knows and the mathematics will clearly tell him. Kajaki the air support and the breadth of available equipment is another area that we need to think about, and plans have had to change, too, but some requirements cannot are being worked on, but I am not in a position to say be delivered overnight. what the proposals are, because they have not been However, let me be clear: no commander has been completed. However, people are aware of the very issue asked to achieve objectives for which they have not been that the hon. Gentleman raises, and of the need for a equipped or manned. No urgent operational requirement proper balance of force throughout Helmand province. to address changes in circumstances or new threats has In the Task Force Helmand area of the province, we been turned down by the Treasury. As the circumstances need to be able to take full advantage of the increase in have changed, so have the resources. Funding from the troop density from, as I said, 7,700 or thereabouts a Treasury reserve has been provided at the level required year or so ago to 20,000 now. That is not counting the to meet the need. It has risen from £738 million in additional ANSF personnel who are flowing into the 2006-07, when we had about 6,000 troops in Afghanistan, province as well. Further rebalancing is therefore being to an estimated £4.5 billion this financial year to support looked at, but there are various propositions and none 9,500 troops. has been finalised, so I am afraid that I cannot tell the House that there has been more than the handover of Mark Pritchard (The Wrekin) (Con): The Defence Musa Qala. But Musa Qala will help, and all the troops Secretary mentioned urgent operational requirements. from that area will be redeployed to central Helmand, He will know that BAE Land Systems in Hadley in my giving additional support and troop density to the constituency has worked very hard to meet those people operating in that area. requirements, yet today people there are in fear of Just as in Sangin, political progress is needed throughout losing their jobs if the Government have awarded the Helmand to consolidate the military progress that we upgrade to Warrior, with the new cannon, and the have made. On 7 March in Marjah, President Karzai upgrading of other armoured vehicles, to foreign companies held a shura and listened to the grievances of local rather than British companies. Would he like to state on people. The significance of that should not be the record what the Government’s position is? underestimated. He was told in no uncertain terms that the people did not want the Taliban, but nor did they Mr. Ainsworth: On the Scout vehicle, we have run a want Afghan Government officials who abuse their competition, in which two companies have been involved, power. I totally agree with the Foreign Secretary in the both of which have been treated fairly. It has been a approach that he set out last week. The security that long and thorough process, and an evaluation has been ISAF can provide will become permanent only when it done. Of course we are mindful of the position of jobs, is provided increasingly by the Afghans themselves, and and there are jobs created in the UK as result of both consolidated by a political process of reintegration and those bids. Overwhelmingly, however, when we come to reconciliation. take a decision on the Scout, which happen in the very near future, that decision must be based on capability. Building on the agreements at the London conference, I do not know whether the hon. Gentleman thinks that we will support the Afghan Government’s national that is the wrong priority, but I do not. I am as much peace and reintegration programme. President Karzai wedded to protecting British jobs, British companies has announced his intention to hold a peace jirga at the and British industry as anyone else. As I said, a lot of end of April; the trust fund to offer economic alternatives jobs in Great Britain are coming from both the bids. We to those who renounce violence and who work within must be mindful of that, but we must be mindful, the democratic process has already received pledges of overwhelmingly, that we are buying a vehicle that is the more than $140 million; and a good start has been best that we can get for our armed forces. That is the made on the growth of the Afghan national security basis on which the decision will be taken and the basis forces, with recruitment in the Afghan national army on which BAE Systems has been treated, along with its increasing sevenfold since the end of 2009. We have competitors in this process. opened a new window of opportunity for governance, development and the political process of reconciliation Mr. Ellwood: The Secretary of State mentioned Op and reintegration to take hold. We have the time to Telic and referred to lessons learned. What I picked up succeed, but we certainly have no time to waste. Our during my last visit to Afghanistan was the fact that we forces are shouldering a heavy burden to protect our are now on Op Herrick 10. Each time we have been national security, so let me directly address some of the there, the brigade commander has almost had to reinvent accusations that have been made in the past week. the wheel in working out what counter-insurgency tactics It is fair to say that in Iraq, and in entering Helmand are most appropriate for Helmand. The consequence of in 2006, we—I include our military planners in this—did this has not gone unnoticed by the Americans. Given not, with hindsight, get everything right. Risk is inherent the name of this debate, “Defence in the World”, I pose 617 Defence in the World15 MARCH 2010 Defence in the World 618 this question: what do we bring to the table that assists troops have the best equipment available to protect the Americans or allows us to stand up and be counted? themselves from the threat. Since 2006, the UOR process We used to be experts in counter-insurgency, but we has provided for 1,700 additional heavy armoured vehicles have now fallen behind the curve, and that is something as the threat of IEDs has grown, including first Mastiffs that this House needs to address. and now Ridgbacks, which offer world-leading protection. At the repair facility in Camp Bastion, I saw one Mr. Ainsworth: I would say to the hon. Gentleman Mastiff that had been blown up six times, once in Iraq that that is a little harsh. The Americans learned some and five times in Afghanistan. Every single person huge lessons in Iraq around the time of 2006-07, and all survived, and it has been repaired every time and is still credit to them for that. At the time when that campaign going strong. At the joint helicopter force in Bastion, I was going south at a worrying pace, American minds, at saw the Merlins, Sea Kings, Chinooks and Apaches that the very highest level, turned to how to turned the our troops rely on, and I was assured that availability is situation around, and we should be every bit as respectful meeting demand. of the capability that they showed in doing that. The I find myself again disappointed by the Conservatives. hon. Gentleman has just been to Afghanistan. If he gets Despite the record, they would have the public believe out in the area of Moshtarak, not only in the American that our troops are not being properly resourced. In area but on our side of the line in the Nad Ali area, he doing so, they are both painting a false picture and will see that some superb counter-insurgency lessons undermining public support for the mission, and for have been learned and are being implemented. We must what? For short-term party political gain. Who is playing all try to make absolutely certain that those lessons are politics with our armed forces now? properly understood and embedded across the entire force. It is all right having that excellent understanding The hon. Member for Woodspring (Dr. Fox) accuses where the main effort is, but we need to ensure that the Prime Minister of electioneering by visiting theatre. every battle group has the same level of understanding Is he really saying that it is inappropriate for the Prime and campaign continuity. It is very important to improve Minister to visit troops, hear from them and thank campaign continuity; I accept what he says in that them for a major operation? [Interruption.] Opposition regard. Members say that the problem is timing alone, but the hon. Gentleman will know—if he cares to know—that Ann Winterton (Congleton) (Con) rose— we cancelled a lot of people’s visits to Helmand province because of stage 1 of Operation Moshtarak. A lot of Mr. Ainsworth: I give way to the hon. Lady, who I people in the House were not able to go, and I had to think wants to come back to vehicles. change the date of my visit to Helmand to ensure that I did not burden people. The Prime Minister had to get his visit into the window that was provided between Ann Winterton: On this occasion, the Secretary of the end of the first stage of operations and the start of State is quite wrong. I want to ask him about the lessons the relief in place, as did I. It is quite disgraceful for the that have been learned in Afghanistan, and before that hon. Gentleman to suggest that the timing was an issue. in Iraq. They have been extremely hard-learned, because We were cancelling other people’s highly desirable trips we had completely forgotten how to fight a counter- to Helmand province because of operational need, because insurgency war. As most of the casualties have come of the fact that we were in the middle of an operation from IEDs, why did this country sell its Chubby sets, and because the relief in place was about to start. That which would have protected routes, and why are we still was what dictated the timing, and the hon. Gentleman using a medieval system of Barma route clearing? When is disingenuous to suggest otherwise. will Talisman—I am grateful to the Minister for the Armed Forces, who recently wrote to me about it following the previous debate—be fully operational in Afghanistan? David T. C. Davies (Monmouth) (Con): Will the Secretary of State tell us why previous visits took place Mr. Speaker: Order. We have got quite a bit of time just before the Prime Minister was thinking of calling for this debate, but there are a lot of people who want to an election some two and a half years ago, and during take part, and I suggest that future interventions should the middle of the Conservative party conference? Is not imitate that which we have just heard, at any rate in there not a pattern emerging here, in which the Prime length. Minister of this country uses the British armed forces as some sort of photo opportunity in order to get votes? Mr. Ainsworth: Talisman is in theatre and being used. Of course lessons are learned all the time, but the IED Mr. Ainsworth: I say to the hon. Gentleman and all threat in Iraq was significantly different from the IED his hon. Friends that I have never criticised anybody in threat that we face in Afghanistan. In Iraq there were the Opposition for visiting theatre, or for producing shaped charges aimed overwhelmingly at armoured vehicles webcasts from it in order to advertise what they are on semi-metalled roads and so on. In Afghanistan, doing. I have never done that, and I would not dream of small IEDs are being laid on an industrial scale to maim criticising anyone on that basis. Let me explain why. It is and injure our troops. There are very different methods because I will not play party politics with the Afghan and devices, and of course we have to learn as quickly operation in the disgraceful way that was done last as we can from the changing threat. week. We have deployed a 200-strong counter-IED taskforce, along with specialist equipment, to find and disable Mr. Denis MacShane (Rotherham) (Lab): Frankly, I IEDs and to help identify and target the networks that wish my right hon. Friend would move on because he lay them. Of course, we cannot find and prevent every should not give any credence or credit to the disgraceful IED laid by the insurgency, but we can ensure that our and not very honourable remarks that were made by 619 Defence in the World15 MARCH 2010 Defence in the World 620

[Mr. Denis MacShane] Mr. Bernard Jenkin (North Essex) (Con): Quite right.

Conservative Members after the Prime Minister’s visit. Mr. Ainsworth: The hon. Gentleman says, “Quite Is it not the case that between 1997 and 2003, an extra right”. So, should the Conservatives win the forthcoming 17 per cent. of fresh new money was given to our election, the shadow Chancellor’s emergency budget military services, which then decided what to do with it? after the election will presumably be a “wartime” budget. To attribute problems in the field to the then Chancellor Would the hon. Member for Woodspring like to confirm is like blaming the Treasury Secretary in America because what his plans are for the defence budget under a Tory American soldiers fall in the field in Afghanistan. The Government? Would he like to stand up now and tell Conservative party is a disgrace on this issue. us? Can he confirm—he has repeatedly failed to do so to date—that he will match Labour’s promise to increase Mr. Ainsworth: I thank my right hon. Friend; I will the defence budget by more than inflation in the next move on to some other issues and consider some of the financial year? Once again, answer comes there none. other comments that were made last week. Mr. Ian Davidson (Glasgow, South-West) (Lab/Co-op): Bob Spink (Castle Point) (Ind) rose— I rise to seek clarification on that point, because my understanding is that the Conservatives intend, on their Mr. Ainsworth: I shall first give way to the hon. first day in government, to examine the break clauses in Gentleman. a variety of contracts, including those for the aircraft carriers, possibly with a view to cancelling them to save money. That is hardly an indication that more money Bob Spink: This issue cuts right to the heart of the will be available for the defence budget, is it? morale of our troops, which is damaged by people playing party politics with these matters. I think that is disgraceful. On troop morale, the right hon. Gentleman Mr. Ainsworth: I understand that that is precisely knows that when forces return from active service, they what has been said, but it goes far wider than that. The face many issues and problems, one of which is getting point I am trying to bring out is this: the Conservatives’ housing. Will he consider what action the Government criticism of resources and deliberate misrepresentation could take to force local councils such as Castle Point to of what has happened over a period of time will not give priority to our returning heroes, as that would help replace straight answers about their intentions. We have their morale? made it clear that next year, there will be a real increase in the defence budget. Try as we might, we cannot get an answer from the hon. Member for Woodspring, who, Mr. Ainsworth: The hon. Gentleman is absolutely when asked, said from a sedentary position, “You’ll right that the treatment our troops get back here and have to wait.” The electorate will have to wait until after the appreciation shown to them here is important, as the election to see what the Tory party’s intentions are. well as the support they need out in theatre. We have made some changes to oblige local authorities to treat our troops properly; we must ensure that those are Mark Pritchard: The Secretary of State talks about properly implemented and enforced so that our troops straight answers, but would he like to put on the record get a place on the housing list, as well as help with whether the procurement of the aircraft carriers will health. form part of the Government’s strategic defence review? Let me move on to some other issues raised over the last week or so. The hon. Member for Woodspring Mr. Ainsworth: I have been very clear that that will (Dr. Fox) has accused the Government of cutting the form part of a strategic defence review. I have equally order for light protection vehicles when, as he well said that it would take a very strange turn of events for knows, buying an initial order is standard practice to the aircraft carriers to become unnecessary. That is why ensure that we can incorporate the lessons learned from we ordered them and are building them, and why we are the vehicle’s use in later orders. We need 200 of these cutting the steel and getting on with the job right now. vehicles for Afghanistan. Ordering the initial batch now means that those vehicles will be delivered to Afghanistan Mr. Jenkin: I trust the Secretary of State will be in the as soon as possible. We are simply trying to deliver Chamber when I rise to deliver my remarks, because I world-leading equipment to our troops. Who is really will be addressing some of the points he has raised. Can playing politics with our armed forces? he give a guarantee that defence spending will be ring-fenced The hon. Gentleman suggests that Ministers are trying for the next four years, because that is what he seems to to suppress news from Afghanistan during the election be promising? If he is not promising that, he should be by quoting the Purdah code, drawn up by civil servants very clear about it. to guide the behaviour of civil servants to try to ensure fairness between the parties. Is he actually suggesting Mr. Ainsworth: The hon. Gentleman must not try to that the Government intervene to alter the rules governing put words in my mouth. I have produced a Green Paper the civil service during an election? The only person and said that there will be a strategic defence review. He playing politics with the operation in Afghanistan is the is a genuine campaigner for defence and I know that hon. Gentleman. In the Opposition day debate that he deep down, he is appalled by the lack of a commitment called just two weeks ago, he at no point offered any from Conservative Front Benchers. All I said is that we alternative. cannot get a commitment from them— The Conservative leader accuses the Government of fighting wars on a peacetime budget. Mr. Jenkin: Will you give a commitment? 621 Defence in the World15 MARCH 2010 Defence in the World 622

Mr. Ainsworth: I am talking about next year. We published a Green Paper to pave the way for a strategic cannot get a commitment about next year from the defence review. As part of that process, we will need to party to which the hon. Gentleman gives his allegiance, make decisions about the role we want the United and we cannot get one from the hon. Member for Kingdom to play in the world and the capabilities the Woodspring. I cannot go beyond next year, and I have armed forces need to support that role. However, we never said that I would do so. There will be a strategic will need to press ahead with decisions where they are defence review. I will try to be in the Chamber to listen required to maintain momentum on important projects to the hon. Member for North Essex (Mr. Jenkin) speak that are integral to the future defence programme. more widely on the matter later. At the time of the Queen’s Speech, I set out the approach that I would take to decisions ahead of a Mr. Jenkin: Will the Secretary of State give way? strategic defence review. First, each decision would be tested against its effect on operational requirements in Mr. Ainsworth: I must tell the hon. Gentleman that I Afghanistan, as the main effort in defence. Secondly, want to make some progress now. each decision would make a contribution to bringing The truth is that the shadow Chancellor will not let the defence programme into balance in both the short the hon. Member for Woodspring answer my question, and the long term. Thirdly, we would avoid, as far as because the Conservatives do not intend to increase the possible, significant decisions on capability that should defence budget. They can argue all day about how properly be made as part of a strategic defence review. much they cut the defence budget in the 1990s or how In December I announced plans to rebalance the much Labour has increased it since—by they way, that defence programme, including the shifting of additional increase was 10 per cent. in real terms since 1997, not resources towards the campaign in Afghanistan. We including the £17 billion that has been spent from the have now worked through the details, and I shall be reserve on operations and the £5 billion earmarked for announcing decisions relating to several equipment Afghanistan next year—but the public want to know programmes over the next few days. In each case I have what the hon. Gentleman’s plans for the future are. I bet been given detailed advice on the requirements, listened that he does not come to that, because although there is to the views of the service chiefs and considered the plenty of rhetoric from him, it is matched by not a question of long-term affordability. The decisions I will single extra commitment. announce are not being rushed through, but are being judged carefully against the tests I have set out. That is Mr. Philip Dunne (Ludlow) (Con): The Minister of State the right way in which to proceed. announced today that 1 Signal Brigade and 102 Logistic Brigade are no longer coming to RAF Cosford in 2015, Mr. Ellwood: The £5 billion figure is astonishing. If as planned; their arrival has been deferred by three that amount is required, it is required, but it is bleeding years. Why has that happened, and what will happen to our armed forces dry. RAF Cosford during the five-year gap between the I ask the Secretary of State to think back to 2002-04. moving of the training operations to Wales and the What a shame that we did not put in the right amount much later arrival of the logistic brigades? That is what up front then to allow our armed forces’ stabilisation my constituents want to know. projects to continue appropriately. That would probably have allowed us to expedite our exit from Afghanistan, Mr. Ainsworth: I shall come to that later. rather than continuing on a prolonged course which, as I have said, is costing more and more each year. Five Mr. William Cash (Stone) (Con): Does the Secretary billion pounds is an astonishing amount to spend when of State accept the suggestion by the Royal United we are seeing no exit strategy. Services Institute that over the next six years there will have to be a cut of up to 15 per cent. in defence Mr. Ainsworth: I think the hon. Gentleman expenditure? Does he accept the institute’s premise, and misunderstood what I just said. This year, according to if not, why not? our latest estimate, there will be an extra £4.5 billion—not just the £35 billion, approaching £36 billion, in the Mr. Ainsworth: Decisions about the long term have defence budget—for the Afghanistan operation. We yet to be made. We have committed ourselves to a estimate that next year there will be a requirement for strategic defence review, I have done everything I can to an extra £5 billion. That will not come from the defence try to get a defence debate up and running, and we have budget, and we will not be “bleeding our armed forces seen some good signs that part of that debate is indeed dry”, as the hon. Gentleman suggested. An extra amount up and running ahead of the strategic defence review. will be provided from the reserve, through the urgent The country will have to decide what role it wants to operational requirements process. If the hon. Gentleman play in the world, and how much it is prepared to insists on looking backwards and flatly refuses to look commit to the necessary defence expenditure that would forwards, let me tell him that by far the biggest cut in underpin that role in the world. If RUSI thinks it can defence in modern times took place in 1995-96—a second-guess the answers to those questions ahead of real-terms cut of 10.24 per cent. Who was in government the major decisions, it is wrong, but I am not sure that it at that time? It was the party that the hon. Gentleman actually said that. I have a lot of time for RUSI, and supports. I think the hon. Gentleman may have misunderstood Afghanistan is the main effort for defence but the what it said. armed forces continue to undertake their standing The Opposition have suggested that announcing plans commitments, including defending UK airspace and to proceed with major equipment programmes so close waters, maintaining the continuous nuclear deterrent to a general election is wrong. I disagree. Last year, I and, of course, defending the overseas territories. For 623 Defence in the World15 MARCH 2010 Defence in the World 624

[Mr. Bob Ainsworth] absolutely right. They are British and they need our defence. His assurance that the Government will renegotiate instance, we currently have 1,200 personnel deployed in nothing with the Argentines is the best news I have the Falkland Islands. The Government are fully committed heard for a long time, and I thank him. to the defence of the south Atlantic overseas territories. We have made all the preparations necessary to make Mr. Ainsworth: Our efforts to wind each other up sure they are properly protected. Our deterrence force have been mutual, and although they have probably consists of a wide range of land, air and maritime assets been mutually unsuccessful, they have also been quite and can be reinforced quickly should the need arise, but enjoyable on a personal level. I thank the hon. Gentleman we do not judge that to be necessary at the current time. for what he has just said about the Government’s policy on the Falklands. Andrew Mackinlay (Thurrock) (Lab): The military and maritime presence around the Turks and Caicos Mark Pritchard: The Secretary of State referred to Islands, for instance, is wholly inadequate. More Operation Borona and the draw-down of British troops importantly, what response have the Government given from Germany. As he will know, under the defence to the US Secretary of State, who talked about having training review programme RAF personnel are due to negotiations between Argentina and the United Kingdom leave Cosford in 2013 and relocate to Wales. That base about the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands? Have we was due to be backfilled with the British Army, but told her unequivocally to mind her own business and there is now to be a delay of five years. Will the that that is not negotiable? Secretary of State put on the record, for the benefit of the people of Shropshire and the west midlands, what is Mr. Ainsworth: The Foreign Secretary has made our going to happen to RAF Cosford in that five-year position clear: it is that our sovereignty of the Falklands period? is under no doubt, that we will take the appropriate measures to defend them and that we are entitled within Mr. Ainsworth: These decisions are not taken lightly, those sovereign waters to explore for minerals. My hon. and they are not easy decisions, but prioritising Afghanistan Friend needs to justify his point about the Turks and and making it the main effort has consequences; there is Caicos Islands. He might want to come and see me no way around that. I know of nobody who genuinely afterwards to do so, as I do not understand his point. and seriously thinks that that does not have to be our main effort at this time. Difficulties will arise and I am Mr. Davidson: May I take my right hon. Friend back sorry for that, but there is no point in coming to the to the question of programmes? There is already an House and pretending, as the hon. Member for Woodspring enormous gulf of blue water between the Front Benches does, that we can move the whole of the British Army on the question of the aircraft carrier, but that should back to the United Kingdom, and save money by so not mean that we have to stand still on naval ordering. doing and do it without cost. The costs of doing this in When does my right hon. Friend expect to make an the short term, on the kind of time scales the hon. announcement about taking forward the next stage of Gentleman has pretended are a possibility, are monstrously the Type 26 order? Can he tell me how many I am likely out of kilter with the facts. That cannot be done. to get of those? Mr. James Gray (North Wiltshire) (Con): I am sure Mr. Ainsworth: My hon. Friend cannot expect me to the Secretary of State has at the forefront of his mind make announcements ahead of making the announcements, that an ideal location for the repatriation of many of but announcements to that effect on the future surface the troops currently in Germany is the soon-to-be-vacated combatant will be made in the near future. RAF Lyneham. We also maintain significant forces in Cyprus, Brunei, Gibraltar and Germany, in addition to standing operational Mr. Ainsworth: The hon. Gentleman has been bidding naval commitments worldwide. We have announced for a continued armed forces presence in his constituency today the next phase of our programme to relocate to for a very long time and with considerable tenacity. I do the UK three major military formations currently based not blame him for that, and I welcome his support for in Germany: Headquarters, Allied Rapid Reaction Corps the attempt to maintain our presence in Lyneham as the this summer; 1 Signal Brigade in 2015; and 102 Logistics location of the Hercules planes changes. Brigade in 2018. When the programme as a whole is The footprint of UK forces is global. That is because complete, the UK force levels in Germany will have the interests of this country, and the threats against it, reduced from 22,000 to 15,000. With the agreement of are global. I believe it is essential for the UK to remain the German Government, our plan remains to base HQ in the premier league of military powers, and under this 1 UK Armoured Division, with most of its formations Government we will remain so. In every endeavour our and supporting units, in Germany for the foreseeable armed forces perform, there is a dedicated professionalism future. that is humbling to see. They have the gratitude of this Government, this House and this country. Mr. David Wilshire (Spelthorne) (Con): The right hon. Gentleman knows that I have spent a fair bit of my 4.28 pm 23 years here in Committee Rooms trying to wind him up; without succeeding, I hasten to add. I have waited a Dr. Liam Fox (Woodspring) (Con): May I begin by long time—it is a great pleasure to do so just before I paying tribute to all our service personnel who have leave this place—to say that I agree with the Government made sacrifices for our safety since we last debated this and with the Secretary of State. I wanted to get that on subject? We extend our condolences to the families and the record. What he has said about the Falklands is friends of those killed, and we hope that their sadness 625 Defence in the World15 MARCH 2010 Defence in the World 626 may be diminished by the pride they take in the courage terrorist attacks of 9/11 completely altered the western and commitment of our world-class forces. To those view of global security. It is worth pointing out that an injured, not only do we offer our support, but we must attack that cost al-Qaeda only $250,000 to stage ended all do everything possible to ease their paths in the up costing the United States economy alone $80 billion. future. We must also thank all our civilian personnel, That is the scale of the change that we have seen. whose efforts in theatre and in support often go Transnational terrorism continues to pose a real threat. unmentioned but are none the less invaluable to our Although largely defeated in Iraq, al-Qaeda is threatening national effort in Afghanistan. the stability of Pakistan, the horn of Africa, south-east The Secretary of State talked about recent developments Asia and the Arabian peninsula—notably Yemen. On a in Helmand, and while his description of Operation visit to Saudi Arabia only last week, I was struck by the Moshtarak sounds optimistic, the House might rightly seriousness with which the authorities there are focusing ask why it has taken us so long to get an update. The on that threat. operation has been taking place for more than a month On proliferation, while countries such as Libya have and up to 4,000 British troops have been involved, but seemingly given up their ambitions for weapons of mass the House has not been given an update on it, or on destruction, North Korea has successfully tested two Afghanistan generally, for some time. On 1 February, nuclear bombs. Iran is on the verge of acquiring a the Foreign Secretary made a statement to the House nuclear weapon, and continues to be a net exporter of on Afghanistan, albeit in the context of the London terrorism and instability to its neighbours in the region conference, but the last statement on Afghanistan by and beyond. The nature and behaviour of the regime in the Prime Minister was in mid-December—almost three Iran, and the risk of triggering a nuclear arms race in months ago. Since then, we have had the appointment the middle east, are a cause of growing anxiety. In my of a new civilian representative—Mark Sedwill—as well view, this is the biggest emerging threat that we face. as the launch of a major offensive in Helmand; speculation The possibility of state-on-state warfare—most recently about a major offensive in Kandahar involving British demonstrated by the Russian invasion of Georgia and forces; the relocation of British forces from Musa Qala the subsequent occupation of 20 per cent. of its territory— to the area around Lashkar Gah; and visits by both the cannot be ruled out, especially as the competition for Prime Minister and the Secretary of State. Surely that scarce resources heats up in some of the world’s most warrants more frequent oral statements to the House, unstable regions. so that hon. Members can question the Government on Other threats might seem remote to the British public, that specific issue, rather than on the wider issues that but if they were to become a reality, they would have a we are debating today, although they will understandably devastating effect on our way of life. The proliferation expect the debate to focus on Afghanistan to some of biological weapons and their use by terrorist extent. organisations and other non-state actors are a real On the broader issues in Afghanistan, counter-insurgency threat. Nuclear terrorism, including the use of dirty is about protecting the population, and it requires a bombs, is another. The House should make no mistake: better force-to-population ratio than we currently have we are already living in the era of the dirty bomb. The in Helmand, as my hon. Friend the Member for Billericay first ever attempted dirty bomb attack was carried out (Mr. Baron) mentioned in his intervention. That is why in Moscow by a group of Chechen terrorists. The bomb the expected uplift of American and Afghan troops by was not detonated, and it was later found by the police, this summer is welcome. Most people agree that there but neither the terrorists nor the source of the caesium needs to be a rebalance between United Kingdom and has ever been identified. None the less, the terrorists US areas of responsibility, even if that might mean successfully sowed the intended seeds of fear in the concentrating Task Force Helmand’s assets into a smaller minds of both the populace and the authorities. Nuclear geographical area in central Helmand, in a similar proliferation, particularly in the middle east, needs to arrangement to the one that has been announced for be seen in the context of that type of threat. Musa Qala. British troops have fought gallantly in Musa Qala Mark Pritchard: My hon. Friend makes a powerful since 2006, and the move that the Government have case, as he always does. Does he share my concern that announced should not be interpreted in any way as a the chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear capability downgrading of the UK effort. Rather, it represents a of UK armed forces is being reconfigured and reduced better match between our resources and our commitments. by the Government? It is essential that the United Kingdom plays a full role in Afghanistan, including a full military role, but Dr. Fox: I shall come to that. I think that we need to it must be proportionate to our force strength and consider the full range of threats at home and abroad. configuration. The announcement that British troops On top of the issues that I have mentioned to do with will be transferring Musa Qala to American forces is a biological weapons and dirty bombs, the use of an sensible one for this country. We are part of a coalition, electromagnetic pulse device that could destroy all electronic and the Americans obviously have vastly superior levels communications infrastructure over a distance of hundreds of resources and troops. Our roles must be set out of miles is also being considered and researched, and according to our relative strengths. possibly being tested. All those different things need Let me turn to the main topic of our debate. Since the strategies to deal with them in the wider context of our last strategic defence review in 1998, the world has security in a dangerous world. Like it or not, cyber become a more dangerous place. Transnational terrorism, warfare is a modern-day reality and attacks are increasing nuclear proliferation, the battle for cyberspace and the in both frequency and seriousness—from the mass attack effects of climate change are all playing a part in on Estonia to the targeted attacks on British companies destabilising the equilibrium of global security. The and institutions. 627 Defence in the World15 MARCH 2010 Defence in the World 628

[Dr. Fox] or will not act, but it will always remain a secondary role. The cornerstone of our defence must be and will These threats are occurring on top of our contingent remain NATO, not least because it brings in the might overseas operations, such as Afghanistan, maritime security of the American defence umbrella. The idea that we in the Gulf and reacting to natural disasters such as the would leave behind the United States’ defence umbrella, recent earthquake in Haiti. We know from bitter historical knowing that some of the minor players in Europe, not experience the difficulty of predicting future conflict, its least those who are neutral, would be there for us in our nature or its location. We cannot base our future security hour of need, seems to me a ludicrous way of taking on the assumption that future wars will be like the forward defence in the United Kingdom. current ones. That is why we must maintain generic My right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond, capability able to adapt to any changing threats. Yorks (Mr. Hague) and I have set out on a number of The default position for the UK is and will be to occasions what the foreign policy objectives of a operate as a partner within one alliance or another. forthcoming defence review under a Conservative However, the UK has unique national interests and we Government would be. First, and obviously, we must be cannot always—nor should we always expect that we able to defend the United Kingdom against threats to can—depend on our partners when Britain’s direct national our territorial integrity and our wider international interests are threatened. That is why I said that although interests. Those interests are both broad and deep in a we agreed with much of the process and the output of globalised world, not least because we have an estimated the Green Paper, we cannot accept its assumption that 12 million British citizens living abroad. We are an Britain will always operate as part of an alliance. Most international hub for financial activity and a permanent of the time, we will engage in operations as part of a member of the UN Security Council, the G8, the G20, coalition, whether through NATO, the European Union the Commonwealth and the European Union, and we or coalitions of the willing, but we have unique national are a leading member inside NATO. Our domestic interests and must maintain the unique capability to act interest must also be protected. When required, the on our own if required. That is why that has to be an armed forces must be able to augment and support civil essential part of the strategic defence review. emergency organisations during times of crisis. Defending Considering the instability around the world, any the UK also means maintaining key strategic tasks such defence and security review—increasingly, they are as a continuous, at-sea, submarine-based nuclear deterrent synonymous—must be carried out in a logical sequence. based on the Trident missile system. It must begin with our foreign policy priorities, outlining Secondly, we must be able to defend our 14 overseas what we believe to be our national interests. We must territories, with the main focus rightly being on the then consider what we believe to be the threat environment Falklands. The legislation that was recently passed in in which those interests will exist so that we can try to Argentina, attempting to exert Argentine sovereignty determine the strategy we need to respond to them. over the Falklands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Only then can we determine the military capabilities we Islands, and the British Antarctic Territory, is completely will require in that threat environment and only then and utterly unacceptable. I hope that the Government can we come to the specific equipment programmes that are prepared for any contingency that could arise, although will make those capabilities a reality. Finally, we will Argentina would be very foolish to test our national have to confront the harsh facts of the economic climate military capabilities, our state of readiness or our will to in which we will have to operate given the catastrophic act. The Falkland Islands are and will remain British. economic management of the current Government. Thirdly, when required, we must be able to come to Of course, we could try to carry out the process the the aid of NATO allies in a significant way under our other way around, and it has been done many times in article 5 obligations. That, of course, requires the NATO the UK. In other words, we could begin with the budget strategic concept to be dealt with in a much clearer and and see what we can buy for it. However, that would end more creative way than it has been in the past. That will up, as it has in the past, with unintended consequences be a major task for the Government after the general for our foreign policy and our wider capabilities. We election. would have missed the opportunity to return some real Fourthly, we will need to be able to project power on empiricism and stability to policy making. a strategic level alongside the United States and France, which are without doubt our two most important defence Mr. Cash: I am delighted to hear my hon. Friend deal and security partners. A future Conservative Government with the subject matter of this debate in the context of a will continue to build on those relationships. broader global landscape. Does he agree that it is important Fifthly, we will have to have the capacity to conduct that we do not lock ourselves, through treaties or extended stabilisation and nation-building exercises in arrangements of the St. Malo-type, into grand visions order to provide stability and security, albeit as part of that do not work? The most that we should be prepared an international coalition. That will involve us working to do, given his proper insistence on our national interests, closely with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and is to enter into discussions, but we should certainly not the Department for International Development on conflict lock ourselves into arrangements with the French, the prevention. Germans or anybody else. Sixthly, we must be able to extend meaningful military co-operation with elevated bilateral relations. We need Dr. Fox: The most important element is that the to continue to work closely with countries with shared, defence and security of the United Kingdom remain mutual interests and geostrategic importance, such as the sole preserve of the UK Government. We already Norway and Turkey, or Saudi Arabia and other Gulf have a defence alliance—it is called NATO. There might states. Where Britain has strategic interests that are be a role for the European Union where NATO cannot better protected within elevated bilateral relationships, 629 Defence in the World15 MARCH 2010 Defence in the World 630 we should pursue them vigorously. As I have said, we sometimes read in our media; they have been fought however, there can be no doubt that it will be the United in some form or another for hundreds of years. Our States that remains our No. 1 strategic partner. When it history books are littered with one insurgency or another— comes to the European continent, on a bilateral, sovereign sometimes in the same place. The counter-insurgency basis, France will be our No. 1 European partner given operations being conducted in Afghanistan are not a its willingness to spend on defence and to deploy its guarantee of what warfare will look like in the future, forces more than many others on the continent, with but are in many senses a continuation of past trends. notable exceptions such as the Danes, the Estonians As we scan the horizon now, there seems little prospect and the Dutch in Afghanistan. We will invite some key of the UK being involved in a direct state-on-state partners to make submissions to our defence review, conflict, but there is always the possibility of the UK and we will welcome contributions from those who see being dragged against our will into state-on-state warfare Britain as a key strategic partner. between other nations. Even state-on-state warfare would Finally, we must be able to enhance UK influence by not necessarily take the same linear, symmetrical and leveraging our natural national advantages, such as conventional form as it did in the 20th century. The intelligence and our excellent special forces. We must current superiority of western conventional military understand the diplomatic and economic value of might, coupled with the advantages offered by globalisation, maximising defence exports and the good will generated has led our adversaries, not least in Afghanistan, Iraq by joint training exercises or expanded training capacity and other parts of the region, to look beyond the for overseas officers. Defence diplomacy is effective and approach of choosing between conventional and it represents good value for money. asymmetric types of warfare, and to adopt a hybrid warfare approach instead. Mr. Jenkin: I join my hon. Friend in welcoming the The current direction of development in Chinese potential for productive bilateralism with France, alongside military thinking seems not to be to attempt to match our relationship with the United States, but does he America’s conventional capability but to develop the agree that we must continue to exercise some caution? technology that will deny America access to its own We shall not be able to share intelligence with the capability. That represents a major change in how we French as we do with the Americans, and there will be will have to think. With hybrid warfare we should no incentive to share technology with them as there is assume that our adversaries will simultaneously employ with the Americans, until France has a long track a mix of conventional weapons and irregular tactics record as a reliable NATO ally, which will take many that may include organised crime and acts of terrorism, years to build—although I very much hope that it will both of which we have seen related to threats to the UK build. in the recent past. We must understand that the conflicts of the future will go beyond the conventional arena and Dr. Fox: That caution is certainly something that threaten our social well-being, domestic infrastructure would have to be taken very seriously, but if we are and economic capabilities. The taste of what we got on able—especially during the presidency of President 9/11 was only the beginning of what we might taste in Sarkozy—to see France oriented more towards NATO, the future, and it is a very unpleasant menu. taking a more Atlanticist view of defence and security, it will be in the interests of the United Kingdom, Mr. MacShane: The hon. Gentleman mentioned China. NATO and, I suggest, France. Should Britain and NATO extend a security guarantee Globalisation means that Britain’s national interests to Taiwan? no longer stop at Dover, Gibraltar or the Falklands. Consequently, globalisation has major implications for Dr. Fox: It is clear that the commitments that we have how we organise our national and international security already entered into with Taiwan should be honoured. structures and identify our threats. It goes without We should regard the jury as being out on the military saying that the challenges that represents to our armed development in China. I hope that China will become forces are numerous and complex. The 21st-century an increasingly liberalised member of the international strategic environment demands that western militaries community, that we see democratic reform and further are able simultaneously to conduct war fighting, liberal market reform, and that China develops a defensive peacekeeping, continuous deterrence—both conventional posture. On the other hand, it is impossible to rule out and nuclear—and humanitarian operations. It is a very the fact that China might develop none of those, maintain different environment from that which our military its position as an autocratic state and try to develop have faced in times gone by.Furthermore, that environment offensive capabilities. requires western Governments to supplement military We might find that China is a great opportunity; we operations through an array of soft-power tools, such might find that it is a tremendous threat. We would be as international aid, defence diplomacy, and the spread wise to exercise caution until we are clear about exactly of information and ideas. which direction China is taking, but we would also be If the nature of the 21st century forces us—the sensible to extend a hand to China that says, “If you west—to re-evaluate current war fighting, we should become part of the international community and play a assume that our enemies are forced to do the same. It is constructive role, that will be welcomed by the west.” in that context that we can understand the types of When we consider the types of threat and of operation threat we are likely to face in defence in the world in the that may be mounted, it is instructive to look at what future. There is an ongoing debate in the UK on what happened with Russia’s invasion of Georgia. It involved form future warfare will take and how it will impact on heavy armour, air strikes and ground troops, which is the strategic defence and security review. For example, all very conventional, but it was augmented—in fact, insurgencies are not a new phenomenon, despite what preceded—by a surgical cyber attack on the Georgian 631 Defence in the World15 MARCH 2010 Defence in the World 632

[Dr. Fox] that threat is. The Government did not state this, but I am sure that when they, under Tony Blair, brought to Government and a sophisticated information operations the House of Commons plans for the renewal of Britain’s campaign aimed at the Georgian people and the nuclear deterrent, that threat was in their mind. If there international community. Therefore, perhaps the biggest is the threat of an EMP weapon that can take out change that we need to make as we go into the years critical infrastructure, the only way to maintain nuclear ahead, following whatever defence and security review deterrence is to have a continuous at-sea deterrent we have, is an intellectual adjustment to the nature of somewhere very far away from our own shores, where both the threats facing us and our responses to them. we can maintain that posture. We need to get that across In the future, our investment—it might be difficult to the public so that they understand the need to for politicians to sell this—may well be in defence maintain our nuclear deterrent, and a submarine-based technologies that we cannot see in the way that we were deterrent at that. able to see naval fleets, armoured divisions or fighter squadrons. It will be a challenge to explain to the public Mr. Ellwood: On the important subject of cyber why we have to apply such change in the light of the security, does my hon. Friend agree that perhaps we can technological advances being made by those who threaten learn lessons from the Americans, who have just appointed us. Therefore, saying that we can focus only on “the a four-star combatant commander to sit alongside war” at the expense of “a war” is simply not good commanders from the United States Central Command, enough for the defence of the British people, but it Joint Forces Command and Southern Command, and would be an easy way out for any Government whose others who advise the Defence Secretary and the President first and foremost responsibility ought to be the defence on cyber warfare? So serious is the issue that they now of the realm. have a four-star general looking at that issue alone. Andrew Mackinlay: Will the hon. Gentleman and Dr. Fox: I detect in the House an appetite for further others reflect on the fact that while we can measure our debate on the subject, and no doubt those hon. Members nuclear strength, and even our conventional capacity, waiting to speak would thank me for not taking the against potential adversaries, there is no mechanism for debate further and instead leaving them to do so themselves. Parliament to understand whether we are ahead of the My hon. Friend is right: the issue will become bigger; it game in cyber warfare or lagging substantially behind, is live. and what our investment is in research and development in that area? Parliament has not been told about that Mr. Bob Ainsworth indicated assent. and we need to know. Dr. Fox: The Secretary of State acknowledges the size Dr. Fox: We are here today to ask questions of the of the threat that we face, and of the frequency and the Government. These are debates that the country needs danger of the attacks that we are under. We as a country to have. We need to focus a great deal more on the types cannot avoid investing in the technologies that we require. of threat to us that will emerge in the future. I wonder As I said, we are talking about things that we cannot whether the British public are aware of the extent of the see, and it may not necessarily be easy to sell them to a cyber threats being faced by industry and our national sceptical electorate, but that is none the less what any institutions. I wonder whether they know that there was Government who take our national security seriously a dirty bomb in Moscow and whether they are aware of will have to do. the organised crime that underpins the transnational As we face very wide ranges of challenges in global terrorism that we face. There are many things that we security, we will need to take a new political approach. need to face up to. The past 13 years have shown us that Labour has not I remember writing a pamphlet on nuclear terrorism only let down our armed forces, but failed to drive the and offering it to one of the editors of our national radical change that is required inside the Ministry of newspapers as an exclusive. The reply was, “I could not Defence. The equipment programme has been grossly possibly print that. Our readers would be terrified if mismanaged and is underfunded by some £35 billion. they saw it.” That is exactly the point: we have to start We have had four Defence Secretaries in four years, one to tell the public what they need to hear, not just what of whom was part time, even though we were heavily they want to hear. engaged in combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. No Secretary of State, however committed, can be on Mr. James Arbuthnot (North-East Hampshire) (Con): top of the complexity of the issues that we face when Many right hon. and hon. Members have had the constantly being moved around by the Prime Minister privilege of being briefed on the threat posed by an as just another piece on the political chessboard. electromagnetic pulse. If this county has the good fortune The liability for that position lies with Tony Blair and to have its defences run by my hon. Friend, will he the current Prime Minister for failing to give serial undertake to receive representations during the strategic Secretaries of State the time or backing that they needed, defence review on the threats posed by an electromagnetic politically or financially. We now know that the 1998 pulse and on the potential answers, which are not that strategic defence review was never fully funded, and expensive? that troops were sent to Iraq without all the equipment that they required. As the right hon. Member for Ashfield Dr. Fox: As my right hon. Friend knows, other countries, (Mr. Hoon) said during the Chilcot inquiry, within notably the United States, have spent a lot of money the MOD protecting their critical national infrastructure from an EMP threat. That goes back to the point made by the “there was quite a strong feeling” hon. Member for Thurrock (Andrew Mackinlay), and that the 1998 SDR to the fact that I am not sure how widely appreciated “was not fully funded”. 633 Defence in the World15 MARCH 2010 Defence in the World 634

Sir Kevin Tebbit said that, as permanent secretary, he understand why the Chancellor of the Exchequer of the had to operate under a permanent crisis budget. The time is blamed for the distribution of that money, former Chief of the Defence Staff, Lord Walker, said having given our military many extra pounds and pennies. that the SDR was underfunded by almost £1 billion, We have 140 officers at the rank of general costing and we all know that the helicopter budget was cut by £6 million-plus leading our armed services across the £1.4 billion in 2004. Army, Air Force and Navy. We have a very good Ministry Only last week, the Prime Minister, who had been of Defence senior executive capability, who are also described as dissembling and disingenuous by former handsomely paid. It is surely their job, having been Chiefs of the Defence Staff, Lord Boyce and Lord given the extra money, to decide how it should be spent. Guthrie, told the House, and members of the armed If Iraq and Afghanistan came de novo blindside, and forces and their families on the British Forces Broadcasting had never happened before in recent military experience, Service, that the defence budget is rising every year in it would be difficult to adapt, but we fought a war in real terms. Yet we now know that there has been a Iraq in 1990. Our soldiers, who were stationed in the real-terms cut to the defence budget on four occasions region, were knocking on Saddam Hussein’s door for since 1997—in 1998, 1999, 2002 and 2007. The defence several months before the invasion, and we have been in budget also fell below 1997 levels, again in real terms, Afghanistan for nine years. On the whole, when we on four occasions: ’98, ’99, 2000 and 2002. Our armed make a comparison with the beginnings of other conflicts, forces cannot afford, literally or figuratively, another whether of the first or second world war, or other major five years of Labour. military campaigns throughout our history, we can see The truth is that the Government are all over the that we begin poorly and finish well. Our armed forces place on defence. Next year, the interest on the debts adapt very, very quickly and invent new techniques. that they have run up for this country will be one and a I am not a military expert and I always defer to half times the defence budget. It took us 2006 years to Opposition Members who have been serving officers, run up the first £450 billion of debt in this country; it but I am at a loss to explain why all these generals, took them four years to run up the second £450 billion. admirals and vice-marshals have been incapable between That is what the country will have to live with. That is 2001 and today, or between 2003 and today, of restrategising what our defences will have to operate within—the toxic and reprioritising. We have many more admirals than economic legacy of Labour. The changes that our country we have ships on deployment overseas. We have a large faces are great; we need a new, Conservative Government. number of major-generals. I sat next to a major-general from the Irish Guards in a second-class compartment on the train from Doncaster last week. I do not mind 4.59 pm how MPs travel or whom they meet on the train, but it Mr. Denis MacShane (Rotherham) (Lab): I enjoyed is a rum show when a major-general from the Irish the speech by the shadow Defence Secretary, the hon. Guards has to travel on an off-peak cheap-day standard Member for Woodspring (Dr. Fox). It was wide-ranging, class return ticket to make modest economies for the and included a lot of material that I have read in military. documents from the Royal United Services Institute I do not want to focus on Afghanistan. Instead, I and others. I did not quite understand his little rant at shall widen out to other geo-strategic concerns. The the end—this is not a Second Reading debate, and there hon. Member for Woodspring spoke about our enemies are not many Members in the Chamber, although most and adversaries, but he did not define them. I tried to of us are interested in security and defence issues. He tempt him to say whether China might be one in future. was sufficient unto his moment, however, and I wish I agree entirely with his analysis. We want a liberal, him well. friendly China, but undoubtedly the extraordinary rate The debate is about defence in the world, and my of increase in its military prowess is very powerful. right hon. Friend the Defence Secretary focused a bit The hon. Gentleman spoke warmly of President Sarkozy. narrowly, if I may say so, on Afghanistan. I do not We have seen some interesting remarks from the shadow entirely blame him, because the attempts to change the Chancellor and the Leader of the Opposition about Chilcot inquiry evidence given by the Prime Minister, Mr. Sarkozy and his height. The shadow Defence Secretary who was Chancellor of the Exchequer when the Iraq would never be accused of heightism, but he cannot conflict was launched, were fairly unworthy.I was genuinely seriously engage with France and appeal to France to surprised and concerned by the proncunciamentos from be our ally while spending all his time attacking every certain former senior officers, including chiefs of staff article of French defence policy. who are now Members of the other place. They have a The French presidency, which takes over the European right to speak—[Interruption.] Some say that they have Union when the Spanish presidency finishes this July, a duty to speak, but if our soldiers decide to become wants to see the establishment of a new intervention party political animals when they retire, the relationship force under PSC. I can see the eyes of right hon. and between the military and the Crown might alter, which hon. Gentlemen glazing over at that bit of jargon. Now should give us some cause for reflection. That is all that that the hon. Member for Stone (Mr. Cash) has left, let I would say. me tell them that PSC stands for permanent structure I asked the House of Commons Library about the co-operation under the Lisbon treaty and is a very finances, and I have listened to the conflicting points of significant development in our common approach to view that have been expressed today. I was told that the European defence activity. The French presidency also defence budget went up by 31 per cent. between 1997 wants greater contributions to the financing of European and 2003—by 17 per cent. in real terms, which is about security and defence operations. Those are two examples £7 billion extra on top of the steadily inflation-plus of what France stands for—in other words, more common growing defence budget. I have never been able to European authority and more money for Europe. 635 Defence in the World15 MARCH 2010 Defence in the World 636

Dr. Fox: I am interested in the point about the Ann Winterton rose— funding of PSC. Is the right hon. Gentleman suggesting a funding mechanism that sets down specific contributions Mr. MacShane: I do not want to clog up this debate, according to GDP for each member of the European because other hon. Members want to speak. Will Union for PSC? If he envisages that or a different Opposition Members allow me to make a few points? I mechanism, what impact will that have on the rather shall try to compress what I would like to say. pathetic levels of funding that some of those countries Whenever I, as a NATO Parliamentary Assembly are making for their existing NATO obligations, without member, go to Washington, I find that the comments adding new ones? and suspicions that undoubtedly existed eight, nine or 10 years ago about European defence capabilities—hugely Mr. MacShane: I am making no comments; I am fuelled, let it be said, by the speeches, pamphlets and talking about what the French are proposing. If the comments that the hon. Member for Woodspring has Opposition are serious about their new desire for a energetically produced over the years—have all evaporated. bilateral relationship with France on security and defence Now, 4-star generals, senior members of the State matters, they will have to take that on board. I have read Department and the Department of Defence tell me reports in which the shadow Defence Secretary was that the United States wants a more coherent European quoted to the effect that, in forging a bilateral relationship approach. with France, we will sink the European Defence Agency. If he wants to correct me, I am happy to take the Today, in Latvia, there are processions commemorating correction. the Waffen SS division from Latvia which fought in world war two alongside the Nazis. One of the Opposition’s The French are fully committed to the European new party allies will be taking part in those celebrations. Defence Agency, as I believe we should be. It is preposterous The Conservatives cannot insult Mr. Sarkozy, Mrs. Merkel that so many countries in Europe have their own and the other leaders of Europe’s centre-right parties by procurement, research, development and implementation pulling their party out of a formal political alliance policies, so each country in Europe is making its different or family grouping with them and expect to be taken military vehicle, helicopter, rifle and even, at times, seriously. Therefore, when I hear the Opposition say bullet. That seems to me to be an absurdity. We in that they have suddenly fallen in love with France, that Europe are rich in men, if we take on board Turkey, but all the jokes about France are inoperative and that all we are very weak and poor in kit. the xenophobia and contempt for France that we have heard from them in recent years is inoperable, I think Dr. Fox: I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman that most French policy makers would take it with a big for giving way again. As he knows, I am no fan of the pincée de sel—pinch of salt. EDA. Leaving aside the European element of the European Defence Agency, why should countries such as the Mr. Wallace: I am sorry to interrupt the right hon. United Kingdom, which has a large private sector research Gentleman’s wandering ramblings about defence policy, budget, want to share intellectual property with countries but I think that my hon. Friend the Member for Woodspring that do not invest in such defence capability? (Dr. Fox) was trying to say that in Europe very few countries actually procure. The right hon. Gentleman is Mr. MacShane: It is roughly for the same reason why, wrong to put the figure at 27 members, because France on the day that the Falklands war broke out 28 years is the main, big procurer, and that is why we are seeking ago, the very first call received by Margaret Thatcher, better bilateral relations. To push that apart into a wider the then Prime Minister, was from François Mitterrand, European policy seems rather pointless when we already offering her all the details, capabilities and research have NATO. technology behind the Exocet and the Super Etendard. He understood instantly what was at stake. The rumour goes—I am sure it is only a rumour—that within a day, Mr. MacShane: I am sorry but the Italians produce British arms salesmen were going round their clients helicopters, the Germans produce tanks and—if the saying, “You see what happens if you buy from the Opposition are serious about taking power, they really French? They betray their secrets to someone else.” will have to educate themselves—a number of European countries produce different naval vessels. Dr. Fox: I am very interested, because a crucial issue Let us move on to the wider strategic questions. Who is coming up. The right hon. Gentleman suggests that are our adversaries and enemies? I agree about cyber we would not have had those problems had we had a terrorism, terrorism generally and failed states, but I am common procurement policy in Europe. If he is suggesting not sure that it is the job of military forces to make that the EDA should become a common procurer, that successful such states. I am also very concerned that, is a very different argument from the one currently put under this Government and without any clear thinking forward by EDA proponents. from the Opposition parties, we do not have an holistic approach to bring together all our foreign policy players— Mr. MacShane: I am making one simple point: on the the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Department issue of our soldiers and those of our allies in Europe for International Development, the different Departments who are prepared to fight, patrol and take containment that spend money overseas and, of course, the Ministry measures alongside us, the notion that we can have of Defence. 27 separate procurement policies—46, if we enlarge the Our soldiers very bravely stopped the most awful number to include the Council of Europe—is just not butchery in Sierra Leone some 11 years ago, and today sustainable. that country is the biggest per capita recipient of DFID aid. I am sure that the DFID people down there work Mr. Ben Wallace (Lancaster and Wyre) (Con) rose— very well, but why, after 11 years, is Sierra Leone the 637 Defence in the World15 MARCH 2010 Defence in the World 638 poorest country in Africa, despite the huge DFID and I do not know whether this is a new form of the old modest military presence? We have to ask much harder trade triangle, whereby the French sell their hi-tech kit questions about our overseas aid. I say that to my hon. to the Russians, causing great concern in the Baltic Friends, too, who to some extent just bow before the regions and around the Black sea littoral states, and in contemporary political god of foreign aid and do not exchange the Russians sell their kit to southern American ask searching and hard enough questions about whether countries, causing further problems of stability there. If it delivers what we desire—not simply the alleviation of we are to engage with our French friends on that matter, poverty, which in many sub-Saharan countries has not we need to be more fully engaged in Europe. happened, but better governance and more stability. We also need to explain to our nation as a whole—I do not think that we have done so—what is at stake in Mrs. Madeleine Moon (Bridgend) (Lab): Does my our military presence in far-flung corners of the world. right hon. Friend agree, though, that the Ministry of The support when the coffins come back is clearly Defence, in promoting the comprehensive approach, enormous, but are we articulating sufficiently, with clarity along with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and authority, the fact that 21st-century Britain must and DFID, has moved considerably, particularly on maintain a defence profile and must be involved in Afghanistan? When I recently visited Afghanistan with security and defence issues around the world? I say to the Defence Committee, we were told that our provincial many of my hon. Friends and, above all, to the utterly reconstruction team in Helmand set the example of the irresponsible Liberal Democrat party, that we cannot best performance of such teams across the whole of the afford to give up our nuclear deterrent. I have just come country. Does he agree that we are in fact making from the funeral of Michael Foot in Hampstead. Michael progress in this area and showing a way forward? was passionate about the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. I am a huge admirer of his, but on that Mr. MacShane: I am always happy to say that British he was wrong. It would be the utmost folly for my party is best, but I do not want to focus too much on Afghanistan. to think that the British people are ready to sign up to I am worried that more of our soldiers have died there any significant reduction in our deterrent capability. than died in the Falklands, and considerably more than We must also consider whether we as parliamentarians the number who fell in Iraq. That is often described as are sufficiently engaged in defence debates. I hope that President Bush’s war, but the successful election that the Minister can reassure me that any chatter from has just been held there suggests that we may now be the Foreign Office that the very modest funding for the moving towards a more stable Iraq. Yes, there will be Western European Union might be reduced or removed violence and explosions; for heaven’s sake, the British will be wrong. It is important, as Members of all parties isles have known plenty of those in the past 30 or take part in it and learn about defence issues. I should 40 years. However, I always now say to Iraqi asylum also like to see a stronger NATO Parliamentary Assembly seekers who come to see me: “You can go home. You delegation after the election. I say to the Clerks, a very can return with the English you’ve learned; you no distinguished representative of whom is sat at the Table, longer need to demand the right to settle and stay that some of the proposals to make working at the permanently in our country.” assembly more difficult, onerous and unpleasant are not to be encouraged. We need to look at other parts of the world. The glaciers and ice around the north pole are melting at a In passing, I pay tribute to my right hon. Friend the ferocious rate, and very soon we will have warm water Member for Walsall, South (Mr. George), who is standing there. That is warm water not in the sense that you and I down at the next election. He was a distinguished would go swimming in it, Madam Deputy Speaker, but Chairman of the Select Committee on Defence and a in the sense that it is fully accessible to merchant and distinguished leader of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly other naval vessels from China, Japan and Korea going delegation, and we will sorely miss him. to Europe and right through to Canada and the United States. Alongside that new waterway, we have some Mr. Arbuthnot: May I place on record, I think on powers whose commitment to settling differences by behalf of the Defence Committee and probably also on peaceful negotiation and resolution under international behalf of the whole House, the fact that the contribution law or methods that are democratic is, to put it mildly, of the right hon. Member for Walsall, South (Mr. George) open to question. Therefore, among our priorities over to the defence of this country has been utterly outstanding the next period, let us not underestimate the importance and beyond compare? of the Royal Navy. We will need to have a northern dimension to our foreign and security policy before Mr. MacShane: I obviously believe firmly that, if we long, and we should be thinking hard about it now. are returned to power with a handsome majority, the I do not want to keep teasing the shadow Defence defence of our nation will be secure in the hands of my Secretary about my favourite country, France, but he party, as it was under Ernest Bevin and Denis Healey spoke so warmly of Tory-French relationships that I and has been since 1997 under successive Defence wonder if he would care to comment—although we Secretaries and Foreign Secretaries. In case for any cannot make this a duet—on the fact that the French reason that majority is not quite as handsome as I Government have just sold four Mistral helicopter and might wish, I say to the Conservatives that they have troop-carrying warships to Russia. The admiral in charge not served the cause of the defence of our realm by of the Russian fleet in the Black sea has said, “If we’d their chipmunk moaning and groaning about every had these warships during the Georgian conflict, what aspect of defence policy. There has been some playing took us some 40 hours we could have done in 25 minutes.” of politics. I am as partisan as the next man, and it is a In exchange, Russia is selling arms galore to Venezuela difficult matter—Lord Salisbury famously said, “If you and Nicaragua, and has offered military aid to Guatemala. listen to the doctors you are never healthy; if you listen 639 Defence in the World15 MARCH 2010 Defence in the World 640

[Mr. MacShane] beginning to take this sentiment seriously. It is to be hoped that the battle for hearts and minds will, crucially, to the theologians you are never saved, and if you listen turn a corner. With the most likely next phase of the to the generals you are never safe.” I believe that this operation being a planned offensive in Kandahar, a key Government and our armed services have helped preserve Taliban stronghold, maintaining the coalition’s momentum the safety of our nation in recent years. Whatever while minimising civilian casualties and maintaining happens, if I am returned to this place I will continue to public perception of the offensive is going to be quite a give them my full support. tall order. Last week, the assistant deputy coroner dealing with 5.23 pm the cases of Corporal Sarah Bryant, Corporal Sean Reeve, Lance Corporal Richard Larkin and Private Nick Harvey (North Devon) (LD): I welcome this Paul Stout reached a striking verdict of unlawful killing, opportunity to take part in a debate on defence in the citing a shortage of more suitable off-road vehicles and world, and I am glad that the Government have found the inadequacy of training for detecting improvised time for such a debate in the last few weeks of this explosive devices. We should all take stock of that. Parliament. I start, as others have, by paying tribute to Crucial shortages mean that we are still not taking all those who serve in our armed forces, thanking sufficient measures to equip our troops properly to do them for their courage and dedication, often in very the job in Afghanistan. It is shocking that the Ebex difficult circumstances, and sending condolences to the metal detector became available to those soldiers who families of those who have recently lost their lives or died only four months into their deployment, up to suffered injuries serving this country. We pay tribute to which point the soldiers had to scan the ground for all of them. IEDs. Everybody is aware that IEDs are the biggest There are serious decisions to be made about defence, single threat facing our troops and failure to provide some of which will perhaps be taken during and as a them with enough metal detectors is simply unforgivable. consequence of the general election. It is probably even I very much welcome the fact that at the London more true that the big decisions will be taken and conference on Afghanistan, President Karzai had changed debated in the year that follows, during the strategic his tune to recognise the need for the political solution defence review that all parties have agreed is essential. alongside the military effort. Announcing his peace In the course of that review there will be changes, and jirga, he spoke of inviting to talks those Taliban interested we must above all ensure that our forces are adequately in making peace. I very much hope that that will begin protected and that our collective security is guaranteed the process of political dialogue, which we all hope in whatever configuration emerges at the end of the will in due course—no one should imagine it will come process. quickly—lead to some sort of lasting political settlement. Recent headlines have sometimes made it seem that It is quite clear to me that stability will not come to there is a gulf between what the Government are doing Afghanistan quickly, so our efforts should also look to and what the service chiefs, personnel, specialists and forming an international strategy that effectively engages even the British public are saying. In Iraq, the recent the regional players for a wider peace. There will be no parliamentary election has been praised as a milestone long-term or sustainable peace without the co-operation in Iraq’s history. It was the second parliamentary election of a contact group of neighbouring forces such as in seven years, and it has broadly been properly conducted, Pakistan, India, Russia, Iran and other stakeholders but the scope of the accompanying violence cannot be such as Saudi Arabia. At the London conference, more overlooked. At least 37 people were killed in 136 attacks, than 75 nations and international organisations, including mostly in Baghdad, which consequently experienced, at representatives from all Afghanistan’s neighbours, were 53 per cent., the lowest voter turnout of any province. in attendance. All those neighbours are engaged in While triumphal assessments are being made of the regional co-operation, and most are affected by the election as passing successfully and with little disruption, crime, drugs, terrorism and migration that spills out the reality of Iraq’s continuing instability, and its potential over Afghanistan’s borders. to derail the country’s political development, should Speakers in the debate have already referred to the not become simply an afterthought. Falklands. I repeat others’ comments to make it clear As for Afghanistan, we have already heard much in that there is an all-party view on the issue. Britain’s course of the debate about Operation Moshtarak. We assertion that the Falkland islanders’ sovereignty is not have been in Afghanistan for nine years, throughout up for negotiation must be absolute. Any Argentine which period our troops deserve praise for their service offensive would have to be met with force. It would be a and dedication in everything they have done. When we spectacular error on the part of Argentina if it were to hear first hand the accounts from service personnel launch any offensive, but it is vital to prepare for such a when they come back, we realise what an incredible task contingency. they are undertaking on our behalf, usually in the most The strategic defence review is essential, and long trying of circumstances, ranging from searing heat to overdue. It is 12 years since the last one, and nine years freezing cold, and extraordinarily difficult geography into the so-called war on terror, so it is clear that some and terrain. There is no doubt about the scale of the fundamental questions need to be asked again. In my challenge that we continue to face, and the problems of view, the review must tussle with three or four key strategy, equipment and personnel all remain. questions, the first of which is what kind of power the Operation Moshtarak is the most important campaign UK wants to be, and where on the spectrum of force in Afghanistan since the original invasion in 2001. We projection we see ourselves. In the previous strategic are not going to win in Afghanistan in military terms defence review, we concluded that Britain wanted to be alone, so it is very reassuring that NATO allies are a force for good around the world, that we were committed 641 Defence in the World15 MARCH 2010 Defence in the World 642 to expeditionary warfare, that we were a willing coalition deterrent, and it will be submarine based. As far as I partner, and that we saw the role of our armed forces as know, there are only two possibilities for a submarine-based a great deal more than simply defence of the realm. strategic nuclear deterrent: ballistic missiles and cruise Despite the difficult experiences of the past 10 years, I missiles. I do not mind looking at cruise missiles again, believe that that was the right conclusion, and that that but I would be amazed if they were found to be viable. should remain our strategic position, but it is only right What is the hon. Gentleman’s position? Is he saying that the question should be addressed afresh in the that, in the unlikely event of the Liberal Democrats’ course of a strategic defence review. leader becoming Prime Minister, there will be a strategic We must also decide what we are committed to do on nuclear deterrent? our own and what we are prepared to do in concert with others, because sustaining quite so comprehensive a Nick Harvey: We have a nuclear deterrent. It is there, range of capability as we have had in the past may no it is paid for, and it has another 20 years of life in it. The longer be feasible. We must consider what the balance point is that the hon. Gentleman already seems hellbent— should be between preparing our armed forces for the now, here, in 2010—on deciding that there should continue wars of today and preparing for the engagements that to be a nuclear deterrent during the 30 years between we can anticipate. We must consider what contingency 2030 and 2060. He view appears to believe that that planning we need to do for the possibility of state-on-state should happen irrespective of any other development in warfare re-emerging in years to come, and ensure that any part of the globe. He has already made that decision, we configure our forces in the right way to meet that. and in so doing has held in contempt the nuclear However, if a strategic defence review is to be genuinely non-proliferation treaty, which calls on the nuclear states strategic, it must be comprehensive. A review would be to use their best offices and sincere endeavours to undermined before it began if there were exceptions negotiate away nuclear deterrents over a period of time. and exemptions from its scope. Everything—absolutely I cannot say now what the strategic environment will everything—including the replacement of Trident on a be in 2030 with any more certainty than the hon. like-for-like basis, must be included. We must re-evaluate Gentleman can. What I can make clear is this: while it is every commitment, including the amount spent on staffing certainly not the Liberal Democrats’ view that we should and the remarkable number of top brass retained at the do away with our nuclear deterrent in the aftermath of MOD, some of whom are a long way from having any the election, it is ludicrous to conduct a review of our meaningful field operation or duty. A comprehensive defences that we portray as strategic, long-term and strategic defence review is the vehicle for that, but it tackling fundamental questions, if a precondition of would be neutered beforehand if a raft of exemptions the debate that is to take place is an absolute certainty pre-empted it—that would make it neither comprehensive that, irrespective of anything that happens in the world, nor strategic. we are hellbent on being a nuclear power for the 30 years between 2030 and 2060. I am not saying that the Dr. Julian Lewis (New Forest, East) (Con): I thank Government have said that; I am saying that that is the hon. Gentleman for his usual courtesy in giving way. what the hon. Gentleman said last time he rose to speak As I understand it, both the Government and the at the Dispatch Box. Opposition have said that there will be only one exemption from the strategic defence review: we have said that Dr. Lewis: As I rise to speak at the Dispatch Box there will be a strategic nuclear deterrent when the again, let me say this to the hon. Gentleman. The review is over. Do the Liberal Democrats share that nuclear deterrent that we shall require to replace the view, or do they want that question put into the review? existing nuclear deterrent will take a long time to construct. If the hon. Gentleman thinks that he can wait 10 or 15 years before deciding whether or not to start building Nick Harvey: I thought that the Government and the next generation of nuclear deterrent, he is taking us, Opposition had said rather more than that—I thought and the electorate, for fools. As for the commitment in that they had said that they were absolutely hellbent on the non-proliferation treaty, nothing in the treaty requires the method of sustaining the nuclear deterrent that was us to get rid of our nuclear weapons as long as other distilled in the White Paper—and, indeed, subsequently countries have nuclear weapons too, and that is something voted through the House. If the hon. Gentleman’s that my party will never do. question was more broadly whether the nuclear deterrent should be included in the review, I must say that it should be. The Liberal Democrats have said nothing to Nick Harvey rose— the effect that we believe a decision should be taken at this stage to cancel the deterrent. The position is as Madam Deputy Speaker (Sylvia Heal): Order. Before stark as the Conservatives’ posture suggests only if one the hon. Member for North Devon (Nick Harvey) subscribes to the belief that the only possible way in replies, may I remind all Members that interventions which to sustain a nuclear deterrent past the late 2020s must be brief? Many Members are still waiting to make or early 2030s is through the mechanism that the their contributions to the debate. Government devised in their White Paper. I do not believe that that is the case. It is therefore only right and Nick Harvey: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. proper that the decision taken at that time should be No one is saying that we should close off the option covered by the strategic defence review. for future Governments now, but it makes nonsense of a strategic review to take the position adopted by the Dr. Lewis: Let me make the Conservatives’ position hon. Member for New Forest, East (Dr. Lewis), and to crystal clear. Our position is that outwith the terms of say that, come what may, we will remain a nuclear reference of the review, there will be a strategic nuclear power for all those decades. 643 Defence in the World15 MARCH 2010 Defence in the World 644

[Nick Harvey] Nick Harvey: Certainly not. We have no intention of doing some quick and dirty defence review on the back What we do know is that the context of the strategic of a fag packet before the real one takes place. All defence review will be driven largely by finance. We aspects of the procurement programme will be looked know that whoever wins the election, the Treasury will at in a measured way during a strategic defence review, make life difficult for the Ministry of Defence, especially which is only right and proper. in the light of the public deficit. All of us in the defence community within the political sphere will have to kick up rough to help to keep the Treasury at bay. Mark Pritchard: To give the hon. Gentleman credit, the one policy that has been thought about in detail One of the critical elements with which the strategic over a long period is the Liberal Democrat policy of defence review will have to grapple is undoubtedly signing up to a Euro army—a policy that I think is procurement. Bernard Gray’s devastating report last gravely mistaken. Does he accept that unless the Liberal October highlighted how far off the mark we are when Democrats recant of this heresy, it would mean that the it comes to ensuring that projects proceed on budget or British Army would be reduced even further? on time. We had some exchanges earlier about the impact of certain procurement decisions involving jobs. Of course Nick Harvey: I know nothing of any such policy as the state of the British defence industry and jobs is the one that the hon. Gentleman describes as admirably important, but three priorities are involved in the making consistent. Let me make it perfectly clear: the Liberal of procurement decisions: we must have absolutely the Democrats remain completely committed to NATO best equipment for our armed forces, there must be and believe that NATO and the United States are our value for money for the taxpayer, and we must sustain critical military allies. But we can see that the countries and support the British defence industry and jobs. The of Europe cannot possibly expect the United States to three priorities come in that order. The first is military, make as much provision for our security in the next the second financial, and the third industrial. It is 50 years as they have in the last 50. The United States perfectly possible for armed forces the size of ours to has every right to expect Europeans to do more on our sustain a meaningful defence industry, but we should own behalf and to shoulder more of the responsibility not allow the tail to wag the dog. for our collective defences, and it is incumbent on us to do so. Mr. Davidson rose— Therefore it will remain the case that people joining the British armed forces will join just that—the British Nick Harvey: Ah! The hon. Gentleman wishes to armed forces. However, on different occasions they intervene on that very subject. might find themselves deployed under the flag of the United Nations or of NATO, or, in other circumstances, as part of a European force, as they already have been Mr. Davidson: The hon. Gentleman’s speech has been in Bosnia and are being deployed in other parts of the very interesting so far, but will he now remind me of the world. I do not think that anybody should have any Liberal Democrat position in relation to the aircraft hang-ups about that. It is an entirely healthy thing, and carriers, which he explained so movingly to the trade I hope that the Europeans, in years and decades to unionists who came down to visit him a couple of come, will shoulder more responsibility in looking after weeks ago? our own defences. We have a larger population, and a larger GDP, than America and it is wrong for us to Nick Harvey: The position on the aircraft carriers is expect the Americans to do so much on our behalf. In the same as it has always been. We believe that absolutely the years to come, we must do more on our own behalf. everything should be covered by the strategic defence review; of course, that includes the carriers. We supported There is a problem. We know that the black hole in the Government when they took the decision to commission the defence budget is variously estimated at between the carriers and we continue to support the work that is £21 billion and £35 billion. The British taxpayer deserves going on in building them. We believe that the strategic to know how much debt he or she is expected to carry posture of being committed to expeditionary warfare is and the attitude of denial—we have heard about MOD the right one, so the flexible use of aircraft carriers has a witnesses being unwilling to give candid answers to large part to play in that. We would have thought it questions—is simply unacceptable. We will not get the unlikely that a strategic defence review that will commence procurement budget under national control until we its work this summer and then carry it out over a year open procurement up to much more detailed parliamentary or so would think it a remotely practical or sensible scrutiny, such as many other western democracies take option to cancel carriers upon which so much has for granted. Things are far too secretive and opaque, already been invested and so much work done. Nevertheless, and letting the sunlight in will help bring the budget I repeat that everything is to be considered by a strategic under control. The strategic defence review must determine defence review if it is to be meaningful. the future of procurement; it must also be considered in the context of wider questions, such as what we want Mr. Davidson: Will the hon. Gentleman confirm that the armed forces overall to do. he does not intend to examine the break clauses in We have touched on the nuclear issue. We are approaching contracts on day one of a Liberal Government, or a the eighth non-proliferation treaty conference in New Liberal-somebody else coalition, with a view to either York this May. It needs to be made clear what the cancellation or pressing the pause button, so that no Government are hoping to see as an outcome from that, work is continued until the defence review is completed, and also what we are prepared to offer during the which seems to be the view of the Conservatives? conference in order to try to achieve that outcome. 645 Defence in the World15 MARCH 2010 Defence in the World 646

While Russia and the US continue to discuss possible I was a little confused by the contribution on behalf cuts of up to a quarter in their nuclear arsenals, the UK of the Liberal Democrats from the hon. Member for Government are unwilling even to review their nuclear North Devon (Nick Harvey), as I always am when he policy during the course of the strategic defence review. speaks about the strategic nuclear deterrent, because all Of course the UK must look towards a multilateral the issues he raises as questions were addressed in the process for our eventual disarmament, but at present White Paper. It looked at the alternatives, and dismissed that goal seems ever more distant. Similarly, despite the them for various very good reasons. What I find of supposed urgency of the replacement decision back in most concern, however, is that a Devon Member seems 2006, the Government seem happy to push back the to display such an absence of understanding of how initial gate decision, which was originally scheduled for significant and fragile the skills base is that contributes last December, and there are now concerns that these to the maintenance of the current nuclear deterrent and delays will leave less time to debate the subsequent main its future design. In respect of the House’s 2006 decision, gate decision, which, according to the National Audit that is tantamount to a unilateralist position of not Office, threatens the overall programme timetable by going forward with the deterrent. increasing the technical and commercial risk. Overall, we need to be asking serious questions about the role of Nick Harvey: Is the hon. Lady seriously suggesting our nuclear deterrent, and whether we are going about that we should sustain a nuclear deterrent—or a particular delivering it in the most effective way. configuration of one—because of its impact on the The Government’s record on defence leaves a great industrial skills base? That is an extraordinary argument. deal to be desired. We keep hearing from them that no Surely the one must follow the other. We cannot have a specific requests from the military have been turned nuclear deterrent in order to sustain jobs. down. That may be literally true, but it is a misleading assertion, because any specific requests from the armed forces are made only in the context of the financial Linda Gilroy: The hon. Gentleman misunderstands straitjacket within which they know they are operating. the position very substantially. The purpose of the We also hear about the additional moneys that the nuclear deterrent is not to keep the work force in place Treasury contributes to the conflict in Afghanistan, and for its own sake. The point is that we probably could previously the conflict in Iraq, but the problem with not ever bring that work force back into being if we that is that it is only really contributing to the marginal were to let them go. That was the whole point—or at and additional costs of those conflicts, not to the least one of the substantial points—of making the total cost. decision in 2006. To use an analogy, if I ask a very good friend to drive The hon. Gentleman also took part in the debate on me up to Scotland on a matter of life and death and the equipment stories that—partly thanks to inaccurate offer to pay for the petrol for the journey, they may attacks by the Tories in the press—have been dominating consider that that has covered the cost of the excursion, the news. The Government are committed to ensuring but if I do that time and again, that will eventually take that our troops have the right kit to carry out their a toll on their car, which will also have to be addressed. responsibilities, although new vehicles and armour are I believe that that is exactly the analogy we should certainly not the whole answer. We have to be among draw in respect of what the Government have done. the people to be successful in a counter-insurgency The Treasury has given additional moneys to cover struggle. Military operational commanders have repeatedly the marginal costs, but no stock has been taken of stressed the importance of having a range of vehicles the depleted capital of the Ministry of Defence, or the from which they can select the most appropriate for a effect on its equipment and its manpower. There will be specific task. a lasting painful legacy from our undertaking two In the past three years alone, the Government have operations during the course of this decade without approved more than £1.7 billion of work on new vehicles adequate resource underpinning them, and we will feel for operations. That has included 280 Mastiffs, which it for many years to come. offer world-leading protection against mines and roadside I am delighted that there will finally be a strategic bombs, and the new Ridgback vehicles that will go out defence review, but there must also be a defence procurement later this year. Indeed, the Leader of the Opposition has programme in place to support our troops—our servicemen admitted that the Government have made good progress. and women—and ensure that they are properly equipped On Sky News, on 18 August 2009, he said: to do the job. We have to make sure that that is the case, “On the issue of troop carrying vehicles I think great progress and that they are properly equipped to do the job we has been made and I pay tribute to the government for that”. send them out to do. However, there is an election in the air.

5.48 pm Mr. Paul Keetch (Hereford) (LD): Can the hon. Lady Linda Gilroy (Plymouth, Sutton) (Lab/Co-op): First, explain why the British Army went through operational may I pay tribute to the service personnel who have lost exercises Saif Sareea 1 and 2—in 2001 and 2002, if my their lives over the past year? This time last year, many memory serves me correctly—to practice armed action of them were from Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall, in a desert environment in Oman? Given the time it serving in 29 Commando and the Royal Marines. This took to get equipment up to Iraq, why did we not start year, the Rifles—including Devon and Dorset—have purchasing it earlier? Why did we have to wait all that lost a number of personnel. Although we do not forget time for urgent operational requirements to supply our about those who are injured, of course; we must ensure troops once they were in field, in theatre and in battle? that we take them into account, too, as well as their Why was the equipment not available before they went families and close friends who support them. there? 647 Defence in the World15 MARCH 2010 Defence in the World 648

Linda Gilroy: My recollection of Saif Sareea 2 was experience there has been used in developing counter- that it happened immediately before the Iraq invasion. insurgency techniques for Afghanistan. Comprehensive Indeed, one of the lessons learned from it was that, pre-deployment training is provided for all troops deployed because of the wear and tear not only on the Snatch to Afghanistan, and when personnel arrive in theatre, vehicles but on all types of vehicles, such vehicles needed they are provided with further reception training, a to be commissioned. Indeed, that is what happened. large part of which concentrates on IED recognition The most recent land vehicle issues have related to the and avoidance. evolution of improvised explosive devices. I recall that, Urgent operational requirements have been approved when we were on a Defence Committee visit in 2006, for more hand-held mine detectors, in addition to new we met a couple of young men who had recently been explosive disposal robots, 30 of which are already in responsible for going into a property in Basra and operation. Further investment has also been approved listing the variety of IEDs, which were only just beginning in that area. There is also a 200-strong counter-IED to be used at that time. The types of vehicles that would taskforce, which has new equipment to find and defuse need to be deployed changed as a result of that. mines and IEDs, and to identify and target the networks that are laying them. Mark Pritchard: The hon. Lady has served on the In addition to the current focus on Afghanistan and Defence Committee for a long time, and I know that she on war-fighting operations, the Green Paper and the will want to be completely accurate in the record that strategic defence review must take into account the she sets before the House today. The IED threat has importance of defence diplomacy and the long-term emerged in the transition from Iraq to Afghanistan. Is it strategic role of our armed forces in representing British not the case that, in Afghanistan, Snatch Land Rovers interests on the world stage, supporting the work of the and other lightly armoured vehicles have needed to be Foreign Office and forging links with other countries, as up-armoured under urgent operational requirements, well as looking at the way in which aid can support all even as a response to the threat from RPG-7 rocket of that work. My right hon. Friend the Member for launchers, which are not IED threats? Rotherham has referred to that issue. The Green Paper sets out key questions on our role in defence in the world that the strategic defence review Linda Gilroy: In response to the IED threats that will need to address. Where should we set the balance have most recently exercised Members, we have ongoing between focusing on our territory and region, and engaging urgent operational requirements. Deliveries of Mastiff threats at a distance? If we are working at a distance, 1 are complete, and deliveries of Mastiff 2 are ongoing. what are the lessons learned and their implications? What contribution should the armed forces make in Mr. MacShane: In trying to respond to the points ensuring security and contributing to resilience in the raised by Opposition Members, my hon. Friend is putting UK? How can we better use the armed forces in support herself into the position of our generals and senior of wider efforts to prevent conflict and strengthen MOD officials. One of the most moving parts of General international stability? Do our international defence Mike Jackson’s memoir tells of an IED blowing up and security relationships need rebalancing in the long paratroopers in Northern Ireland in the 1970s. This is term? We have already heard some views on that. Should not new. The real question—which I am prepared to we adapt the current relationships, or do we need additional ask, as I am not part of the defence establishment—is: ones? Of course, the main effort remains—and no doubt why have all our generals, air marshals and admirals not will remain when the strategic defence review comes taken the responsibility themselves to allocate the budget before the House—the situation in Afghanistan. That in a way that best serves their troops? Why is all this main effort is being deployed, as my right hon. Friend the fault of my hon. Friend, or of the Minister for the the Secretary of State said earlier, with consequences Armed Forces, my hon. Friend the Member for Harlow that we will have to cope with in the rest of our defence (Bill Rammell)? Indeed, why is it the fault of Opposition policy and posture. Members? “Adaptability and Partnership” is the title of the Green Paper and nothing contributes to our forces’ Linda Gilroy: My right hon. Friend is absolutely adaptability more than the Royal Navy. A lot of the correct. I was going to make that point later. It is statements that have been flying around in the context remarkable that people can look at what has happened of Afghanistan, the run-up to the election and the with the wisdom of hindsight, and from a rather jaundiced strategic defence review have suggested that the lessons point of view, when they were not prepared to speak up of the last strategic defence review have not been fully at the time. We have only to look back at the evidence understood by some, especially how our capabilities given to the Defence Committee to find out that no one have been modernised through “jointery”, which enables was particularly forthcoming on these issues, or on the Navy to adapt to every level of landlocked conflict expenditure issues. The House needs to address that while maintaining all its standing roles. matter and get to the bottom of it. In some of the previous debates in this place and outside it, there has been a danger of people being Improvised explosive devices remain the greatest threat somewhat Army-centric because of Afghanistan. in Afghanistan, but that issue must be addressed not only by armoured vehicles but, for the reasons I was Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Devonport) (Lab): Does outlining, by the tactics, techniques and procedures my hon. Friend acknowledge that that approach is used by our troops on operations to enable them to somewhat misguided—I am sure that is the point she is avoid and detect mines and IEDs. My right hon. Friend about to make—given that at one point 40 per cent. of the Member for Rotherham (Mr. MacShane) is right to the forces on the ground in Afghanistan were Royal refer to Northern Ireland, because a great deal of our Navy forces? 649 Defence in the World15 MARCH 2010 Defence in the World 650

Linda Gilroy: I certainly agree with my hon. Friend’s the Western European Union. I would add the Organisation point, which relates to the whole issue of the future role for Security and Co-operation in Europe to that list. of the Royal Navy. The aircraft carriers are central to There has been much debate over the question of burden the Navy’s current adaptable role, and I cannot see in sharing in this Parliament, and I sometimes wonder any form of future threat analysis that such adaptability whether, with more organisation, we parliamentarians would be surplus to requirements. On the future surface might not play a more focused role in trying to shine the combatant—the Type 26, as it has now been designated, spotlight on that. was referred to by my hon. Friend the Member for In reforming the House, we have voted to give greater Glasgow, South-West (Mr. Davidson) in an earlier independence to Select Committees, allowing them to intervention—I hope we are coming closer to deciding vote for their Chairs in future. If our party does not get what the design will be, and therefore closer to knowing the handsome majority to which my right hon. Friend whether one of the variants could be based at Devonport, the Member for Rotherham referred in future Parliaments where we have an important skills base not just for the —perhaps that might not happen immediately, but at nuclear deterrent but for ship repair and maintenance. some future point—we would need to consider as a Of course, we will want to put forward the argument House how we scrutinise defence and how the Government that there is no sense in putting all our eggs in one carry out such scrutiny, as well as the role that a basket as far as base-porting is concerned—and especially Defence Committee could play. I want to point hon. not in a basket such as the congested port a little further Members’ attention towards our report, produced in a along the coastline. previous Session, on the future of NATO and European Recent issues associated with the availability of ships security and defence policy. We looked at how things for Haiti and the Falklands demonstrate the need, over were done in other countries and, with the hon. Member technical capability, for the numbers that the simple for Salisbury (Robert Key), I went to Copenhagen. It variant of the Type 26 could provide. It is perhaps not was interesting to see how, with a hung Parliament, they surprising, given that the Navy’s natural habitat is the were able to carry out defence scrutiny in a way that had oceans that make up 70 per cent. of our globe, that the some consistency over the period of a Parliament. With Navy should take an interest in climate change not only all parties having committed to a strategic defence in terms of preparing its armed forces to work in review in each Parliament, we might also need to consider, changing climate conditions, but of anticipating the as a House and as a Defence Committee, how we impact that climate change will have on the nature of perform our scrutiny role in evolving a defence policy conflict and the context in which it might occur. that can have the support of the whole House over a The Defence Committee, on which I serve, had a period of time. recent interesting briefing from Rear Admiral Morisetti, There will be huge challenges to be faced in that who has been appointed for a period to consider and future Parliament. Budget constraints are unlikely to prepare for these issues. I hope that some of the work he ease. I say unlikely, but I cannot see any circumstances is doing will surface and become part of the work that in which they will ease, even if we argued for defence to feeds into the strategic defence review. be better recognised—a case that all those present for Many Departments of State are signing up to the defence debates would advance. Defence is a core activity 10:10 campaign. I understand that, for instance, the of any Government and the nature of procuring equipment Foreign Office, the Home Office, the Department for and services is, quantitatively and qualitatively, very International Development and many other Departments different from other departmental expenditures and have done so. The Secretary of State for Defence has procurements. pledged his support for the initiative and encouraged One proposal advanced in the Bernard Grey report individual sites to sign up, but so far only the Royal was that we should attempt to obtain a 10-year commitment School of Signals has done so—and well done to it, but to defence spending. That is a big ask, but it could reap a more genuine, extended commitment from the MOD huge benefits. There is a unique case to be made as far would be welcome and is, indeed, absolutely necessary. as defence is concerned. The Government have gone If my hon. Friend the Minister cannot deal with the some way towards that in talking about having a 10-year issue when he responds, I hope that somebody will write planning horizon, but as that evolves we should keep it to me about how 10:10 is being pursued in the MOD. I well under scrutiny. do not underestimate the scale of the task, because In concluding, I want to mention the huge public 1 per cent. of our land mass—as well as a huge number support that exists for our armed forces, which has of properties—is the responsibility of the MOD. never been more evident—whether at Wootton Bassett The Navy is also pivotal in dealing with piracy. Many or during armed forces week—and is spreading to more Devonport warships have been involved in recent times and more communities. I also want to mention last in operations in Somalia, Yemenand so on. That underlines year’s Command Paper, the external reference group the importance of international co-operation. A ship that has been set up to make sure that its findings are that falls prey to piracy could be sailing from a port in carried forward and developed, the recognition study one country to a port on the other side of the world; it from which that was built, and the work of the Royal could be owned by a third country and crewed by British Legion and myriad charities that have responded people from all over the world, sailing through international in a way that recognises the increased tempo and sustained waters. That is precisely why there is a role for Europe deployment of our armed forces. in defence. Just last week, the Big Lottery Fund committed the I also took note of the comments of my right hon. substantial sum of £35 million to a programme called Friend the Member for Rotherham about the importance Forces in Mind, undertaking to work closely with existing of alliances and the bigger role that might perhaps be forces’ charities to help people who come out of the played by the Parliamentary Assemblies of NATO and armed forces, or back from deployment, with that period 651 Defence in the World15 MARCH 2010 Defence in the World 652

[Linda Gilroy] The third reason for the money shortage was that fewer modern weapons were needed to achieve the same of adjusting to civilian life, which can sometimes be effect because they are so astonishingly powerful. Last very difficult. That recognition needs to be matched in night, I watched David Dimbleby’s “Seven Ages of the quality of the work that lies ahead on the strategic Britain”, which explained that when the Maxim gun defence review, which I hope will benefit from the work was invented, six of them could have the same effect as of the Defence Committee, not only in this Parliament six entire regiments of soldiers. The natural consequence on the many reports that we have recently worked on has been that we have been getting rid of soldiers and that will flow into the work of the strategic defence buying more of the modern equivalent of Maxim guns. review, but in the next Parliament as well. However, we are now beginning to discover that although Maxim guns can kill very efficiently, they cannot, unlike 6.11 pm soldiers, win the hearts and minds of a country. They Mr. James Arbuthnot (North-East Hampshire) (Con): cannot hold the night, and they cannot be in more than I should like to use the opportunity presented by the one place at one time. Neither can they win the battle of final defence debate of this Parliament to look back ideas back at home. They cannot persuade the people of over the Parliament and see how we—the Ministry of this country that it is right for the Maxim guns to be out Defence, the armed forces and the Select Committee on there in a foreign land. When one adds the effect of Defence, which I shall come to at the end—have all 24-hour news, the carnage produced by modern weapons done. First, however, I should like to jump the gun by becomes unsupportable. We now need a process of saying what a pleasure it is to follow the hon. Member transition back to the notion of having more people, for Plymouth, Sutton (Linda Gilroy). The knowledge however powerful the weapons that they wield. and amount of research that she has brought to the So, back in 2005 the armed forces were overstretched. Select Committee, and the commitment and dedication They were fighting two wars on a peacetime budget. that she has always shown, have been second to none. I They did not go under, but it sometimes looked close in should like to thank her very much for that on the both Basra and Helmand. In Basra, the initial deployment Committee’s behalf. showed that our inadequate recent experience of The courage that the armed forces have shown over deployment overseas meant that logistics were heavily the course of this Parliament in the face of extraordinary stretched. There was a serious misreading of the danger has been the sort of which Kipling and Henty fundamental problems in Basra. We thought that it was would have been absolutely proud. They have also had more a matter of criminal gangs operating in a city to learn new skills of governance and logistics, new where there was a lot of money, as opposed to a genuine languages, and how to collect and disseminate intelligence. insurgency, and locals were not listened to enough. We ask a great deal of them and we are very lucky Perhaps, too, the eyes of the armed forces and the indeed to have them. MOD were too focused on the need to deploy more and more troops to Afghanistan, so we nearly failed in Let me look back at the beginning of this Parliament. Basra, but we did not. Indeed, the general result has, In the summer of 2005, we were at sort-of war in Iraq. partly because of the quality of our armed forces, been We were in Afghanistan and were about to deploy the that Iraq has been more successful than not, but we Allied Rapid Reaction Corps to Kabul. We were planning have suffered some reputational damage there. for the deployment, in June 2006, of 16 Air Assault Brigade to Helmand province. As the Committee said In Helmand, the problem has been that, in the initial in its April 2006 report: years in which we deployed to the southern part of “The Southern provinces will be a testing security environment”. Afghanistan, we deployed in numbers that were too small. We were there in penny packets, and the concentration We were then, as now, masters of understatement. of our forces on the ground being thin was partly a Nobody believed at that time that not a shot would be result of having too few forces because we had relied on fired, but in defence of the then Secretary of State for having so many powerful weapons. It was also partly Defence, that was not what he actually said. However, I because our European NATO allies did not regard it as did believe, and say, then that Iraq was going to be a their battle. Europe as a whole failed to lift its sights and much easier proposition than Afghanistan, and I think see the importance of the battle in Afghanistan. Europe that has proven to be true. is at last beginning to wake up to some of the threats At that time, the armed forces were overstretched and that that region poses. My conclusion is that the armed the Ministry of Defence was short of money for many forces, in Afghanistan as well as in Iraq, have been very reasons that people have tried to explain from different stretched indeed; they have been surviving, but only just. perspectives. First, NATO had been a success and the cold war was over. My right hon. Friend the Leader of During this Parliament, how has the Ministry of the Opposition has said that we had won the cold war, Defence done as a whole? During the period, it has and in a sense we had. NATO’s very success had led produced the defence industrial strategy, which I think people in Europe to believe that defence was not a is a good one, but according to the defence industry it priority for spending. That went for the whole of Europe, has become moribund through lack of funding. Perhaps including this country; it certainly went for the Labour the defence industry would say that, but if it is true that party and, frankly, for the Conservative party as well. the defence industrial strategy has become moribund, it Secondly, as a result of all that, Government public ought not to have been produced in the first place, or it spending had risen significantly on things like health ought to have had a much greater eye on the need for and education, but comparatively little on defence. The funding right at the beginning. Government are right to say that defence spending has A number of right hon. and hon. Members have steadily risen, but wrong to say that that was all that mentioned the fact that in 2005, and earlier, the Ministry mattered. of Defence was not doing procurement very well. We 653 Defence in the World15 MARCH 2010 Defence in the World 654 could say that actually it never has. I recognise many of never had such good personal equipment. He is absolutely the difficulties pinpointed and highlighted in the Bernard right. When the Committee visits the armed forces in Gray report as having been prevalent while I was in Afghanistan, Iraq or wherever, they are full of praise charge of procurement. It is a long-term weakness of about their personal equipment. But let us distinguish the Ministry of Defence that would take Hercules to properly between their personal equipment and other clean up. Luckily, in the right hon. Member for Barrow equipment, such as vehicles, about which they do not and Furness (Mr. Hutton) there was such a Hercules, always say the same thing. who appointed another—Bernard Gray—whose report The urgent operational requirement process has on procurement is one of the most valuable documents sometimes worked well and sometimes less well, but it ever to come out of Government. does work quickly. However, it works at considerable The response of the Ministry of Defence has been— cost. In the face of urgent requirements, we should not frankly—muddled. I was in entire agreement with what begrudge that cost, but we should wonder whether the the hon. Member for Plymouth, Sutton said about the process could be better dealt with by better anticipation need to firm up the 10-year budget for defence procurement, and foresight, so that the suggestion in the Bernard because the difference between a 10-year rolling budget Gray report that some things should have been discovered and a 10-year indicative planning horizon is one that long in advance bears some fruit—we have been in gives rise to some mirth. Afghanistan for a very long time. The Minister for defence equipment and support made it plain to the Defence Committee that he does Mr. Dai Havard (Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney) (Lab): not really agree with very much of the Bernard Gray The right hon. Gentleman will know of the observations report, whereas the Minister for strategic defence acquisition the Defence Committee made about the FRES—future reform has told my Committee that he does accept the rapid effect system—programme. We now have what I report. To coin a phrase, “We can’t go on like this.” call the dogs of war, such as the Jackals and the Bulldogs— Only with a united team at the top of the Ministry of the names of various dogs. We have acquired a suite of Defence will there be any hope of achieving progress in vehicles to do that work, but we have done it in an ad what may be the most difficult problem the MOD faces. hoc, disjointed, pragmatic way, rather than through the It needs to be approached with drive, unity and a vigour strategic process we were promised FRES would be. that does not exist at the moment, because of that division. Mr. Arbuthnot: Indeed. The hon. Gentleman is another whose assiduity on the Defence Committee brings great Linda Gilroy: Does the right hon. Gentleman agree enlightenment both to us and the defence world, and that there is a great prize to be achieved? Bernard Gray also great enjoyment. said that Some projects have, like FRES, been a disaster. After “the UK’s allies are by and large complimentary and in some cases envious of what the UK has done to drive reform in this the Secretary of State spoke this afternoon, I was still area.” not sure whether the FRES project is dead. The Minister We should not beat ourselves up too much, and if we for defence equipment and support told us unequivocally can go even further with defence reform, we could lead that it was dead. The chief of defence materiel told us a the world in it. fortnight before that it was not dead; it was alive and kicking. It was alive, then it was dead and now, after the Mr. Arbuthnot: I entirely agree. The hon. Lady correctly Secretary of State’s comments this afternoon, it is alive pinpoints some praise that Bernard Gray rightly expressed again. My word for the FRES project was not “disaster”; about the Ministry of Defence and the operations at that was the Minister’s word. My word, or rather the Abbey Wood, which needs to be highlighted. One can Select Committee’s word, was “fiasco”, and a fiasco it go further. One could say that the greater the problems was. A great deal of improvement must take place in we have discovered in the MOD and its procurement procurement, but it is an opportunity that we must process, the greater the opportunities to provide further make the most of. money for the defence of this country by putting those During this Parliament, the Committee has done its problems right. I am not a total pessimist about best to hold the Ministry of Defence to account. We everything—unlike my usual stance on such things. I have done so across the full range of the MOD’s believe that we have a great opportunity to make things responsibilities. In doing so, we have been ably and better. energetically supported by a team of Clerks who have given us great dedication and impartial help. We have Ann Winterton: Does my right hon. Friend agree that also received specialist advice from military and other in the past many mistakes have been made in defence advisers. On behalf of the Committee, I give them all procurement that have cost this country dearly? If better our grateful thanks. judgments could be made, money would not be wasted I thank all members of the Committee. They have worked but would go directly into the right kind of procurement, in a deeply constructive way to achieve the truth, and to to ensure that our troops are better supported. praise or condemn without fear or favour. Mr. Arbuthnot: I agree with my hon. Friend. I would In my view, the Defence Committee has been the go further. Many of those mistakes are ones that she, House of Commons working at its very best, and I give through her diligent research, has brought to light. The them my thanks for what they have achieved. country and the armed forces should be grateful to her. What has the Committee achieved during this We could go through many individual procurement Parliament? We have produced a number of reports and projects—some have been good, some have been bad. I shall run through a few of them. We did a report on The Prime Minister has said that the armed forces have the future carrier, several reports on Afghanistan, and 655 Defence in the World15 MARCH 2010 Defence in the World 656

[Mr. Arbuthnot] broad and wide implications. Looking at today’s edition of The Times, I felt that there was a lot there that three on the nuclear deterrent in time for the debate in addressed many of the issues of Britain and defence in the House on replacing the submarines. The report on the world. educating service children was considered one of the The defence and security of our country is, for me, best reports that the Defence Committee has produced, the primary role of Government. From defence and even though it was not on an overtly military matter. security comes the capacity to generate our economic We have mentioned FRES already. We have also done wealth and the ability of citizens to engage with services several reports on Iraq. We did an interesting report—a such as health and education, which improve their quick report—on the UK-US arms trade treaty, which mental and physical health, and in turn fuel our economic has not yet borne fruit, although we hope that, at some wealth. Hon. Members might say that that is a simplistic stage, the United States might actually ratify that treaty. assessment of the role of Government, but behind that A report on medical care for the armed forces pinpointed simplicity lie complex questions, which we face in the many of the important issues that the armed forces face, coming election and the next Parliament as we undertake and we wanted to stress how well we felt that the armed the strategic defence review. Many of the questions forces were treated in medical matters. that must be addressed were there in the articles in The report on the future of NATO has already been The Times. mentioned. The issue of Russia and whether it is a What is the nature of the relationship between the threat to this country was considered in a report in July state, the public and the military? What is the responsibility last year. We did a report on helicopter capability last of the state to the military? What expectations do the year. We also produced one on readiness and recuperation public have of the military, and what is their relationship earlier this year. Perhaps the culmination of our work to and understanding of the role of our defence forces on reports was the report on defence equipment, which in the world? What are the rights of our military, and was referred to by the hon. Member for Plymouth, what are the implications of those questions for defence, Sutton and came out this month. defence policy and planning for future conflicts? There is a story in The Times about the DNA testing I am quite certain that we have made mistakes. We of soldiers killed in 1916 and found in a mass grave in can sometimes mistake the enthusiasm and professional Fromelles. It made me think of my grandfather and the optimism of military officers for the whole truth, but diary he wrote after being called up as a Territorial sometimes we also rely rather too heavily on the Ministry reservist in 1914. He sailed from Ireland about two days of Defence, which is the only Department we can get after war was declared. His diary details the excitement some information from, although it is also the very at the start of war, and the boredom punctuated by lots Department that we are meant to be scrutinising. In of football matches and exercises. Then there is a strange reaction to that, we have to go to the defence industry to gap. The first battle of the Somme and the march south get a more balanced view. Then we run the risk of took place. Among the first things to be discarded falling into its pocket. were documents—the books used by the military for I want to end where I began—with our armed forces. procurement. That was quickly followed, as people The armed forces remain perhaps the only institution of dashed for their lives, by the discarding of weapons. this country that retains the respect and the admiration When it was realised that the Germans were not of this country. That is based on a degree of sympathy, pursuing, the troops stopped, turned and prepared to because the country feels—rightly or wrongly, although fight. They then discovered that they could not get new I suspect more wrongly than rightly—that they are not equipment, because they had to fill in a form in triplicate being well treated. That is a shame, because it would be and hand back the faulty equipment. If they had thrown so much better if the country’s admiration of our away the books and thrown away the guns, they had no armed forces were based not on sympathy, but on an way of getting new armaments. The Army has moved understanding of what they do, and why and how they on and its procurement process is not as arcane, but do it. I believe that it will be one of the main tasks of clearly we have quite a torrid history of failing to the strategic defence review, under whatever Government address the needs of our troops at the front line and and whoever takes it through, to increase that understanding how we keep them appropriately armed to carry out and, in so doing, to reinvigorate the link between the their tasks. armed forces of this country and the people they so In 1916, my grandfather records in his diary the fact bravely serve. that he finally received his first blanket, having slept without a blanket for the first year of the war. He was 6.33 pm killed in 1917, and my father never knew him. That war brought together a nation in looking at the Mrs. Madeleine Moon (Bridgend) (Lab): I spent this issue of remembrance. Seeing the monuments at Thiepval weekend preparing for today’s debate. On the way up on and Ypres brings home the horror of war—the sacrifice the train, I read through the speech, had a quick read of and loss—most powerfully. We are struggling to address The Times and moved on to the ISTAR––intelligence, the issue of remembrance, and our failure to lead in that surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance—report, manner is leading to inappropriate demonstrations by which we are to look at tomorrow in the Defence the public, seeking to find a way to honour and remember. Committee. Having read the ISTAR report and The It is leading to the events at Wootton Bassett, which Times, I rewrote the speech in my head. When I arrived some find distressing, as I know from speaking to at the Library, I looked at the speech again. members of the armed forces while in Afghanistan. One thing that has been referred to a few times today Some find that the events give a degree of succour to is the disconnect from the public on the issue of defence the enemy, who use the demonstrations to show how and an understanding of the nature of defence and its much we feel our loss and how, if the losses keep 657 Defence in the World15 MARCH 2010 Defence in the World 658 happening, there will be an opportunity for the Taliban The Times carried an article about Mumbai, where and al-Qaeda to succeed. We have to find a new way of the Indian police are said to have prevented an attack articulating remembrance that allows dignity and recognises that could have jeopardised the Pakistan-India peace sacrifice, but does not wallow, in a sense, in the loss of talks about Kashmir. There have been times when I people who have sought to take on a role that most of have felt that if we could sort out Kashmir, we could us would back away from. It is important that we take a sort out Afghanistan. Kashmir has been a training lead on that. ground and a hideout for the Taliban, Islamist insurgents The generation that came back in 1918 did not talk and al-Qaeda. Billions of dollars have been diverted about war. Indeed, my father did not talk about his from education, health, and infrastructure planning in experiences in the second world war—some experiences India and Pakistan to fund the fighting in Kashmir. We were too horrific for words—but we learned a great deal are talking about two nuclear states with large parts of about mental health in both the first and second world their armed forces concentrated on their borders, posing wars. Today’s military are encouraged to talk and share, a risk to the rest of the world because of that conflict in but we still have not got it right. We know that more Kashmir. It has resulted in both India and Pakistan people took their lives following the Falkland war than facing the challenge of internal insurgencies. China sits died there, so setting matters right following Iraq and on its border with Kashmir and, indeed, with Afghanistan, Afghanistan is critical. That is an area where we still but it has taken no part in winning the war or in trying have work to do, although I have been impressed by to build peace. How China’s role in such conflicts will much that has been done to allow decompression, and change is a key question for our future defence planning. by the use of a buddying system to allow people returning The Times details a successful attack by Pakistan’s from the front to relive, reconsider and re-examine army on a Taliban school in south Waziristan. It was some of their experiences. not a school as we know it—for education, reading, Page3ofThe Times has an article about human rights writing, and work skills—but a school teaching 150 to for soldiers; there were comments about the fear of 200 boys how to slaughter, how to behead the enemy, extending the protection of the Human Rights Act 1998 and how to be a suicide bomber. It held out the promise to soldiers fighting overseas, and about how that move not of a better job or a chance to improve the quality of would hamper battlefield commanders. Interestingly, life of the boys’ families, but of a heaven, depicted in the issue of the human rights of civilians was addressed murals on the walls as a place of flowing rivers and in an article on the story of a family killed in a night swimming girls. How we combat such indoctrination—such raid in eastern Afghanistan. The family had rejected fatalism—is a key task for our diplomats in engaging blood money and had vowed to carry out suicide attacks in dialogue and alliances, and for our aid workers in until the perpetrators were brought to justice. That offering hope, new aspirations and new potential to raised many questions in my mind, including whether young men who see martyrdom as a better future than they would have threatened suicide attacks on the Taliban the life that they face on earth. and al-Qaeda, and what effect such threats would Interestingly, the Pakistani forces used lessons learned have had. from the British frontier warfare manual published in The article also brings us to critical issues: the higher 1939 to win that battle in south Waziristan. Whether we expectation on western forces to uphold human rights have yet devised a successful manual for securing peace in war zones; the newly understood essential nature of and rebuilding communities is a more complex question. engagement with civilians in war zones; their role in For it is the return of civilians and the reconciliation combating insurgence; and their vital role in providing and re-integration of ex-fighters that is the critical task intelligence and rebuilding the peace. The comprehensive that Pakistan’s army now faces. It is no longer simply a approach—a new joined-up defence strategy, engaging case of one army facing another on the battlefield, with foreign policy, international development aid and our the winner taking all; it is about winning not just the armed forces in a multinational force for good—is a war, but the peace. new concept. It brings new challenges and new ways of The press tell us that the public are tired of war—of operating. the relentless toll of deaths, and of seeing no possibility The eastern Afghanistan night raid also brings us an of success—but The Times editorial today talks of the old problem in a new format. US officials have refused success of a more democratic future for Iraq after to identify the forces involved, breeding suspicion in recent elections there. There were 38 people killed, and Afghanistan and among our own public. Our public do 136 attacks on polling stations; names were missing not like it when they think that we have broken the law. from the electoral register, and there was some intimidation They do not like it when we will not be honest and by security forces. However, there was also the successful straightforward about what we have done in their name. engagement of 62 per cent. of the Iraqi people. Sunni The UN has been critical of the use of paramilitary candidates stood, and there will be a Government, groups to carry out night raids, highlighting the need increasingly held to account by a people growing in for regulation and accountability when it comes to confidence of their rights and in their awareness of the such forces. responsibility of Governments to their people. The use of paramilitary groups in the past helped The letters page held a great deal of discussion of the bring us to our current conflict in Afghanistan. The sort that we have had today—discussion about the arming of Taliban insurgents and mujaheddin to fight equipment, training and funding of our armed forces. the Russians in Afghanistan has brought years of war, The Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir generations of families avenging deaths, and tribal conflicts. Jock Stirrup, is quoted as saying: There is an urgent need for the licensing and regulation “The equipment that our people are using is frankly the best of private security forces in conflict zones. I can understand that they’ve ever had in any of my 40 years of service and it’s the vital role that they play, but I feel that they need to getting better all the time, so in terms of numbers, in terms of be clearly accountable, and clearly regulated. quality, both are increasing.” 659 Defence in the World15 MARCH 2010 Defence in the World 660

[Mrs. Madeleine Moon] as a party politician limbering up for a general election. I want to say a few things that have occurred to me over Other letters say that the quality of training, equipment time. and funding has not been right. The public are, for the I shall pass on the issue of the nuclear deterrent first time, unsure who to believe, as our senior military tonight, on whether our troops have enough equipment–– personnel are increasingly seen as politically biased, although that is important––and on whether we should which is an extremely dangerous position. spend more, the same or less on defence. I leave that to There has been talk of the role of the Defence Committee others who are fighting the general election. My focus in this Parliament. I have been fortunate enough to will be a personal one, in the hope that an insight into serve on it for only slightly over a year, and I am still on what goes on in this MP’s mind when it comes to a learning curve. I am deeply indebted to the other defence matters might be of use to those who come members of the Committee, whose knowledge is great. after us. For me, the Committee’s role in a future Parliament is During my 23 years in the House, I have always found to hold these senior officers to their statements when decisions on whether to take military action, even in they are questioned about funding, training, and equipment. self-defence, the hardest of any that I have ever had to They cannot be allowed to say one thing when in the make as an MP. The reason is straightforward: I find Ministry of Defence and another to the Committee. those decisions difficult because I am being asked to Evidence to the Committee must be truthful and decide whether I should be party to a decision to send straightforward if public trust is to be rebuilt and we are someone else’s children to war, knowing that they may to know what our forces are doing, what they need and well be killed. I find that deeply agonising because I whether they are being successful. know what it is like to lose a child. I have a shrewd idea We must understand the problems that we face and that knowing that the life of your child is being given how we fight an enemy when our technology does not for their friends and their country may be of some always offer the edge that we have grown to expect. help—indeed, it may be a great help—but it will never Fighting in an international coalition, often under the eliminate the pain, and that is what concerns me. overall leadership of the United States, brings difficulties, When considering whether it is right to send other as it is hard for the public to understand how we can people’s children to war, my starting point has always help ISTAR and not solve the problem of IEDs. New been to be against it unless there is absolutely no challenges, too, are coming our way extremely fast, as alternative. I have always believed passionately that climate change gives rise to defence and security issues such decisions should be made in Parliament, rather arising from food and water shortages, migration, the than by the Government of the day. Leaving them to a fight for mineral resources, and the growth of international handful of Ministers—I do not mean to besmirch their criminality. Interestingly, The Times carried an article reputation, and I do not have anyone in particular in saying that 18,000 people had been killed in the Mexican mind—is not what I consider democracy should be drugs wars in the past three years. about. This is the sort of parliamentary reform on There are new ways of trying to deal with defence. which we should focus, rather than on whether the next Baroness Ashton, as High Representative of the Union generation of MPs should travel first-class or economy. for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, brings a new Real matters of life and death should be at the top of voice to the defence world. We are moving into complex our list of issues. times, in which there is a demand for greater transparency Despite my reservations, let me put it on the record and openness in relation to defence training, spending that I have always accepted that I have a duty to the and equipment. Each death heightens calls for the 70,000 people I have represented over the years to help withdrawal of troops and prompts questions about why protect and defend them. Although my starting point is we are fighting. We must address how we meet those to say no, the approach that I have always taken is to demands without providing information, propaganda think through whether a given situation threatens my and intelligence for the enemy. constituents personally.If it does, whatever my reservations, There is increasing interest in our defence and security, the use of military force is probably inevitable and and our military are under observation as never before. totally justified. I used that analysis when confronted by This debate is important, and it is one that the next the war in Iraq and the military intervention in Afghanistan. Parliament must continue with even greater vigour. On both occasions, I concluded that the answer on the threat to my constituents personally was no, which is 6.53 pm why I am one of the very few on this side of the House who did not vote for the invasion of Iraq. It is why I am Mr. David Wilshire (Spelthorne) (Con): It is a privilege probably one of the very few people on either side of to follow a speech such as the one that we have just the House who is worried about, and did not even heard. I do not necessarily agree with all of it, but a support, the decision to intervene in Afghanistan. So thoughtful and personal speech adds a great deal to any that I am not misunderstood, may I make it absolutely debate. clear that now that the House and the Government have This is probably the last speech that I will make in the taken those decisions, we are duty-bound to give total House. Those who like to check such things might find and absolute support to the troops we sent there? We that it is probably my first major speech on defence in must play a full part in helping to solve the problems the 23 years in which I have been a Member. The reason that I still believe we helped to create in the first place. is straightforward: it is a subject that I have always I am very aware that such an approach may not be found very, very difficult to handle. Because it is probably what my constituents want of their MP. I have always my last speech, I want to speak personally, rather than been aware that it is not what my Whips want of me, but do what I have normally done over the years, and speak that is a separate issue. To make sure that I was not 661 Defence in the World15 MARCH 2010 Defence in the World 662 taking leave of my senses when thinking like that, I Georgia to join NATO. If that had happened, article 5 made it my business over the years to distribute thousands would have applied to that attack upon a member state and thousands of questionnaires, including some on of NATO, and what was then a little skirmish over in such subjects. Clearly, if I were coming back, I would be eastern Europe and the Caucasus would suddenly be one of those who regretted the disappearance of the our problem. These issues, however remote, however communication allowance, but I will not go there for small, can have dreadful implications for us. the moment. In case people think, “Ah, well, it’s only happened The interesting thing about that exercise of checking once,” may I say that it might happen again? Those who what my constituents thought and think is that a majority study the newspapers carefully will have seen the reports of them have always agreed with me. The majority of over the past couple of days about a fake message on my constituents have told me over the years that they, the internet and on television in Georgia that the Russians too, did not support the invasion of Iraq, and a majority had again sent tanks down the Roki tunnel and that the of my constituents up till now keep telling me that they President of Georgia was dead. We should thank our are deeply uneasy about our involvement in Afghanistan. lucky stars that nobody in the Georgian military pressed Perversely—it is a sad reflection on all this—invading a button or pulled a trigger, but they could have done. Iraq made my constituents less safe, rather than safer. Conflict prevention goes on and on. That was the very criterion that I used as my test, and it One lesson that I learned from that example––I could was turned on its head. use plenty of others––is that in the case of Russia and Invading Iraq was not a good decision for my Georgia, fighting did not suddenly start out of the blue constituents, for a straightforward reason. The invasion on 7 August 2008. It had been coming for a long time, of Iraq and other factors have fuelled terrorism. Terrorists escalating bit by bit. It does not matter who started it, use as one of their favourite tactics attacks on aviation. who followed or who was to blame. It was developing. My 70,000 constituents live next to the boundary fence The rest of us saw the warning signs, and we either of Heathrow. What might happen if there were a terrorist ignored them or decided that it was nothing much to do attack there could well have serious implications for with us, but it is something to do with us, and it could them. Large numbers of those who sent me here work have been catastrophic. That is why I argue that conflict for airlines, and clearly they are more at risk now than prevention is as important as conflict resolution. before. Looking back, I am afraid that I have to say to When we consider those subjects, we would do well to some people that I have no regrets about the decisions remember that the two world wars in the 20th century that I took on such defence matters. That is, perhaps, started in Europe. We could usefully reflect on the why I did not speak as often as others. possibility of more problems of the sort that I have been talking about. The list is long and, I fear, getting There is one other matter on which I want to say a longer—Cyprus, Nagorno-Karabakh, the Caucasus north few words. I shall touch on the work that I have been and south, the Balkans, and Transnistria. The list goes doing, in the belief—I hope it is the correct belief—that on, and they all remain potential threats to the peace of I might have been helping to make the world a safer Europe. It is up to us to pay attention and take action at place. As my hon. Friend the Member for Woodspring the earliest possible moment, or such episodes will show (Dr. Fox) said in his opening speech, and as I see it, once again what can happen when a country gets its conflict prevention is as important for peace as conflict defence policy wrong. As I said, with Russia and Georgia resolution. Probably one of the things that I will miss that did not happen overnight, and we need to learn most when I am no longer an MP is the conflict from that. prevention work that I have been able to do on behalf of The lesson that I have learned more than any other this Parliament in the Parliamentary Assembly of the during my work in the Council of Europe is that defence Council of Europe. is not just about having enough military personnel and To put that into context, I shall take the Russia-Georgia equipment to do the job. Defending one’s constituents war as an example. I was one of those who was quickly properly requires permanent vigilance and engagement brought into its aftermath. Within a few days of the end with those who might start or be caught up in conflict of the fighting in South Ossetia, I found myself in a war elsewhere. One way that this Parliament can do that is zone for the first time in my life. I found myself in to enhance the importance and the interest that it shows villages where the only people left were the elderly. I saw in the work done on its behalf by those MPs who their traumatised state, the destruction and the hastily represent it in the various international assemblies of dug graves in the gardens of some of the people who parliamentarians around Europe. lived in the village, and it dawned on me that the I worry about the incessant attacks by the media on innocent people in any conflict that is allowed to start Members who go abroad, who are not here as often as do not care whether it was a Russian bomb or a Georgian others, and who are mocked and denigrated in the bomb that destroyed their house or killed their friends. newspapers. We must stand up to that and enhance the They just did not want it. work of those bodies. If we know parliamentarians in That taught me something. There will be those, I another country, it is much harder to treat them as suspect, who say, “What has that got to do with us? It is unknown people against whom we can send troops. but a minor matter some long way away from us. Why Those assemblies offer us an opportunity to meet other should it exercise our minds?” My hon. Friend the parliamentarians and understand their problems. Only Member for Woodspring put his finger on it when he then can we play a real part in conflict prevention. It is spoke about the importance of NATO. I give NATO essential work; it is crucial work; and I hope that it will total support. It is part of what I believe in, but I worry carry on. about NATO enlargement. We could so quickly go one I suspect that I might be out of order for a second, or two steps too far. Let us not forget that there was a but I hope that you will bear with me, Mr. Deputy moment when there was considerable pressure to allow Speaker, because I want to end with a personal comment. 663 Defence in the World15 MARCH 2010 Defence in the World 664

[Mr. David Wilshire] and what problems we might have in supplying them, but that language needs to be measured, because although My 23 years here have been a wonderful experience. in the UK it may represent a political skirmish, on the There have been good times and, dare I say it, in the ground it can have a material effect that causes real past 12 months some bloody times, but overall it has damage to people in theatre. People in this country need been great. Overall, it has been enjoyable most of the to think clearly about that. time, boring some of the time. It is a shame that the right hon. Member for North-East The last thing that I want to say in a speech in this Hampshire (Mr. Arbuthnot) is not in his place, because House is the most enormous thank you to my constituents, I wanted to pay tribute to him as Chairman of the because without them I would never have had the Defence Committee over this Parliament. I served with privilege—the honour—of being able to serve them and him throughout that period and it has been very interesting. my country in this House. I shall tell a story about his courage, because in his speech he made the point that sometimes we have a bit of fun, and some events are humorous for the wrong 7.10 pm reasons. I remember being in Basra with him and we Mr. Dai Havard (Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney) (Lab): were sat talking to some local politicians and sheikhs. Before I dare launch into my speech, may I pay tribute There was a mortar attack, and he had obviously absorbed to the contribution of the hon. Member for Spelthorne all the training that he had received, because he donned (Mr. Wilshire)? Like him and, I think, most Members, I his flak jacket and helmet and lay under the radiator take very seriously decisions on sending anyone into while still trying to conduct the meeting. It is a picture armed conflict, and I agree entirely with his remark that that I have in my mind. I know that what goes on tour prevention is better than such action. I also agree absolutely should stay on tour, but I simply assure the Ministry of that there must be time for parliamentarians to meet Defence that he is an absolute devotee of its training, other parliamentarians. One thing that we on the Defence which he carries out to the letter. Committee value when we visit other countries associated with conflicts is the ability to speak directly with their Mr. Jenkin: Does the hon. Gentleman recall the other elected representatives, because we learn so much from part of the story, which is that the Iraqi guests on the them. Equally, it is important that they have the opportunity British base went to the window to watch the attack? to see how we work and to learn from us. There is nothing better than that personal contact and I agree Mr. Havard: The hon. Gentleman is correct. That is entirely that, when we reform the House, whatever we enough Defence Committee anecdotes, but that story is do, we cannot lose that work and leave people bogged an example of the right hon. Gentleman’s courage and down here, not being a part of the world or engaged in tenacity, and all Committee members will want to put it the very things that he outlined. on record that his chairmanship of the Committee has As it is the end of this Parliament, I want to discuss been of great value. what has happened in that time, but first I turn to The right hon. Gentleman remarked on each area of current matters. Afghanistan is at the forefront of everyone’s the MOD and made a point about the Department mind, and I had the privilege of having the Welsh overall, but I make it clear that when the Committee has Guards march through Merthyr Tydfil last week, not remarked on the MOD, we have not meant the individuals for the first time. They are just one example of a group who make up the Ministry. A lot of courageous people of young men—young men in their case, but supported work there, many as civilians. Indeed, people in the by many young men and women in the other services—who Ministry are not trying deliberately to get questions saw a very difficult summer in Afghanistan last year, wrong; that in itself is wrong. However, there are deficiencies and one wonders not only at their courage, but at the in how it performs and how it is organised. The Gray forbearance of their families, which is important in all report was of great importance in evaluating some of that they do. The troops had a tremendous reception in those deficiencies, and the question of how we spend the valleys, as one would expect, as many of them were money is crucial, because we are clearly spending it from Merthyr Tydfil and the surrounding area. inefficiently. Everyone knows and agrees about that but The Defence Committee’s most recent visit to Parliament’s job is to find out how we can avoid it, stop Afghanistan showed us that there is a change, partly it and put it right. because the US, with the election of a new President, Like all Defence Committee members, I think it is for has dramatically changed its view of what it is trying to us to try to find out what is really happening. Party do in that area. He may have taken a long time to decide politics does not reside in the Committee in that sense, some things, but from my discussions with some of because it is in no one’s interest to develop a false those young men last week it was clear to me—indeed, analysis of the situation. The prescription for what one it has become clear to me as I have visited Afghanistan might do next is where the politics comes in, and that is over the past seven years—that we were going to have different, but if one does not understand where one this opportunity now. The shaping and conditioning really is, whatever decisions one makes, they are likely that those young men previously did is now paying off, to be deficient, because they will have been based on a and all they wanted from me was to know that what false premise. they had borne, and what they had done, had been There is a problem with obtaining the information important and valuable. that the Committee requires to undertake such inquiries. It is important that people in this country who talk We conducted an inquiry about the renewal of Trident loosely about what happens on the ground in Afghanistan that went against the MOD’s wishes. It did not want to think about the effects of their words. It is easy to do that inquiry then, but we did not ask the MOD’s comment on how deficient our armed forces might be permission to start it. To start a debate, we thought it 665 Defence in the World15 MARCH 2010 Defence in the World 666 important that Parliament obtained important information valleys who were probably not the best academic students on what the MOD was going to do about Trident; it was at school. They have gone into the military and had not for the MOD to dictate to us that we should not really good training, but now we expect them to exercise start an inquiry, so we carried on and conducted an heroic or courageous restraint—whatever the new doctrine inquiry without any co-operation. That changed as we is called—in deciding whether to shoot the bandit in went along. front of them on the basis of whether there would be an Currently, there is a difficult question about ex-chiefs effect on the associated civilian population. That is a of staff who make statements that they did not make highly sophisticated, graded decision for them to make, when they were in uniform. They sat in front of me and especially when somebody is throwing rocks at them. I asked them directly, “What was the condition? When That is the level of what we are asking these people to will FRES be available?” I remember Michael Jackson do, as well as physically carrying round all the kit and telling me, “Its first in-service date is 2009.”The programme running about in the warm or the cold. was a shambles. It was not that the chiefs of staff did Training is crucial for that purpose, and that is where not have the money; they could not decide among the investment has to go. I hope that the training themselves how best to spend the money. That is what academy in St. Athan comes off, not because it is on my they are paid for—that is their job—and it is no good patch—it is not, although there would be an associated saying to me after the fact that in some way or another, effect on my local economy—but because there needs to “It was very difficult, Dai, and we did not have the be a process that trains these people in all the different money.” If they had come to me at the time, and I had skills as will be required for the future. In deciding what been the Chancellor of the Exchequer, heaven forfend, I to do about defence expenditure, let us not lose the would have said, “When you can properly spend the people in the discussion about the toys. It is obviously money I am already giving you, and you can show me important to discuss some of the big-ticket items because you are, I might give you some more.” That is the guts they cost so much, but it should be possible to put a lot of the argument. Bernard Gray makes the same point in of investment into training the people, because at the his report when he says that there is no magic bullet. end of the day they will operate the hardware and have Nobody has got this process right, whether it is the the material effect. More importantly, they are the Americans, us, the French, or anybody else. We will people who engage with the enemy—not just in a kinetic probably never get it arithmetically and perfectly correct, way, but directly, face to face, in talking to them and but we can try to make it as efficient as possible. trying to win them over to a different position. For some time, I have been asking questions about How we do all this in the next Parliament is an issue how to do this because process is important, and I am that has popped up in several speeches, probably because disappointed. A document called “The Defence Strategy we are all thinking about it. Whether hon. Members for Acquisition Reform” has recently been published, have decided to leave Parliament or not, they have an alongside the Green Paper. It contains a lot of initials affinity with it, and they know that it needs to reform and acronyms, as one would expect, and has at the back itself and do things better. As regards scrutiny, we need, lots of descriptions of various programmes, with something for example, a way of dealing with previous chiefs of called “PACE”, and the so-called terms of business staff. If we could get better answers at the time, we agreement process, and this, that and the other. It looks would not need to deal with the problem later on. There like more McKinsey to me—more management-speak are ways in which we could do that. The Defence and buzzwords. Committee could take evidence in private: not everything has to be revealed to the enemy. Parliament had the I spent 25 years as a trade union official and I went confidence to do that before, when it gave the Defence into numerous companies. I would ask simple questions Committee the responsibility of conducting a review such as, “Your company’s in trouble and you want to about the capture of our boats on the river between make redundancies—who in this company is given the Iraq and Iran. There are different ways in which we responsibility for maximising profit out the door?”, and could do this as a Parliament, and that is the debate that be told, “We don’t know.” I would respond, “There we we need to have. It is possible for these people, when are then—it is obvious why you’re not making money, they are in the job, and without being disloyal to isn’t it? It’s because you’ve got all these fancy consultants Ministers or to the chain of command, to give a graded coming in, they’re giving you all these fancy descriptions response so that Parliament can know where it really and programmes, and all your little workers are beavering stands, because unless it knows that, it will make a away filling in all the boxes and giving you the forms, mistake about where it goes afterwards. and the system is not working.” Of course it was not working—such an approach will not solve that sort of problem. We need a different way of looking at it, and 7.25 pm the Gray report suggests how that might be done. The Mr. Bernard Jenkin (North Essex) (Con): If I may strategy document sets out a mechanistic process that, take this liberty, Mr. Deputy Speaker, let me say what a frankly, will not do the job that the Minister and pleasure it is to be called by you once again. You will everyone else wants done. possibly have a few more stints in the Chair. You are a Whatever happens as regards kit, what is important is worthy occupant of that Chair. You stood for Speaker, the people. We all know that; everyone will nod and say and you would have been a wonderful Speaker. There that it is absolutely correct. We have everyone from was much competition. As you pass out of the world of reservists, who do a fantastic job and are often not politics and into the other world, you will be missed by properly recognised, through to young people— many in this Chamber. teenagers—whom we are trying to equip while asking It is a pleasure to follow yet another of my colleagues them to do hugely sophisticated jobs. I have spoken to from the Defence Committee, the hon. Member for young guardsmen 19 or 20 years of age: boys from the Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney (Mr. Havard), who was 667 Defence in the World15 MARCH 2010 Defence in the World 668

[Mr. Bernard Jenkin] The recent interventions of the chiefs of staff and former chiefs of staff are profoundly depressing, not highly commended by the Chairman, my right hon. because they betray division and dissension within Friend the Member for North-East Hampshire government but because those people all seem to accept (Mr. Arbuthnot), who is not in his place. that massive cuts are inevitable. Let us thank them for I congratulate the hon. Member for Bridgend one thing: they are confronting us with the truth, which (Mrs. Moon) on her thoughtful, and indeed courageous, this Government and the increasingly dysfunctional speech. It is more difficult to make a personal speech in Ministry of Defence have increasingly been denying this House, and she made a very personal speech. She for years. brings a thoughtful touch to some of the issues that I agree with the hon. Member for Merthyr Tydfil and we face on the Defence Committee. Her remarks about Rhymney that there are many good people in the MOD, the relationship between conflict and what those and there have been many good Ministers under this involved in conflict suffer, and have to deal with, are Government, but Ministers, civil servants and even very timely just a few days after Combat Stress launched senior serving military officers have become inured to its 90th anniversary appeal. It is worth putting on the permanent state of crisis in the Department. The record the fact that Ministers and Opposition spokesmen present state—crisis in the MOD—is now regarded as seem to be working together very effectively to address normal. However big the black hole in next year’s some of those issues. With 180,000 personnel having budget, it can always be tided over. In that way, “normal” served in Afghanistan and Iraq over the past nine years in the MOD has become more and more divorced from or so, we can expect as a result some 8,000 cases of reality. That is what Government and Opposition must post-traumatic stress disorder and 50,000 to 60,000 cases face as we plan for the future. of mental illness involving people who have been The chiefs of staff are telling us that, as we hear exposed to conflict in those two countries. That is a very about whether we should scrap this or that project, or considerable challenge, to which I hope that she will even whole services, the truth is that the MOD is bust. It have the opportunity to return in the Defence Committee cannot balance its books, and its outgoings exceed its in a future Parliament. income. A larger and larger deficit of one sort or I wish to return to the comments of the hon. Member another has been rolled forward and accumulated. The for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney about the vexed question choice is not whether we can maintain the status quo or of the role of the defence chiefs in the defence debate. find some savings and limit our global role for a while. They have extraordinary responsibilities, and they are The situation is far more serious. In defence, there is no placed in a very difficult position, under politicians who status quo to defend. I am reminded of Ronald Reagan’s are necessarily political. I have enormous sympathy quip that with what has been said about the need for the Select “the status quo is Latin for ‘the mess we are in’”. Committee to be able to operate effectively on the basis That is an apt description. The status quo, or trying to that we are being told the truth, and the whole truth. muddle along for a few more years on the present basis, This is an issue that we need to address, but there are no will simply not be an option. The crunch is now. The instant solutions, because we do not want to politicise money in the MOD has run out now. An attempt our armed forces; I agree with the hon. Member for merely to stand still financially will have dramatic Bridgend about that. One could argue that these people consequences in the forthcoming review. have been politicised because they have felt compelled The Royal United Services Institute recently published to pursue a particular “line to take” as opposed to a chilling paper by Professor Malcolm Chalmers, and pursuing their own line, and I fully understand the Doctors Paul Cornish and Andrew Dorman of Chatham perception of those on the Labour Benches that they House have made the same analysis. Chalmers sets out have been politicised in the other direction for other how, even if the defence budget were maintained at reasons. present levels in real terms over the lifetime of the next We have to have a rational discussion about this Parliament, and assuming all the natural defence costs problem, which arises from the subject that I am going such as inflation and 1.5 per cent. annual unit cost to address—the state of the defence budget and the growth, there would still have to be dramatic cuts in state of the Ministry of Defence—and relates fundamentally capability. He forecasts that the number of trained to the old story of the quart and the pint pot. All the military personnel would have to fall by 8.5 per cent. problems arise because for a considerable period, decisions from 175,000 today to 160,000 by 2016, and that ground about the allocation of resources and priorities have formations would have to be cut from 97 to 89, major been based on trying to produce more effect than we vessels from 57 to 52, and available aircraft from 760 have been prepared to pay for. to 700. If we are to have a debate about defence in the world, Those are rough and ready calculations, but in fact it should be about our global role. The real question capability would probably fall away faster than that. that lurks behind the earlier exchanges between Front Fighting vehicles, helicopters, other aircraft and ships Benchers is whether we can afford a global role. It is have been used so intensively on operations in recent about money: the question is whether we allow this years that their serviceable lives will inevitably be shorter. single fiscal crisis to relegate the UK for all time. In one For example, in July 2008 the UK armed forces had matter we have no choice: rebalancing the public finances 522 helicopters. According to parliamentary answers, and reducing the annual deficit must be the first priority the MOD projects that by 2020 there will be only of the next Parliament. The strategic defence and security 303—a cut of 42 per cent. That takes account of the review, as I prefer to call it, must redefine the UK’s 62 Future Lynx and 24 Chinook helicopters recently strategic priorities, but in the context of the fiscal crisis announced. What effect will that have on operational that the next Parliament will inherit. capability, and our global role? 669 Defence in the World15 MARCH 2010 Defence in the World 670

Defence could yet be in a far worse position, whoever going to mention the aircraft carriers—but since the wins the election. On the basis that the structural deficit hon. Gentleman invites me to do so, I would welcome must be halved in four years—that is what we have all his views on that subject voted for in this place—while health and overseas aid are ring-fenced budgets, the MOD, along with all other Mr. Jenkin: I think the hon. Gentleman knows that Departments, is in line for a cut of 11 per cent. between we are on record as having supported the aircraft carriers 2010 and 2016. According to Professor Chalmers, that for as long as they have been in the programme. will mean a 19 per cent cut in military personnel, to just 142,000, and cuts in ground formations from 97 to 79, I do not want to get too involved in this, but bilateralism in major vessels from 57 to 46, and in available aircraft is different from integrating budgets. It is integrated from 760 to 615. budgets that gave us A400Ms, Eurofighters and complicated multinational programmes that inevitably become extremely expensive. Those are not the model Mr. Keetch: Why should health and international for procurement that we want—nor do we want to development budgets be ring-fenced and not the defence share technology with other countries that are not budget? Surely, given the state of the economy, an prepared to invest in technology. incoming Government of whatever political persuasion ought to look at the books as they are and decide on the I was talking about the inevitably huge cuts in priorities. I understand the importance of health and capabilities—in ships, aircraft, ground formations and international development, but does the hon. Gentleman so forth—that would follow from flatlining or cutting agree that the provision of equipment to servicemen on the defence budget. If that fails to drive home the state the front line ought not to be sacrificed? of crisis in the Ministry of Defence, let us open Bernard Gray’s “Review of Acquisition”, published last year, Mr. Jenkin: You will be pleased to hear, Mr. Deputy which says: Speaker, that I will refrain from being drawn into a “The UK’s level of ambition around capability is significantly debate about international development or health. The out-of-balance with resources available on any realistic short-, figures that I gave are illustrative, but the point is that medium- or long-term basis.” the defence budget is in a terrible mess and there will be What he means by that, as he has explained in many renewed pressures on it. I shall come later to what I seminars and talks since, is that if defence spending think should be done to it. were to flatline for the next decade, the MOD would be able to afford its existing contracting commitments—and Mrs. Moon: We have heard in the debate that our nothing else for the next 10 years. Just think about that: defence procurement is not a model example, but it is no new orders for defence equipment for a decade. not as bad as that in many other countries. We are also What would happen to our defence industries then? not unique in being in financial difficulties following the I hear about this hierarchy of requirements that puts recession. Given the need to address security, is it not defence industries at the bottom of the Liberal Democrats’ even more urgent that we share procurement with our priorities: tell that to the hon. Member for Yeovil allies and have greater integration of budgets, so that (Mr. Laws)—but perhaps he was not in the Chamber together we can prove a more powerful force? when that was said. As I recall, we heard the Liberal Democrat spokesman declare that the first priority was Mr. Jenkin: I share the hon. Lady’s view, and the the best defence equipment for our armed forces, then Defence Committee heard telling evidence from the the financial constraints, then the defence industry—so director of Abbey Wood that multilateral projects are the defence industry comes third. politically very complicated and tend to run hugely over budget, whereas bilateral projects, perhaps with other Mr. Keetch: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? countries opting in without having control of the project, are a much better way forward. I am all in favour of bilateral projects with France and the United States, Mr. Jenkin: No, the hon. Gentleman will have his and we cannot afford not to have them wherever it is chance when he concludes the debate later. The point is practical to do so. that our defence industries are a huge strategic asset. Defence research and development has already been cut Mr. Davidson rose— by 22 per cent. between 2002 and 2008. As a former defence Minister, Lord Salisbury, has remarked, we are Mr. Jenkin: I think I know what the hon. Gentleman eating the seedcorn of the industry’s future. The defence is going to say. It is a matter of record that he never industry—including in Liberal Democrat seats such as stands up in the Chamber without mentioning the Yeovil—currently employs 300,000 people. It exports aircraft carriers, but I will indulge him. between £4 billion and £10 billion each year, and we still lead the world in key technologies. The UK is the Mr. Davidson: I am grateful. In fact, I was going to second largest defence exporter—second only to the ask the hon. Gentleman whether he agrees that it is US—with around 20 per cent. of global defence exports, important in such discussions for people to use precise but we will soon be overtaken by others, even the language. Usually if there is mention of procurement Chinese, if we contemplate continuing cuts in research with our allies, people such as my right hon. Friend the and development. A strategic, diplomatic and economic Member for Rotherham and Brussels, West suggest that asset will be destroyed unless we address the shortcomings that should mean a Europeanisation of the whole exercise, of the defence budget. as distinct from bilateral arrangements, which can be The debate between the defence chiefs about what to between a number of countries on different issues, and cut misses the point. The big choices facing us are what represent a much better way of proceeding. I was not should be our global role for the next decade and 671 Defence in the World15 MARCH 2010 Defence in the World 672

[Mr. Jenkin] capability is not because we intend to fight wars. We cannot afford to fight so many wars as we have in recent beyond, and what are the potential costs and benefits of years, but we must always remain able to deter them and that role. My right hon. Friend the shadow Foreign to be prepared for the unexpected. Secretary told RUSI last week: Military capability is not some theoretical concept. “We”— We need the new smaller surface warships, or how can the Conservatives— we patrol the many parts of the world where we need to deter aggression or give humanitarian aid? The great “have not waited thirteen years to return to office simply to oversee the management of Britain’s decline”. strength of the Navy is its ability to loiter, perhaps unseen over the horizon, but still exerting a presence I suspect that the Secretary of State, whom I welcome nevertheless. We need more drones to track terrorists, to back to his place on the Front Bench, rather shares that support ground troops and to provide intelligence. view. I am sure that he did not take on his job to oversee Incidentally, the technology brought to bear to protect the management of Britain’s decline. our armed forces in Afghanistan gives the lie to the idea There is the answer to the Secretary of State and his that a low-tech insurgency can be met by low-tech challenge earlier, but what do we mean by maintaining armed forces in response. Fast jets do not just protect a “global role”? Yes, the UK is a member of the UN, our own airspace but our ground forces, and a surgical NATO, the EU, the G8, the G20 and the Commonwealth, strike capability is a massive sub-nuclear tactical deterrent. but Germany, Italy, France and Spain do much of what Flexible, deployable capability gives us that indefinable we do in the diplomatic sphere, so why must we accept and indispensable quality that a powerful nation needs—it the expense of our particular global role? For British is called “influence” and it takes decades, not years, to prosperity and security, the UK’s global role is not a create such capabilities, and it would take decades to lifestyle choice; it is an imperative. It is not merely an recreate them if we gave them up just because of a expression of our values, but it defines who we are as a short-term fiscal crisis. nation. Our geographical and historical inheritance has How much would it cost to maintain those capabilities? granted us unique capabilities and advantages that few Defence spending in 2008-09 was £36.4 billion, or 2.5 per other nations have, and it is in the interests of all free cent of gross domestic product, including the costs of nations as well as our own that we use them for our and operations. A phased programme to increase defence their benefit. How would Europe or India or the US spending by up to £7 billion to £10 billion a year, plus have turned out today without Britain’s global role in inflation over five years, would raise the share of GDP the past? to nearer 3 per cent.—a wholly reasonable peacetime In the past, there was nothing inevitable about the share of national income. With savings of perhaps abolition of slavery or the defeat of fascism or the £3 billion in procurement and overheads and a moratorium facing down of communism, and in the future there is on discretionary operations, we could maintain a broad nothing inevitable about the continuing spread of spectrum of capabilities and retain the UK’s global role. democracy and free trade—yet we depend upon democracy I believe that that would be outstanding value for and free trade utterly for our own prosperity and security. money. That is the choice. We must play our role in the world simply because we What we cannot afford to continue to do is to fight can—unlike almost every other nation. That role reflects wars not just with a peacetime budget, but with a our values and our interests. I pay tribute to the speech peacetime mentality. Yet, as the papers produced by of my hon. Friend the Member for Spelthorne RUSI and Chatham House show, that is what this (Mr. Wilshire). How can we play our role in conflict Government are guilty of doing. Public spending choices prevention unless we have the means to do so? in the next Parliament will be the toughest since the In today’s world, overpopulation, shortage of food, 1930s. We must not repeat the mistakes with defence competition for resources, the risk of environmental that our grandfathers made then. Can we afford our catastrophe, mass migration, accelerating technological global role? The question we should be asking is this: change, nationalism and extremism are all on the rise. can we afford to lose it? These are factors now aggravated by global recession. Is this the moment to substitute hard power for the myth 7.50 pm of soft power? Advocates of soft power are those who have decided to rely on a free ride on the hard power of Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Devonport) (Lab): I should others, including our own. Can we, too, risk opting out begin by associating myself with comments made by of our global role? Which nation would usurp our role right hon. and hon. Members on both sides of the as America’s most influential and enduring ally? Are we House in praise of the courage and bravery of our to encourage the US to become unilateralist? Who armed forces in active service, particularly in Afghanistan. would protect our shipping from the Somalian pirates? It has become a sobering but important tradition in this Who will win the friendship of the oil-rich Gulf states if House that each week we honour those who have fallen we abandon them? Who will invest in NATO if we in the line of duty. I pay tribute to those brave men and disinvest? Which other nation or nations would gain women in uniform who are still in the service of their from our retreat? Will they promote freedom and country and to their families, many of whom are my democracy, or will it be something much darker? constituents. Of course, those families sit at home and Free trade, democracy and human rights, and worry, but they are incredibly supportive. international peace and security are mutually beneficial Among those service families is the family of Able for all peoples and nations, but sustained diplomacy to Seaman Nesbitt, the first servicewoman in the Royal promote those values must be underpinned ultimately Navy to be awarded the military cross for her bravery by the threat of resort to force. The purpose of military under fire. I was fortunate to meet her and her family 673 Defence in the World15 MARCH 2010 Defence in the World 674 last week at a civic reception held in her honour in the south Atlantic. We need to be ready, should the Plymouth. Her service and courage are a testament to unlikely need arise, to protect the interests of the Falkland the men and women who leave Plymouth on Royal Islanders. We would need a strong Navy and carriers, Navy deployments. which are already being built. It is also a privilege to follow some expert knowledgeable We must not retreat to a fortress Britain position, as speakers in this debate, most of whom are members of the Conservatives, by proposing little more than an the Defence Committee. I am not going to follow their emphasis on Army numbers, suggest we should. I am broader arguments. I am afraid that my speech will concerned about the fact that in the Opposition day focus narrowly on the Royal Navy, which is important debate on Monday 1 March, no direct comment was to my constituency—home to the largest naval base in made about the Navy. Opposition Front Benchers fell western Europe. We have some 2,500 civilian and naval short of the mark from Plymouth’s perspective, with personnel supporting our fleet worldwide. The future of only one direct reference to the Navy throughout the the naval base and the associated dockyard, which debate. We must invest in a military that can respond to employs many more of my constituents in vital maintenance ever-changing threats to our national security, which work has, as a result of this Government’s announcements must include ensuring that our Navy is capable of in the maritime change programme on the continuing meeting global challenges. The Navy must be able to need for three naval bases, been offered longer-term take our air defence to places where there is no friendly security. The dockyard will therefore continue to support country willing to allow us to use air bases, and to take our domestic and international defence requirements. our Army personnel and Royal Marines to a position in Babcock Marine, the company that runs the dockyard, which they can make landings. It must also be able to continues to grow and aspires to grow further. It well stand off and offer firepower in support of our land-based understands the importance of its work, and especially forces. the importance of the quality and efficiency of the work We cannot be sure what situations we will face in the it produces for the Ministry of Defence. The medium to next five or 10 years or beyond, but a number of long-term prospects for the company and Plymouth’s scenarios have been referred to by other right hon. and work force were, after a period of uncertainty, largely hon. Members. We can expect—at least we hope we resolved with the announcement that Devonport would can—a drawing down of our forces in Afghanistan as be the centre for the deep-water maintenance of the the Afghan army and police become able, perhaps over surface and submarine fleets. the next five or 10 years, to take a more responsible role in the security of their country. We might then begin to Labour understands just how important the Navy is bring our troops home. We must hopes that our troops to our global reach and in supporting our allies. My will not be called on again in the near future to go into hon. Friend the Member for Plymouth, Sutton (Linda action abroad to engage in so lengthy a conflict in Gilroy), who is my constituency neighbour, is also a defence of our home security. member of the Defence Committee and a long-standing and well-informed voice on defence matters. A few If that is a medium to long-term hope, why would we months ago, when we last debated defence, she raised increase our Army by up to three battalions? On a good the issue of sea blindness in the planning of a future day, the Conservatives think we should do that, but on strategy for our national defence. I am proud to say that any other they day they are unclear on the matter. Our under this Government, we have had clear vision: the Army is the best in the world—I in no way wish to Navy has been supported, new vessels and equipment suggest otherwise—but the lobby to increase its numbers have been procured, and programmes have been continued. greatly, at the expense of the other services, needs open Before my hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow, South- and transparent discussion in the House, as part of the West (Mr. Davidson) seeks to intervene, I assure him strategic defence review. I acknowledge the comments that I am a steadfast supporter of the carrier and of by the right hon. Member for North-East Hampshire British shipbuilders, and that I understand the importance (Mr. Arbuthnot) on the importance of that discussion of both in enabling the UK to project its power and in enabling the wider public to understand the precise influence through the Navy. role and risks that we face and to which our armed forces are expected to respond. We must not fall into the trap, as many Opposition Members seem to have done, of believing that the Navy The risks beyond 2030 that defence strategists are is no longer relevant—nothing could be further from considering include mass migrations as a result of global the truth. The Navy is vital to this nation’s defence and warming, the need for further major humanitarian missions to our ability to maintain relevance at the top tables of as a result of increasingly erratic and severe weather international diplomacy. I also take issue with the opinions patterns, conflict over scarce resources such as water, of General Lord Guthrie, a former Chief of the Defence increased piracy and cyber-threats. In each of those Staff, who told the BBC last week that there should be a serious scenarios, there is a vital role for our naval ruthless re-examination of defence priorities, resulting forces, which must not be ignored. We need mobility in the bulk of spending going to the Army at the and flexibility, but will we need an enlarged land-based expense of the Royal Navy. He is second-guessing a standing Army—and if so, where will it be based and detailed strategic review, and his comment was not what would we expect it to do? Let us have that discussion. helpful. We in Plymouth—from where the taskforce left In my view, that is why the strategic defence review is and to which it returned, fewer in number, at the end of vital—it will bring some sense to the debate and, more the conflict—have not forgotten the Falklands war. importantly, facilitate an understanding of the UK’s Although there is no suggestion of another war, and strategic defence needs and wider role in global security. clearly diplomatic and Foreign Office effort has been I urge Defence Ministers—I am afraid I am going to put into ensuring that no further military action is get very parochial now—to consider the proposal to required, there has been a raising of the temperature in reduce staff at the Defence Equipment and Support 675 Defence in the World15 MARCH 2010 Defence in the World 676

[Alison Seabeck] of Defence, the Foreign Office and other Government Departments—there would be other foreign players in and Defence Storage and Distribution Agency depots, those countries. I do not think that every country in the including the one in Ernesettle in my constituency. That world necessarily believes in the same values as the links to some of the concerns raised by Bernard Gray. If citizens of this country, and, indeed, Her Majesty’s there is to be a re-examination of the shape of the Government and Her Majesty’s Opposition. future Royal Navy and future service competence as To be a force for good in the world, we need the part of the strategic defence review, there must therefore wherewithal to exercise influence, and to ensure that the be a need for a reappraisal of the support services values we espouse as a country are shared by those offered. Therefore, it is premature for us to downsize whom we want to receive them. Those values are freedom that depot at this stage, because it may need to be of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of conscience, brought back on stream. Those plans need to be part of and the ability of people to go about their business in the wider discussion, and decisions should not be taken trying to ensure that their own and their families’ lives arbitrarily now. Local trade unions are concerned that prosper without fear of being killed or persecuted for there appears to be no flexibility in the plans being something they might say or believe. proposed, largely by the military, which takes me back to Bernard Gray’s suggestion that DE&S should be We in this country should be proud of the global moved outside total military control. I know that my influence that we have had for many centuries. It would Front-Bench colleagues do not necessarily agree with be a miserable day for our nation’s history if we had to that position, but what is happening at Ernesettle gives withdraw, through lack of resources, from the many me cause for concern. I hope that my right hon. Friend good things that we do around the world. People talk of the Secretary of State will re-examine the proposals. the threat to our national security posed by the Taliban, or al-Qaeda and its affiliates al-Shabaab and Jamal I thank my right hon. Friend for his cogent description Islamiyah, or whomever it might be—on these shores or of the Government’s priorities. I do not think that my elsewhere—and it is entirely true that those organisations electorate in Plymouth will have any doubts about and terror groups pose a threat to us. However, I believe where the Government stand, and I believe that that that the biggest threat to our national security is this will give them some guidance when they come to make country’s national debt. If we do not have the money to the decisions on defence issues that are important to pay for many of the defence programmes that have been their long-term security. discussed here today, and for future programmes, we shall not be able to protect ourselves from multiple 8pm threats, whether they are state-on-state or posed by the terror organisations that I have mentioned. Mark Pritchard (The Wrekin) (Con): I congratulate I have had the privilege of visiting Afghanistan. I pay my hon. Friend the Member for North Essex (Mr. Jenkin) tribute to all the regular and reserve forces from Shropshire, on making an excellent speech this evening—as, indeed, and—as we approach St Patrick’s day—to the Royal he always does. I think it right to examine the global Irish Regiment based in the county.Afghanistan represents landscape and demonstrate a global perspective in defence a critical mission for our armed forces. We must stay the debates. course for many reasons, but for three in particular. I pay tribute to all Her Majesty’s armed forces who First, a premature withdrawal would provide a huge are serving in Afghanistan, to a few who are in Iraq, boost for jihadists around the world, and we cannot and to those serving in other theatres around the world allow that to happen. We cannot fail: we must be including Northern Ireland and the Balkans, although resolute in our commitment to the mission, and we there are fewer there now. I pay particular tribute to all must see it through. Secondly, a premature withdrawal who have lost their lives in the service of their country, would be a terrible blow to the credibility of NATO. and to their families who have suffered so much in the Although it is an imperfect military alliance, NATO has cause of freedom and liberty. I also recognise the sacrifice served this nation, and indeed others, well for more that people have paid through being injured and maimed. than 60 years. Thirdly, and I think most importantly, a Many of them are multiple amputees. We salute their premature withdrawal would be unfortunate—to say courage, and recognise them here this evening. the least—for all the brave armed forces personnel, I thought it right for my hon. Friend the Member for both men and women, who have already sacrificed so Woodspring (Dr. Fox) and, indeed, my right hon. Friend much by dying or being maimed for their country. We the Member for Richmond, Yorks (Mr. Hague) to point must see the mission through to ensure that their sacrifice out that the country needs a strategic defence review was not made in vain. that is led by foreign policy, takes account of assessments of current and future threats—when the future can be Mr. David Hamilton (Midlothian) (Lab): I agree with read—and then matches those with military capabilities. the sentiments that the hon. Gentleman has just expressed. Only then should specific defence programmes, and However, while we speak of winning hearts and minds defence procurement programmes, be examined in detail. in Afghanistan, we are in grave danger of losing the I sometimes think that Members feel slightly embarrassed hearts and minds of the British people. Does not the about referring to the British national interest in the possibility that the hon. Gentleman’s arguments in favour House when it comes to defence and foreign policy of our staying in Afghanistan are beginning to fall on matters. I do not think they should be, because this is a deaf ears pose a graver danger at present? special nation. The United Kingdom is still a force for good in the world. If the United Kingdom were not Mark Pritchard: The hon. Gentleman is right to raise giving assistance in certain countries—through the that point. I know that he has spent a long time thinking Department for International Development, the Ministry about the issue during his long service on the Defence 677 Defence in the World15 MARCH 2010 Defence in the World 678

Committee. I pay tribute to him, and to his colleagues countries and our Commonwealth cousins, for the Royal on both sides of the House who also serve on the Navy to be going to places such as the gulf of Aden and Committee. In answer to his question, I would say that the Indian ocean off the east coast of Africa and the it is incumbent on all Members to go to their constituencies, horn of Africa to protect international shipping, including as I do, and try to make the case for the mission in shipping from Latin America, the Caribbean area and— Afghanistan. dare I say it?—the United States, rather than sending My fourth point—it is as important as the first and more ships to the south Atlantic to respond to the second points, but perhaps not as important as the Argentine Government’s rhetoric and actions. I hope third—is that if al-Qaeda, its affiliates and the Taliban that the great people of Argentina will see beyond the regrouped in Afghanistan, whether together or separately, unhelpful and highly charged political rhetoric of President Afghanistan would become a failed state again. Having Kirchner and say that this is not a route down which regrouped, those organisations would set up their terrorist they wish to go again. They have been there before and training camps and launch themselves into different the consequences were severe for that nation. We stand parts of the world, including, I believe, the cities of the completely behind the people of the Falkland Islands. United Kingdom. We heard an intervention earlier on armoured vehicles and on BAE Land Systems. It is regrettable that nearly 100 years since the first use of the tank—a British Mr. Keetch: When our forces come home, whether to invention—in 1916 at the battle of the Somme, which Wootton Bassett or any other town or city—as the hon. was referred to earlier, it is likely that the manufacture Gentleman knows, the Rifles will parade through Hereford of armoured vehicles in the United Kingdom will cease on 1 May—vast numbers of people are out there to as a result of the Government’s dither and delay over welcome them home. Does that not demonstrate that the new armoured reconnaissance vehicle. I would have although there may be concerns about the political wanted the CV90, the scout vehicle, to go to BAE Land issues relating to Afghanistan, the support for the men Systems, not only because it does a great job in my and women in our forces on the ground is absolutely constituency but because it would have kept that defence solid? engineering capability within the United Kingdom, rather than its being outsourced to General Dynamics, which Mark Pritchard: The hon. Gentleman makes some will use companies in Austria and elsewhere. If that is good points. I grew up in Herefordshire and would like not the case and the Government have not awarded the to pay tribute to the Special Air Service, which has contract to GD, I hope the Minister will make that clear taken significant casualties in terms of loss of life and this evening. If there has been a cancellation of the injuries. The House recognises the major contribution whole scout project, I hope the Minister will make that of the special forces and the Special Forces Support clear as well. It is clear that the British Army requires Group, including the Special Boat Squadron, which has that vehicle, as well as the new cannon on the Warrior. played and is playing a significant part in Afghanistan. That is long overdue and it affects my constituents, who I am glad that the city of Hereford is recognising the work so hard and so well at BAE Land Systems and the excellent and significant contribution of the Rifles. I Defence Support Group in Donnington. was in Basra palace in Iraq the day that some of the The Minister was kind enough to write to me today infantry and light infantry regiments became 2 Rifles. and he has informed the House today that Operation The Rifles have taken significant losses even over the Borona—the draw-down of some of the British Army last few days and weeks. The hon. Gentleman is right to of the Rhine from Germany that was due to take place point out that the case has to be made time and again, in 2013-14—is now delayed, for the large part, to 2018, and it is incumbent on all of us as MPs to make the case a five-year delay. What does that mean for the west in our constituencies. The media must also ensure that midlands? The Secretary of State is an MP from the their reporting of the war is fair and balanced and takes west midlands, and the former Defence Minister, now a on board the comments of Members who have visited senior Whip—the right hon. Member for Warley Afghanistan many times. The media in this country and (Mr. Spellar)—who has just taken his place on the others have sadly lost colleagues in Afghanistan and Front Bench also represents the region. Defence Iraq, and we pay tribute to those journalists who are procurement and manufacturing are critical to the west prepared to go on the front line to report back the very midlands. What does the delay in the draw-down of issues that we agree this evening need to be reported to British troops mean for the west midlands and west the British public. midlands jobs? On Argentina and the Falkland Islands, I am glad In 2013, a significant number of people will need to that the Secretary of State made it absolutely clear that leave RAF Cosford in Shropshire to be relocated to the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands is not in question Wales as a result of the defence training review. I am and that there is no dialogue or negotiating going on one of many who believe that the defence training with the struggling Government of President Kirchner review project—the largest private finance initiative in in Argentina. I am also glad that reference was made to British history, at £13 billion—has been flawed from the the Government’s resolve to ensure that the military very beginning. The vast majority of people whom the garrison on the Falkland Islands is staffed up to the MOD expects to move to Wales will be unable or levels that would be required to ensure that the right unwilling to do so for a wide variety of reasons, one of message is sent back to Buenos Aires. I would not them being the price differentials in housing. I pay expect the Minister to comment but I hope also that the tribute to the PCS union for the hard work it does in my appropriate level of naval protection will be sent or is in constituency. If the union is right—it often is—more the area, including submarine protection. I hope the than 74 per cent. of the existing personnel at RAF Minister agrees that it would be far better for the Cosford will not be able to go down to St. Athan as part international community, particularly those Latin American of the DTR project. 679 Defence in the World15 MARCH 2010 Defence in the World 680

[Mark Pritchard] new all-party group on cyber-security has been established, albeit only three months ago. I had the great honour of Let us say that the majority do move to Wales in being elected its chairman, and I invite all Members 2013. Previously the west midlands region was unhappy who are interested in cyber-security to get involved; we about that, but had consoled itself by thinking that the have some great speakers lined up over the next few British Army would backfill vacancies into places such weeks. It is a very important issue and I hope we can as Cosford. However, the written ministerial announcement increase knowledge, awareness and understanding of it today of the delay until 2018 means that there will be a in the House in the coming years—subject to the re-election five-year gap from when people leave Cosford until the of myself and other members of the all-party group. I British Army returns to the west midlands. I hope the should also put on the record that I am not an expert on Minister will tonight say what will happen to RAF the issue, but I do have a particular interest in it. Cosford in that five-year period. I understand that BBC When Iran is mentioned in the House, it is often in Midlands this evening has run a story in which an order to discuss its nuclear programme. We should be in MOD statement suggested that job losses will not necessarily no doubt that there is a nuclear programme in Iran. It is be forthcoming and are not inevitable. Will the Minister right that we should highlight that, and we need to try confirm that that is his view? Will he go further and say to deal with the threat as soon as possible. I hope the that he will guarantee that there will be no job losses at international community, and our European partners in RAF Cosford as a result of the delays to Operation particular, will row in the same direction, so we work Borona? The people of the west midlands are right to together to ensure that sanctions are put in place and want the British Army spending British pounds in are effective. British towns, not in German towns. I am particularly concerned about reports that some Despite the peace dividend in Northern Ireland, there German companies are trying to find a way around the has recently been an increase in dissident activity, and I sanctions regime, especially as one or two of them are hope that as the MOD scrabbles around to make up for engineering companies. It is important that the German the many financial planning errors it has made—with Government realise that sanctions are only going to the oversight of Ministers—it will not leave the Security work if we all work together. It is not right for German Service and the Police Service of Northern Ireland companies to undermine the European and international without the necessary level of support from the Northern sanctions effort. Ireland garrison. There have been some sharp attacks on people who have given long and distinguished service Notwithstanding the nuclear question, when we look to our nation, such as former Chiefs of the Defence around the world we can frequently see the malevolent, Staff and of the various services, and that is unfortunate repressive and destabilising influence of the Iranian because, ultimately, it is Ministers who decide; yes, they regime—not the Iranian people, but the regime. Let me take advice from senior military officials, but it is Ministers therefore take us on a brief global tour in order to see who make the final decision. I therefore think it wrong where Iran is involved. In Latin America, President for the buck to be passed. Ahmadinejad has visited President Chavez—and, indeed, Turning to the horn of Africa, it is intriguing that, President Putin has also visited Venezuela. It is clear despite the Royal Navy and other navies from Europe that the hand of Iran is seeking to be a destabilising and around the world being deployed in the area, piracy influence in Latin America, and it is succeeding. In there has increased. There needs to be a review of the particular, it is trying to stir up trouble between Colombia Royal Navy and international navy presence in the horn and Venezuela. That is unhelpful to the region, as it will of Africa. If that is not delivering the results we all not serve to attract foreign investment; in fact, it will want, instigating a review would be a sensible step. scare potential foreign investors off. President Chavez of Venezuela needs to keep better company, and to Last week, I mentioned in the House that automatic focus on getting people back into jobs in Venezuela and ship transponders, which give ships’ global positioning, on helping the poor in his country. are apparently being turned off by some shipping companies because they fear that some Somali pirates are able to The hand of Iran is also stirring up trouble in Eritrea track them. That issue needs to be raised with the and Somalia in the horn of Africa, while in Europe it is International Maritime Organisation and with shipping still stirring up trouble in the Balkans. All over the companies directly. Turning transponders off does not world, the hand of Iran is a repressive, malevolent and help the international navies in trying to protect ships, destructive force. There are therefore many reasons why and it also might make insurance null and void. This is we should deal with Iran, notwithstanding the nuclear a serious matter. question. I could also name other countries, of course, The rules of engagement are extremely important such as Lebanon, Iraq and even Afghanistan. There is too. I would be interested to learn whether the Minister no doubt that the hand of the Iranian Government is has had any discussions with his Foreign Office colleagues still active there, and it is a dark hand that I believe is a on how pirates might be brought before the courts. I threat to the United Kingdom’s national security. know that the British Government have been liaising There has been some criticism of soft power from closely with the Government of Kenya, but there has Members tonight, and I think there is some merit in not been as much progress as we would perhaps have those criticisms. However, I want to put on the record wanted. It is therefore right that the British Government my tribute to the work of the British Council, the BBC should look for other partners in the region—such as World Service, school and university exchange programmes Tanzania—where these pirates can be brought before and the Chevening scholarships. All play an important the courts. role in projecting the UK’s soft power and in promoting Cyber-security has been mentioned this evening, and our values. They are not arms of the state—although a couple of Members asked what is happening in the the BBC World Service might take a different view—but House on that issue. I am pleased to be able to say that a it is important that we remember that these levers of 681 Defence in the World15 MARCH 2010 Defence in the World 682 soft power are vital elements in our international diplomacy. Dr. Murrison: The hon. Gentleman is indulging in the We reduce the resourcing and support for them at our narcissism of small differences. That would be fine and peril. Britain is a force for good and should continue to academic if it were not spreading unnecessary alarm be so, but it can use the levers of diplomacy and soft among his constituents. Has he had an unequivocal power and promote all the many things that make this commitment to the aircraft carriers from his hon. Friends? nation great only if it has strong armed forces: strong peace through strong defence. Mr. Davidson: I am satisfied with the commitments that I have had from the Ministry. I am absolutely clear 8.29 pm where the Minister and his colleagues stand on this Mr. Ian Davidson (Glasgow, South-West) (Lab/Co-op): matter. They have been unequivocal in their discussions Like other hon. Members who have spoken, I should with me about their commitment to the aircraft carriers. like to pay tribute to those who serve and, in particular, They have invited me along to a variety of events, at to those who have fallen. I should also like to recognise which I have heard them expressing their commitment. the immense support provided by their families. I have been there when they have cut steel as part of the work on the aircraft carriers in my constituency. I have I want to start by talking about the strategic defence discussed with them various things that need to be put review that is going to take place. The hon. Member for on to the carriers, some of which are far too complicated Woodspring (Dr. Fox) gave a thorough account of the for a mere mortal to understand. areas that he wished it to cover. If we are to have a foreign policy-led, values-led, ethical review, it will not Regrettably, I have not had the same commitment be quick, and I want to pursue with the Opposition the from the Opposition, who have told the trade unions question of what would happen while the review was that, on day one of a Conservative Government, they taking place, particularly in relation to major procurement would examine the break clauses. They were not forced matters. to say that to the unions; they chose to do so. There is, therefore, some trepidation about their intentions, The Conservatives have said that they intend to examine particularly as they are tying up the future of the the break clauses in the aircraft carrier contracts on day aircraft carriers with the strategic defence review. The one of coming into office, but it is not clear whether review will clearly be a complex exercise, for reasons they would use that information to press the pause that I understand, and it will undoubtedly take some button and put those contracts on hold until the review considerable time. The danger, from the Opposition’s was complete. Unless they allowed construction of the point of view, is that their options could be closed off if aircraft carriers to continue, there would be a danger of the review took so long that the aircraft carriers were escalating costs, work forces being dispersed, and the finished before it was complete. That would obviously like. It is therefore reasonable for me, as a representative negate the point of examining the break clauses. of a constituency with shipbuilding interests, to speak on behalf of the work force and appeal to the Conservatives Mr. Arbuthnot: These speeches that the hon. Gentleman to abandon their idea of examining the break clauses makes are always extremely entertaining, but perhaps on day one, because it is simply causing fear and trepidation he would like to think about the fact that the Government among the work force. do not need to say that they will examine the break Dr. Andrew Murrison (Westbury) (Con): The hon. clauses on day one because the Government wrote the Gentleman is quite right to be an advocate for his break clauses. If the Government wrote the break clauses, constituents, but he is quite wrong to spread fear and presumably that was with the idea of possibly breaking unhappiness among them. He must know that the position them. of the Opposition is very similar to that of the Government on this matter. I am sure that Ministers know where the Mr. Davidson: But the Government have given no break clauses are; we simply do not. It is wrong of him indication that on day one of the next Labour to pretend that there is some massive difference between Government—or on any other day—they intend possibly the positions of the Government and the Opposition on to activate the clauses, whereas the shadow Minister has the aircraft carriers, and I hope that he will set the indicated to the unions that on day one the Conservatives matter straight. intend to examine the break clauses. It is perfectly clear that that is the position. The work force went away Mr. Davidson: As I understand it, the massive difference aghast at the Conservatives’ position. They were, I must between the Government and the Opposition is that we say, much happier with the position of the Liberals have to gaze into a crystal ball to see what the Opposition who, on this matter at least—if only on this matter—seem will do, because we do not know. The only unequivocal to be a much nicer lot altogether. They said quite clearly statement that they have made is that they would examine that they were committed to the future of the aircraft the break clauses. We do not need a crystal ball to carriers. understand what the Government are doing, however, because we can read the book and see what they have Dr. Murrison: It is important to get this straight, so I actually done. They have placed the orders for the am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for being generous aircraft carriers. I have been at ceremonies in my in giving way so that that can be done. Will he say who constituency and elsewhere where steel has started to be wrote the break clauses, who signed up to them and cut. That is the record of the Government. The Opposition, what he thinks was in their minds when they did the however, have said that they intend to put the whole signing? matter under review and to examine the break clauses on day one. The Government have never said that they Mr. Davidson: I would take the view that break intended to look at the break clauses on day one. That is clauses are appropriate in all contracts above a certain the difference. level so that should the project go awry, should it 683 Defence in the World15 MARCH 2010 Defence in the World 684

[Mr. Davidson] I want briefly to make three other points, the first of which is to do with veterans. Last week, I had a ceremony explode in money terms, should it be seen to be in the Tradeston ex-servicemen’s club, to which BAE inappropriate, should we discover that it was not going Systems and others came, when we presented a number to be produced timeously or should the company involved of veterans with medals. We have had several similar collapse, there is a way of getting out of it. There must occasions where veterans from the merchant navy, the always be some way of getting out of it; that seems to land army and the Bevin boys have all received medals. I me to be acceptable commercial practice. However, the wonder whether the Government would consider Government are not saying that on day one of the next introducing a medal for those women who were conscripted Government they will examine the break clauses, and served with the Ministry of Munitions during the presumably with the intention of getting out of the war rather than the land army. They served, and their contract. contributions ought to be recognised in some way. We need the Conservative party to make quite clear I certainly want to express my gratitude to the what they intend to do with the information that they Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions, have about the break clauses. If the hon. Member for its Clydeside chair, Jim Moohan, and its Clydeside Westbury (Dr. Murrison) tells me in his response to the secretary, Kenny Jordan, as well as Harry Frew, the debate that the Opposition will drop altogether the Scottish secretary of the Union of Construction, Allied suggestion that they will examine the break clauses on Trades and Technicians. All came along to that event the aircraft carrier, I will go back and tell my constituents and discussed with me the threat posed to the Clydeside that the Conservatives are no longer imperilling their shipbuilding industry by the Conservatives’ proposals jobs by insisting on examining the break clauses on on break clauses. day one of a Conservative Government. That is what I My second point concerns the Falklands. We are look for. often told that we have a special relationship with the I also want the Government to give some indication United States. Is that special relationship that they say, of what they intend to do once the aircraft carriers are “Jump,” and we say, “How high?”, or is it more reciprocal completed. That is where an indication of their plan for than that? How much support can we expect from them the Type 26 would fit in. I hope that they will be able to on the Falklands? The comments of American spokesmen give us an announcement later this week that they have not been as helpful as they might have been, and I intend to take the Type 26 to the next appropriate level. hope that the Government will point that out to them as That would give an enormous boost to morale in my quickly as possible. and other shipbuilding constituencies. It would show My final point is about co-operation with allies. I am a clear contrast between those who are proceeding strongly in favour of joint working with allies to try to with the aircraft carrier and who are now proceeding cut procurement costs, but, as has been said, bilateral with the Type 26, and those who are considering break arrangements are by and large much more effective and clauses on day one of any future Government. I hope efficient than the multilateral arrangements that are that that point has not been too subtle for people to entered into simply on political grounds, which often pick up. It seems to me to be a particularly important result in time and cost escalations. I hope that the one. Minister will reject the clarion calls from the right Let me turn to a subject that has been touched on by hon. Member for Rotherham and Brussels, West a couple of hon. Members: the political ambush that (Mr. MacShane), whose view of almost every subject is was recently mounted by the allegedly neutral Cross that more Europeanisation is the answer. On the issue Bencher, Lord Guthrie. I thought that it was particularly of defence procurement, it is clearly the wrong road. interesting that he was quoted in the paper as having said that the Prime Minister 8.42 pm “Particularly in the early days when he was chancellor…showered Dr. Andrew Murrison (Westbury) (Con): It is a pleasure it”— to commence the wind-ups at such an early hour. We money— have had a series of good contributions—a total of 11 “ on other departments but he didn’t give much to defence.” from right across the House—and, although I tend to get rather cynical sometimes, especially after six hours Somebody who had the benefit of a private education—not of sitting in the Chamber, I have to say that they have all Eton like the majority of the Opposition Front Benchers, been of exceptional value. I must add, however, more in but Harrow—is complaining about the Government sorrow than in anger, that it is a pity that we did not get spending money on education for those who have not any Back-Bench contributions from the Liberal Democrats. had the privileges that he had; somebody who, in his If they want to be taken seriously on this subject, as on 70s, is already older than the average life expectancy in any other, they need to show a bit more interest. Glasgow is complaining about the Government spending money on health for populations such as mine. He is a It is particularly good to be debating defence on the man who, days after the Tories said that they would Ides of March, perhaps slightly portentously. consider the break clause on the carriers, rode in behind them to say that he would cancel them altogether. I Mr. Davidson: Will the hon. Gentleman also recognise think that the Conservatives, having spoken movingly that no Members from the Scottish National party are in favour of Lord Guthrie and his right to intervene, present to make Back-Bench or other contributions? ought to make it clear whether his notion of a Navy That is also very much to be regretted given the importance operating with motorised bathtubs is one that they of shipbuilding in Scotland. share or whether they reject completely his proposal to cancel the aircraft carriers. Madam Deputy Speaker: Order. 685 Defence in the World15 MARCH 2010 Defence in the World 686

Dr. Murrison: Indeed; the hon. Gentleman’s comment The hon. Member for Bridgend (Mrs. Moon) talked is on the record. I think that there was a Member from about the relationship between the state, the public and the SNP here earlier, but he has gone and I do not think the armed forces. She cited the case of her grandfather, that he made a contribution. who is numbered among the fallen of the great war, and Let me start by discussing the speech of the hon. she spoke movingly of him. She talked about mental Member for North Devon (Nick Harvey). I rather health and the consequences of conflict. She will of regret that he fudged the issue of the independent course have seen the somewhat troubling answer to a strategic nuclear deterrent. He seems to think that we written question that I received recently from the Minister. could whistle up a deterrent virtually overnight, but It outlined the instance of post-traumatic stress disorder that is disingenuous. I am afraid that it is an example of and the consequences of mental illness. The figures are the Liberal Democrats trying to have it both ways so alarming, and we need to be mindful of the occupational that they can sing different songs to different audiences. effects of participation in conflict and do everything we That point was picked up obliquely, and understandably, can to reduce the toll it takes. by the hon. Member for Plymouth, Sutton (Linda Gilroy), My hon. Friend the Member for Spelthorne when she spoke about submarines. (Mr. Wilshire) gave a very moving speech about his The hon. Gentleman spoke about European defence opposition to the Iraq war and his reservations about and I intend to spend some time dealing with that. He Afghanistan. Of all the things I did as a Back Bencher, also made a point about accelerated senility in relation I am happy to say that withholding my support for the to equipment, and the fact that urgent operating Iraq war was the one I feel most comfortable about. requirements do not really address it properly. He might Nothing I saw when I served in Iraq in late 2003 have mentioned that procurement clawback is very relevant changed my mind about that conflict. Equally, I am to that issue and that the two things combined are perfectly happy—as I know my hon. Friend will be—to storing up trouble for the decade ahead, as we address be proved wrong by history. The important thing is that the replacement of kit. His point about senility was well parliamentarians made their assessment at the time and made, however. We first became aware of it in relation voted one way or the other in good faith. to sand and vehicles in Iraq in 2003. It seems that we I should declare my interest—I usually do, but have may not have learned some of the lessons. forgotten to do so this evening. It is recorded in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests that I am a The hon. Gentleman wanted minimisation of civilian serving officer in the Royal Naval Reserve. casualties in Helmand and Kandahar. He is absolutely right to point out that it should be an imperative. My hon. Friend the Member for North Essex General McChrystal has made it clear that it is mission (Mr. Jenkin) cut to the quick, as ever, and asked where critical. Of course, we have to consider how such things the UK should be in the world in defence terms. I would play not only internationally but also on the stage at like that debate to be carried to the wider public, home. As I shall point out later, the danger is that we because it strikes at the heart of where we should be might lose the war on the home front. Our domestic right now. We need to determine what we are and where audience is keen that we reduce collateral as far as we are going to be, whether we are to continue to be a possible, as I know is the case on the ground. player on the global stage or, indeed, whether we are to retrench. Upon that we can base our future spending The hon. Member for Plymouth, Sutton was savaged commitments. In the minds of many, although not in by the Liberal Democrats—a bit like being savaged by a my mind, is the question whether we have indeed reached dead sheep, but there we are—when she suggested that another “east of Suez” moment. we need to maintain critical skills. We are probably dealing with our sovereign capability, and she is right to We look forward to the Prime Minister being called say that we cannot simply invent skills of that sort, back before the Iraq inquiry for a more forensic examination as I know full well from my own service: they are of a of the role he has played in curtailing defence spending. high order and need to be maintained in one way or [Interruption.] The Secretary of State giggles—I am another. not sure what we should read into that—but let us dispense with the fiction that the defence budget has The hon. Lady asserted that we need European defence been rising every year in real terms. We now know the to deal with piracy. Having been nice to her until now, I inconvenient truth, which flatly contradicts the Prime point out ever so gently that she did not provide much Minister’s assertions about increases throughout his evidence to back up that assertion. A miscellany of watch and, crucially, those previously claimed between nations is operating off Yemen and Somalia, in a highly 2003-04 and 2004-05. The evidence of senior officials complex overlapping operation, which hardly depends and soldiers, and that of the right hon. Member for on the EU except in so far as it relies heavily on Ashfield (Mr. Hoon), about how resource accounting Permanent Joint Headquarters, Northwood. and budgeting was applied in those vital years and the impact that cuts had on airframes in Afghanistan is Linda Gilroy: The hon. Gentleman has just referred devastating. RAB lives on. It is an artificial accounting to the fact that the headquarters is co-located with construct that charges top-level budget holders interest PJHQ, but the mission is one of more than 30 conducted on assets and makes it extremely difficult to hedge under the European security and defence policy. He equipment and skills against future contingencies. It is a should give more credit to what is happening under that mechanism ideally suited to fighting today’s conflicts, banner. but serves poorly our defence against potential conventional threats of the future. Dr. Murrison: I am grateful to the hon. Lady. I will Several hon. and right hon. Members spoke around deal with Europe in some depth further on in my the issue of procurement, as well they might. The UOR remarks. experience has taught us that efficient procurement is 687 Defence in the World15 MARCH 2010 Defence in the World 688

[Dr. Murrison] It is hardly surprising that the head of the European Defence Agency, of which there has been much press possible and that getting 80 per cent. effect is good coverage this weekend, concluded of the six-year-old enough if it is delivered on time and on budget. It has agency that although there had been a “slow start”, the added advantage of sidestepping the conspiracy of “we are starting to see real progress.” optimism that binds together officials and industry in a “bid high spec, bid full spec” compact with “bid low If there has been progress, it has been truly glacial, entryism” in the full and certain knowledge that, once particularly as regards the EDA’s stated intention of in the equipment plan, projects are rarely deleted or boosting military spending across the continent. changed. In the back of every contractor’s mind is the In Committee last year, the Under-Secretary of State potential to claw back against the MOD—against a for Defence, the hon. Member for Grantham and Stamford tight contract that both parties knew was untenable. (Mr. Davies), who was here earlier, spent some time US overruns and cost ceiling breaches result in the trying to convince me that the EU had brought peace to US Department of Defence being hauled before Congress. Transylvania. Truly, time spent on the Committee corridor Here, nothing much seems to happen, although in the is rarely wasted. We were at it again on 1 March, when House 10 days ago we voted for stronger Select Committees. he and I debated upstairs what forces the EDA had Perhaps the authors of our procurement failures should managed to generate. He was able to offer only three be arraigned formally before the House of Commons antique eastern European helicopters. I recall discussing Defence Committee. There will be no shortage of work. those self-same airframes with the NATO Secretary-General If our highly complex, multi-billion pound North sea during a visit to Brussels a couple of years ago. I think oil industry can procure what it needs efficiently, so can that my hon. Friend the Member for New Forest, East the MOD. (Dr. Lewis) was at the same meeting. Several hon. Members spoke around the subject of Progress at the European Defence Agency has indeed aircraft carriers—the hon. Members for Plymouth, been exceedingly slow. European procurement collaboration Devonport (Alison Seabeck), for Plymouth, Sutton and has been characterised by excessive costs and elastic for Glasgow, South-West (Mr. Davidson). I enjoyed my time frames. It seems that complex undertakings such exchange with the hon. Gentleman and fully understand as the A400M and the Eurofighter are allowed to his partisan need to create between Government and proceed only at the pace of the slowest, so the UK—the Opposition a gulf on the subject of aircraft carriers, country that spends most on defence and, of that spending, although I hope our exchange clarified some of that. In the most on procurement—suffers disproportionately. so doing, I am afraid, he does a disservice to his A wise Government will treat with tried and trusted constituents. His rhetoric is, in my view, irresponsible, peers and view with suspicion permanent structured and it is unkind. He should go back to his constituents co-operation, with its invitation to the sleeping partners and tell them that the positions of the Opposition and of the European security and defence policy to enjoy of the Government are extremely similar, if not identical, cover without paying the premium. and explain why Ministers—his Ministers—wrote in the break clauses that he is waving like a shroud in Several right hon. and hon. Members discussed the Glasgow. MOD in one way or another, and a surprisingly large The right hon. Member for Rotherham (Mr. MacShane) number were really quite cutting about the top brass—senior is not in his place— [Interruption.] I have no idea where officers, both serving and retired. Let me list those he is, which is a pity, as I owe him a debt of gratitude Members. The right hon. Member for Rotherham appears because he mentioned Europe. That gives me an excuse to have been somewhat surprised to have sat down in to talk about it. The right hon. Gentleman talked a standard class with a major-general, late of the Irish great deal about it, which is unsurprising; he often does. Guards. I suspect that the gallant gentleman was as Conservatives are usually accused of banging on about alarmed as the right hon. Gentleman. It is worth while Europe, but there are hon. and right hon. Gentlemen on putting on the record that it is now common practice the Labour Benches who are just as capable of doing for senior officers to travel standard class, so the right that as I am. hon. Gentleman should not have been that surprised. The right hon. Gentleman rightly dispelled the myth The hon. Member for North Devon also mentioned about the Exocet and 1982. He might, of course, have top brass, as did the hon. Member for Bridgend, who mentioned Belgium in rather less flattering terms, but thought that they were biased. It is funny how people we will let that one pass. He also talked about procurement, think that others are biased only when those others do but although he rightly said that many European countries not happen to agree with them. The hon. Member for make things, he was unable to articulate who in Europe Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney (Mr. Havard) mentioned actually does the spending on defence matériel. top brass, too, as of course did the hon. Member for In June 2009, the right hon. Member for Barrow and Glasgow, South-West, who attacked the noble Lord Furness (Mr. Hutton) said in opening the last of these Guthrie for going to Harrow. debates in which he took part: More generally, MOD reorganisation has been talked “I…want the European Union to show what it can do when it about today, and not specifically with regard to those focuses on outcomes rather than institutions”.—[Official Report, who have lots of stars on their shoulders. Having been 4 June 2009; Vol. 493, c. 437.] unkind about the European Defence Agency, I will That is a sentiment that I think we would all share. The express my indebtedness to it for some interesting facts. suspicion that I think he was touching on was the For example, we learn that the UK has four times more suspicion that a nascent EU military identity is viewed officials to uniformed personnel than Germany.Fortunately, as a building block taking us towards the goal of ever it seems likely that the head count at the MOD will closer union, rather than as a means of force generation. come under scrutiny in the course of both strategic 689 Defence in the World15 MARCH 2010 Defence in the World 690 defence reviews that have been promised. I hope that we Hampshire (Mr. Arbuthnot) used the limitations of the will benchmark against other countries, particularly Maxim gun to illustrate the importance of soldiers Germany. despite advances in technology, and he rightly said that Cutting numbers may be necessary, but it is certainly we have perhaps rediscovered that in current asymmetric not sufficient. We must undertake a root-and-branch operations. appraisal of the way in which the MOD supports My hon. Friend the Member for The Wrekin (Mark defence output, and central to that is an attack on Pritchard) spoke about the importance of training. tribalism. The most obvious tribalism is service tribalism— Clearly, he has a strong constituency interest, as well as perpetrated, I have to say, by the service chiefs in a way a more general interest in the training of the men and that percolates right the way through the services that women of our armed forces. He also argued for the they represent. If I am going to take a swipe at the top return of the Army from Germany. Training is at the brass—it seems to be de rigueur to do so in today’s heart of the military, and we have seen how ready debate—it would be on that subject. Ministers have been to economise in their attitude to There is another sort of tribalism, which is an insidious the training of the Territorial Army. How can it possibly form of tunnel vision. Campaign tribalism is the dangerous be right for regular Army training to be cut by a third idea that Britain now and for all time will be engaged last year? Who will take the rap for the apparently poor exclusively in asymmetric warfare against Islamic preparation for IEDs revealed by the Wiltshire coroner, fundamentalism, which truly threatens the defence of David Masters, this month? the United Kingdom. We look to a strategic defence The hon. Member for North Devon spoke about review to establish an appropriate centre of gravity for Mr. Masters’s concerns about metal detectors, and he our defence posture. The hon. Member for Plymouth, was right to do so. Mr. Masters’s court is in Trowbridge Sutton touched on that in advocating preparation for in my constituency, and I have met him. He is concerned conventional warfare. about the men and women of our armed forces, and he The hon. Member for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney is extremely concerned that we should do absolutely discussed deficiencies in the MOD, and said that we are everything in our power to keep them safe. We owe it to spending money inefficiently. As I have said, he was our troops to optimise their safety, and we owe it to the somewhat critical of generals who appeared before the mission too, because if this battle is lost it will be lost on Defence Committee, and who apparently said one thing the home front among a British public who may not be then went off and said something else when they retired. up for the fight indefinitely. There is a learning point in this, because we are accustomed I am bound to ask the Minister what sort of to and, indeed, benefit from the can-do attitude of our interpretation of the military covenant it is that leads to armed forces, which goes right through the military. the diversion of funds earmarked from the early 1990s There is sometimes a tendency for serving personnel to for improvements to the married quarters estate. Much be positive about what they are asked to do with the of it lies in a parlous state, as the Armed Forces Federation resources that are available to them. As we are required recently pointed out, and as I have seen in my constituency. to examine the evidence and consider what we are told, It is hardly surprising that when the Prime Minister it is incumbent on us to moderate and allow for that drops in for a photo-shoot with the boys in desert natural tendency.I would therefore tell the hon. Gentleman combats as a politically obliging backdrop, the only that the fault, if there is one, rests just as much with our smile on display is his rictus grin. failing properly to interpret the evidence that is presented to us, just as much as it does with their presenting the 9.5 pm evidence in the first place. The Minister for the Armed Forces (Bill Rammell): It Mr. Havard: Does the hon. Gentleman accept that I is an unusual experience for a Minister of State responding also made a suggestion about how we might resolve to such a debate to begin his speech with 55 minutes some of the real conflicts for serving officers so that remaining. I hasten to add that I will not take that they can say things publicly? There are ways in which length of time for my summing up. In general terms, we the parliamentary process could allow that to happen in have had a good and well informed debate. I pay tribute future—it has not happened in the past—to help to to all those heroic men and women who have lost their resolve the problem. lives in recent years serving our national interest. We are and will always be enormously in their debt. Dr. Murrison: I absolutely acknowledge that. As I We began with a contribution from the hon. Member said in passing, the House has recently strengthened the for Woodspring (Dr. Fox), who leads for the Opposition, Committee structure, so perhaps that might be part of and who is not in his place. For once, there was quite a that. The hon. Gentleman mentioned giving evidence bit in his speech with which I agreed. He talked about off the record as a way of addressing the problem, given the situation in Musa Qala, the fact that we are not the highly sensitive nature of some of the things with downgrading the UK effort—I agree with him in that which we deal. regard—and the fact that we leave Musa Qala in much Our edge is our technological advantage, together better shape than we inherited it. I visited Musa Qala with the defence industrial base that underpins it. Let three or four weeks ago for the second time in six us not forget what really counts in conventional asymmetric months and saw for myself the significant improvement and hybrid warfare. It is what this country does so very in security and safety for the local citizens, which would well—it is the men and women of our armed forces. not have been possible without the efforts of our troops. Several right hon. and hon. Members on both sides of The hon. Gentleman argued that 9/11 had completely the House have spoken movingly of them this evening. altered the western view of global security. He is right. My right hon. Friend the Member for North-East He also said that the state-on-state threat to our security 691 Defence in the World15 MARCH 2010 Defence in the World 692

[Bill Rammell] “made some mistakes ourselves in government in that we were very keen to take a peace dividend at the end of the cold war.” continues, that nuclear proliferation is a real threat and When the interviewer said to him, danger, and particularly that we cannot assume that “You’re saying the last Conservative government cut the armed future threats will mirror today’s conflicts. As we move forces too severely?”, from the Green Paper to the general election and to the the hon. Gentleman responded: strategic defence review, we need to bear that in mind. “I think we were too optimistic about the security position It was at that point that the consensus began to break world wide following the cold war.” down, although not entirely. The hon. Gentleman made That means yes. some interesting comments on the role of the French, the Germans and the European Union. He said—I Mark Pritchard: The Minister speaks about responsibility, think I quote him accurately—that there may be a role but let us pause for a moment, because right now our for the European Union where NATO cannot or will armed forces in Afghanistan are flying around in ageing not act. At that moment, the look of sheer horror on Chinook helicopters, and they do not have enough the face of the hon. Member for Stone (Mr. Cash) was a Merlin helicopters. Those are serious issues, so will the sight to behold. There was then a contribution from the Minister, for once, on behalf of Her Majesty’s Government hon. Member for North Essex (Mr. Jenkin), who reinforced take responsibility for the fact that, clearly, there are not the scepticism about a relationship with France. enough helicopters in Afghanistan tonight? The hon. Member for Woodspring went on, erroneously and unjustifiably, to launch a critique of our record on Bill Rammell: The public expect us to be judged on funding the armed forces. He said—I am quoting—that our record, and in the past three years we have increased we cannot afford five more years of the Government’s our flying-hour capacity and the number of helicopters stewardship of defence. I say with conviction that, on by 100 per cent. The Merlins recently arrived in theatre, the facts, he is wrong. Every comprehensive spending and we have further commitments and plans to increase review period has increased defence spending in real those numbers. terms under this Government. Overall, we have seen a My right hon. Friend the Member for Rotherham 10 per cent. Real-terms increase in Ministry of Defence (Mr. MacShane) has apologised to me, because, owing funding. In addition, we have seen £17 billion through to a family commitment, he cannot be with us this the Treasury reserve for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. evening. He raised some concerns about what he described Let us look—my right hon. Friend the Secretary of as the politicisation of the military. That does raise a State referred to this in his opening address—at what risk of which our senior military personnel are mindful, the present Government have done in the past 13 years, so the point must be borne in mind. There was a very and compare and contrast that with what happened in perceptive article from the renowned academic Vernon the 18 years that the Conservatives were in power. I have Bogdanor in The Times last Friday. Let me be clear that looked at the real-terms changes in defence funding I am not absolving Ministers in any way, shape or form during those 18 years, and regularly there were significant, from overall, ultimate responsibility for spending decisions, draconian real-terms cuts to the defence budget: in but Professor Bogdanor said: 1987-88, a 3.88 per cent. real-terms cut; in 1988-89, a “Decisions on the defence budget are taken jointly by politicians, 4.3 per cent. real-terms cut; in 1993-94, a 5.5 per cent. officials and the heads of the Armed Services. None should seek real-terms cut. to evade responsibility for decisions jointly taken.” That is an important point, with the overlay that ultimately Mr. Arbuthnot rose— Ministers are responsible.

Bill Rammell: As my right hon. Friend the Secretary Mr. Davidson: Does the Minister believe that it is of State rightly pointed out, there was a staggering simply coincidence when, as we move towards a general 10.24 per cent. cut in 1995-96. Before I give way, let me election, all those allegedly impartial generals come off make it clear that we will not take lectures from the the fence and attack the Labour party? Opposition on defence spending. Bill Rammell: I genuinely have the most enormous Mr. Arbuthnot: Does the Minister remember that the respect for the military, and I work with them daily. I Labour party was demanding greater cuts than those know that many serving military officers are concerned which actually took place? about an impression of the politicisation of the military, and that is not in the interests of any party in this Bill Rammell: Just as Oppositions make statements House or, I believe, our armed forces. and claims, Governments have the responsibility to act, and this party and this Government have acted in the Mr. Jenkin: As it seems that the chiefs of staff went defence of our overall armed forces. The Conservative to the Defence Committee and, in their answers, presented party did not do so. the Government’s view and line but that when they left the military they said something different, who was Despite the rhetoric of the shadow Secretary of State, politicising the armed forces? in his calmer moments there has been some candour on these issues. I came across an interview that he gave Bill Rammell: I reiterate that I have the greatest back in October 2006, when he accepted Conservative respect for the military, and I know that among many responsibility for slashing defence spending. He said: personnel there is concern about politicisation of the “I think very frankly we”— military. That is not in anyone’s interests, and it is the Conservative party— certainly not in the interests of our armed forces. 693 Defence in the World15 MARCH 2010 Defence in the World 694

The hon. Member for North Devon (Nick Harvey), My hon. Friend the Member for Plymouth, Sutton who leads for the Liberal Democrats, commented on (Linda Gilroy) demonstrated a detailed understanding the elections in Iraq and on the violence, which I regret. of defence and defence equipment matters. She argued Nevertheless, if we look at where Iraq was and where it that given the nature and scale of the threats that we is today, we find that those elections demonstrate real face, we cannot be wholly Army-centric as we look to and tangible progress that certainly would not have our equipment and to the strategic defence review. She taken place if Saddam Hussein had still been in power. makes a very good case in that regard. The hon. Gentleman referred to the inquest into the The right hon. Member for North-East Hampshire deaths of Corporal Bryant, Corporal Reeve, Lance- (Mr. Arbuthnot), who chairs the Defence Committee, Corporal Larkin and Private Stout. I reiterate what I talked about the situation in the MOD in 2005. I do not said last week: my thoughts are very much with the go wholly down the road of his argument. However, he families of those brave personnel who lost their lives accepted, with characteristic candour, that if there is a serving our national interest. The coroner’s criticisms challenge on resources there is some cross-party have to be addressed by the Ministry of Defence. The responsibility for that situation. He also made an important training regime that existed in June 2008 could have point about the need for a serious debate on the balance been better; we made that very clear. However, we also between equipment spend and spend on personnel; that need to be very clear that there has been a significant will be one of the important issues for the SDR. I pay and dramatic improvement, with £1.7 billion spent on tribute, as he did, to the work of the Defence Committee, 1,800 new and better-protected vehicles, and a which does an excellent job of scrutinising the Department transformation in the way that we respond to improvised and the Government. explosive devices. My hon. Friend the Member for Bridgend (Mrs. Moon) The hon. Gentleman raised issues about the Falkland spoke powerfully about the situation in Iraq, the 62 per Islands. I want to restate our position. There is no cent. of people who had voted, and the Government doubt whatsoever about the sovereignty of the Falkland there rightly being held to account. She, too, raised the Islands, and our defensive position in the south Atlantic issue of the politicisation of the military, and stated—I has not changed. This Government are fully committed think that I am quoting accurately—that the public are to the defence of the south Atlantic overseas territories, not sure who to believe. There is concern about how and there cannot be negotiations on the sovereignty of quickly some former military commanders have become the Falkland Islands unless and until such time as the partisan and politicised, and as I said earlier, that Falkland Islanders wish that to happen. concern is reflected by currently serving military officers. The hon. Gentleman asked about Trident. He wrongly, The hon. Member for Spelthorne (Mr. Wilshire) made unjustly and erroneously said that this party and this what he said would be his last speech in the House, and Government were hell-bent on renewing Trident. Our I pay tribute to him for his work as an MP. He spoke position—I want to make it very clear to him—is that movingly, bringing his personal experience to the subject we believe in seeking a world free of nuclear weapons. of the price paid by families who lose their children in We have been, as is acknowledged by independent experts, military service. Nothing that any of us can say or do the most forward-leaning of the nuclear weapons states will mitigate their loss. He also spoke movingly about in terms of disarmament, with a 75 per cent. reduction the dilemma of sending troops into conflict and made a in the explosive capability of our nuclear arsenal over powerful argument in favour of Parliament making that the past 13 years. We committed to starting the process decision. of renewing Trident and keeping that policy constantly My hon. Friend the Member for Merthyr Tydfil and under review because not to do so would have meant Rhymney (Mr. Havard) talked about the courage and effectively committing to unilateral nuclear disarmament forbearance of families and the support for our troops at some stage in the future, regardless of the circumstances that exists in the valleys. I saw that myself when I was at and of progress in multilateral disarmament. the homecoming parade for the Welsh Guards the week before last at Cardiff castle. He also imagined a situation Nick Harvey indicated dissent. in which he was Chancellor of the Exchequer. He said that, whoever was Chancellor, there would be a need for the MOD and the military to convince the Treasury that Bill Rammell: The hon. Gentleman shakes his head, they were capable of spending resources effectively and but that is the reality, and that is why Members across efficiently. He made a well-reasoned case for that. the House reached the conclusions that they did in the debate on the White Paper. I listened to what he said The hon. Member for North Essex (Mr. Jenkin) about the Liberal Democrat position on Trident, and I rightly spoke very strongly about the global role that was no wiser at the end of his comments than I had the UK plays, which is a critical matter to be addressed been at the beginning. in the strategic defence review. I am a supporter of and believer in our global role, but we cannot just assert that The hon. Gentleman gave a critique of our funding role. When I speak to my constituents, at first, a majority record on defence. The Liberal Democrat party has do not support that global role, and I do not believe my published alternative Budget statements—not, I have to constituents are any different from others. However, say, very well-thumbed documents, although I have after debate and persuasion, people come around to it taken the trouble to read them—and I do not recall any because they see how it is in our national interest. We all commitment to spend one penny extra on defence compared have a job of persuasion to do to convince people of with the Government’s approach. Unless there are proposals that case. from the Liberal Democrats either to raise taxes or to cut expenditure from elsewhere to fund defence, we are Mr. Jenkin: I am grateful to the Minister for his kind hearing from them merely hollow words that carry no remarks. May I ask him how that global role will be conviction whatsoever. defined? He says that it is something to be decided in 695 Defence in the World15 MARCH 2010 Defence in the World 696

[Mr. Jenkin] Mark Pritchard rose— the defence review, but does it not go way beyond the Bill Rammell: If the hon. Gentleman wants a further MOD’s remit? How will the Government institutionally discussion about this—I will give way briefly to him—I address that question, and how would he advise the would be happy to meet him. next Government to do so? Mark Pritchard: I am grateful for the Minister of Bill Rammell: A strategic defence review is not just a State, but it is important for my constituents and people matter for the military and the MOD, just as our Green throughout the west midlands to have something on the Paper was not solely an MOD matter. There have to be record this evening, so that they can at least sleep in consultations and discussions right across Government, their beds without fearing the loss of their jobs. Is it not and foreign policy will inform that debate intrinsically the case that, as a result of the delay in drawing down and directly. our troops from Germany, there will be a five-year gap? The Minister suggests that people will not lose their My hon. Friend the Member for Plymouth, Devonport jobs, but he will know that several hundred people are (Alison Seabeck) spoke strongly about families, and I not in scope to relocate to Wales under the defence pay tribute to her for her work in supporting families in training review programme, so if they are not relocating, her constituency. She also mentioned the importance of what jobs will they have? the Royal Navy, and I agree with her that there is a false argument that the Navy is no longer relevant. Bill Rammell: I reiterate to the hon. Gentleman what The hon. Member for The Wrekin (Mark Pritchard) I have just said: there is no intention to mothball the said that debt is the biggest challenge that the military site. The Army will assume ownership, following the faces. If that is the case, and indeed it is a serious vacation, in 2015. I am more than happy to talk to him challenge, the Labour party and this Government have in more detail about how this will go forward. a credible plan to halve the deficit within four years. My hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow, South-West The Opposition want to go further than that, and even (Mr. Davidson) is a consistent, coherent and dogged if they go just one year further, than will mean an extra advocate of his constituents in support of the carriers. I £26 billion of public expenditure cuts. If that strategy is think that he was right to highlight the revealing testiness to be credible, we need an explanation of what implication of the response from the Conservatives when they said it will have for defence spending. that they would examine the break clauses of the contract There are however areas of consensus. I agree with on day one of a Conservative Government. That is in the hon. Gentleman that we need to see the Afghan contrast to the actions we have taken in placing the conflict through and that we all need to make the case orders and cutting the steel. Given the alacrity and for the mission. He asked me about the FRES programme, enthusiasm with which the Conservative party is committed and I reiterate what the Secretary of State said earlier: to going significantly beyond any savings that we have there has been a competition and the process has been put forward in the way of cuts in public expenditure, the long and thorough. We are absolutely mindful of the Conservatives have a real job of persuasion to do. jobs involved, and there would be a lot of jobs in the Finally, the hon. Member for Westbury (Dr. Murrison) UK through both bids. However, it is fundamental from wound up for the Opposition. There was one issue on the defence point of view that the decision has to be which I strongly agreed with him—the need to get away based on capability. That has to be the overwhelming from the tribalism of the services. I wholly share his consideration, and there will be a decision very shortly. concern in that regard but I will take no lectures from Conservative Members on service accommodation, which Mr. Arbuthnot: Now that the Minister has the Under- has been a problem for decades. We have struggled for Secretary of State for Defence, the hon. Member for 13 years to manage what we inherited from the last Grantham and Stamford (Mr. Davies), who is responsible Conservative Government, particularly their scandalous for defence equipment and support, sitting next to him, PFI scheme, which defies any logic in terms of value for can he clear up one question? Is the FRES programme money. dead, as that Minister has told us? Overall, we have had a good debate. We should recognise that there is more that unites us on defence Bill Rammell: As my hon. Friend made clear before than divides us. Where we can, we need to make common the Select Committee, there has been a reconfiguration cause, particularly in respect of our mission in Afghanistan. of the programme. That is what he was describing, and Our armed forces deserve nothing less. if the right hon. Gentleman looks at the record, he will see that that is what my hon. Friend said. As I said, Question put and agreed to. there is will be an announcement very shortly— Resolved, That this House has considered the matter of defence in the Mark Pritchard rose— world.

Bill Rammell: No, I want to make some progress. PETITION The hon. Member for The Wrekin also asked about the Borona programme and mentioned the allegation of Regional Spatial Strategy (Irchester) a five-year gap at RAF Cosford. Let me be clear that that is not true; there is no intention to mothball the 9.29 pm site. On current planning, the Army will assume ownership Mr. Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): With your of the site, following the Defence College of Aeronautical permission, Madam Deputy Speaker, I would like to Engineering vacation, in 2015. It is planned for the present a petition organised by Tony Skipper. He is one 102 Logistic Brigade to occupy the site in 2018. of those publicly spirited members of the community 697 Defence in the World 15 MARCH 2010 698 who goes out and gets things done. He organised this Stroke Services (North Yorkshire) petition, which has hundreds of signatures. Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House The petition states: do now adjourn.—(Kerry McCarthy.) The Humble Petition of residents of Irchester, Northamptonshire and the surrounding areas, 9.31 pm Sheweth that the Government’s Regional Spatial Strategy requiring Mr. Phil Willis (Harrogate and Knaresborough) (LD): 52,000 new homes to be built in North Northamptonshire is May I, with your indulgence, Mr. Deputy Speaker, say having an adverse and detrimental effect on the village of Irchester; how sad I was to hear of the death of Ashok Kumar, that the proposed extension of the village policy line allowing the the Member for Middlesbrough, South and East Cleveland? possibility of large scale housing as part of this spatial strategy is He was a man whom the whole House respected unacceptable; and that the Petitioners are opposed to any development enormously for his knowledge of science and for the outside of the existing Irchester village boundaries which would have an adverse effect on the village. support that he gave to an area that I know well. My first school as a head teacher was in his constituency, Wherefore your Petitioners pray that your Honourable House urges the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and I have many friends in the area who think of him as to scrap Regional Spatial Strategies and return planning decisions a very special Member of Parliament. He combined his to local councils; and further urges him to request that the duties as a constituency MP with his role in the House, Borough Council of Wellingborough listens to the view of local particularly his chairing of the Parliamentary Office of people and does not extend the village policy line. Science and Technology. He held together a disparate And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray, group of people in POST and produced some remarkable &c. [P000751] pieces of work, which Members of this House and the public at large have found incredibly useful in trying to understand some of the big science issues. He will be greatly missed as somebody who graced this House with dignity, and we will hold him in great affection. I suspect that this is the last time that I will have the opportunity, before I retire, to make a speech in the House. It is therefore with a little sadness that I speak tonight, but it is pleasing that Back-Bench MPs can raise on behalf of their constituents issues that have a broader appeal than some of the more parochial issues that dominate the House. It is therefore important that I can raise with the Minister this evening the subject of services for stroke victims. As someone who was fortunate enough to recover from a small stroke in 2007, this debate is important to me personally. However, it is also important to the estimated 6 million people in the United Kingdom who are coping with the after-effects of strokes. This is a major, massive issue: in the course of this short debate of half an hour or so, six people in the United Kingdom will have a stroke, which will add six to the 150,000 people nationwide every year who suffer from a stroke or mini-stroke. In a year’s time, 40 to 50 per cent. of those who have had a stroke this year will be reliant on somebody else for their day-to-day activities, and nearly one in three will be clinically depressed. Many stroke victims suffer ongoing physical, psychological, sensory and social complications, often for the rest of their lives. I suspect that Members in all parts of the House know people—members of their families or communities—whose lives have been devastated in this way. Stroke destroys lives. Not only is it a major killer; it is currently estimated that 900,000 people in the United Kingdom are living with its after-effects—not to mention their families, friends and carers, who are also profoundly affected. Without the remarkable efforts of the Stroke Association, many people and their families would struggle to cope, let alone begin to recover. I want to record my thanks to all who work for, raise resources for and support the association. Its excellent manifesto for 2010-2015 contains clear, lucid and achievable proposals of ways in which a Government of any persuasion can continue to improve stroke care in the future. I hope the Minister will tell us whether she has received that document and whether 699 Stroke Services (North Yorkshire)15 MARCH 2010 Stroke Services (North Yorkshire) 700

[Mr. Phil Willis] on the record. When the national stroke service funding was allocated in 2008, the pioneering work that occurred the Government will adopt any of its key proposals, in Harrogate was replicated across North Yorkshire which are very much in line with their own stroke policy using the Harrogate model, providing invaluable care documents. and support for thousands more people. That is laudable. The Stroke Association depends on inspirational However, as Harrogate and Craven already had a service, individuals who deliver support to victims and their it was not allocated any national stroke strategy support. families—people like Jenny Jones, in my constituency. Last year North Yorkshire county council announced Jenny pioneered and runs the association’s family and that it would not be renewing the funding for the carer support service in Harrogate and Craven. So far, Harrogate service when its initial contract runs out this the service has helped more than 350 stroke survivors month, presenting a real threat that the pioneering and their families since its inception in 2008. Jenny service in the county would close. Jones has personally been responsible for improving the I raised this issue with the Prime Minister last month lives of hundreds of people, and—for her and many like at Prime Minister’s questions. I did not receive a very her—I want to register my deepest thanks on behalf of constructive response, but the local support for the all whom she has supported. campaign to keep the community service open has been To be fair, the Government also deserve recognition absolutely phenomenal. As an example, I launched a for the progress made recently in the delivery of stroke Facebook group on this subject last week ahead of this services. As the Minister will know, in 2005 the National debate, and 365 members have joined the group in a Audit Office published a ground-breaking report exposing week. These are real issues affecting real people. It the lack of priority given to stroke services in the would be useful to reiterate a few of the messages that I United Kingdom, and the unnecessary suffering that it have received since starting the campaign; these are was causing to stroke survivors throughout the country. from the last week. As a result, the 2007 national stroke strategy for England One constituent messaged me this morning to say: was produced, and was widely welcomed by both survivors “My mother had a very serious stroke on May 2008. The help and those working in the sector. she received from the Stroke Association was fantastic and the The fact that the national stroke strategy came with support we got as a family from Jenny Jones and the rest of her an additional £105 million from central Government, to team in Harrogate is something I will never forget.” be funded over three years, was particularly positive. A local nurse wrote to say: Strategies without resources are pretty useless. I know “As a staff nurse and then a ward sister I worked with patients that those funds have made an enormous difference to who have suffered a stroke and the involvement of the Stroke the lives of stroke survivors throughout the United Association in Harrogate made a significant difference to the lives Kingdom. I thank the Minister—and her predecessor, of patients and their relatives.” who did a great deal of work in this regard—for making Finally, we received a heartbreaking letter in my office it happen. two weeks ago from a young woman who explained: One thing was particularly rewarding. All too often “In May 2008 my grandfather suffered a severe stroke. The money is spent on initiatives that do not make any thought of another family having to face the devastation a stroke difference, but, as the Minister knows, when the NAO causes without the support of someone like Jenny honestly moves revisited the issue it concluded that a considerable amount me to tears.” of progress had been made, and that has been endorsed Let me be clear; there is no doubt about the value of by the Stroke Association in particular. It has been this service to my local community. Thanks to our argued, however, that improvements in the acute care campaign—particularly the work of Claire Kelley, my delivered in the immediate aftermath of a stroke have assistant in Harrogate—and to the strength of local not been have not been matched by provisions for stroke survivors and their families and carers who have long-term community care. joined us in this, North Yorkshire county council is now The National Audit Office was right: there has been back at the negotiating table with the Stroke Association an improvement in the recognition of stroke. It has to discuss the short-term extension of the funding for been helped by the excellent media campaign that has this service. Again, to be fair, I would like to register my been running over the past year. Posters have been put thanks to the officers of the county council for their up in appropriate places, particularly near sports grounds. willingness to reconsider their decision, but my ongoing We know that people may have strokes when they concern remains that the long-term future of the Harrogate become excited. Access to specialist stroke services in stroke service remains in jeopardy. our hospitals and hugely effective physiotherapy services These are difficult times for all councils across the have also made a real difference. All the evidence suggests country but when one considers that the cost of this that if people who have had strokes are taken into most provision is just £35,000 a year, compared with £400,000 general hospitals very quickly, they are likely to receive spent on the county council’s self-serving local authority pretty good attention. newspaper, it is hard to believe that even in these hard Long-term community care, however, remains times, funds cannot be found for something that makes problematic. I want to concentrate on that problem this such a huge difference to the lives of so many people. evening, and to highlight the challenges in my part of Vulnerable stroke survivors, their families and carers the country. In 2008, North Yorkshire county council should not have to launch a large-scale campaign in allocated funding for the Stroke Association’s family order to preserve a basic standard of provision that, on and carer support service in Harrogate and Craven. my understanding, was promised under the national This was the first provision of any kind in North stroke strategy and is being largely funded by the Yorkshire, and the county council should be congratulated Government. Indeed, the Government’s own strategy on its foresight in creating such a service. I have put that published in 2007 stated that: 701 Stroke Services (North Yorkshire)15 MARCH 2010 Stroke Services (North Yorkshire) 702

“People affected by stroke and their carers should have immediate long-term stroke care? That is a fundamental issue too, access to high quality rehabilitation and support from stroke-skilled because if we do not support stroke victims in the services in hospital immediately after transfer from hospital and community and get them reasonably or fully rehabilitated, for as long as they need it.” the costs to the NHS and the nation are extensive—yet It goes on to say that we have no real evidence to support that assertion. “a range of services need to be available locally, to support the It is clear to me that the Government have done some long-term individual needs of people who have had a stroke and very positive work in improving both acute and community their carers. This includes communication, psychological, occupational health and physiotherapy services”. stroke provision throughout the country, and many local authorities have responded positively; some, like That is the Government’s own strategy, so that is North Yorkshire, have responded proactively. However, what should be happening. The strategy does not say the Government have been naive as well, by assuming that these services will be available only after vulnerable that local authorities, such as Conservative-controlled people kick up a fuss and get their MP involved, questions North Yorkshire, will not only recognise this work but are asked of the Prime Minister, and a debate is held in use their overstretched budgets to continue to fund it. the House of Commons. It says that these services They are in a bind—I recognise that—but we should should be available immediately to all who need them not take community stroke services for granted. They for as long as they need them. are absolutely essential for stroke victims and their Sadly, this problem is not confined to Harrogate. In families. fact, the biggest concern I have is that the Harrogate I despair that an incoming Government, desperate to example may be an omen of the state of things to come. slash public spending, will not recognise the importance The national stroke strategy funding is due to come to of these community-based services. I therefore hope an end in a year’s time, at the end of March 2011. What that the Minister will put down a marker tonight that, will happen to these services once the funding dries up? in the event of a Labour Government being returned to The Government do not seem to be actively seeking office after the general election, this matter will continue reassurance from local authorities that they intend to to be a high priority, so that these vulnerable people will continue these services beyond March 2010, despite continue to get the support that they need. the fact that the 2010 National Audit Office report recommended that they do so. In fact, when pressed on this in the recent Public 9.50 pm Accounts Committee hearing on stroke on 24 February, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health the NHS chief executive, Sir David Nicholson, said that (Ann Keen): I congratulate the hon. Member for Harrogate there would be no extension of the ring-fenced funding and Knaresborough (Mr. Willis) on securing this debate. for local authorities, commenting: As always, he shows an acute interest in the welfare of “Our expectation is that the local authorities will continue to his local health service, and I commend the dedication fund it after the period ends”— with which he serves the needs of his constituents. that is, after the period of funding ends. I should also like to pay tribute to my colleague and Frankly, an “expectation” or assumption is not good good friend, Ashok Kumar, the former Member for enough. As the example of Harrogate and Craven shows, Middlesbrough, South and East Cleveland, who passed not all local authorities understand the need for community away today. He was a very good friend to me, and he stroke services, and not all of them will decide to was known for his quiet work in the House. I also want continue to fund these provisions once the additional to pass on my condolences to his family and close funds dry up. The Stroke Association estimates that 50 friends, some of whom I know well. to 60 such services across the country may be under The hon. Member for Harrogate and Knaresborough threat of closure by this time next year unless something referred to his constituent, Jenny Jones, and I hope to is done. make further reference to her during my speech. Time I therefore have four questions for the Minister, and I constraints mean that I cannot answer all his questions would be grateful if she would do her best to answer in full tonight, but I will of course write to him with a them as fully as possible, to provide some peace of mind more detailed response. In December 2007, we launched for the survivors of stroke who rely on these services. the national stroke strategy, which sets out a radical and First, what assurances can the Minister give that stroke challenging agenda across the pathway from awareness support services, developed by local authorities in response and prevention to long-term care in the community for to the Government national stroke strategy, will be what is one of the major health conditions. The strategy sustained beyond 2010-11, and what action do the defines a series of key quality markers for action and Government plan to take to ensure that these services associated progress measures. are sustained? That is fundamental. Stroke is a devastating condition for those who have Secondly, what plans do the Government have to a stroke and for their families and friends. Some monitor and evaluate the use of ring-fenced funds by 110,000 people in England have a stroke every year, and local authorities, to ensure that they have been effectively 900,000 people live with the consequences of stroke. allocated to stroke-specific services, and not diverted For some 28 years, I worked as a nurse, and I was aware elsewhere? Thirdly, will the Government consider extending of the neglect of this serious condition. It involves a the period of the ring-fenced funding for local authorities brain attack, and is a real medical emergency. I am from three to five years, to allow for sufficient development pleased to be part of a team of people who have and continuation of community stroke support services? brought about the awareness of the condition that we Finally, will the Department of Health take action to now have. It is the biggest single cause of adult disability, improve the research-based evidence and guidance on with some 300,000 people being moderately to severely the costs and benefits of clinical and other support for disabled as a result of a stroke. The aim of the strategy 703 Stroke Services (North Yorkshire)15 MARCH 2010 Stroke Services (North Yorkshire) 704

[Ann Keen] As part of the central funding that we have provided to support the early implementation of the stroke strategy, is to modernise care and deliver the most appropriate £45 million has been ring-fenced and given to 152 local treatment for each stroke. Our goal is a real revolution authorities. That funding is to help local authorities to in NHS stroke services. understand the needs of adult stroke survivors and The hon. Gentleman asked whether I had read the their carers and to provide support services for them. It important document produced by the Stroke Association. is particularly essential that we should include carers in I have read it; I have always taken a great interest in the our family of NHS support people. We need to understand association’s work, and in the work of the all-party the need for aftercare—I believe that, in the past, it has stroke group, which also does excellent work. I certainly not been fully understood—so that people can survive want to see the Stroke Association’s proposals brought this medical emergency. It is needed to get the family to the forefront and continued, because I have a personal back into work and to get the survivor back into work. knowledge of the situation from my nursing background Only such aftercare can bring back the quality of life as well as a commitment, through the post I am privileged that only they, as part of that family, and those who to hold, to ensuring that everything possible is done to visited that family would know to be absent. I am sure achieve the necessary awareness and to fulfil the proposals that people such as Jenny Jones are essential to those in the association’s manifesto. families—the hon. Gentleman read out such cases from the responses to his Facebook group. The national stroke strategy has been universally I should emphasise that it is for individual local welcomed and, although it presents a 10-year plan and authorities to decide, based on local needs and the we still have a long way to go, we are making significant priorities of people with stroke, how best to spend the progress. The recent report from the National Audit ring-fenced funding. That devolved authority can be Office, “Progress in improving stroke care”, found that frustrating, at times, for us all. “early indications are that implementation of the strategy is…starting to deliver improved levels of service and improved outcomes”. The funding averages approximately £100,000 a year to each of the 152 local authorities, including North The strategy sets out a clear agenda for modernising Yorkshire. I understand that prior to the allocation of and delivering the best stroke services, and we have that national funding, the Harrogate Stroke Association done much to support its implementation, as the hon. was already in receipt of core funding from both North Gentleman has acknowledged. The stroke improvement Yorkshire county council and the North Yorkshire and programme, which has been created in collaboration York primary care trust to support its drop-in service with NHS Improvement, has helped to establish stroke and support group. The core funding continues to be care networks to implement the strategy and assist in provided to the Craven and Harrogate area and has not delivering improved services for patients and their families. been cut. There are now 28 stroke networks across the country I understand that in 2008, an arrangement for additional that look at service improvement and development one-off moneys was made between the council and the according to local needs. Harrogate Stroke Association that was intended to last Long-term care and support are an essential part of for one year and to fund two co-ordinator posts. In the stroke care pathway. In addition, choice and actuality, it lasted for two years as only one co-ordinator personalisation for people living with long-term conditions could be recruited. A further £12,000 was allocated to was a major theme running through the NHS next stage allow the post to continue for two years. However, there review’s final report. Furthermore, the training of new was an understanding at the time between the council stroke specialist physicians is being funded centrally, and the Stroke Association that the additional money allowing deaneries to expand their stroke work force was for 12 months only and an agreement was signed to appropriately. that effect. It is that contract that is coming to an end, In addition to the allocations made to primary care as planned, by the end of March 2010. It is for local trusts this year, we have also allocated central funding authorities to act to ensure that the local needs and over three years to support the development of stroke priorities they have identified for stroke survivors and services. The hon. Gentleman asked what assurances I their carers continue to be met. could give that stroke support services developed by The council is still in contract with the Stroke Association local authorities will continue beyond 2010-11. As far for it to provide an equitable service across the whole as tonight’s debate is concerned, I can say that the North Yorkshire county. ring-fenced grant was made in recognition of the particular importance of social care for stroke survivors. We have 10 pm always made it clear that the funding for local authorities Motion lapsed (Standing Order No. 9(3)). was for three years to pump-prime services that local Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House authorities would continue to fund in the longer term, do now adjourn.—(Kerry McCarthy.) if they proved cost-effective and beneficial for stroke survivors. Ann Keen: The funding is allocated across the county When local authorities have invested in such services, and I understand that the regional Stroke Association they should be making plans now, in 2010-11—the last does that in partnership with local branches. We have year of the ring-fenced funding—to mainstream them always made it clear that the funding to local authorities so that they are covered by existing resources. The is for three years to pump-prime services that they will ring-fenced funding will have alerted local authorities continue to fund in the longer term. I urge the hon. to the need to cater for stroke survivors in their service Gentleman to continue to raise his concerns with the delivery plans when commissioning, which is key to the council, which I am sure will take great interest in this future commissioning of services for people with disabilities. debate and might read that I urge that to happen. 705 Stroke Services (North Yorkshire)15 MARCH 2010 Stroke Services (North Yorkshire) 706

On the wider provision of stroke services in North We now know about prevention, but even with our Yorkshire, the hon. Gentleman will know that its local commitment—the advertising campaign, the speedy results, authorities are working hard to develop services according the expert clinical care and the imaging of those brain to local needs and priorities. Indeed, that is the case attacks—we know that we also need to look at the throughout the country. Local authorities are the pivotal serious aspects of aftercare. The difficulty of measuring access point to a range of services that can benefit the quality and effectiveness of post-hospital care is people who have had a stroke and who want to live recognised across all long-term conditions. It is an area independently at home. Local authorities are working the Department continues to work on, with health and with their NHS partners locally and with stroke networks social care services. The stroke improvement programme and the voluntary sector to help individuals and carers has been developing a minimum dataset of key performance at an early point to reduce the likelihood of increased indicators for the entire stroke pathway. I hope that will dependence at a later stage. go some way to reassuring the hon. Gentleman. The hon. Gentleman might know that the North Provisional service standards have been agreed that Yorkshire and York primary care trust is working with seek to improve outcomes for all vascular patients. North Yorkshire county council’s scrutiny of health Work is under way to identify the most appropriate committee to raise awareness of stroke and to promote configuration of those services. When implemented they wider understanding of stroke care across the county. I should have a positive impact on outcomes and patient understand that the PCT is also developing plans for experience for stroke and other vascular conditions. early supported discharge and community rehabilitation It is important to acknowledge the good work the services for stroke patients in each locality. voluntary sector is doing to help implementation of the On a regional level, much work is being done to strategy. I pay tribute to the support it has provided for improve services further and to respond to the national stroke survivors over many years. Third-sector organisations, stroke strategy. In the Yorkshire and the Humber strategic including Connect, the Stroke Association, Different health authority’s response to the next stage review, the Strokes and Speakability, provide valuable services to improvement of stroke care is identified as a priority, survivors and their carers. They bring expertise and and the pledge to skills that support improvements in the quality of people’s “save 600 premature deaths every year with better stroke care” lives—their independence, well-being and choices. is key. Clinicians from across Yorkshire and the Humber I know that the hon. Gentleman is much impressed have been involved in establishing and agreeing a stroke with the stroke support services available across North assurance framework that describes the stroke care Yorkshire that the council and the Stroke Association standards, both core and developmental, that the SHA have worked together to provide. I, too, commend those expects all primary care trusts to provide. Each PCT efforts. Much is also being done in the NHS locally to has submitted to the SHA a plan for working with local respond to the challenges set by the national stroke providers to meet the standards. Those plans are being strategy, and I hope he will join me in commending the assured by the SHA with expert advice from the stroke NHS in North Yorkshire for striving to provide a first-class networks. stroke patient service. In addition, a review of vascular services across the I hope that the despair the hon. Gentleman referred region is currently being conducted by the Yorkshire to will not arise. I hope a Labour Government are and the Humber specialised commissioning group. re-elected so that we can continue our good work. I also Provisional service standards to improve outcomes for hope to see the council and the local NHS continue to all vascular patients have been agreed, and work is work together to ensure that patients are supported, not under way to identify the most appropriate configuration just at a critical time in their illness but to help them of services needed to meet those standards. It is expected achieve a comfortable and independent life for as long that that work will be completed by late summer 2010. as possible. The hon. Gentleman has raised some important points I wish the hon. Gentleman well in his retirement. I tonight—some, but not all, of which I have been able to hope he stays in very good health and continues to work address. His point about research-based evidence is one as hard as he has done as a Member of the House. I put of the most critical issues that he has raised. He talked on the record again my thanks to Jenny Jones and her about the cost-benefits of providing proper stroke support, team for their valuable work. and I agree wholeheartedly with him. To do anything Question put and agreed to. else would be a false economy, and would have an impact on the livelihoods and lives of those affected 10.7 pm and their families. House adjourned.

37WS Written Ministerial Statements15 MARCH 2010 Written Ministerial Statements 38WS

Deliver our pupil and parent guarantees including one-to-one Written Ministerial tuition for all children in primary school and year 7 who fall behind; Ensure there is strong discipline and good behaviour in every Statements school; Meet our September guarantee to all school leavers of a place Monday 15 March 2010 in college or training; Maintain our additional teachers and support staff; And in addition, take forward our Building Schools for the Future pledge to rebuild or refurbish all secondary schools. We CHILDREN, SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES have announced a further tranche of BSF projects: £418.3 million will be invested across Buckinghamshire, Cornwall, Gateshead, Schools 2010-13 Lincolnshire, Oxfordshire and Sutton. By 2013, the Chancellor said also that I will need to find £500 million in savings from my non-protected The Secretary of State for Children, Schools and spending, which, leaving aside the teachers’ pension Families (Ed Balls): Over the past 12 years, our education scheme, accounts for 8 per cent. of the DCSF’s £63 billion system has been rebuilt on foundations of inspirational resource budget. teaching, great school leadership and sustained record This is equivalent to a 7 per cent. cut and requires investment. tough choices. I have so far identified savings of over We have now almost 3,500 Sure Start children’s centres £300 million, including: £135 million from our NDPBs compared to none in 1997, nearly 4,000 schools have with significant reductions in funding for BECTA and been rebuilt or refurbished, per pupil funding has more the TDA; £100 million by ending start-up funding for than doubled and over 42,000 more teachers and 212,000 extended services now that 95 per cent. of schools more support staff have been recruited. already offer access to them; £50 million by scaling As a result, outcomes for children and young people back bursaries for initial teacher training now that we have improved dramatically, we have many more have a steady flow of new teachers; and £5 million in outstanding schools and many fewer underperforming savings from communications budgets including by moving schools and our education system has gone from below Teachers’ TV online. At the same time the Department average in the world to well above average. But our will save a further £8 million per year from the costs of ambition is to have a world-class schools system in its back office functions, by sharing services with other which there is excellence not just for some but for all, Government Departments. and where every pupil gets the support they need to We still have further work to identify savings without overcome the additional barriers they face. cutting into programmes such as short breaks for disabled We set out the next stage of our reforms to achieve children, music, sport or support for looked-after children this ambition in our White Paper “Your child, your because I am determined to do whatever it takes to schools, our future: building a 21st century schools protect the front line. system”. But we also know that we will have to do so in Real-terms increases in schools funding of 0.7 per tougher times. cent., or 2.7 per cent. cash at current levels of inflation, In the pre-Budget report, the Chancellor of the mean we can resource increasing pupil numbers—a Exchequer said that he will protect front-line spending projected further 80,000 pupils—and still increase per on the police, the health service and in our schools. pupil funding by 2.1 per cent. in cash. This means we In the case of schools, we also know that we will have can resource our priorities: to make tough choices and identify savings across the Ensure one-to-one tuition can be maintained in KS2 and year Department of Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) 7 and expanded to KS1, delivering our “3Rs” guarantee; budget. Maintain the subsidy for extended services, supporting a richer Today I am setting out details of the savings that I and broader school experience for all pupils but particularly have identified so far; providing more information about those from more deprived backgrounds; the real-terms rises in school funding to help schools Resource new or improved areas of provision, such as ensuring and local authorities plan for the next three years in parents are able to secure a school place from the September advance of further details in the autumn; and launching following their child’s 4th birthday, as recommended by Sir Jim a further consultation following our review of the dedicated Rose; and schools grant. Ensure continued protection of core front-line provision for The pre-Budget report confirmed that from 2011-13 children in schools and thus delivery of our pupil and parent guarantees. funding for Sure Start will continue to rise in line with inflation; funding for 16-19 learning will rise by 0.9 per For the same period, we expect average cost pressures cent. year on year with an extra £202 million this year to of 1.6 per cent. cash per pupil. This means that schools meet our September guarantee; and funding for schools on average will be able to meet their cost pressures from will increase by 0.7 per cent. in real terms, which at within their overall increase. current inflation levels will mean a cash increase of The actual level of increase in funding for each 2.7 per cent. This comes on top of real-terms increases individual school will vary. It will depend on each of 2.4 per cent., or cash increases per pupil of 4.3 per school’s own particular needs; local decisions about cent., in 2010-11. how best to meet needs; and the conclusion of the This means that 75 per cent. of the DCSF Budget has consultation I am beginning today on the distribution been protected and we can: of the dedicated schools grant. 39WS Written Ministerial Statements15 MARCH 2010 Written Ministerial Statements 40WS

However, as in the past, we will protect schools by It should be possible for schools, across the piece, to setting a minimum funding guarantee (MFG): a guaranteed save in excess of this. We believe schools could go per pupil increase in their like-for-like budget. We will, further and potentially make efficiency savings of up to as usual, set the exact level of the MFG in the autumn, £950 million, providing up to £300 million extra savings but it will certainly guarantee all schools increasing per which could be recycled by schools to spend themselves pupil budgets in cash terms. Of course, the majority of on their priorities to support every child. schools will receive higher funding increases than the We published a discussion document on efficiencies— MFG—as is the case with three quarters of schools this “Securing our future: using our resources well”— in year. November last year setting out the areas where we Every school faces different challenges and some believed schools would most be able to achieve efficiency schools face greater challenges than others. savings. We know that results have been rising fastest of all in I know that school leaders around the country have schools in the areas with the greatest deprivation and recognised the progress that needs to be made and are the gap has been narrowing. But we have much more to responding vigorously to the challenge of identifying do and we are determined to tighten the link between efficiency savings in order to switch resources to the deprivation and school budgets so that schools with the front line. Around 1,800 schools have already taken up greatest proportion of pupils from disadvantaged the offer of free financial consultancy support that we backgrounds get the additional resources they need. have made available to all maintained schools and we We have been reviewing the dedicated schools grant expect many more schools to attend one of the conferences to ensure that funding is distributed fairly, transparently that we have arranged with the National College, the and responds to the needs of children and young people, LGA and other organisations. and today have published the “Consultation on the We also announced last week that we will fund 1,000 future distribution of school funding”. more primary school bursars. Currently, around £3 billion is allocated to local There is no doubt that this is a tougher settlement authorities as additional deprivation funding through than in the past and tough choices have to be made by the dedicated schools grant, rising to nearly £4 billion schools, by local authorities and by Government. I have including other grants. chosen to protect front-line budgets, pass on real-terms In the past, local authorities have not always passed increases to schools, make tough choices to find savings on all of this funding to schools on the basis of deprivation in the DCSF unprotected budget and support schools and we have already made it clear to local authorities to make efficiencies. I have also chosen not to create that we expect them to do so in the future. excess places that would deprive existing schools of funds they need and not to introduce a national pupil But to ensure that all schools who take on pupils premium that would require severe and immediate cuts from disadvantaged backgrounds get the additional to school budgets. I believe those are the right choices resources they need and still have the flexibility to for our schools and for the future of our country. decide how they use deprivation funding, it is also our intention to require local authorities to use a local pupil I have placed copies of both “Investing for the future: premium to distribute deprivation funding, based on school funding 2010-13” and “Consultation on the their own local decisions of how best to measure deprivation future distribution of school funding” in the House and to increase it gradually before 100 per cent. of Libraries. deprivation funding is passed on appropriately by 2014-15. During our review, we received some representations that a nationally-set pupil premium should be implemented. DEFENCE However, a nationally-set pupil premium would not take account of local need, would prescribe a single amount of funding to overcome deprivation across the Borona Programme whole country and would, according to the Institute of Fiscal Studies, require severe and immediate cuts to school budgets or other public services to pay for it. So The Minister for the Armed Forces (Bill Rammell): On it is also our intention that the definition and therefore 12 September 2007 my predecessor announced (Official the level of the pupil premium is agreed locally, so that Report, columns 122-124WS) a programme of moves it can properly reflect local need, circumstances and that would see three major military formations currently challenges. based in Germany relocated to existing defence sites in It is however vital that all schools make savings to the UK, together with other unit moves within Germany enable schools collectively to meet all cost pressures, that would lead to the eventual closure of Rhine Garrison ensure investment in our key priority areas, allow progress and Münster Station with a consequential release of to be made on delivering a fairer funding system without significant financial savings to the defence budget. The creating damaging instability for schools funded at the first formation to move as part of this programme is the MFG, and use their resources to best effect to maximise HQ Allied Rapid Reaction Corps which will take place investment in improving outcomes for their pupils. So this summer to refurbished accommodation at Innsworth alongside a real-terms rise in school funding of 0.7 per in Gloucestershire as announced on 15 May 2008 (Official cent., (a cash increase of 2.7 per cent.), we have also set Report, column 49WS). schools challenging but achievable efficiency targets of Today, I am announcing that I have given approval 0.9 per cent. or £650 million across the school system as for the next phase of the programme which will enable a whole which will enable them to meet cost pressures the rebasing of units within Germany. This approval and continue to deliver improved outcomes for pupils. commences the implementation of 26 minor build projects 41WS Written Ministerial Statements15 MARCH 2010 Written Ministerial Statements 42WS within Gütersloh Garrison that will allow those units JUSTICE that remain in Germany in support of 1 (UK) Armoured Division to vacate Rhine Garrison. As a separate but related part of this work we will also develop and Court Fees (Care and Supervision Proceedings) rationalise the provision of service and infrastructure support currently provided in Germany by HQ United Kingdom Support Command, the army’s administrative The Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor headquarters. Taken together these initiatives will allow (Mr. Jack Straw): I have published today Francis Plowden’s the Department to close large parts of Rhine Garrison independent review of court fees in care and supervision in 2014, with full closure achieved when 1 Signal Brigade proceedings. In May 2009, in response to a recommendation (7 and 16 Signal Regiments) moves back to the UK made by Lord Laming in “The Protection of Children from its barracks in Elmpt. in England: a Progress Report”, I asked Mr. Plowden to The final two elements of the programme see 1 Signal undertake a review to determine whether or not there Brigade move to Stafford and 102 Logistic Brigade was incontrovertible evidence that fees were a deterrent move from Gütersloh to Cosford. While these locations to a local authority when they decided whether or not remain the planned sites for these formations it has to commence care proceedings. As part of the review, been necessary to delay their moves by two years beyond Mr. Plowden considered how budgets were allocated previously announced timelines in order to accommodate and managed within any local authority area, including other defence resource priorities. The revised plan will how, and by whom, decisions regarding issuing care see now 1 Signal Brigade move in 2015 and 102 Logistic proceedings were made. Francis Plowden has presented Brigade move in 2018. me with a comprehensive and considered report and I We will continue to work with all interested parties in am grateful to him for his work. He believes that, at the the UK, including the local county and borough councils, margins, resource issues, including fees, can play a part health and education providers and the trade unions. In in determining when care proceedings are initiated, but Germany we will continue to engage with the relevant concludes that it is unlikely that children have been authorities and employee representatives at national, knowingly left at unavoidable risk by local authorities. regional and local levels. The German Government, as He therefore recommends that these fees should be host nation, have been notified of these decisions. abolished. As stated in all of our previous announcements, the The fees for care and supervision proceedings by moves that we are planning do not signal a change in local authorities were increased in May 2008 from either our commitment to the NATO Alliance or in our £150 to up to £4,825. To facilitate this, approximately overall defence policy, nor do they devalue the continued £40 million was transferred from my Department’s budget close bilateral defence relationship between the UK and to the Department for Communities and Local Germany. Although we may make further modest Government, and to the Welsh Assembly Government, adjustments to our force levels in Germany, our plan, for onward apportionment to local authorities in England with the continued agreement of the German Government, and Wales so that the fee increase would be cost neutral remains to base UK forces in Germany for the foreseeable for local authorities. future in the form of HQ 1 (UK) Armoured Division Francis Plowden commented that there was a sharp and the majority of its formations and supporting fall in the number of applications during spring and units, some 15,000 service personnel. autumn 2008, which caused speculation that the increased fees might have been the cause. However, he believes that the introduction of the public law outline in April 2008 is more likely to have been responsible for the ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE temporary reduction in application volumes as local authorities familiarised themselves with the new court procedures and carried out the work required. In any event, application levels have since risen and the latest National Policy Statements data shows that this has been sustained with no indications of a return to pre-November 2008 average volumes. At the outset of the current comprehensive spending The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy review period, the Government responded to requests and Climate Change (Mr. David Kidney): My noble from local authorities by making an unequivocal Friend the Minister of State for Energy and Climate commitment to ensuring that local authorities had a Change today made the following statement: stable financial settlement for the duration of that period The issue has been raised of whether, if an election should fall and that there would be no amendments made to their before the due Parliamentary process envisaged by the Planning settlement other than in exceptional circumstances. Lord Act can be completed, Parliament’s scrutiny of the six energy Laming acknowledged this in his report, commenting national policy statements and the ports national policy statement would be curtailed. We have no desire to short-circuit the process that in the event that an independent review recommended that has been laid down. It is a crucial part of the validation of abolition of these fees, the appropriate transfers would the national policy statements. If the Energy and Climate Change need to be made back to my Department to enable Select Committee recommends a debate in the House of Commons, implementation of such a recommendation. or any noble Lord tables a resolution on one or more of the In such circumstances, and following further national policy statements, and the debate cannot be held before the election, we intend to facilitate an early debate or debates as consideration of Francis Plowden’s report with particular appropriate once the new Parliament resumes. It is not the intention regard to the safety of children, I have agreed that of the relevant Secretaries of State to proceed with the designation the circumstances surrounding the recommendation process until such debate or debates have taken place. to abolish court fees are not of sufficient exception to 43WS Written Ministerial Statements15 MARCH 2010 Written Ministerial Statements 44WS justify breaking the Government’s commitment to giving PRIME MINISTER local authorities financial stability. I have also considered the fact that funding to cover the cost of the fees has Assistant Surveillance Commissioners been transferred to local authorities up to and including March 2011. I therefore intend to abolish court fees for care and The Prime Minister (Mr. Gordon Brown): In accordance supervision cases with effect from the next spending with Section 63 of the Regulation of Investigatory review period beginning April 2011. Appropriate Powers Act 2000, I have agreed to re-appoint as Assistant adjustments to local authorities’ funding will be made Surveillance Commissioners his honour Lord Colville at that stage. of Culross QC and his honour Dr. Colin Kolbert from The safety and welfare of children is, and always 1 May 2010 to 30 April 2013, and his honour Norman must be, our priority. My decision today means that Jones QC from 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2013. local authorities can now be certain that they have the £40 million funding for the next financial year to pay for the court proceedings necessary to keep children WOMEN AND EQUALITY from harm. Stern Review (Interim Government Response) I have placed copies of Francis Plowden’s report in the Libraries of both Houses, the Vote Office and the Printed Paper Office. The Solicitor-General (Vera Baird): Following discussion with the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Her Majesty’s Courts Service (Key Performance Department, my hon. Friend the Member for Tynemouth Indicators) (Mr. Campbell) the Minister with responsibility for crime reduction, I am pleased to make the following statement to the House. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice In September last year, the Minister for Women and (Bridget Prentice): The following list of key performance Equality and the Home Secretary jointly wrote to the indicators has been set for Her Majesty’s Courts Service Chair of the Home Affairs Select Committee, updating for 2010 to 2011: him on progress in relation to the Government’s consultation on violence against women and girls, and to inform him 1. To commence at least 78 per cent. of cases within the following time scales in the Crown Court: of our intention jointly to commission a review of the handling of rape complaints. cases that are sent for trial within 26 weeks of sending; This review was commissioned within the context of cases that are committed for trial within 16 weeks of committal; the cross-Government strategy “Together We Can End appeals within 14 weeks of the appeal being lodged; Violence Against Women and Girls”, which was published cases that are committed for sentence within 10 weeks of on 25 November 2009. Copies are available in the committal. Libraries of both Houses. The consultation for the 2. To speed up criminal cases in the magistrates’ courts so that, for strategy had found that women lack confidence in charged cases, the average time from charge to disposal is less the criminal justice system (CJS), and that this was than six weeks. particularly in evidence in relation to rape. 3. Time taken to produce and send court results to the police: There have been improvements in how the CJS responds 95 per cent. of court registers produced and despatched within to complaints of rape, evidenced by the increase in three working days; victims reporting rape and more cases taken to court 100 per cent. of court registers produced and despatched resulting in more convictions than before. In addition, within six working days. this Government have implemented a series of legislative 4. To achieve an 85 per cent. payment rate for financial penalties and policy improvements to the way in which rape in the magistrates’ courts. complaints are handled, and to ensure that there is a 5. For 60 per cent. of all breached community penalties to be greater focus on victims’ needs. And as part of the resolved within 25 working days of the relevant failure to comply. cross-Government VAWG strategy, we made a commitment 6. To increase the proportion of defended small claims that are to exploring the feasibility of setting up and/or extending completed otherwise than by court hearing to 65 per cent. scrutiny panels, similar to those currently operated by 7. To increase the proportion of defended small claims that are the CPS in relation to hate crime and domestic violence. completed (from receipt to final hearing) within 30 weeks to at least 70 per cent. However, high-profile cases in the Metropolitan Police Service had exposed how reluctant many rape victims 8. Percentage of care and supervision cases that achieve a final outcome for the child within 30, 50 and 80 weeks: were to report their experiences to the police, and that further improvements could be made in the handling of At least 26 per cent. dealt with within 30 weeks; those complaints where victims did disclose. In response At least 66 per cent. dealt with within 50 weeks; to these cases, a series of measures to improve the At least 92 per cent. dealt with within 80 weeks. investigation and prosecution of rape to ensure victims 9. To maintain the ‘very satisfied’ element of the HMCS court received a consistent, high-quality service were announced user satisfaction survey at or above the 2007-08 baseline of 41 per by the Home Office in April 2009, including an inspection cent. of police forces later this year by Her Majesty’s inspectorate More information on these and other key supporting of constabulary. In addition, and as part of the work targets are published in the “HM Courts Service Business for the cross-Government violence against women and Plan for 2010-11”. Copies of the business plan for girls strategy, the Home Secretary asked Sara Payne to 2010-11 have been placed in the Libraries of both make recommendations on how the criminal justice Houses. system’s response to rape victims could be improved. 45WS Written Ministerial Statements15 MARCH 2010 Written Ministerial Statements 46WS

The report of Sara Payne’s review was published alongside Support and advocacy; “Together We Can End Violence Against Women and Prevention and support for particularly vulnerable groups; Girls”. Dealing with misunderstandings about compensation. However, we took the view that a closer look at the Copies of Baroness Stern’s report have been placed in barriers preventing full implementation of current policy the Libraries of both Houses and are available at was required so we could consider further what more www.equalities.gov.uk. Copies of the interim response could be done to ensure the effective handling of rape have been placed in the Library and are available at by authorities and to deliver a better service to rape www.equalities.gov.uk. The Government will make a victims. On 22 September 2009, we announced that the further report to Parliament later this year, with an noble Baroness, Baroness Stern had agreed to carry out action plan detailing our full response to the Stern an independent review into the handling of rape complaints, review. reporting jointly to the Government Equalities Office and the Home Office. Today (15 March 2010), Baroness Stern publishes the findings of her review and recommendations for change. The Government are grateful to Baroness Stern for WORK AND PENSIONS conducting this probing review and to the many organisations and individuals who contributed their views. The Government welcome her report and insightful analysis, identifying where further work or reforms are Social Fund Reform needed and setting out the case for embedding lasting change. Baroness Stern’s review of services shows that strong The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Yvette progress has been made. Rapists now face more than a Cooper): Today I am publishing the Government’s one in two chance of being convicted, and the measures consultation document (Green Paper) on social fund which have been put in place to improve the response to reform. This consultation sets out the package of reforms rape complaints are having an impact, with much good designed to create a scheme which: practice evident across the country. However there is is simpler for customers to understand and use and simpler for much more to be done, both to support victims and to our staff to deliver to ensure better value for money; help them have the confidence to pursue complaints, plays a more active and sustainable role in helping people and to improve intelligence-led policing. We will be resolve their longer-term financial needs and supports them to considering Baroness Stern’s recommendations carefully become more financially independent as well as dealing with on all these points. short-term crises; In the Government’s interim response to the Stern is set within the wider context of financial inclusion and education, and is aligned with the range of products and review, published today, we accept the direction set out services that the Government deliver for people with complex in Baroness Stern’s report and agree that existing good and enduring needs. practice needs to be spread throughout England and It aims to align the social fund with the Government Wales to ensure that people have the correct advice agenda of financial inclusion and capability, in order to and treatment, regardless of where they live. Her report help support the most vulnerable in society towards poses a number of challenges, as well as 23 greater financial independence. It also presents our recommendations, which we need to consider before objectives to ensure that the system is fair, affordable responding more fully later this year. In doing so, the and sustainable for the future. We believe that these Government will focus on eight key areas: proposals will make a very substantial difference to the Tackling misconceptions about rape; financial environment experienced by many people. Forensic examinations; Copies of the document entitled: “Social Fund reform: Joining up services; debt, credit and low income households” are available Confidence in the response to rape; in the Vote Office and will be made available later today Special measures; on the DWP website.

11P Petitions15 MARCH 2010 Petitions 12P

under s41 of the Highways Act 1980, to maintain the Petition highways in its charge; and this includes a specific requirement to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, Monday 15 March 2010 that safe passage along a highway is not endangered by snow or ice. OBSERVATIONS The Department for Transport encourages local highways TRANSPORT authorities to adopt the good practice set out in the UK Extra gritting (NHS Savings) Roads Liaison Group’s code of practice for highways maintenance management, Well-maintained Highways The Petition of People of Croydon, (available from: www.ukroadsliaisongroup.org). This Declares that there are huge increases in visits to A & includes a section on winter service, which has been E at Mayday after falls on treacherous ice on Croydon’s recently updated to take account of the review which roads and pavements and that it would be worthwhile the UKRLG undertook in response to the severe weather investing in extra gritting such that less public money is of February 2009. The Code of Practice urges local spent caring for the injured or lost from reduced income highway authorities to produce, and formally approve tax and national insurance payments from those kept and adopt, policies and priorities for winter service. off work through injury. These should be coherent with wider objectives for The Petitioners therefore request that the House of transport, integration, accessibility and network Commons urges the Government to take steps to encourage management, including strategies for public transport, the NHS and local Councils to work together to identify walking and cycling, as well as the wider strategic funds for extra gritting of pavements and roads so as to objectives of the authority. reduce costly and painful accidents. The Government welcome the initiative between Durham And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by County Council and the NHS County Durham Primary Mr. Andrew Pelling, Official Report, 1 March 2010; Care Trust for the provision of £1 million over two Vol. 506, c. 772 .] years to provide additional winter maintenance budgetary [P000744] provision. The PCT funding stream is being made available Observations from the Secretary of State for Transport: in both 2009-10 and 2010-11 to cover the revenue and Provision of a winter service on the roads in Croydon capital costs of additional routes; and has been allocated is a matter for the London Borough of Croydon, within to the provision of additional trailer gritters, footway the Mayor’s overall transport strategy. It has a duty, snow clearance plant and additional salt boxes.

579W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 580W Written Answers to Reading Berkshire Mr. Rob Wilson: To ask the Prime Minister (1) when Questions he informed the hon. Member for Reading West of his visit to Reading on 1 March 2010; [321540] (2) when he informed Reading borough council of Monday 15 March 2010 his visit to Reading on 1 March 2010; [321541] (3) when he informed Thames Valley police of his visit to Reading on 1 March 2010. [321542] PRIME MINISTER Departmental Internet The Prime Minister: For security reasons, my engagements are announced as and when appropriate. Mr. Heald: To ask the Prime Minister pursuant to the answer of 1 March 2010, Official Report, column 862W, on departmental internet, what the cost was of ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS the website redesign. [321925] The Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member to the Agriculture answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office on 9 February 2010, Official Report, Mr. Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for column 888W. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether he has made a recent assessment of the level of the administrative East of England burden on the agriculture industry. [322311]

Andrew Selous: To ask the Prime Minister which Huw Irranca-Davies: In DEFRA’s recent Simplification constituencies he has visited in the East of England in Plan ‘Simplifying the Business Environment: Driving 2009; and what the date was of each such visit. Burdens Down’, published in December 2009, DEFRA [322383] reported that it was on target to achieve a 20 per cent. The Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member to my reduction in administrative burdens by May 2010. The written ministerial statement of 16 July 2009, Official report details measures that affect the agriculture industry. Report, column 76WS. A list of my UK visits for Between the simplification measures already implemented 2009-10 will be published in the usual way. and other activities currently in progress, we anticipate DEFRA will meet and may even exceed the 25 per cent. Envoys and Special Representatives target by May 2010.

Mr. Maude: To ask the Prime Minister which (a) Mr. Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for envoys and (b) special representatives personally Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps his appointed by him have (i) resigned and (ii) been Department is taking to encourage retailers to purchase dismissed. [320719] domestically-produced agricultural products. [322312]

The Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member to the Huw Irranca-Davies: The purchasing decisions of Press Notices issued by my office, which can be found retailers are a commercial matter for them, and EU at: state aid guidelines on advertising specifically preclude http://www.number10.gov.uk/news/press-notices publicly subsidised “Buy British” campaigns. A current list of Government appointed tsars, envoys, However, we recognise the importance of providing champions and ambassadors has been published on consumers with information on a food’s production and page Ev 41 of the Public Administration Select Committee’s its provenance to enable them to make informed choices Eighth Report of Session 2009-10: Goats and Tsars: about the food they buy. That is why we have been Ministerial and other appointments from outside encouraging retailers to comply with the Food Standard Parliament. Copies are available in the Libraries of the Agency’s best practice guide on origin labelling, and House. recent evidence from the agency has shown that compliance has increased in recent years. More specifically, the Pig Intelligence Services Meat Supply Chain Task Force which we established bringing together producers, processors, retailers, the Mr. Davey: To ask the Prime Minister if he will food service industry, and a consumer representative publish the (a) current and (b) former guidelines issued has developed a voluntary industry code on the labelling by his Department to officers of those intelligence of pork and pork products. This code, which was launched services which fall within his responsibilities on interviewing at the National Farmers Union conference last month, prisoners abroad and on co-operating with interviews covers origin labelling, the use of breed names on labels conducted by other countries; and if he will make a and product definitions. Support from both the retail statement. [321501] and food service sector has been strong. The Prime Minister: The consolidated guidance to Retailers are putting in place policies aimed at sourcing intelligence officers and service personnel on standards more domestically-produced food and drink products. during the detention and interviewing of detainees overseas This in turn provides opportunities for UK farmers to will be published shortly. We will not be publishing capture a greater market share by becoming more previous documents. competitive. 581W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 582W

We also appreciate the need to improve our food and The Ministry of Justice advise that court proceedings drink producers’ access to market in order to meet the data for 2009 are planned for publication in the autumn growing demand for more food with a regional provenance. of 2010. We have done this by providing funding for a range of measures including “meet the buyer” events with retailers Departmental Information Officers and the encouragement of food hubs and shared distribution facilities. Mr. Maude: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the Biodiversity answer to the hon. Member for Ruislip Northwood of 9 February 2010, Official Report, columns 924-25W, on Mr. Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for departmental information officers, what the (a) title Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment and (b) division is of each of the seven embedded he has made of the UK’s progress towards reaching the communicators working within the business; and on EU target to halt biodiversity loss by 2010; and if he what date each of these positions was first established. will make a statement. [321448] [320912]

Huw Irranca-Davies: The European Commission and Dan Norris: The information requested is as follows: member states are currently compiling data to allow an assessment of progress against the targets in the EU Title Work area Date established Biodiversity Action Plan. We measure our progress Stakeholder Food Chain Summer 2009 towards the EU’s 2010 target to halt biodiversity loss Engagement Programme through the UK Biodiversity Indicators. Progress was Communications reported in the National Statistics publication ‘Biodiversity Communications Public Value Autumn 2009 Indicators in Your Pocket 2007’, which was updated manager Programme most recently in April 2009. Statistics for wild birds Communications Performance Spring 2009 were updated in October 2009 and those for Sites of manager Programme Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) are updated monthly. Communication UK location Early 2008 manager Programme Overall, 23 (72 per cent.) of the 32 measures that Communications Customer and Summer 2009 comprise the UK Biodiversity Indicators are “improving” adviser Citizen insight team or show “little or no overall change” since the year Communication Chief Information Spring 2008 2000. In particular, almost 91.2 per cent. of SSSIs are in manager Officer’s team favourable or recovering condition, agri-environment Segmentation and Sustainable Early 2007 schemes are leading to significant improvements, and Consumer Insight Behaviours Unit we have made great strides with the Marine and Coastal Access Act. Departmental Public Relations

Common Agricultural Policy Mr. Syms: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the cost of contracts with Mr. Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for public relations consultancies was for each non- Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether he plans departmental public body within his Department’s remit to discuss with the devolved administrations his in each of the last five years. [320489] Department’s policy on the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy after 2013. [322310] Dan Norris: This information is not held centrally and there is no specific procurement category or account Huw Irranca-Davies: DEFRA have ongoing discussions for expenditure with public relations consultancies. To with the devolved Administrations on a wide range of obtain the information for each of the last five years agricultural issues of shared interest, including the UK’s from each non-departmental public body would incur ambitions for the future of the common agriculture disproportionate cost. policy after 2013. Greater Manchester Dangerous Dogs Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Paul Holmes: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will set out, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many with statistical information related as directly as people resident in each local authority area were (a) possible to Manchester, Gorton constituency, the prosecuted and (b) convicted for offences under the effects on that constituency of the policies of his Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (i) between the date of entry Department and its predecessors since 1997. [322140] into force of the Act and 1997 and (ii) in 2009. [321963] Dan Norris: Due to the broad nature of the question Huw Irranca-Davies: The number of defendants and the wide range of DEFRA and its predecessor’s proceeded against at magistrates courts and found guilty policies implemented in Gorton, it is not possible to at all courts for offences under the Dangerous Dogs Act provide a detailed answer in the form requested. 1991, England and Wales 1991 to 1997 and 2008 (latest Gorton is obliged through statute to comply with available) has been placed in the House Library. central Government legislation. DEFRA’s policy Court Proceedings data are not available at local responsibilities are summarised in its departmental strategic authority area level. objectives (DSOs) that have been agreed with the Treasury: 583W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 584W

To promote a society that is adapting to the effects of climate Wildlife: Birds change, through a national programme of action and a contribution to international action. Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for To promote a healthy, resilient, productive and diverse natural Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether his environment. Department consulted with (a) the RSPB, (b) the To promote sustainable, low carbon and resource efficient Hawk and Owl Trust and (c) other animal welfare patterns of consumption and production. groups on its assessment of the European Eagle Owl as To promote an economy and a society that are resilient to an invasive non-native species which should not be environmental risk. introduced into the wild. [321914] To champion sustainable development. To promote a thriving farming and food sector with an improving Huw Irranca-Davies: Between November 2007 and net environmental impact. January 2008, DEFRA and the Welsh Assembly To encourage a sustainable, secure and healthy food supply. Government held a public consultation on proposals to To provide socially and economically sustainable rural communities. review schedule 9 to the Wildlife and Countryside Act To be a respected Department delivering efficient and high 1981 (‘the Act’), and to ban the sale of certain non-native quality services and outcomes. species, in England in Wales. Schedule 9 lists species which, under section 14 of the Act, are prohibited from DEFRA publishes annual departmental reports which being introduced into the wild. set out progress against its public service agreement targets and DSOs. The 2009 report is available at: The European eagle owl was included amongst the species being consulted upon, and on 21 December www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/about/how/deprep/2009- report.htm 2009 the Government announced that it would be added to schedule 9 in April this year. Past reports are available online in the National Archives. This was a general public consultation and organisations For information on a specific DEFRA policy in directly contacted about it included the RSPB and the Gorton, the Government office for the North West is Hawk and Owl Trust as well as a number other able to provide information on implementation and the organisations concerned with animal welfare and benefits to the area. conservation. The full list of consultees is available on the DEFRA website. As part of the process for collating evidence to support Textiles: Waste Disposal policy decisions on management of invasive species, full risk assessments are being developed for a number of Mr. Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, species. When risk assessments (including that for the Food and Rural Affairs how many tonnes of (a) carpet eagle owl) are published for expert comment, the GB and (b) mattresses were sent to landfill in each of the Non-native Species Secretariat notifies all the stakeholders last five years; and what proportion of annual landfill on its database who have shown an interest in invasive each such figure represents. [322023] non-native species policy. This includes the RSPB and a wide range of other organisations; however the Hawk Dan Norris [holding answer 12 March 2010]: DEFRA and Owl Trust is not recorded among the organisations does not hold this information. The Environment Agency in the database. publishes data on wastes to landfill from permitted site returns, recorded by the European Waste Code (EWC). The EWC classification does not allow the identification NORTHERN IRELAND of individual product categories, such as those requested. Departmental Buildings

Mr. Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State Wetlands: Conservation for Northern Ireland how much his Department spent on office refurbishments in each of the last 10 years. [320469] Mr. Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for what reasons Mr. Woodward: The amount spent on office Natural England has declined to consider evidence on refurbishment is not separately costed or invoiced and damage to the Lymington Marshes RAMSAR site could be answered only at disproportionate cost. presented by the Lymington River Association; and if Expenditure on all maintenance and minor works for he will make a statement. [322345] each financial year since 1999-2000 is shown in the following table. These figures include the cost of Huw Irranca-Davies: Natural England has not declined refurbishments, fit out of new accommodation, reactive to consider evidence presented by the Lymington River and planned maintenance, health and safety works, Association on damage to the Lymington Marshes repairs to mechanical and electrical systems, and associated Ramsar site. professional fees. This evidence was presented as part of the Wightlink/ Natural England stakeholder engagement exercise which £000 finished on 5 February. Natural England is currently 1999-2000 1,085 reviewing the points made by all those who responded, 2000-01 1,465 and will respond to the Lymington River Association in 2001-02 2,211 the next few weeks to enable discussion at a meeting 2002-03 2,131 which has already been agreed. 585W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 586W

DEFENCE £000 2003-04 2,057 Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations 2004-05 2,727 2005-06 2,234 2006-07 2,600 Mr. Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 5 March 2010, Official 2007-08 1,792 Report, column 1489W, on the Afghan Campaign 2008-09 2,760 Medal, whether he has agreed to the proposed change to the criteria for Aero-Medical personnel Afghan campaign medals; and whether the service chiefs have Departmental Disciplinary Proceedings approved the proposed change. [321623]

Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr. Kevan Jones: The Ministry of Defence is aware of Northern Ireland how many (a) disciplinary and (b) the situation regarding Aero-Medical personnel and capability procedures have been (i) initiated and (ii) their eligibility to receive the Afghanistan Campaign completed in his Department in each of the last five Medal. The eligibility of this group and others is currently years; how much time on average was taken to under active consideration. We hope to reach a conclusion complete each type of procedure in each such year; shortly. how many and what proportion of his Department’s staff were subject to each type of procedure in each Aircraft Carriers such year; and how many and what proportion of each type of procedure resulted in the dismissal of the member of staff. [320626] Dr. Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to his speech in Portsmouth on 25 February 2010, what recommendations of a future Paul Goggins: Details for 2009 and 2010 are shown in defence review could lead to the cancellation of the the following table. future aircraft carrier programme. [321413] A breakdown of the information required for the years 2005 to 2008 is not held centrally. We are unable Mr. Bob Ainsworth [holding answer 11 March 2010]: to specify the time taken to complete each type of I cannot foresee an outcome of the Strategic Defence procedure as this is not recorded. Review that could lead to the cancellation of the future carrier programme. Number 2009 2010 Armed Forces: Deployment Disciplinary 67 21 Capability 4 5 Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Initiated 71 26 Defence what assessment he has made of whether the Completed 69 21 armed forces are able to undertake a military operation Dismissal 2 0 on the scale and complexity of that undertaken for the Falklands War. [321374]

Departmental Domestic Visits Mr. Bob Ainsworth: We take our responsibility to defend the Falkland Islands and the other UK Overseas Mr. MacNeil: To ask the Secretary of State for Territories in the South Atlantic very seriously indeed. Northern Ireland what the cost of travel for his staff We maintain a permanent garrison in the Falkland between England and Northern Ireland was in each of Islands in order to deter any aggression and regularly the last six years. [321269] deploy other military assets to the region to demonstrate military capability and political resolve. The level of forces required is reviewed regularly. We retain both the Paul Goggins: The cost of flights and ferries for staff commitment and the capability to defend the UK Overseas from my Department between England and Northern Territories in the South Atlantic. Ireland in each of the last three years is shown in the following table. We do not have complete information for the other three years. Armed Forces: Drinking Water Other expenditure associated with travelling between England and Northern Ireland, such as rail or taxi fares Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for to the airport, can be provided only at disproportionate Defence if his Department will provide funding for cost. All travel by staff is undertaken in line with production of the water purification systems ordered departmental policy. by the US administration for deployment in prototype form to Haiti and Afghanistan. [321376] £

2008-09 760,184 Mr. Bob Ainsworth: We have not received any requests 2007-08 790,947 from the Haiti or Afghanistan authorities, or from the 2006-07 991,808 US administration, for UK funding for production of water purification systems. 587W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 588W

Armed Forces: Food Bill Rammell: The Aeronautical Air Rescue Co-Ordination Centre (ARCC), based at RAF Kinloss, Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence is responsible for co-ordinating major off-shore incidents what recent assessment he has made of the nutritional and multi-agency rescues. The ARCC works in consort value of food provided to military personnel serving in with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, an Executive agency of the Department for Transport, who has a combat operations abroad. [320751] statutory duty under the coastguard Act 1925 for the initiation and co-ordination of civil maritime search Mr. Bob Ainsworth: The Military Dietary Reference and rescue within the United Kingdom Search and Values published by QinetiQ in 2008 are used as the Rescue Region. All requests for assistance from the basis of input for in-barrack feeding in the UK, as the other emergency services throughout the United nutritional basis for operational feeding, the future Kingdom—police, fire, ambulance and coastguard—are development of operational ration packs, and as a handled by the ARCC. benchmark when assessing the current nutritional value of armed forces feeding. An on the scene co-ordinator may be designated, if required, by the ARCC. If appropriate, this could be an As part of the benchmarking process, the Surgeon RAF aircraft. All large aircraft are capable of contributing General-sponsored Armed Forces Feeding Project is to a search and rescue operation and are equipped with conducting an evaluation of the actual food and energy the long and short-range radios required to communicate intake, and the efficacy of nutritional education, in with the ARCC. The UK has a range of air assets fitted trained military personnel while in-barracks and on with radars that can be used to support search and operations. Gender, ethnic and cultural differences in rescue tasks in adverse weather and low-light conditions relation to nutritional requirements, intake and dietary over water. Additionally C-130 and Sea King Mk 3/3A habits will also be investigated. The study is due to aircraft can carry crew members equipped with night report in December 2010. vision goggles.

Armed Forces: Private Education Armed Forces: Reserve Forces

Willie Rennie: To ask the Secretary of State for Dr. Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Defence how much his Department spent on education how many and what proportion of the membership of in independent schools for the families of members of the (a) Territorial Army, (b) Royal Navy Reserve, (c) the armed forces in each of the last 12 years. [321669] Royal Marine Reserve and (d) Royal Auxiliary Air Force was available for deployment on the most recent Mr. Kevan Jones [holding answer 11 March 2010]: date for which figures are available. [314473] Details are only held for financial years 2007-08 and 2008-09. Financial information for earlier years prior to Bill Rammell: Availability for mobilisation is dependent the implementation of the Joint Personnel Administration on a number of factors, in particular which section of System is held on single service legacy systems, and the Reserve Forces Act 1996 is being used to make a could be provided only at disproportionate cost. call-out order. Therefore, while reservists may be unavailable In the armed forces, the allowance paid to service for mobilisation under one section of the Act, they will personnel to fund the education of their children in be available under another. This effectively means that independent schools is known as the Continuity of nearly all reservists remain available for mobilisation, Education Allowance (CEA). The purpose of the CEA dependent upon the nature of the operation. is to allow children of armed forces personnel to achieve a stable education against a background of frequent Army: Lost Property parental postings both at home, and overseas. In financial year 2007-08, the total cost to the Ministry of Defence was £162,189,373. This includes tax and Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for national insurance on the benefit paid to Her Majesty’s Defence how many army weapons have been reported Revenue and Customs by the Department on behalf of (a) lost and (b) stolen in each of the last 12 months. individuals. In financial year 2008-09, the total cost to [319720] the MOD was £172,844,735. Limits apply in respect of the amount that can be Mr. Kevan Jones: I refer the hon. Member to the claimed per school term by the service person, and all answer the Secretary of State for Defence gave on 30 claims are subject to a parental minimum contribution November 2009, Official Report, columns 419-20W, to of 10 per cent. per child, per term. the hon. Member for Dunfermline and West Fife (Willie Rennie). Armed Forces: Rescue Services Army: Manpower

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what other aircraft his Department has with Dr. Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) the capability equivalent to a Nimrod MR2 in (a) what the (a) required, (b) actual and (c) fit-for-task co-ordinating major off-shore incidents and multi-agency strength is of each corps of the Army; [312658] rescues and (b) locating vessels that are in distress (2) what the (a) required, (b) actual and (c) fit for during adverse weather and low-light conditions. task strength of each corps of the Army (i) was in 1997 [321325] and (ii) is in 2010. [312709] 589W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 590W

Bill Rammell: Manning in the Army is currently The latest liability figures are as at 1 January 2010. strong. As at 1 January 2010, the trained strength of the Comparative figures from 1997 are no longer available. Army, including full-time reserve service personnel, was The earliest liability data held is as at 1 September 1998. 101,500, This is the highest figure since 1 January 2006. This good position is due to a greater number of recruits 1 January 2010 figures have been taken from the entering training and passing out into the Field Army, Army Personnel Statistics Report (APSR). APSR data coupled with an improvement in retention. While this is derived from the Joint Personnel Administration may be attributed in part to the economic climate, a (JPA) system. combination of financial incentives and other retention measures have also had an impact. In September 1998 Figures for the Regular Army are as follows: trained strength was 100,490. In the following table “required strength” and “actual strength” figures are shown as “funded liability” and “trained strength” respectively.

1 September 1998 1 January 2010 Organisation Funded liability Trained strength1 Funded liability Trained strength1

Staff 687 710 763 840 Royal Armoured Corps 5,954 5,680 5,772 5,880 Royal Artillery 8,605 8,020 7,476 7,610 Royal Engineers 8,564 8,640 9,529 9,480 Royal Signals 9,101 8,210 8,319 7,570 Infantry 27,242 25,020 24,519 24,720 Army Air Corps 1,669 1,540 2,047 2,140 Royal Army Chaplains Department 144 140 148 140 Royal Logistics Corps 16,240 15,360 15,848 15,170 Royal Army Medical Corps 2,684 2,460 3,190 3,060 Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers 10,054 9,780 9,820 9,700

Adjutant General’s Corps Provost 26,915 27,090 1,756 1,700 Staff and Personnel Support 2— 2— 3,911 3,650 Military Provost Service 2— 2— 101 100 Educational and Training Services 2— 2— 344 330 Army Legal Services 2— 2— 114 120 Unknown3 2— 2—0 20

Royal Army Veterinary Corps 174 130 222 330 Small Arms School Corps 138 140 151 150 Royal Army Dentistry Corps 465 350 380 436 Intelligence Corps 1,191 1,130 1,648 1,470 Army Physical Training Corps 388 390 448 490 Queen Alexandra’s Royal Auxiliary Nursing Corps 870 670 1,136 900 Corps of Army Music 1,177 1,060 901 810 1 Trained strength figures are rounded. 2 Indicates brace. 3 These are trained members of the AGC who, due to data input errors in the JPA system, are not allocated to a sub Regimental Corps.

“Fit for Task” has been interpreted as fit to deploy Academy’s Advanced Research and Assessment Group for any form of duty on deployment, including personnel following its closure, with particular reference to operational listed as having limited deployability. Data is calculated support for UK intervention in Afghanistan. [321472] from Personnel Unable to Deploy (PUD) which is derived from unit returns and includes Gurkha manpower. Bill Rammell: The Defence Academy’s Research and As at 1 January 2010, Infantry Fit for Task strength was Assessment Branch (R and AB) formally known as 20,439. Royal Armoured Corps Fit for Task strength Advanced Research and Assessment Group has never was 4,475. No Fit for Task data is available prior to provided extensive or critical support to operational 2007. Similar figures for other corps are not held centrally design. and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The Ministry of Defence Operations Directorate, Defence Academy which comprises both civilians and military staff, has and will continue to provide advice to Ministers and Chris Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence senior officers and officials within MOD and across what part of his Department is to provide the support Government on strategy and policy for operations. In for operational design presently given by the Defence the case of Afghanistan, the Operations Directorate 591W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 592W works closely with other teams both within MOD and Met Office across other Government Departments, e.g. Department of International Development, Foreign and Commonwealth Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Office, and Cabinet Office, in providing advice. Defence how often the Met Office Review Group has Departmental Languages met in the last 12 months. [321861] Mr. Kevan Jones: The Operational Efficiency Programme Mr. Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State Met Office Review Group has met regularly in undertaking for Defence how many (a) Ministers and (b) civil the review in the last 12 months. servants in his Department received coaching in a foreign language in the last 12 months; what Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for expenditure his Department incurred in providing such Defence when his Department’s officials next plan to coaching; and in what languages such coaching was meet the Shareholder Executive to discuss the future of provided. [320415] the Met Office. [321862] Mr. Kevan Jones: No Ministers have received any Mr. Kevan Jones: Ministry of Defence officials and coaching in foreign languages over the past 12 months. the Shareholder Executive meet on a regular basis to Information on civil servants is not held centrally and discuss the future of the Met Office. The next formal could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Review Group meeting is due in May 2010. Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr. Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State Defence whether there have been any changes in for Defence how many full-time equivalent staff of membership of the Met Office Review Group since it each grade are employed by his Department to assist was established. [321863] special advisers. [321133] Mr. Kevan Jones: No. Membership of the Met Office Mr. Bob Ainsworth: The two special advisers in the Review Group has remained the same since it was Ministry of Defence are supported by one full-time civil established and comprises of officials from Ministry of servant at band C2 level. Defence, Met Office, Shareholder Executive and HM Treasury. Departmental Vetting Met Office: Pay David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions applications for Sammy Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for employment in (a) the Ministry of Defence and (b) Defence how many Met Office staff are paid more than the Armed Forces have not passed beyond vetting £100,000 per year. [321643] procedures due to (i) suspected al-Qaeda sympathies and (ii) other suspected extremist views in each year Mr. Kevan Jones: Details of the remuneration of the since 1997. [318337] Met Office’s Executive Directors are disclosed in the Remuneration Report in the Met Office Annual Report Mr. Bob Ainsworth: I am withholding information for and Accounts. This shows that in 2008-09, four members the purpose of safeguarding national security. of the Executive were paid more than £100,000. Outside Ex-servicemen: Prisoners of the Executive, no Met Office staff are paid more than £100,000.

Mr. Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Middle East: Navy what methodology his Department uses to determine the number of veterans in prison in England and Wales. [321207] Mr. Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will use the assets of the Royal Navy to Mr. Kevan Jones: The number of veterans in prison in protect Free Gaza ships in international waters. England and Wales, which has been estimated at just [321680] over 2,200, was determined by matching a database of all remand and sentenced prisoners aged 18 and over Bill Rammell [holding answer 11 March 2010]: I refer from the Ministry of Justice, around 81,000 offenders the hon. Member to the answer given by the Minister of as at November 2009, against a database of Service State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. Ivan leavers (Regulars only) from my Department, some 1.3 Lewis) on 11 March 2010, Official Report, column million records. The variables available for matching 428W. were surname, forename, middle name, date of birth and gender. Nuclear Submarines The full report of the matching by the Defence Analytical Services and Advice (DASA) is available in the Library Dr. Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for of the House or the following website: Defence when he expects the concept design for the http://www.dasa.mod.uk/applications/newWeb/www/index .php Trident successor submarines to be finalised; and what ?page=48&thiscontent=540&pubType=3&date=2010-01- effect the delay in this process will have on the 25&disText=Single%20Report&from=historic&topDate timetable for the delivery of the Trident successor =2010-01-25 &PublishTime=16:00:00 submarines. [321415] 593W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 594W

Mr. Bob Ainsworth [holding answer 11 March 2010]: Carer’s Allowance We need a few more months to ensure we take design decisions based on robust information. We do not expect Mr. Touhig: To ask the Secretary of State for Work this extension of the concept phase to affect the timetable and Pensions if she will review the requirement that a for delivery of the successor submarine. carer must provide at least 35 hours of care a week to receive the carer’s allowance for the purposes of taking into account the work of young carers. [320289] WORK AND PENSIONS Employment and Support Allowance Jonathan Shaw: The Government acknowledged in the revised National Carer Strategy, published in June 2008, that the current system of carers’ benefits is not Mr. Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of flexible enough to adapt to the wide variety of State for Work and Pensions what estimate she has circumstances, responsibilities and needs that carers made of the number of claimants of employment and face. support allowance who have moved into paid employment in the last 12 months. [321782] The 10-year strategy has a long-term commitment to review the structure of benefits available to carers in the Jonathan Shaw: Specific information on employment context of wider benefit reform and the fundamental and support allowance is not available. However, between review of the care and support system. October 2003 and April 2009, Pathways has helped over It highlighted, as a priority, that children and young 189,000 people into work. people will be protected from inappropriate caring and Pensioner Poverty have the support they need to learn, develop and thrive, and to enjoy positive childhoods. We are committed to Mr. Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for Work young carers having the same access to education, career and Pensions what steps she plans to take to reduce the and life choices as their peers and to enabling and encouraging them to attend and enjoy school and further level of pensioner poverty. [321794] or higher education. Angela Eagle: We have a good track record. The Government’s vision for young carers is one Today there are 900,000 fewer pensioners living in where active prevention—protecting young people from relative poverty than in 1997. We continue to look at falling into inappropriate caring—is the priority and a ways to further improve pension credit take up and have guiding principle behind the planning and delivery of taken forward radical reforms which will deliver a fairer, services to support them and their families. more generous state pension and enable millions more to save for their retirement. Mr. Touhig: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent assessment she has made of Age Concern: Finance the effect of the carer’s allowance on the standard of living of carers and their dependants. [320307] Mr. Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 8 March 2010, Official Report, columns 76-77W,on the Pension Service: Jonathan Shaw: The Department for Work and Pensions Torbay, whether she plans to provide additional support has commissioned the Centre for Research into Care, to Age Concern Torbay to enable it to provide face-to-face Labour and Equalities, based at the University of Leeds, to conduct a detailed investigation into the circumstances advice surgeries. [322087] of carer’s allowance recipients. This involves a survey of Angela Eagle: PDCS Local Service is working closely 1,600 carers who receive the allowance, followed by with Age Concern in Torbay in order to offer a range of in-depth interviews and focus group meetings with 90 services to pensioners in the Torbay area. The Age individuals, selected as representative of the overall Concern office is an accredited alternative office, which carer’s allowance population, as well as discussions offers customers an alternative channel to access benefits with professionals working with these customers. We and services. expect to publish the research in summer 2010. PDCS Local Service provides additional support to The Department for Work and Pensions is also assisting Age Concern by undertaking regular reviews and delivering the Department of Health in carrying out a large-scale training sessions for staff. This enables Age Concern survey of carers in England. This includes a number of staff to be accredited to accept claims from people aged questions designed to yield information about carer’s 60 or over for Social Security benefits, or from a person allowance recipients. Headline results are expected in under age 60 for disability and carers benefits. July 2010, with a full report in autumn 2010. In addition PDCS Local Service accepts referrals In addition to carer’s allowance, carers on low incomes directly from Age Concern to undertake home visits to can also receive a carer premium or additional amount pensioners. Ongoing support with complex cases is also for carers with income-related benefits such as income provided. support and pension credit. The premium has been The PDCS Local Service manager in the area regularly progressively increased from £14.15 a week in April meets with the manager of Age Concern Torbay to 2000 to its current level of £29.50. discuss the joint service offering and explore ways in We are also providing further help for carers who are which Local Service and Age Concern can work together able to combine some paid employment with their in partnership to their mutual benefit to offer access to caring responsibilities by increasing the carer’s allowance services in the community. weekly earnings limit from £95 to £100 in April 2010. 595W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 596W

Council Tax Benefits the accommodation which contain an element of refurbishment that cannot be disaggregated from overall Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Work expenditure. and Pensions what estimate she has made of the Some refurbishments are not covered by the unitary monetary value of (a) claimed and (b) unclaimed charge and are funded separately as capital expenditure, council tax benefit by each client group in 2008-09. which would include major projects, and the fit out of [321120] new buildings. Expenditure increased from 2002 when the Department embarked on a major programme funded Helen Goodman: The information is not available for by the Treasury to improve the services delivered to the the year requested. public, including those provided by Jobcentre Plus, the Estimates of the value of claimed and unclaimed Pension Service and Debt Management Services. The council tax benefit are provided in the National Statistics Department’s expenditure on these major refurbishment series ‘Income Related Benefits: Estimates of Take-Up’. projects since its creation in 2001 is set out in the following table. The latest available report provides information for 2007-08. A copy is available in the Library and online £ million at: http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/irb.asp 2001-02 77.8 The report provides the following information in relation 2002-03 170.0 to council tax benefit for Great Britain in 2007-08: 2003-04 282.3 2004-05 117.3 £ million 2005-06 278.9 Total amount 2006-07 162.2 Family type claimed Total range unclaimed 2007-08 48.2 2008-09 22.6 Pensioners 2,010 Between 1,240 and 1,690 Couples with children 220 Between 70 and 130 Singles with children 700 Between 30 and 110 Departmental Disciplinary Proceedings Non-pensioners 830 Between 180 and 320 without children Source: Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for National Statistics series ‘Income Related Benefits: Estimates of Work and Pensions how many (a) disciplinary and (b) Take-Up’ capability procedures have been (i) initiated and (ii) Departmental Buildings completed in her Department in each of the last five years; how much time on average was taken to Mr. Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State complete each type of procedure in each such year; for Work and Pensions how much her Department how many and what proportion of her Department’s spent on office refurbishments in each year since its staff were subject to each type of procedure in each such year; and how many and what proportion of each inception. [320472] type of procedure resulted in the dismissal of the Jonathan Shaw: The Department occupies the vast member of staff. [320623] majority of its properties under the terms of a PFI contract for which it pays a unitary charge in return for Jonathan Shaw: The information sought is not available fully fitted and serviced accommodation. The unitary prior to April 2007. Such information as is available for charge includes works carried out over the life cycle of subsequent years is as follows:

Table 1: Number of staff in respect of whom disciplinary procedures were completed Number of staff at year end Discipline procedures completed Percentage of headcount

2007-08 113,972 903 0.79 2008-09 106,963 1,081 1.01 2009-101 120,944 1,212 1.00 1 To end February 2010. Table 2: Number of staff in respect of whom capability procedures were completed Number of staff at year end Capability procedures completed Percentage of headcount

2007-08 113,972 109 0.10 2008-09 106,963 77 0.07 2009-101 120,944 87 0.07 1 To end February 2010. Table 3: Number of staff dismissed as a result of capability/discipline action Dismissed on grounds of Percentage of capability Dismissed on grounds of Percentage of disciplinary capability procedures undertaken discipline procedures undertaken

2007-08 17 16 178 20 2008-09 15 19 233 22 2009-101 22 25 300 25 1 To end February 2010. 597W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 598W

The figures in table 3 do not include staff dismissed Value of loss (£) for health related reasons. DWP total Benefit Other expenditure fraud fraud (£ billion) Departmental Fraud 2005-06 83,135 109,895 123.6 2006-07 435,452 72,782 126.7 Mr. Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Work 2007-08 346,527 195,151 133.3 and Pensions how many staff in her Department were 2008-09 301,528 216,149 142.7 responsible for each instance of fraud or attempted fraud attributable to such staff (a) against the benefits While recognising that only a very small number of system and (b) in other areas in each of the last five our staff commit fraud, the Department has a robust years. [316400] approach to the detection, prevention and deterrence of staff fraud consistent with HM Treasury guidance. Jonathan Shaw [holding answer 8 February 2010]: Where fraud is proven, staff are subject to disciplinary The figures in the following table show the number of action and, in the case of criminal offences, the Department staff involved in instances of attempted or actual fraud will normally seek to prosecute, engaging the police where the investigation was completed in the year stated. where necessary. The figures relate to all the benefits administered by The Department has a whistleblowers’ hotline to DWP, theft of assets and financial irregularities. This enable staff to report suspicions of fraud. analysis is consistent with the way in which the Department reports information on staff investigations to HM Treasury. Departmental Information Officers

Number of staff Benefit fraud Other fraud Total staff in post Mr. Hurd: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many staff in her Department and its 2004-05 4 48 126,988 agencies have the status of (a) embedded communicators 2005-06 52 118 119,972 or (b) are members of the Government Communications 2006-07 51 93 114,500 Network but are not listed in the Central Office of 2007-08 62 110 107,998 Information White Book. [315596] 2008-09 42 156 102,374 Jonathan Shaw: The DWP’s communications While recognising that only a very small number of professionals include press office, internal and stakeholder our staff commit fraud, the Department has a robust communication, and digital media. They work right approach to the detection, prevention and deterrence of across the breadth of the Department’s responsibilities staff fraud consistent with HM Treasury guidance. and also provide services for Jobcentre Plus and the Where fraud is proven, staff are subject to disciplinary Pensions, Disability and Carers Service and Directgov. action and, in the case of criminal offences, the Department The work includes communicating with staff, the will normally seek to prosecute, engaging the police public, business and stakeholders on the help and support where necessary. available, eligibility for entitlements, pensions, additional The Department has a whistleblowers’ hotline to help and support as well as the detailed work on pension enable staff to report suspicions of fraud. reform. The Directgov website provides extensive help and information on the public services available to citizens across national and local government. Mr. Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate she has made of the losses From a total of 119,625 members of staff, DWP has from (a) the benefits system and (b) other areas 155 embedded communications staff outside of its central attributable to fraud committed by staff of her communications function. From 1 April 2010 that will Department, in each of the last five years. [316401] reduce to 119, the majority working for Directgov which is the Government website for public services in the UK. Others work on internal communications in central Jonathan Shaw [holding answer 8 February 2010]: Directorates and delivery businesses. Staffing figures Information is not available in the exact format requested are provided as Staff in Post figures rather than whole from 2004 as losses were only broken down into the time equivalents as to do otherwise would incur specified categories from April 2005. Overall totals are disproportionate cost. therefore provided for 2004-05. Government Communications Network (GCN) The following tables contain the estimated losses membership data is not held by individual departments. arising from attempted or actual fraud by staff where Therefore accurate information cannot be produced the Department’s investigation was completed in the without incurring disproportionate cost. year stated (not including the value of the fraud arising from false employment applications where the loss to Employment Schemes: Private Sector the Department is notional).

DWP total expenditure Ms Barlow: To ask the Secretary of State for Work All fraud: Value of loss (£) (£ billion) and Pensions what recent representations she has received on provision of Jobcentre Plus services 2004-05 52,857 118.9 through the private sector. [321770] 599W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 600W

Helen Goodman: DWP receives numerous representations Jim Knight: Details of the availability of the Future from both individuals and organisations in the public, Jobs Fund at local authority level can be obtained only private and voluntary sectors to deliver a range of at disproportionate cost. Job start information can be welfare to work services. All opportunities to tender for classified by Jobcentre Plus district level. However, this the provision of employment programmes are advertised information would detail which Jobcentre Plus district on the Supplying DWP section of our website. This is to processed the job, not the actual location of the job ensure open and fair competition in accordance with itself. public procurement policy and EU regulations. We also We did not set specific targets for the costs of have strict criteria for those wishing to apply to deliver administration as we wanted organisations to be free to services through our Right to Bid procedure. deliver the jobs fund and to tailor jobs to the needs of Employment Schemes: Young People the client group. Therefore, the Department for Work and Pensions does not have an estimate of the administrative charges made by local authorities in connection with Mrs. May: To ask the Secretary of State for Work the Future Jobs Fund. The key specifications are that and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 2 March 2010, the jobs should be of a minimum of 25 hours per week; Official Report, columns 1028-29W, on employment that they should be paid at least at the National Minimum schemes: young people, which (a) Jobcentre Plus districts, Wage; provide enhanced training and support to the (b) local authorities and (c) constituencies have no employee, as well as cover other costs incurred in the Future Jobs Fund jobs; and in which (i) Jobcentre Plus delivery of the Future Jobs Fund. This is required to be districts, (ii) local authorities and (iii) constituencies delivered within the maximum unit cost of £6,500 provided elements of the young person’s guarantee are (A) available by the Government. and (B) not available. [321467] Jobcentre Plus provides administrative support to Angela Eagle: Any organisation in England, Scotland local authorities and other lead bidders by putting and Wales can bid to the Future Jobs Fund. However, forward suitable candidates to fill Future Jobs Fund details of specific locations where Future Jobs Fund vacancies. jobs have been created can be obtained only at disproportionate cost at (a) Jobcentre Plus district and Margaret Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for (b) local authority level. Details of the location of Work and Pensions how many jobs have been created Future Jobs Fund are not broken down by (c) constituency under the Future Jobs Fund by (a) local authorities and are therefore not available. and (b) third sector organisations to date. [318532] The Young Person’s Guarantee is available in (a) all Angela Eagle: Of the 110,000 Future Jobs Fund jobs Jobcentre Plus districts, (b) all local authorities and (c) we have agreed to fund from the first seven rounds of all constituencies, since 25 January 2010. bidding, there have been 56,000 jobs from bids where a local authority has been the lead bidder and over 41,000 Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for jobs from bids where a third sector organisation has Work and Pensions what steps her Department has been the lead bidder. taken to obtain the support of businesses for its work Other jobs have been created in local authorities and to assist young people into employment. [321788] third sector organisations, where these organisations Helen Goodman: The Department has actively sought were not the lead bidder. However, the data have not the support of businesses and other employers to assist been captured and could be obtained only at young people into employment. Over 920 organisations disproportionate cost. from business, public sector, and third sector have signed up to the Backing Young Britain campaign to provide Jobcentres: Courier Services more opportunities for young people to gain apprenticeships, jobs and work experience. Over 110,000 Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for jobs have been created by a variety of employers, mainly Work and Pensions how much her Department spent for long term unemployed young people, through the on sending customer documents by courier between Future Jobs Fund. jobcentres and benefit delivery centres in the last Many employers have responded by agreeing to work financial year for which figures are available; which with Government through local employment partnerships, courier companies were used; how much was paid to to open up employment and training opportunities to each; and if she will make a statement. [316961] unemployed jobseekers. Over 70,000 employers across the country have recruited through local employment Jonathan Shaw [holding answer 22 February 2010]: partnerships since they were introduced in 2007, and TNT UK Ltd. is DWP’s contracted courier provider more than 567,000 people have been helped into work that delivers a single dedicated network service that is during that time. accessed jointly by DWP and HMRC. In 2008-09 DWP courier service expenditure with TNT was £9.5 million. Future Jobs Fund Our latest volume information confirms that TNT transport around 13 million items per year for DWP Chris Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work alone—around 11 million standard service (undocumented) and Pensions how many jobs have been provided by the where items are not recorded or tracked; and around Future Jobs Fund in each local authority area; what two million consignments fully tracked (documented) estimate she has made of the range of administrative where they are recorded at all stages of their transfer charges made by local authorities by the management from collection to delivery through the TNT network. of the fund; and if she will make a statement. [318166] DWP has recently moved to a combined DWP/HMRC 601W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 602W dedicated courier service which now carries both standard Table (a): New deal: leavers and leavers to jobseeker’s allowance: and fully tracked mail. This new service was introduced time series—year of leaving on 18 January 2010 . This service provides an industry As at Leavers to jobseeker’s standard and more secure courier service, provide improved May: Total leavers allowance value for money and will reduce the risk associated with 2001 217,330 27,650 the transfer of our courier mail. 2002 272,340 49,800 Our MI data do not provide specific details of the 2003 286,980 56,020 courier traffic between Jobcentre Plus and Benefit Delivery 2004 268,870 48,580 Centres—although Jobcentre Plus accounts for 2005 244,320 52,530 approximately 90 per cent. of all DWP business courier 2006 264,580 58,610 transfers. However, please note that the level of information 2007 314,700 70,040 available does not detail courier transfers between Jobcentres 2008 276,300 71,300 and Benefit Delivery Centres. 2009 134,170 47,060 Total 2,762,370 537,550 Jobseeker’s Allowance: Young People Table (b): New deal for young people—leavers (spells): immediate destination on leaving by time series—year of leaving Mr. Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for As at Total leavers from new Leavers to jobseeker’s Work and Pensions how many (a) claimants and (b) May: deal for young people allowance claimants aged 16 to 24 years registered as new claimants in respect of jobseeker’s allowance following the completion 1998 79,790 3,250 of their period on the New Deal without finding 1999 200,500 25,050 employment in each year since the inception of the New 2000 202,510 27,670 Deal. [311758] 2001 179,720 21,970 2002 168,370 20,050 Jim Knight: The available information can be found 2003 174,040 21,030 in tables (a) and (b). 2004 169,190 20,900 We are currently in the process of introducing the 2005 153,570 24,320 Flexible New Deal which replaces the existing New 2006 176,300 28,880 Deals with more flexible, tailored support. The Flexible 2007 194,120 32,810 New Deal will be available in most areas of the country 2008 159,260 29,930 by October 2010. 2009 87,390 25,360 The small number of people who may finish the Total 1,944,760 281,210 Flexible New Deal without finding sustained work, Notes: normally at the 24-month point of unemployment, will 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10. Figures may not sum due to rounding. return to Jobseeker’s Allowance at the Supported Work 2. Total leavers in table (a) include leavers from New Deal for Search stage (Stage 3). This will allow the claimant to Partners, New Deal for 25 Plus and New Deal for Young People. make the best use of their experience with the Flexible 3. Table (a) does not include New Deal for Disabled People, New Deal New Deal provider while being required to actively seek for Lone Parents and New Deal for 50 Plus for which leavers data is work. not available. 4. Year of leaving is the calendar year of leaving New Deal. From November this year, we will also be testing two 5. Immediate destination is measured within two weeks of leaving new types of support for those who finish the Flexible New Deal, using information from the Work and Pensions Longitudinal New Deal without finding sustained work. Study. 6. Latest data is to May 2009. In two pilot areas—Greater Manchester and Norfolk, 7. The measure used for New Deal for Partners is Leavers (individuals) Suffolk and Cambridgeshire—people who complete Flexible as spells are not available. New Deal without securing employment will undertake 8. The New Deal for Young People pilots began in January 1998 and either the Work for Your Benefit programme or the full national roll-out occurred in April 1998. 9. The New Deal for 25 Plus programme was introduced in July 1998. Jobcentre Plus based Enhanced Support Period. 10. Data for New Deal for Partners is available from April 2004 Work for Your Benefit is a programme of full-time (programme started in May 1999). work experience backed with additional employment Source: support for up to six months. This is designed to help Department for Work and Pensions, Information Directorate them to build up their work habits and gain practical experience which will be of value to themselves and to Oil: Storage employers. In addition, a new Jobcentre Plus based Enhanced Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Support Period will deliver more intensive one to one and Pensions what reports she has received on adviser support backed up with a ring fenced Personal alternatives to oil storage tanks at the Oikos site in Support Fund of £500 per person. Haven Road, Canvey; what representations she has received from the Health and Safety Executive on such Table (a): New deal: leavers and leavers to jobseeker’s allowance: time series—year of leaving alternatives; and if she will make a statement. [321603] As at Leavers to jobseeker’s May: Total leavers allowance Jonathan Shaw [holding answer 11 March 2010]: The 1998 79,790 3,250 Secretary of State has received no reports on alternatives 1999 200,500 25,050 to oil storage tanks at the Oikos site on Canvey Island 2000 202,510 27,670 or representations from the Health and Safety Executive on such matters. 603W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 604W

Consent for the storage of hazardous chemicals at Poverty this site, or any alternative sites, is the responsibility of the local planning authority, which for Canvey Island is Castle Point borough council. Mrs. May: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many of those aged 16 to 24 years HSE’s role is to monitor safety at this site. HSE will old were classed as living in poverty in each financial continue to do this and will assess any significant changes year since 1996-97. [313162] made to the site and to the site’s COMAH safety report as a result of any changes that Oikos may propose. Helen Goodman: In response to the recession, the Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Government have put in place significant additional and Pensions what assessment the Health and Safety support for young people through the Young Person’s Executive has made of possible risks to local residents Guarantee and Backing Young Britain campaign. In and businesses from the operation of the Oikos Canvey December 2009, we published ‘Investing in Potential’, Island site. [321962] the cross-Government strategy to increase the proportion of 16 to 24-year-olds in education, employment and training. Jonathan Shaw [holding answer 22 March 2010]: Oikos Oil Storage Ltd. are responsible under the Control For young people claiming jobseeker’s allowance the of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 1999 (as amended) New Deal has helped almost 900,000 people into work. for assessing any risks to local residents and businesses Independent evaluation found that without New Deal, from the operations at their Canvey Island site, and for there would be twice as many young people claiming implementing all necessary measures to prevent major jobseeker’s allowance for six months or more than at accidents and limit their consequences for people and present. the environment. The requested information is given in the following Oikos Oil Storage Ltd. has an existing Hazardous table, for periods where data are available. Substances Consent from Castle Point borough council 16 to 24-year-olds living in households with less than 60 per cent. of to store at its Canvey island site up to 232,501 tonnes of contemporary median income, 1996-97 to 2007-08 highly flammable liquids which may include petrol and Before housing costs petroleum mixtures. When the consent was granted in Million Percentage 1992, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) assessed the risks to people off-site from the consented quantity Great Britain of hazardous substances for the purpose of providing 1996-97 1.2 19 land use planning advice to the borough council. A 1997-98 1.1 18 more detailed assessment was conducted in 2002 to set 1998-99 1.0 17 the current land use planning zones around the site. 1999-2000 1.1 19 Following the explosion and fire at the Buncefield 2000-01 1.1 18 fuel storage terminal, HSE introduced precautionary 2001-02 1.1 18 arrangements to strengthen development controls in the areas closest to sites engaged in filling large storage United Kingdom tanks with petrol at a specified rate. 2002-03 1.2 18 Petrol is not currently stored at the Oikos Canvey 2003-04 1.1 18 Island site. HSE will review its risk assessment and, if 2004-05 1.2 17 necessary, revise its land use planning advice to Castle 2005-06 1.4 20 Point borough council once Oikos Oil Storage Ltd. 2006-07 1.3 18 provides details of its arrangements for receiving and 2007-08 1.4 19 storing petrol at the site. Notes: 1. These statistics are based on Households Below Average Income, Personal Accounts Delivery Authority sourced from the Family Resources Survey. Both of these documents are available in the Library. 2. Small changes should be treated with caution as these will be Mr. Garnier: To ask the Secretary of State for Work affected by sampling error and variability in non-response. and Pensions what information her Department holds 3. The reference period for Households Below Average Income figures are single financial years. on the number of jobs under the Personal Accounts 4. Figures are for the United Kingdom from 2002-03 onwards. Earlier Delivery Authority contract for scheme administration years are for Great Britain only, as such there is a slight discontinuity services to be based in (a) the UK and (b) each other between the figures pre-and post-2002-03. country. [321405] 5. The income measures used to derive the estimates shown employ the same methodology as the Department for Work and Pensions publication ‘Households Below Average Income’ (HBAI) series, which Angela Eagle [holding answer 9 March 2010]: Staffing uses disposable household income, adjusted (or ‘equivalised’) for numbers required to administer NEST on an ongoing household size and composition, as an income measure as a proxy for basis will depend upon the number of scheme members. standard of living. 6. For the Households Below Average Income series, incomes have All the public facing elements of service provision are been equivalised using Organisation for Economic Co-operation and due to be carried-out by staff based in the UK. Back-office, Development (OECD) equivalisation factors. administrative processing and IT functions are due to 7. Number and percent of 16 to 24-year-olds in low-income households have been rounded to the nearest hundred thousand individuals, or be delivered in India. Once fully established, we estimate whole percentage point respectively. that between 40 and 45 per cent. of staff will be based in Source: the UK. Households Below Average Income, DWP 605W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 606W

Social Security Benefits: Disabled Helen Goodman: As at August 2009, there were 988,780 young people aged 18 to 25 claiming DWP-administered Mrs. May: To ask the Secretary of State for Work benefits in Great Britain, of which 491,060 were claiming and Pensions (1) what criteria recipients of (a) disability jobseeker’s allowance. living allowance and (b) attendance allowance under special rules are required to meet; [322178] Unemployment Benefits (2) whether recipients of (a) disability living allowance and (b) attendance allowance under special rules are Mr. Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Work required to qualify for support through the social care and Pensions what recent assessment she has made of system in order to be eligible to claim each benefit. the effect on benefit claimants of the period between [322163] which they move into work and have their benefit stopped and their first payment from their employer; Jonathan Shaw: The Special Rules provision applies what steps she is planning to take to help deal with this to individuals who are in the last stages of a progressive issue for benefit claimants; and whether she has disease and who are expected to die within six months. considered allowing providers more flexibility to cover The individual’s GP or other health care professional this gap using their service fee. [315695] submits a medical report to the Department confirming the diagnosis. Those who meet this criterion do not Jim Knight: We keep the transition of claimants from need to serve the normal qualifying periods for attendance benefits to employment under regular review and have allowance and disability living allowance before receiving put in place a number of schemes that give people extra benefit assistance. There is no requirement to qualify financial support on returning to work. For example, for support though the social care system in order to be we introduced the job grant to specifically help customers eligible to claim these benefits. who move into work manage until they receive their wages. It provides eligible customers a non-taxable payment Social Security Benefits: Parents of £100 for single people and couples without children, and £250 for lone parents and couples with children. In Paul Holmes: To ask the Secretary of State for Work addition, housing costs are paid for four weeks after and Pensions how much funding her Department has returning to work to customers who have been on allocated to increase access to (a) benefits and (b) income support or jobseeker’s allowance for 26 weeks back-to-work schemes for low-paid and unemployed or more. As benefits are generally paid two weeks in adults with children in 2009-10. [320795] arrears, this goes some way to filling any gap before payment of first wages. Helen Goodman: The Budget 2008 introduced the For all customers leaving jobseeker’s allowance for Child Poverty pilots, which are jointly funded by the work, Jobcentre Plus staff can help them make claims Department for Children, Schools and Families, and to working tax credit using a special fast track procedure, the Department for Work and Pensions. For 2009-10, which means that in many cases tax credit is paid in the Department for Work and Pensions contribution is advance of first wages. As a last resort, in cases of very £9.7 million. urgent financial need, customers can apply for interest-free One of the objectives of the pilots is to look at new crisis loans from the social fund. and innovative ways to support parents into and to Flexible New Deal providers already have the flexibility remain in work, as well as helping those out of work. to use their service fee to provide help and support The pilots include outreach work for Jobcentre Plus tailored to the needs of each jobseeker’s allowance around Children’s Centres and schools, as well as providing customer, to enable them to move into and stay in work. help back into work for those with younger children. These are in addition to mandatory and voluntary Unemployment Benefits: Medical Examinations programmes such as jobseeker’s allowance, Flexible New Deal and the New Deals for Lone Parents and Partners, active labour market interventions such as Lone Parent Mrs. May: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Obligations and Progression to Work and infrastructure and Pensions (1) how many and what proportion of measures such as child care investment. Financial support people claiming (a) incapacity benefit and (b) may also be available including working tax credit aimed employment and support allowance attended a medical at ensuring that work pays and In Work Credit to help assessment in the latest period for which figures are make the transition into work. available; [317621] From October 2010 the Department of Work and (2) how many and what proportion of people who Pensions will be implementing an enhanced Better off made a successful claim for (a) incapacity benefit and in Work Credit so that everyone who has been unemployed (b) employment and support allowance attended a for 26 weeks or more will receive an income of at least medical assessment in each year since 1997. [317622] £40 a week more on moving into work. The credit is expected to be available nationally from January 2011. Jonathan Shaw: Incapacity benefit and employment and support allowance customers are not medically Social Security Benefits: Young People assessed by the Department, they are assessed to determine their functional capability. All claims must be assessed Mr. Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for in order to qualify for continued entitlement. Information Work and Pensions how many 18 to 25-year-olds are on the number of initial awards following these assessments claiming jobseeker’s allowance or other benefits. is not available. The available information for incapacity [321787] benefit is provided in the following table: 607W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 608W

Incapacity benefit scrutiny and completed examinations, Great Britain HOME DEPARTMENT Number

September 2005 to August 2006 816,043 Alcoholic Drinks: Young People September 2006 to August 2007 985,598 September 2007 to August 2008 1,068,920 Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for the September 2008 to August 2009 717,250 Home Department how many retailers have been convicted September to December 2009 140,423 of an offence of persistent sale of alcohol to a person Notes: under 18 years in each year since 2006. [315154] 1. Management Information held by the Department does not separately identify Personal Capability Assessments in respect of initial claims Alan Johnson: The number of defendants found guilty to benefit, as all referrals were in respect of customers in receipt of incapacity benefit. at all courts of an offence of persistent sale of alcohol 2. Excludes Work Focused Health Related Assessments. to a person less than 18 years, England and Wales can 3. Data relate to the number of completed medical examinations and be viewed in the following table. Data are only available paper scrutiny clearances completed by Atos Healthcare. for 2008, when the offence came into force. Court Source: proceedings data for 2009 are due to be published in DWP medical services contract management information. autumn 2010. For employment and support allowance claims we Number of defendants convicted of an offence of persistently sale of alcohol to a have data on claims from the introduction of employment person less than 18 years, 2006 to 20081,2 and support allowance on 27 October 2008 to May Offence 2006 2007 20083 2009. The main data relating to Work Capability Assessment Persistently selling alcohol to **7 claims is published at: children Licensing Act 2003 as added by Violent Crime Reduction http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/workingage/esa_wca/ Act 2006 S.147A esa_wca_19012010.pdf ‘*’ = Not applicable—the Act came into force in 2008. A copy of this report has also been placed in the 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 Library. 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. Winter Fuel Payments: British Nationals Abroad 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 Charles Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection Work and Pensions how many winter fuel payments processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. were made to persons living outside the UK in 1996-97; 3 Excludes convictions data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July, and and what estimate she has made of the number of August 2008. Source: winter fuel payments made to persons living in (a) Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice Spain, (b) Italy, (c) Greece, (d) Portugal and (e) other countries outside the UK in the last financial year. Crime [320314] Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for the Angela Eagle: Winter fuel payments were first introduced Home Department (1) with reference to the answer of in winter 1997-98 and paid to eligible people living in 26 June 2009, Official Report, columns 1204-5W, on the United Kingdom (UK). crime, how many incidents related to public safety/welfare Since 2002 winter fuel payments have been made to were recorded in each category in 2008-09; [313815] eligible former UK residents living elsewhere in the (2) how many incidents with the qualifier hate/ European Economic Area or Switzerland provided they discrimination were recorded in each category in qualified for a winter fuel payment before leaving the 2008-09; [313816] UK. Under European Union law some benefits acquired (3) how many incidents relating to administration in one member state must be paid to people who live were recorded in each category in 2008-09; [313817] outside that state but within the European Economic Area. Winter fuel payments are one of these benefits (4) how many incidents with the qualifier (a) alcohol, and the UK is bound by European Union law. (b) critical incident, (c) domestic abuse, (d) drugs, (e) firearms, (f) weapons, (g) youth-related aged under 10 Information for winter 2008-09 (the last year for and (h) youth-related aged 10 to 17 were recorded in which information is available) is in the following table. 2008-09. [313818] Winter fuel payments (WFPs) paid to people living in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland outside UK Alan Johnson [holding answer 2010]: The number of WFPs by country 2008-09 incidents recorded by police forces in each category Spain 31,145 classified as public safety/welfare as defined within the Italy 1,114 National Incident Category List (NICL) for 2008-9 is Greece 1,111 attached in Table A. The data are normally for management information only and are not subject to the detailed Portugal 1,510 checks that apply to National Statistics publications. Other countries within the EEA 30,409 and Switzerland They are provisional and may be subject to change. The Note: data represent calls for service as recorded by police The figures are for automated payments which account for the great forces under the relevant categories and may be subject majority of payments made. to local variation in reporting and classifying. 609W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 610W

A reliable figure for incidents with the qualifier hate/ Mr. Alan Campbell: I chair the National Retail Crime discrimination for England and Wales is not available. Steering Group (NRCSG) which was set up by the More than 10 per cent. of police forces were not able to Home Office in partnership with the British Retail return qualifier data for 2008-091. The data are normally Consortium in 2007. The NRCSG provides a forum for for management information only. representatives from Government, law enforcement agencies, The administration data categories are for local the larger retailers and business and trade organisations management purposes only and were not required from such the Association of Convenience Stores and Federation police forces for the Annual Data Return in 2009. The of Small Businesses to discuss and devise strategies for Home Office continues to review the data required from tackling crimes of concern to retailers and includes police forces and to balance user needs against burdens addressing the security and safety of staff and premises. on police forces. The NRCSG published a joint Retail Crime Action A reliable England and Wales figure for incidents Plan which details a range of work to tackle crime. For with the qualifiers requested is not available. More than details of the plan see: 10 per cent. of police forces were not able to return http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/documents/retail-crime-action- qualifier data for 2008-091. The data are normally for plan.html management information only. Both the Home Office and the Health and Safety 1 It was only mandatory for police forces to return data until June Executive (HSE) fully support USDAW ’s Freedom 2009. from Fear campaign to promote the safety and well-being Table A: Number of incidents in each category classified as public of shop workers. We are working with the HSE to help safety/welfare as defined within the National Incident Category List reduce the incidence of work-related violence in the (NICL) in 2008-09 retail sector. In October 2008, the HSE published a Category Total toolkit to help employers cut the risk of violence against shop workers. The toolkit provides practical advice on Abandoned Call 500,613 how to conduct a risk assessment and how to take Absconder/AWOL 4,903 action to prevent or control work-related violence. It Alarm: Monitoring Station— 194,294 contains information on a wide range of possible control False-Active measures and good practice that other businesses have Alarm: Monitoring Station— 8,894 found effective. False-Withdrawn Alarm: Police Installed 19,752 Mr. Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Alarm: Premises Audible only 106,117 Home Department what discussions he has had with Breach of Injunction/Court 4,974 Order representatives of the security industry on the provision of cheaper and more up-to-date security Civil Disputes 185,887 systems for shops and small business premises. [321470] Collapse/Illness/Injury/Trapped 142,810 Concern for Safety 899,449 Mr. Alan Campbell: I chair the National Retail Crime Domestic Incident 583,537 Steering Group (NRCSG), which provides a forum for Firearms 23,187 representatives from Government, law enforcement agencies, Immigration 9,561 the larger retailers and business and trade organisations Industrial Incident/Accident 3,886 such the Association of Convenience Stores and Federation Insecure Premises/Vehicles 35,781 of Small Businesses to discuss and devise strategies for Licensing 7,905 tackling crimes of concern to retailers. Missing Person-High Risk 39,549 My advice on security systems and equipment is Missing Person-Medium Risk 122,493 provided by the Home Office Scientific Development Missing Person-Low Risk 40,703 Branch which is a key member of the NRCSG. They are Missing Person-Unauthorised 37,599 preparing a CCTV standards leaflet for small shops and Absence for licensed premises to contain all the basic information Natural Disaster/Incident/ 5,484 on what to expect from a CCTV system, and provides a Warning list of key requirements such as minimum image quality, Pets/Domesticated Animals 50,824 recording, camera placement. Protest/Demonstration 2,228 Sudden Death 75,728 We are currently distributing the Small Retailers Capital Suspicious Circumstances 1,324,821 Grants Fund which is designed to help fight crime and Suspicious Package/Object 9,260 is being allocated to around 1,000 small retailers in 50 priority areas across England and Wales. The grants Truancy 2,606 are being used for a variety of purposes including Wildlife 15,204 purchasing security equipment for individual retailers such as CCTV; infrared security cameras; security shutters Public Safety/Welfare Total 4,458,049 and rollers; safes; alarms; anti-fraud equipment such as UV markers to detect counterfeit notes, and anti-graffiti Crime Prevention: Retail Trade paint.

Mr. Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Crimes of Violence Home Department what discussions he has had with shopkeepers and representatives of small businesses to Mr. Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for the identify methods of enhancing the security and safety Home Department how many reports of (a) violent of their properties and staff. [321469] crime and (b) serious violent crime there were in (i) 611W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 612W

Jarrow constituency, (ii) South Tyneside, (iii) the North Meg Hillier: The information is as follows: East and (iv) England and Wales in each year since (a) The information is not held in a format easily 1997. [321592] available to answer the question. The external consultancy cost relating to projects for both passport and identity Mr. Alan Campbell: The term ’violent crime’ is no card projects were approximately £16 million in 2007-08 longer used. Data are supplied for violence against the and approximately £40 million in 2008-09 as published person offences. The requested information is shown in in the agency’s annual report and accounts. Costs for the table. Recorded crime statistics at constituency level external consultancy in 2009-10 will be published in the are not collected centrally. IPS annual report and accounts for 2009-10. Table 1: Offences of violence against the person recorded by the police, (b) It took eight months to create the Strategic 1997 Supplier Group Framework from which the Transforming Number Customer Experience, National Identity Assurance Service South Tyneside CDRP 1— (NIAS) and the Critical Workers Identity Card (CWIC) North-east region 9,242 contracts were awarded. For the Passport Book Design England and Wales 250,882 Production contract the pre-procurement process was eight months. 1 Not available. Table 2: Offences of violence against the person recorded by the police, No Prior Indicative Notices were published in relation 1998-99 to 2001-02 to the award of the Strategic Supplier Framework Contract Number or the National Identity Service contracts let from the Offence 1998-99 1999-2000 2000-01 2001-02 Framework.

South 1— 1— 1— 1,686 The values of the contract awarded are-Transforming Tyneside Customer Experience (TCE) £385 million, National CDRP Identity Assurance Service (NIAS) £265 million, Critical North- 20,391 21,984 21,086 25,579 Workers Identity Cards (CWIC) £18 million and Passport east region Design Production (PDP) £400 million. England 502,778 581,034 600,913 650,326 Dialogue sessions were held with bidders to help and Wales inform the finalisation of the requirements and to help 1 Not available. Notes: the bidders understand the agency’s needs. Formal 1. The coverage was extended and counting rules revised from 1998-99. presentations were made to senior officials. Figures from that date are not directly comparable with those for The number of submissions that bidders were required 1997. 2. The data in this table are prior to the introduction of the National to make were as follows: Crime Recording Standard. These figures are not directly comparable with those for later years. Number Table 3: Offences of violence against the person recorded by the police, 2002-03 to 2008-09 TCE 3 Number NIAS 2 South CWIC 1 Tyneside North-east England and PDP 2 CDRP region Wales1

2002-03 2,568 39,164 845,078 2003-04 2,500 40,561 967,228 Motor Vehicles: Seized Articles 2004-05 2,252 41,537 1,048,095 2005-06 2,637 46,206 1,059,583 Mr. Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for the 2006-07 2,711 48,194 1,046,167 Home Department how many cars were seized by 2007-08 2,289 41,085 961,099 Lancashire Constabulary for (a) crushing and (b) 2008-09 2,023 37,244 903,442 other means of disposal in each of the last five years. 1 Includes British Transport police from 2002-03. [322021] Note: The data in this table take account of the introduction of the Mr. Alan Campbell [holding answer 12 March 2010]: National Crime Recording Standard in April 2002. These figures are not directly comparable with those for earlier years. The police are empowered to remove and store vehicles under various provisions, in particular the Road Traffic Identity Cards: Procurement Regulation Act 1984 (vehicles illegally, obstructively or dangerously parked or broken down or abandoned), the Mr. Hurd: To ask the Secretary of State for the Road Traffic Act 1988 (vehicles driven without appropriate Home Department how much his Department paid to licence or insurance) and the Police Reform Act 2002 each management consultancy for client-side advice in (vehicles causing alarm, distress or annoyance). relation to the Identity and Passport service National The police must return these vehicles on payment of Identity Scheme Procurement programme; how much prescribed charges and satisfaction of any other prescribed time was taken (a) to complete the pre-procurement conditions. If payment is not made or relevant conditions process and (b) between issue of prior indicative notice are not satisfied, the police may dispose of the vehicle and the award of contracts; what the value was of each concerned as they consider most appropriate, usually contract awarded; what requirements there were on by crushing or sale. Information on the numbers of bidders in respect of the presentation of their bids; and vehicles removed under the different powers and what how many submissions bidders were required to make. subsequently happens to each of them is not collected [314812] centrally. 613W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 614W

Mr. Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for the (4) if he will bring forward proposals to make it Home Department how much revenue was raised from compulsory for children aged 14 years and under to (a) crushing and (b) other means of disposal of cars wear cycle helmets when cycling on the public highway; in (i) Lancashire and (ii) England and Wales in each of [321906] the last five years. [322022] (5) what estimate he has made of the number of (a) lives that could be saved and (b) serious injuries that Mr. Alan Campbell [holding answer 12 March 2010]: could be prevented if the wearing of cycle helmets by Any vehicle seized by the police can be reclaimed on children when cycling on public highway was made payment of charges prescribed by statute to meet police compulsory, as recommended by the recent report costs and on satisfaction of any other prescribed commissioned by his Department, The potential for requirements. If a vehicle is not reclaimed, the police cycle helmets to prevent injury. [321907] may dispose of it as they consider appropriate. Any proceeds of the disposal are used to meet the prescribed Paul Clark [holding answer 12 March 2010]: The charges; any surplus is returned to the owner. Information Department for Transport’s proposals for policies to is not collected centrally on these transactions. improve road safety for all road users, including cyclists, National Identity Register were set out in our consultation paper “A Safer Way: Consultation on Making Britain’s Roads the Safest in the World”, which was published in April 2009. Mr. Maude: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 26 January The Government want to see more people cycling, 2010, Official Report, column 817W, on the National while at the same time minimising the risks of cycling. Identity Register, what the estimated total monetary There are a number of initiatives under way at present, value is of contracts in each of the framework agreements. aimed at improving cycle safety. These include: [318321] promoting bikeability cycle training for children; using the Highway Code and the Think! road safety campaign Meg Hillier: The suppliers that comprise the IPS to provide advice to child and adult cyclists on safe road use, Strategic Supplier Framework agreement for the National including use of protective equipment such as high visibility Identity Service (NIS) are: Computer Sciences Limited clothing and cycle helmets; (CSC), Electronic Data Systems (EDS), Fujitsu Services providing more safe cycle routes to schools and other locations; Ltd. (Fujitsu) IBM United Kingdom (IBM) and Thales providing guidance to local authorities on the design of safer UK Ltd. (Thales). IPS signed contracts with three out road infrastructure, including effective cycle-specific measures, of these five suppliers for the delivery of the NIS. They as well as more general measures that benefit all road users, are Thales, CSC and IBM. The breakdown is as follows: such as 20 mph zones; Thales UK Ltd. improving motor vehicle driver testing and training; Thales UK Ltd. was awarded a contract in July 2008 for the enacting new measures on lorry mirrors to improve the visibility technology and process for the early releases of the NIS which is of cyclists and pedestrians. worth £18 million. It has been awarded for four years with four There are no plans to arrange a press conference in successive 6-month options to extend. respect of the report commissioned by this Department CSC on the potential for cycle helmets to prevent injury. The CSC was awarded a contract in April 2009 for the Application Department publishes numerous reports throughout and Enrolment of passports and Identity (ID) Cards which is the year and it is not usual practice to facilitate a press worth £385 million. The contract is awarded for a period of conference for each report’s publication. 10 years. The total cost of the research programme on Road IBM Safety and Cycling is £527,719 excluding VAT. The IBM was awarded a contract in May 2009 to operate the report on cycle helmets was published by TRL on biometric database for passports and to support ID Cards, which 15 December 2009 alongside a report providing an is worth £265 million. The contract is awarded for a period of understanding of the key causes of collisions involving seven years with one three-year option to extend. cyclists. Research findings for both reports are available Each of the above values exclude any subsequent to download from the Department for Transport website contract variations. and direct links to the full reports, which are free to download from TRL’s website, are provided. Pre-publication copies of the reports were sent to the TRANSPORT road safety and cycling research project’s advisory group a week before publication. This group is made up of a Cycling: Safety wide range of road safety, health, and cycling interest groups. An e-mail link was sent to the advisory group Mr. Bone: To ask the Minister of State, Department and a wider group of stakeholders on the day of publication. for Transport (1) what priority his Department gives to TRL’s research confirms conclusions from earlier increasing safety for cyclists; [321903] work showing that cycle helmets can help to protect (2) if he will arrange a press conference to publicise cyclists in the event of a collision. That is why the the report commissioned by his Department on the Department for Transport encourages cyclists—especially potential for cycle helmets to prevent injury; [321904] children—to wear helmets when cycling. (3) what the cost to his Department was of However, the Department has no plans to introduce publishing the report on the potential for cycle helmets legislation to make cycle helmets compulsory for children to prevent injury; and to whom and by what means it or for adults. Taking into account the practicalities of was distributed; [321905] enforcing such an offence—particularly among children—as 615W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 616W well as the possible impact on levels of cycling and the Chris Mole: The Department for Transport uses the potential loss of wider health benefits, the Department Whitley system as the framework for negotiation, is not persuaded that making helmets mandatory is the consultation and exchanges of views and information. right option. If the trade unions wish to discuss the funding and TRL’s research project estimated that between 10 and spending priorities for the Department, this is the framework 16 per cent. of cyclist fatalities with a certain type of for doing so. head injury could have been prevented if they had worn Derby-Manchester Railway Line an appropriate cycle helmet. This estimate is based on an assessment of cyclist fatality reports and includes both adults and children. It is not possible to use this to Norman Baker: To ask the Minister of State, Department estimate specific casualty savings for children. for Transport if he will assess the effect of reopening the Derby to Manchester rail line to passenger rail traffic; The Department for Transport’s statistics show that a and what recent discussions he has had with the Peak total of 12 cyclists aged 15 or under were killed in road District National Park Authority in respect of their accidents in Great Britain in 2008. The statistics do not plan to open up closed tunnels to cyclists. [311177] show how many of these were due to head injuries, or how many were, or were not, wearing cycle helmets. Chris Mole: A full assessment of re-opening the TRL’s research also found that of the on-road serious Matlock to Buxton and Chinley section of the Derby to cyclist casualties admitted to hospital in England, 10 Manchester rail line was carried out in 2004 by the per cent. suffered injuries of a type and to a part of the Strategic Rail Authority and Derbyshire county council. head that a cycle helmet may have mitigated or prevented. It concluded that re-opening would costs between £84 405 child cyclists aged 0 to 15 were recorded as seriously million and £123 million. None of the options considered injured in road accidents in Great Britain in 2008, offered value for money and services under all options although this definition of serious injury includes a would require ongoing subsidy. much wider range of injuries that were not sufficiently We have been in discussions with the Peak District serious to lead to admission to hospital. National Park about their plans to improve facilities for The report also found that a further 20 per cent. of cyclists, including the opening and upgrading of some cyclists admitted to hospital suffered ‘open wounds to routes through tunnels. We have agreed to provide the head’, some of which are likely to have been to a funding to contribute to this project as part of Cycling part of the head that a cycle helmet may have mitigated England’s Finding New Solutions—the Role of Leisure or prevented. programme.

Departmental Manpower First Capital Connect: Fixed Penalties

Justine Greening: To ask the Minister of State, Anne Main: To ask the Minister of State, Department Department for Transport how many of his Department’s for Transport on how many occasions First Capital staff (a) are seconded to BAA and (b) were so seconded Connect has been issued with a financial penalty for not in each of the last five years; what the roles were of such providing enough seats for rail passengers in each of the personnel; and if he will make a statement. [320136] last six months. [321498]

Chris Mole: The Department for Transport’s records Chris Mole [holding answer 10 March 2010]: No indicate that no staff are currently seconded to BAA. financial penalty for not providing enough seats for rail One member of staff was seconded to BAA for 10 passengers has been issued to First Capital Connect in months in 2005. His role was to plan and deliver BAA’s the last six months. surface transport strategy for Heathrow airport. No The Department for Transport is currently working other staff have been seconded to BAA in the last five with First Capital Connect to alleviate overcrowding of years. short formation trains by introducing more coaches to lengthen trains. Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers Greater Manchester Mr. Philip Hammond: To ask the Minister of State, Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport how many full-time equivalent Department for Transport if he will set out, with staff of each grade are employed by his Department to statistical information related as directly as possible to assist special advisers. [321143] Manchester, Gorton constituency, the effects on that constituency of the policies of his Department and its Chris Mole: Two civil servants support the special predecessors policies since 1997. [322133] advisers—one at EO grade, one at HEO grade. Both provide support of a non-political nature in accordance Mr. Khan: The Transport Act 2000, as amended by with the Code of Conduct for Special Advisers. the Local Transport Act 2008, has provided a new policy framework benefiting all local transport authorities. Departmental Public Expenditure The framework gives greater certainty of funding, while encouraging more strategic transport planning with Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Minister of State, Department local consultation, and increasing local flexibility and for Transport what plans his Department has to consult discretion over resources. It was accompanied by a trade unions when considering the funding and spending significant increase in capital funding: support from my priorities of his Department for 2009-14. [309068] Department for transport investment in the City of 617W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 618W

Manchester, within which transport authority the Gorton with Network Rail on re-doubling of the Swindon-Kemble constituency falls, has more than doubled over the last railway line have been concluded; and when he expects decade. to make an announcement on their outcomes. [321908] Investment in Greater Manchester’s Joint Local Transport Plan, to which Manchester city council is a Chris Mole [holding answer 12 March 2010]: At partner authority, has delivered a number of improvements present, Network Rail quotes a cost of £52.4 million for to the quality, safety and accessibility of the local the redoubling of the Swindon-Kemble section of route. transport network. Between 2004 and 2008, bus patronage Officials in the Department for Transport are working per head of population increased by 7 per cent. and the with Network Rail to determine and agree ways in number of people killed or seriously injured on the which this cost can be reduced to a level at, or within, local highway network decreased by 28 per cent. in the the budget of £45 million available from the south-west period 2001-07. region. In May 2004, Greater Manchester Integrated Transport A number of opportunities have been found that Authority (ITA) launched the Local Link flexible transport could potentially lead to savings being achieved, but service in Gorton, Beswick and Openshaw, following a these will take some weeks to resolve. I will make an successful bid for £788,400 to the Department’s Urban announcement in due course. Bus Challenge fund. Local Link is a fully accessible Railways: York demand-responsive bus service which provides access to health, education, retail and leisure facilities throughout Hugh Bayley: To ask the Minister of State, the area seven days a week. In August 2004, an additional Department for Transport (1) what estimate he made vehicle was allocated to the service due to exceptionally of the number of passengers who began journeys at high demand. York railway station in (a) 1996-97 and (b) the latest It was announced in July 2006 that the Department year for which figures are available; [322096] had approved Greater Manchester ITA’s major scheme (2) what estimate he made of the number of business case for the £575 million Manchester Metrolink passengers who travelled by train between York and Phase 3a expansion. The project will expand the existing (a) London, (b) Leeds and (c) Scotland in (i) 1996-97 Metrolink network to Droylsden, Rochdale and Chorlton. and (ii) the latest year for which figures are available. The 3.9 mile extension to Droylsden will provide high [322097] quality public transport links between areas of deprivation in East Manchester and the major employment and Chris Mole: The Department for Transport does not leisure sites at Manchester Piccadilly and the City of hold this information. Manchester Stadium. It is anticipated that construction Statistics on individual station usage, journey and of the Droylsden extension will be completed in spring revenue information by three sectors of operators, “Long 2012. Distance”, “London and South East”, and “Regional” In 2009, the Greater Manchester ITA submitted a can be found in “National Rail Trends”, published by successful bid to the Department’s Green Bus Fund. the Office of Rail Regulation on a quarterly basis, at The £3.1 million award will support the purchase of 66 http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/nav.1529 low carbon vehicles, including a fleet of 20 diesel-electric hybrid buses to operate Metroshuttle services in Manchester Hugh Bayley: To ask the Minister of State, City Centre, 16 hybrid Yellow School Buses, and 30 Department for Transport how many trains a day ran hybrid single deck vehicles for use on subsidised services between York and (a) London, (b) Leeds and (c) in the city. Scotland each day in (i) 1996-97 and (ii) the latest year for which figures are available. [322099] Kemble-Swindon Railway Line Chris Mole: The following table shows the number of Mr. Clifton-Brown: To ask the Minister of State, passenger trains operating between York and (a) London, Department for Transport pursuant to the answer of 4 (b) Leeds and (c) Scotland each day in (i) 1996-97 and February 2010, Official Report, columns 456-7W, on (ii) the current rail timetable. The figures include open the Kemble-Swindon railway line, whether the discussions access and franchised passenger trains.

Northbound Southbound Difference Day June 1996 March 10 Difference June 1996 March 10

King’s Cross - York Mon-Fri 27 34 7 27 35 8 Sat 25 31 6 24 31 7 Sun 19 25 6 19 29 10 York- Edinburgh Mon-Fri 21 33 12 21 33 12 Sat223614223614 Sun 17 32 15 18 32 14 York - Leeds Mon-Fri 73 85 12 73 81 8 Sat 74 83 9 71 83 12 Sun 53 67 14 55 68 13 Total 331 426 +95 330 428 +98 619W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 620W

Rapid Transit Systems: Luton The Salt Cell arrives at its decisions by considering information provided by local authorities on their salt Andrew Selous: To ask the Minister of State, stocks and on weather forecasts provided by the Met Department for Transport from which budget the Office. Luton Dunstable busway funding announced on 10 Officials have also had a number of ad hoc discussions March 2010 will come. [322385] with local authorities about specific local issues.

Mr. Khan: The Department for Transport’s funding Southeastern contribution towards the Luton Dunstable Busway will be provided from the Regional Funding Allocation for Sir John Stanley: To ask the Minister of State, the east of England. Department for Transport pursuant to the contribution by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of Roads: East Sussex State of 6 January 2010, Official Report, column 99WH, on what date he expects to announce the Gregory Barker: To ask the Minister of State, outcome of his full review of Southeastern’s timetable Department for Transport what the timetable is of the early in 2010. [321672] decision-making process for confirmation of the compulsory purchase and side road orders for the Chris Mole: The start of Southeastern’s timetable Bexhill to Hastings link road. [321919] review was delayed by over three weeks due to the adverse weather. Therefore, it is anticipated that Mr. Khan [holding answer 12 March 2010]: The Southeastern will conclude their review by the end of inquiries into the side roads order and compulsory April 2010. We would expect Southeastern to communicate purchase order for the Bexhill to Hastings link road, the outcome of this with its passengers. which commenced on the 10 November 2009, have now closed. The Inspector has yet to submit his report to the Stroud Secretary of State, once received the report will be considered by the Secretary of State and a decision Mr. Drew: To ask the Minister of State, Department taken as to whether or not to confirm the orders. for Transport if he will set out, with statistical Roads: Tolls information related as directly as possible to Stroud constituency, the effects on that constituency of the policies and actions of his Department and its Mr. Scott: To ask the Minister of State, Department predecessors since 2000. [321480] for Transport pursuant to the answer of 3 March 2010, Official Report, column 1196W, on roads: tolls, when Mr. Khan: The Transport Act 2000, as amended by the most recent discussions referred to in the answer the Local Transport Act 2008, has provided a new took place. [321965] policy framework benefiting all local transport authorities. The framework gives greater certainty of funding, while Mr. Khan: The Chancellor had a number of discussions encouraging more strategic transport planning with with transport Ministers in the lead up to the Budget, local consultation, and increasing local flexibility and during which a range of transport issues were considered. discretion over resources. It was accompanied by a The Budget 2008 was held on 12 March 2008. significant increase in capital funding: support from my Snow and Ice Department for transport investment in Gloucestershire, within which transport authority Stroud falls, has risen threefold over the last decade. Mr. Evans: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what discussions he has had with Investment in the Gloucestershire Local Transport representatives of local authorities on the gritting of Plan has delivered a number of improvements to the roads during the recent severe weather conditions. quality, safety and accessibility of the local transport [321011] network. Between 2004 and 2008, bus patronage per head of population increased by 24 per cent., and the Mr. Khan [holding answer 9 March 2010]: On 6 number of people killed or seriously injured on the January 2010 the Government and the devolved local highway network decreased by 36 per cent. in the Administrations, with the support of the Local Government period 2001-07. Association re-introduced the Salt Cell. Prior to the In 2002, Gloucestershire county council received a Salt Cell being re-introduced Ministers and officials total of £631,500 from the Department’s Rural Bus were in close contact with Local Government Challenge fund to establish the Village Link rural bus representatives, in particular the Local Government service. Village Link is a demand-responsive bus service Association, with whom a number of discussions were for the elderly, and those with disabilities or mobility held throughout the period of severe weather. problems, who have difficulty accessing employment, The Salt Cell brings together the Department for education, health care and leisure services due to a lack Transport, the devolved Administrations (in Scotland of transport. and Wales), the Highways Agency, the Local Government The Stroud Valleys Car Club was launched in June Association, the Association of Directors of Environment, 2003 with grant funding from the Countryside Agency, Economy, Planning and Transport (ADEPT), Met Office, Gloucestershire county council and Stroud district council. the Department for Communities and Local Government The Car Club is designed to reduce unnecessary car use and the Cabinet Office. The aim of the Salt Cell is to by giving members flexible access to cars without the provide advice to suppliers on priorities for deliveries. costs of car ownership. 621W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 622W

In April 2009, the Cotswold Lorry Management Zone achievement of value for money and (b) at what point Trial came into force. The scheme, developed by the GEO expects to be brought into these decisions; Gloucestershire county council, sets clear routes for and when she expects the Treasury Minute in response lorries to use through the Cotswold Area of Outstanding to the report to be issued. [322344] Natural Beauty and includes a 7.5 tonne weight restriction on all routes throughout the zone other than the two Maria Eagle: Following publication of this Committee designated ’through-routes’ (the A417 and A419). The of Public Accounts’ Report on 4 March, the Government scheme aims to achieve a 30 per cent. reduction in heavy Equalities Office has discussed with Treasury the process goods vehicle flows on the B4008 between the junction for preparing the Government response to the report as 12 of the M5 and the A419, and on the A46 at Painswick a whole. The Government’s response will be set out near Stroud. alongside responses to the other Committee of Public Trade Unions Accounts’ conclusions and recommendations from its Fifteenth Report in a Treasury Minute in due course.

Mr. Syms: To ask the Minister of State, Department Official Engagements for Transport how many days staff of his Department and its agencies spent on trade union activity in the latest year for which figures are available; and what Stewart Hosie: To ask the Minister for Women and recent estimate he has made of the annual cost to the Equality what her official engagements are in March 2010. [321457] public purse of such activity. [320615]

Chris Mole: The Department for Transport does not Ms Harman: I have accepted a speaking engagement hold this information centrally, and it could be provided on 11 March. It is not usual practice to release details of only at disproportionate cost. future engagements other than confirmed speaking engagements. Traffic Commissioners

Mr. Stewart Jackson: To ask the Minister of State, CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT Department for Transport what the budget of the Office of the Traffic Commissioners is for 2009-10; Cinemas: Hearing Impaired where each of their offices is; and what powers local authorities have to (a) object to a heavy goods licence Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for being granted by the Commissioners and (b) call for Culture, Media and Sport what recent estimate he has an existing licence to be amended or revoked. [319615] made of the number and proportion of cinemas equipped to show films with subtitles for the deaf and Paul Clark: The budget of the Office of the Traffic hearing-impaired. [321649] Commissioners in 2009-10 is £6.53 million. The Traffic Commissioners have offices based in: Mr. Bradshaw: The most recent assessment of the number of cinemas able to provide subtitled screenings Edinburgh of films suggested that at the end of 2008 there were 316 Eastbourne suitably equipped sites in the UK. This equated to 40 Bristol per cent. of UK cinema sites, providing around 24,000 Birmingham subtitled screenings in 2008. Warrington Since that time a number of cinemas have installed Leeds digital projectors, which means that the number of sites Cambridge. equipped to show subtitled screenings is likely to have Local authorities’ powers to object to heavy goods increased significantly. licences being granted by the commissioners or to call Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers for an existing licence to be amended or revoked are set out in the Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act Mr. Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State 1995. A copy of the Act has been placed in the Libraries for Culture, Media and Sport how much has been paid of the House. in reimbursable expenses to special advisers in his The relevant legislation is available to the public and Department in each of the last five years. [320583] more details can be found at: Mr. Sutcliffe: Expenses incurred by special advisers www.opsi.gov.uk are reimbursed in accordance with the principles set out in Civil Service Code, Civil Service Management Code, the Code of Conduct for Special Advisers and the WOMEN AND EQUALITY Department’s guidance on travel and subsistence. Equality and Human Rights Commission The information requested is set out in the table.

Mr. Harper: To ask the Minister for Women and Financial year £ Equality what discussions the Government Equalities 2008-09 1,050 Office (GEO) has had with the Treasury on its response 2007-08 680 to the recommendation of the recent Public Accounts 2006-07 1,340 Committee report on the Equality and Human Rights 2005-06 1,150 Commission on clear guidelines to the Commission on 2004-05 1,550 (a) how future business cases should demonstrate the 623W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 624W

Departmental Public Expenditure Region Ticket allocation Ticket distribution Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for North East 4,575 2,540 Culture, Media and Sport what categories of his North West 30,579 15,083 Department’s expenditure generate a Barnett South East 19,281 13,929 consequential for Wales. [321955] South West 10,549 7,770 West Midlands 22,818 20,208 Margaret Hodge [holding answer 12 March 2010]: Yorkshire 16,834 12,147 The Department’s expenditure that generates a Barnett Total 180,281 122,024 consequential for Wales can be found in the Statement of Funding Policy on the Treasury’s website at: This is an updated table which includes data from www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/pbr_csr07_funding591.pdf three venues that hadn’t reported when figures were announced in January. The categories of expenditure listed for DCMS are: Administration Tourism: Olympic Games 2012 Arts Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission Mr. Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Libraries Culture, Media and Sport how much funding his Museums and Galleries Department plans to provide to promote the tourism Museums, Libraries and Archives Council opportunities provided by the London 2012 Olympics. [321916] Museum Reserves and GIS—Museums and Galleries Occupied Palaces/Other Historic Buildings Margaret Hodge [holding answer 12 March 2010]: Regional Cultural Consortia The Department is providing £130 million between Research Surveys and Other Services 2008-09 and 2010-11 to VisitBritain (VB) and VisitEngland Royal Parks (VE) for marketing Britain as a tourist destination Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme overseas and England as a tourist destination to the Sport and Recreation domestic market (and some overseas markets). In addition, public funding support for UK tourism from the Regional Tourism (England). Development Agencies, local authorities, the Welsh Assembly and Scottish Executive also need to be taken National Heritage Memorial Fund into account. This is likely to exceed £2 billion in the current spending review period. Mr. Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, VB has recently launched its marketing strategy for Media and Sport what assessment his Department has 2012 which is currently resourced from the above allocation. made of the effect of the proposed 50 per cent. In addition, public funding support for tourism supports reduction in the budget of the National Heritage programmes that focus on improving training and skills Memorial Fund on the operation of the Fund. [321667] within the industry, the quality of accommodation and our welcome to the world. These are an integral part of Margaret Hodge [holding answer 11 March 2010]: the Government’s strategy to help tourism maximise None. The budget of the National Heritage Memorial the opportunities presented by the 2012 games. Fund has not been reduced by 50 per cent. Over 2009-10 and 2010-11 the NHMF will receive its expected level of funding which is £20 million. HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION Theatre: Young People Members’ Staff: Pensions Mr. Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many tickets have been Tony Lloyd: To ask the hon. Member for North (a) made available and (b) used in relation to each Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission theatre participating in the free theatre tickets scheme. what discussions the House of Commons Commission [317186] has had with the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority on the system of pensions for staff of hon. Margaret Hodge: Arts Council England has provided Members; and if the Commission will make it its policy a regional breakdown of the number of tickets allocated to continue the Portcullis Pension Plan for staff alongside and distributed to the ’A Night Less Ordinary’ scheme any new system of allowances and expenses for hon. between February 2009 and November 2009. Further Members brought in by the Authority. [322025] information will be available in April. Details for individual theatres are commercially sensitive and therefore cannot Nick Harvey: The Speaker, on behalf of the Commission, be provided. discussed the future of the Portcullis Plan with the Interim Chief Executive of IPSA, Andrew McDonald, Region Ticket allocation Ticket distribution at their meeting on 16 February. The Commission has East 3,721 2,033 agreed that the House Service will continue to administer East Midlands 7,751 7,125 the Portcullis Pension Plan, including making it available London 61,165 38,942 to new members of Members’ staff, subject to review when IPSA takes on some responsibility for Members’ National 3,008 2,247 pensions. Members will fund the employer’s contribution 625W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 626W from their staffing budgets and the Chair of IPSA has Nick Harvey: Yes. said these will be set at a level which allows for appropriate pension contributions to be made. IPSA will make the Mr. Chope: To ask the hon. Member for North necessary deductions from the staff payroll. IPSA has Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission agreed to follow the House’s current arrangements for pursuant to the answer of 9 March 2010, Official Report, the plan, under which a single standard employer column 185W, on nurseries, if he will place in the contribution rate of 10 per cent. of total salary is paid; Library a copy of the full business case for the replacement and staff are automatically enrolled in the plan unless of Bellamy’s Bar, the Astor Suite and Bellamy’s Clubroom they opt out. The House’s Pensions Unit will liaise with by a day nursery with the commercially confidential IPSA officials to ensure co-ordination of their work. information redacted. [322399] The Commission believes this agreement will provide reassurance to existing and new Members’ staff, and to Nick Harvey: No. It is not the practice to put business Members themselves. cases into the public domain. Members: Allowances

Mr. Dai Davies: To ask the hon. Member for North HEALTH Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission Accident and Emergency Departments: Birmingham pursuant to the answer of 1 March 2010, Official Report, column 837W,on Members: expenses, what the estimated cost is of each change of use of offices referred to in the Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for answer; and from which budget this expenditure will Health what proportion of patients spent more than come. [320974] four hours in accident and emergency departments in Birmingham in each year since 1997. [321536] Nick Harvey: Planning for the series of moves which will culminate in the conversion of 1 Derby Gate into Mr. Mike O’Brien: The information is not available accommodation for use by Members and their staff is in the format requested. However, information on the only at an early stage, and costs for the later projects in percentage of patients in accident and emergency the series have yet to be worked up. The first leg, departments in Birmingham, that were seen within four involving the move of the Department of Resources to hours, for 2003-10 is shown in the following table: Tothill street, will involve prior building work of around Percentage of patients seen within £3.9 million. The cost of removals is expected to be four hours £77,000. 2003-04 89.7 Nurseries 2004-05 96.8 2005-06 98.2 Mr. Chope: To ask the hon. Member for North 2006-07 98.2 Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission 2007-08 98.4 pursuant to the answer of 9 March 2010, Official Report, 2008-09 97.9 column 185W, on nurseries, whether the full business 2009-10 98.2 case for the replacement of Bellamy’s Bar, the Astor Note: Suite and Bellamy’s Clubroom by a day nursery will be The hospitals these data relate to are: Birmingham Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, Good Hope submitted to (a) the Finance and Services Committee Hospital NHS Trust, Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, and (b) the House of Commons Commission before University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust. any decision is taken to proceed with the works. [322376] Source: Department of Health dataset quarterly monitoring of accident and emergency. Nick Harvey: No. Neither the Finance and Services Cancer: Health Services Committee nor the House of Commons Commission consider business cases. The Commission’s decision that Tony Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Health a nursery facility should be established is subject to the how many and what percentage of suspected cancer business case being approved by the Clerk of the House patients resident in (a) the City of Manchester and (b) as Accounting Officer. Manchester Central constituency saw an NHS consultant within two weeks of referral in each year Mr. Chope: To ask the hon. Member for North since 1997. [322292] Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission whether the works proposed to convert Bellamy’s Bar, Ann Keen: The information is not available in the the Astor Suite and Bellamy’s Clubroom into a day format requested. The information that is available is nursery will be subject to competitive tender. [322398] shown in the following table.

Number and percentage of suspected cancer patients seeing a consultant within two weeks of general practitioner (GP) referral Central Manchester Pennine Acute Hospitals University Hospital of South The Christie Hospital NHS University Hospitals National NHS Trust Manchester NHS Foundation Foundation Trust Health Service Foundation Trust Trust Quarter Number Percentage Number Percentage Number Percentage Number Percentage

2001-02 Q1 81 90.0 992 95.9 230 94.3 5 83.3 Q2 68 85.0 1,072 94.9 277 93.9 0 0.0 627W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 628W

Number and percentage of suspected cancer patients seeing a consultant within two weeks of general practitioner (GP) referral Central Manchester Pennine Acute Hospitals University Hospital of South The Christie Hospital NHS University Hospitals National NHS Trust Manchester NHS Foundation Foundation Trust Health Service Foundation Trust Trust Quarter Number Percentage Number Percentage Number Percentage Number Percentage

Q3 100 93.5 1,100 98.1 282 95.9 3 100.0 Q4 80 87.9 1,158 99.6 260 91.9 3 100.0

2002-03 Q1 95 88.0 1,215 98.8 230 92.4 5 83.3 Q2 125 98.4 1,240 99.1 308 96.0 — — Q3 165 100.0 1,325 98.4 497 99.8 6 85.7 Q4 135 100.0 1,190 95.8 320 98.8 4 80.0

2003-04 Q1 109 100.0 1,214 92.2 336 97.1 3 75.0 Q2 128 99.2 1,174 94.9 388 98.2 5 100.0 Q3 151 100.0 1,276 97.6 371 99.2 3 100.0 Q4 176 99.4 1,186 97.4 340 100.0 — —

2004-05 Q1 170 100.0 1,263 98.6 428 99.8 — — Q2 267 100.0 1,314 99.8 336 100.0 1 100.0 Q3 275 99.6 1,475 100.0 388 99.7 — — Q4 209 100.0 1,371 99.9 383 100.0 — —

2005-06 Q1 274 100.0 1,567 100.0 466 100.0 1 100.0 Q2 304 100.0 1,517 99.9 304 100.0 — — Q3 298 100.0 1,505 100.0 430 100.0 — — Q4 305 100.0 1,564 99.9 588 100.0 1 100.0

2006-07 Q1 334 100.0 1,746 99.9 615 99.8 1 100.0 Q2 359 99.7 1,681 99.9 684 100.0 — — Q3 374 99.7 1,857 100.0 744 100.0 — — Q4 356 99.4 1,898 99.9 678 100.0 4 100.0

2007-08 Q1 391 100.0 1,795 100.0 813 100.0 2 100.0 Q2 366 100.0 1,821 100.0 813 100.0 1 100.0 Q3 220 100.0 1,873 100.0 846 99.9 1 100.0 Q4 354 99.2 1,873 100.0 832 100.0 — —

2008-09 Q1 431 99.8 2,182 100.0 881 100.0 — — Q2 316 100.0 2,307 100.0 875 99.9 — — Q3 325 100.0 2,065 99.9 870 99.8 1 100.0 Q4 461 98.3 2,275 96.3 882 98.5 — —

2009-10 Q1 476 93.7 2,217 95.1 1,087 97.1 1 100.0 Q2 437 94.0 2,236 93.2 1,047 96.8 — — Q3 386 96.5 1,987 94.9 1,058 97.7 — — Notes: 1. 2001-02 data for Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust are based on aggregate figures for hospital sites covering Rochdale, Bury, Oldham and North Manchester, which existed as separate hospital trusts at the time. 2. The methodology for collecting cancer waiting times data changed from 1 January 2009 to bring reporting in line with practice under the 18 weeks programme. Source: Department of Health, Cancer Waiting Times database.

Cancer: Medical Treatments Mr. Mike O’Brien: None.

Mr. Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Mr. Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent discussions he has had with the National (1) what assessment he has made of the effect of the Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence on its end of life criteria used by the National Institute for Health Technology Appraisal process in respect of Health and Clinical Excellence on the level of patient rarer cancers. [322517] access to treatments for rarer cancers; [322523] 629W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 630W

(2) whether his Department provides guidance to Dental Services: North Yorkshire National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence appraisal committees on the application of its end of life criteria. [322527] Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the (a) gross expenditure including dental Mr. Mike O’Brien: The explicit criteria introduced in charges and (b) net expenditure was in respect of NHS January 2009 by the National Institute for Health and general dental services in North Yorkshire and York in Clinical Excellence (NICE) to inform consideration of each year since 1996-97. [322129] certain treatments that can extend life near the end of life, have been a factor in NICE’s appraisal of several Ann Keen: Since 2006-07, data on primary dental care medicines. Further information can be found in the expenditure can be derived from primary care trust written answer I gave the hon. Member for South (PCT) financial records. This data reflects the new Cambridgeshire (Mr. Lansley) on 8 February 2010, contract framework for primary dental care services Official Report, columns 708-10W. introduced from 1 April 2006, based on the PCT areas The application of appraisal criteria to individual introduced from 1 October 2006. It takes account of all technology appraisals is a matter for NICE as an relevant service costs for primary dental care services independent body. The Department has not issued any including those provided by dental providers under guidance to NICE appraisal committees on this matter. general dental service (GDS) or personal dental service (PDS) contracts. It is not directly comparable with the available pre-2006 data. Expenditure on primary dental Carbon Monoxide: Poisoning care services in the North Yorkshire and York PCT since 2006-07 is shown in the following table. Expenditure on primary dental care services in North Yorkshire and Tom Levitt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health York PCT if he will take steps to encourage awareness of the £000 symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning among Dental charges ambulance, paramedic and accident and emergency Gross expenditure paid by patients Net expenditure staff in the NHS. [322246] 2006-07 32,165 8,875 23,290 Mr. Mike O’Brien: Awareness of the symptoms of 2007-08 32,089 8,879 23,210 carbon monoxide poisoning is important for all clinicians 2008-09 39,241 10,358 28,883 in the national health service and the NHS locally Source: should reflect this in guidance to staff and consider the Calculated from details of gross primary dental care expenditure, and need for appropriate training as part of their workforce income from dental charges, recorded in the notes to the PCT’s accounts. plans. Prior to April 2006, most primary dental care services were provided under former GDS arrangements. These Care Quality Commission: Public Appointments were demand led services where the pattern of dental expenditure was largely determined by where dentists chose to practice and how much national health service Mr. Stephen O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State work they chose to undertake. for Health what timetable has been set for the appointment of a new Chair of the Care Quality The NHS Information Centre for health and social Commission. [322235] care holds local-level information on the expenditure for NHS primary dental care under the former GDS Mr. Mike O’Brien: The recruitment process is under and PDS arrangements. Expenditure information for way, in line with the procedures set out in the Commissioner the financial years 1997-98 to 2005-06 is available for for Public Appointments’ guidance for such appointments. the following former PCTs: Selby and York; Hambleton and Richmondshire; Craven, Harrogate and Rural District; The appointment is subject to a pre-appointment and Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale. This information hearing by the Health Select Committee. It is, therefore, is contained in the document ‘Expenditure on General likely that the timing of the general election may affect Dental Services and Personal Dental Services in North the timetable for the appointment. Yorkshire, 1997-98 to 2005-06’, which has been placed in the Library. Community Health Services Departmental Disciplinary Proceedings Mr. David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what consultation he plans to undertake in Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for developing the Transforming Community Services Health how many (a) disciplinary and (b) capability programme. [322047] procedures have been (i) initiated and (ii) completed in his Department in each of the last five years; how much Mr. Mike O’Brien: The Department works closely time on average was taken to complete each type of with a wide range of stakeholders to co-produce procedure in each such year; how many and what Transforming Community Services policies and guidance. proportion of his Department’s staff were subject to For example, the programme’s working groups include each type of procedure in each such year; and how representation from strategic health authorities, clinicians many and what proportion of each type of procedure and professional bodies. resulted in the dismissal of the member of staff. [320630] 631W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 632W

Phil Hope: The Department’s disciplinary and capability Total staff procedures are followed as part of its absence management; year average Performance Absence Conduct poor performance and misconduct policies. 2007-08 2,178 8 Fewer than 5 7 Prior to 2006 records were not held centrally for the 2008-09 2,222 9 Fewer than 5 Fewer than 5 core Department, and are not available. Since then the core Department has not dismissed any civil servants for poor performance, although other sanctions, including demotion, have been used. In the last year fewer than five individuals have been dismissed from the core Department for reasons other than performance. Doctors and Nurses: Greater Manchester The following table sets out the information for those staff who have been issued a disciplinary penalty under Tony Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Health the three disciplinary streams. All action is undertaken how many (a) doctors and (b) nurses were employed within the prescribed timescales within the Department’s in the NHS in the city of Manchester in (i) 1997 and (ii) policies. 2009. [322293]

Total staff year average Performance Absence Conduct Ann Keen: The data is not available in the format requested. The information that is available is shown in 2006-07 2,250 32 Fewer than 5 6 the following table:

All doctors and qualified nursing staff in selected areas, as at 30 September 2002-07 Headcount 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Manchester Primary Care Trust (PCT) All doctors 348 391 365 399 395 452 440 Of which:

Hospital and community health staff 53 76 50 64 61 96 86 doctors (HCHS) General practitioners (GPs) 295 315 315 335 334 356 354

Total qualified nursing staff 860 860 905 939 999 1,103 1,090 Of which:

Qualified nursing, midwifery and health 737 719 779 798 872 918 896 visiting staff

GP practice nurses 123 141 126 141 127 185 194

Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust HCHS doctors 831 850 901 915 1,005 813 979 Qualified nursing, midwifery and health 2,383 2,622 2,686 2,856 2,999 3,103 3,274 visiting staff

Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

HCHS doctors 919 696 839 965 1,013 1,218 1,225 Qualified nursing, midwifery and health 2,922 3,221 3,303 3,360 3,079 4,119 3,264 visiting staff

Christie Hospital NHS Trust

HCHS doctors 120 122 101 143 142 166 174 Qualified nursing, midwifery and health 361 383 405 496 478 489 481 visiting staff

University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust HCHS doctors 529 525 534 565 573 597 566 633W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 634W

All doctors and qualified nursing staff in selected areas, as at 30 September 2002-07 Headcount 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Qualified nursing, midwifery and health 1,521 1,531 1,570 1,816 1,776 1,861 1,870 visiting staff Notes: 1. Manchester PCT was created on 1 October 2006 following a merger of Central Manchester PCT, North Manchester PCT and South Manchester PCT. Figures prior to 2006 are an aggregate of the previous organisations. Due to mergers in organisations it is not possible to accurately map data back any further than 2002. 2. The Central Manchester and Manchester Children’s University Hospitals NHS Trust achieved foundation trust status on 1 January 2009 and is now known as the Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. 3. The South Manchester University Hospitals NHS Trust achieved foundation trust status on 31 October 2006. It is now known as the University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust. 4. Data excludes medical health and personal care assistants, most of which are GPs working part-time in hospitals. 5. Data Quality: The NHS Information Centre for health and social care seeks to minimise inaccuracies and the effect of missing and invalid data but responsibility for data accuracy lies with the organisations providing the data. Methods are continually being updated to improve data quality where changes impact on figures already published. This is assessed but unless it is significant at national level figures are not changed. Impact at detailed or local level is footnoted in relevant analyses. Source: The NHS Information Centre for health and social care—General and Personal Medical Services Statistics. The NHS Information Centre for health and social care—Medical and Dental Workforce Census. The NHS Information Centre for health and social care—Non-Medical Workforce Census.

Electronic Warfare Estimated number Estimated annual of GP number of Mr. Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health consultations in Number of GPs in consultations per what assessment he has made of the effects on the England per year England1 GP in England critical infrastructure of his Department of an 2004 170,900,000 31,523 5,421 electromagnetic pulse strike caused (a) deliberately 2005 175,400,000 32,738 5,358 and (b) through solar activity. [321754] 2006 181,400,000 33,091 5,482 2007 185,300,000 33,364 5,554 Phil Hope: The Department assesses a wide range of 2008 189,000,000 34,010 5,557 deliberate or accidental risks to its business critical 1 Headcount—excluding registrars and retainers. services, as part of its business continuity arrangements. Source: The Department’s business continuity plans and response NHS Information Centre for Health and Social Care/QResearch: Trends in structure allow it to protect staff and continue critical Consultations Rates in General Practice 1995 to 2008: Analysis of the QResearch Database. The Information Centre for Health and Social Care, General and business activities in the event of a major incident or Personal Medical Services Statistics: Data as at 1 October 1997-99 and 30 business disruption. September from 2000 onwards. General Practitioners These data are published at the following websites: www.ic.nhs.uk/statistics-and-data-collections/primary-care/ Mr. Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for general-practice/trends-in-consultation-rates-in-general- Health how many patients in (a) Jarrow constituency, practice--1995-2009 (b) South Tyneside, (c) the North East and (d) www.ic.nhs.uk/statistics-and-data-collections/workforce/nhs- England were seen by a general practitioner in each staff-numbers year since 1997. [321580] General Practitioners: York Mr. Mike O’Brien: Figures on the numbers of patients who were seen by a general practitioner (GP) are not Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for collected. Data on the estimated number of GP Health whether he has made a recent estimate of the consultations, based on a sample, in England and the proportion of (a) general practice surgeries and (b) number of GPs in England is available and shown as general practitioners in York who offer surgeries in the follows. Data on estimated annual number of consultations evening or at weekends. [322128] per GP has been calculated by dividing the estimated number of GP consultations in England by the number Mr. Mike O’Brien: The information is not available of GPs in England. Estimates broken down by strategic in the format requested. The latest published data shows health authorities, primary care trusts or MPs’ that as at July 2009, in North Yorkshire and York constituencies are also not available. primary care trust (PCT), 74.5 per cent. (73 of their 98) of general practitioner (GP) practices were offering Estimated number Estimated annual access to routine GP appointments outside normal of GP number of surgery opening hours. consultations in Number of GPs in consultations per England per year England1 GP in England Notes:

1997 163,200,000 28,046 5,819 1. Data is not collected centrally on this availability in relation to individual GPs. 1998 158,200,000 28,251 5,600 1999 155,500,000 28,467 5,462 2. The figure for England is 77.1 per cent. 2000 155,100,000 28,593 5,424 3. The figure for the Yorkshire and Humber strategic health 2001 161,900,000 28,802 5,621 authority is 76.9 per cent. 2002 162,100,000 29,202 5,551 Source: 2003 168,900,000 30,358 5,564 Department of Health 635W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 636W

Health Services: Birmingham Mr. Mike O’Brien: The information is not available in the format requested. However, information on the amount of national health service revenue expenditure Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for by breakdown of primary care trust (PCT), and strategic Health how much the NHS spent in Birmingham in health authority (SHA), in Birmingham, from 2002 to each year since 1997. [321535] 2009, is shown in the following table:

Revenue expenditure £000 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09

Eastern Birmingham PCT 241,983 262,121 294,845 340,396 — — — North Birmingham PCT 146,742 169,819 192,454 203,826 — — — BirminghamEastandNorthPCT————557,203 597,876 639,980 Heart of Birmingham Teaching 276,808 311,411 353,961 399,782 440,141 473,273 518,687 PCT South Birmingham PCT 338,983 382,939 429,695 468,932 510,745 551,552 592,208 Birmingham and the Black 227,026 176,330 187,513 195,670 — — — Country HA West Midlands SHA ————339,683 432,601 459,363 Total 1,231,542 1,302,620 1,458,468 1,608,606 1,847,772 2,055,302 2,210,238 Notes: 1. The PCT figures are taken from the audited summarisation schedules of Heart of Birmingham PCT, South Birmingham PCT and Birmingham East and North PCT. 2. Birmingham East and North PCT was formed following the merger of Eastern Birmingham PCT and North Birmingham PCT in 2006. The figures provided for 2002-03 to 2005-06 are the equivalent values in these two PCTs. 3. The SHA figures are taken from the audited summarisation schedules of West Midlands SHA (2006-07 to 2008-09) and Birmingham and The Black Country SHA (2002-03 to 2005-06). 4. Birmingham and The Black Country SHA covers a wider area than Birmingham alone, but it is not possible to disaggregate expenditure in the Birmingham area from the total expenditure of the SHA. West Midlands SHA was formed as part of the reconfiguration of SHAs in 2006 following the merger of three predecessor bodies including Birmingham and The Black Country SHA. Again, its expenditure covers a wider area than Birmingham alone but it is not possible to disaggregate expenditure in the Birmingham area from the total expenditure of the SHA. Source: Audited summarisation schedules, 2002-03 to 2008-09

Health Services: York arrangements, which were in place up to and including 31 March 2006. This information can be obtained from Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health the website for the Information Centre for health and how many whole time equivalent NHS (a) general social care at: practitioners and (b) general dental practitioners worked www.ic.nhs.uk/pubs/dwfactivity at practices within the City of York local authority area The headcount numbers of dentists with NHS activity (i) in 1997 and (ii) on the most recent data for which during the year ending 31 March 2009, are available in figures are available. [322106] the NHS Dental Statistics for England: 2008-09 report in Table G1 of Annex 3. This information is based on Ann Keen: The data are not available in the format the new dental contractual arrangements, introduced requested. The data for dental workforce figures are on 1 April 2006. This information can be obtained from only available on a headcount basis, and figures do not the website for The Information Centre for health and differentiate between full-time and part-time dentists, social care at: nor do they account for the fact that some dentists may www.ic.nhs.uk/pubs/dentalstats0809 do more national health service work than others. Headcount numbers of NHS dentists, in York, as at 31 Copies of both publications have already been placed March 1997 are available in the NHS Dental Activity in the Library. and Workforce Report England: 31 March 2006 in The information that is available for general practitioners Annex E. This information is based on the old contractual is shown in the following table:

General Practitioners (excluding retainers and registrars) by selected area (full-time equivalents) 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Total Specified 430 436 434 436 441 450 473 465 484 503 491 485 Organisations North Yorkshire 430 436 434 436 441 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Health Authority Selby and York n/a n/a n/a n/a 161 168 172 183 n/a n/a n/a n/a Primary Care Trust (PCT) Hambleton and n/a n/a n/a n/a 65 72 656 65 n/a n/a n/a n/a Richmondshire PCT 637W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 638W

General Practitioners (excluding retainers and registrars) by selected area (full-time equivalents) 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Craven, Harrogate n/a n/a n/a n/a 126 135 131 134 n/a n/a n/a n/a and Rural District PCT Scarborough, n/a n/a n/a n/a 98 98 97 103 n/a n/a n/a n/a Whitby and Ryedale PCT North Yorkshire n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 503 491 485 and York PCT n/a = not applicable. Notes: 1. North Yorkshire and York PCT was created on 1 October 2006 following a merger of Craven, Harrogate and Rural District PCT, Hambleton and Richmondshire PCT, Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale PCT and Selby and York PCT. Prior to 2002, the City of York was serviced by North Yorkshire Health Authority. This Health Authority may not map completely into the newly formed primary care trusts but has been provided here as background and appears consistent with subsequent aggregated PCT figures. 2. Data as at 1 October 1997-99 and 30 September 2000-08. 3. Totals may not equal sum of figures due to rounding. 4. Data Quality: The NHS Information Centre for health and social care seeks to minimise inaccuracies and the effect of missing and invalid data but responsibility for data accuracy lies with the organisations providing the data. Methods are continually being updated to improve data quality where changes impact on figures already published. This is assessed but unless it is significant at national level figures are not changed. Impact at detailed or local level is footnoted in relevant analyses. Source: The NHS Information Centre for health and social care General and Personal Medical Services Statistics.

Hearing Impaired: Health Services staff. Specific training courses in deaf awareness are available and are provided at a local level, according to Sammy Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for need. Health (1) what changes have been made to the level of funding provided for audiology training courses by strategic health authorities in England in the last 12 Hospitals: Construction months; [321654] (2) what steps his Department is taking to prevent Mr. Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for strategic health authorities in England reducing the Health how many hospitals have been built in (a) number of audiology training courses. [321656] South Tyneside, (b) the North East and (c) England in each year since 1997. [321586] Ann Keen: Local national health service organisations are best placed to assess the health needs of their local health community and plan the workforce they need. Mr. Mike O’Brien: The number of major hospital Strategic health authorities are responsible for schemes that have been built and opened in each year commissioning the correct number of training places to since 1997 is tabled as follows: meet the needs of the local population. Number Sammy Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for South The rest of Health what steps his Department is taking to Tyneside The north-east England maintain the number of trained paediatric audiologists 1997 0 0 5 in the next three years. [321655] 1998 0 0 4 1999 0 0 0 Ann Keen: Working with stakeholders, we are developing 2000 0 0 6 a range of education and training programmes which 2001 0 1 7 will have a focus on audiology as part of Modernising 2002 0 1 13 Scientific Careers. These will encompass the needs of both adult and paediatric services. We are working with 2003 0 3 10 strategic health authorities to ensure a smooth transition 2004 0 1 10 to implementation. 2005 0 0 12 2006 0 1 17 Mr. Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 2007 0 1 10 what deaf awareness training is provided for NHS staff. 2008 0 1 6 [322360] 2009 0 1 16 2010 0 1 0 Ann Keen: The responsibility for setting education standards on pre-registration training courses for health There have been a number of smaller scale health professionals rests with the independent health regulatory service projects in the South Tyneside area which include bodies. The content and standards of postgraduate The Washington primary care centre (capital cost £6 million) training for doctors is the responsibility of the Postgraduate which opened in 2008; the Gateshead and South Tyneside Medical Education and Training Board. Ongoing training Joint Assessment Unit (£4.5 million) and three other for all staff is the responsibility of employers, who are schemes at the South Tyneside primary care trust amounting best placed to understand the training needs of their to £9.5 million. 639W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 640W

Hospitals: Waiting Lists Financial year Month Median wait (weeks)

2009-10 January 1.7 Notes: Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for 1. The median waiting time has been calculated as a total for all 15 diagnostic tests collected monthly Health what the average waiting time was for a diagnostic 2. The median waiting time has been calculated as a total across Birmingham test in Birmingham in each year since 1997. [321537] East and North Primary Care Trust, Heart of Birmingham Teaching PCT and South Birmingham PCT. 3. Data prior to April 2006 are not available. Source: Department of Health, Knowledge and Intelligence, Commissioning and Systems Mr. Mike O’Brien: The information is not available Directorate. in the format requested. However, the average waiting time for a diagnostic test in each year since April 2006 is Mr. Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health shown in the following table: how many people were on waiting lists for hospital treatment in (a) South Tyneside, (b) the North East and (c) England in each year since 1997. [321584] Financial year Month Median wait (weeks) Mr. Mike O’Brien: The data requested are shown in 2006-07 April 5.2 the following table.

2006-07 January 3.1 Before 2003, South Tyneside Primary Care Trust (PCT) was part of Gateshead and South Tyneside 2007-08 January 1.9 Health Authority (HA), therefore these organisations 2008-09 January 1.4 are shown separately.

Total in-patients waiting at month end since 1997 (commissioner based) Gateshead and South Tyneside HA South Tyneside PCT North East SHA England

March 1997 8,749 n/a 56,363 1,131,201 March 1998 8,988 n/a 57,618 1,276,965 March 1999 8,277 n/a 50,900 1,060,356 March 2000 8,068 n/a 48,619 1,024,654 March 2001 7,561 n/a 47,088 995,123 March 2002 7,332 n/a 48,612 1,021,604 March 2003 n/a 3,379 46,214 975,338 March 2004 n/a 3,043 41,617 890,205 March 2005 n/a 2,630 35,175 808,810 March 2006 n/a 3,052 34,696 771,100 March 2007 n/a 2,800 32,599 691,885 March 2008 n/a 2,136 25,977 526,223 March 2009 n/a 2,402 27,666 565,772 January 2010 n/a 2,674 32,155 632,108 Notes: 1. Data for South Tyneside PCT prior to March 2003 relate to Gateshead and South Tyneside HA. 2. Data for 2003 to 2006 for North East Strategic Health Authority (SHA) include previous SHAs: County Durham and Tees Valley and Northumberland Tyne and Wear. 3. Data prior to March 2003 for North East SHA relate to previous HAs: Tees, County Durham, Newcastle and North Tyneside, Gateshead and South Tyneside, Sunderland and Northumberland. Source: QF01 and monthly returns from PCTs and HAs

Mr. Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Before 2003, South Tyneside Primary Care Trust Health how many people waited for over six months (PCT) was part of Gateshead and South Tyneside for NHS treatment in (a) Jarrow constituency, (b) Health Authority (HA), therefore these organisations South Tyneside, (c) the North East and (d) England are shown separately. in each year since 1997. [321585]

Mr. Mike O’Brien: The data requested are shown in the following table.

In-patients waiting longer than six months at month end since 1997 (commissioner based) Gateshead and South Tyneside HA South Tyneside PCT North East SHA England

March 1997 2,562 n/a 12,473 283,866 March 1998 2,494 n/a 12,468 377,164 March 1999 2,301 n/a 9,880 276,752 March 2000 1,850 n/a 9,365 264,370 March 2001 1,497 n/a 8,765 242,953 March 2002 1,426 n/a 10,126 238,091 March 2003 n/a 346 7,819 189,045 641W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 642W

In-patients waiting longer than six months at month end since 1997 (commissioner based) Gateshead and South Tyneside HA South Tyneside PCT North East SHA England

March 2004 n/a 96 3,598 80,125 March 2005 n/a 23 1,482 40,843 March 2006 n/a 0 0 199 March 2007 n/a 0 0 352 March 2008 n/a 0 0 71 March 2009 n/a 0 0 114 January 2010 n/a 0 0 52 Notes: 1. Data for South Tyneside PCT prior to March 2003 relate to Gateshead and South Tyneside HA. 2. Data for 2003 to 2006 for North East SHA include previous SHAs: County Durham and Tees Valley and Northumberland Tyne and Wear. 3. Data prior to March 2003 for North East SHA relate to previous HAs: Tees, County Durham, Newcastle and North Tyneside, Gateshead and South Tyneside, Sunderland and Northumberland. 4. In-patient waiting times measured from decision to admit to admission. Source: QF01 and monthly returns from PCTs and HAs

Maternity Services to become a foundation trust is a detailed assessment undertaken by the independent regulator of foundation Mr. Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health trusts in accordance with the relevant legislation. what recent representations he has received from the When the Department considered the application Royal College of Midwives on maternity services. from Mid Staffordshire General Hospitals NHS Trust [322252] (now Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust) for foundation trust status, assurance was gained on the Ann Keen: No such recent representations have been quality of care being provided via analysis of the trusts received from the Royal College of Midwives (RCM). performance against key national standards. This included Ministers, the Chief Nursing Officer and other officials assessment against accident and emergency and hospital meet regularly with the RCM to discuss matters of waiting time standards as well as the consideration of mutual interest. I last met with Professor Cathy Warwick, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium general secretary of the RCM, on 20 January 2010. difficile rates at the organisation. The Department’s Medical Records: Children review did not include an explicit review of hospital standardised mortality rates. Mr. Stephen O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State The Department’s assessment processes have since for Health whether parents may opt out of the evolved and now include an explicit consideration of summary care record system on behalf of their hospital standardised mortality rates, alongside other children. [322229] care quality indicators such as patient surveys and safety indicators. Since April 2009 the Department’s Mr. Mike O’Brien: Current policy permits parents of assessment has also included the consideration of each children who are not yet competent to decide for themselves application by the NHS Medical Director, whose support to request that their children are not provided with a is required prior to an application being able to proceed summary care record. The decision about whether or to Monitor for assessment to foundation trust status. not to create a summary care record for a child is made The NHS Medical Director considers a range of quality by the child’s general practitioner, informed by the related intelligence, including hospital standardised mortality parent’s wishes, acting in the best interests of the child. rates, in forming their view on each trust. A small number of children have not been provided with a summary care record following parental requests. The policy is presently being reviewed in the context of the safeguarding children agenda, in consultation NHS: Finance with the Department for Children, Schools and Families and the National Information Governance Board. Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Mr. Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much NHS funding has been allocated to (a) South Tyneside, (b) the North East and (c) Mr. Stephen O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State England in each year since 1997. [321583] for Health pursuant to the answer of 9 March 2010, Official Report, column 193W, on NHS foundation trusts, what assessment his Department made of Mr. Mike O’Brien: Revenue allocations were first mortality rates at Mid Staffordshire General Hospitals made to primary care trusts (PCTs) in 2003-04. Before NHS Trust when it assessed the Trust’s application for that, revenue allocations were made to health authorities foundation status. [322368] (HAs). Mr. Mike O’Brien: The Department’s consideration Table 1 shows revenue allocations to Gateshead and of applications for foundation trust status is about South Tyneside HA, the total revenue allocations made reviewing an organisation’s readiness for proceeding to to HAs covered by North East strategic health authority the final stage of assessment. This final stage of applying (SHA), and England total, from 1996-97 to 2002-03. 643W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 644W

Table 1: Revenue allocations to health authorities (HAs) 1996-97 to 2002-03 £ million HA revenue allocations 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1999-2000 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03

Gateshead and South Tyneside HA 170.9 178.4 187.6 255.5 278.2 300.8 332.5 North East SHA 1,178.2 1,226.7 1,294.0 1,768.8 1,936.3 2,102.3 2,321.1 England 20,886.0 21,816.4 22,895.3 31,192.9 34,234.9 37,157.4 41,468.5 Note: Revenue allocations are not always comparable between years because of changes to baseline funding. Source: Financial Planning and Allocations Division, Department of Health.

Table 2 shows PCT revenue allocations from 2003-04 HA), the total revenue allocations made to PCTs covered to 2010-11 made to Gateshead PCT and South Tyneside by the North East SHA and England total. PCT (both formed from Gateshead and South Tyneside

Table 2: Revenue allocations to primary care trusts (PCTs) 2003-04 to 2010-11 £ million PCT revenue allocations 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11

Gateshead PCT 202.6 222.2 242.7 286.7 313.3 330.4 357.2 376.6 South Tyneside PCT 158.3 173.8 190.0 223.0 243.8 257.1 279.3 294.0 North East SHA 2,516.1 2,756.9 3,009.6 3,588.1 3,920.7 4,134.8 4,452.9 4,694.6 England 45,027.2 49,328.2 53,925.0 64,309.6 70,354.7 74,197.5 80,030.7 84,432.4 Note: Revenue allocations are not always comparable between years because of changes to baseline funding. For example allocations from 2006-07 include primary medical services funding. Source: Financial Planning and Allocations Division, Department of Health.

NHS: Procurement Reported incidents that occurred between 1 April 2005 and 31 March 2006 Anne Milton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reasons primary care trusts in the East of England Incident type Number/percentage have been instructed to suspend procurement; and when they will be allowed to restart procurement. [321545] Deaths 2,275 Mr. Mike O’Brien: All primary care trusts (PCTs) All incident types 596,138 including those in the East of England are required to Percentage of incident types 0.4 review their plans for future provision of community reported as deaths services under a new assurance and approval process, as set out in guidance published 5 February.1 A copy has Source: already been placed in the Library. National Patient Safety Agency. 1 Transforming Community Services: The assurance and approval Reported incidents that occurred between 1 April 2005 and 31 March 2006, broken down by incident type process for PCT-provided community services (Department of Health, February 2010) Incident type Number Patients: Safety Access, admission, transfer, discharge (including 111 missing patient) Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Clinical assessment (including diagnosis, scans, 109 Health how many deaths resulted from each type of tests, assessments) patient safety incident in each year between 1997 and Consent, communication, confidentiality 50 2005. [321763] Disruptive, aggressive behaviour 12 Documentation (including records, 11 Ann Keen: The following table provides the number identification) of patient safety incidents associated with the death of Infection Control Incident 18 a patient that were submitted to the National Patient Implementation of care and ongoing 55 Safety Agency’s Reporting and Learning System each monitoring/review year for the period from the 1 April 2005 to 31 March Infrastructure (including staffing, facilities, 38 2006, broken down by type of incident. environment) The National Patient Safety Agency was set up in Medical device/equipment 32 2001. The Reporting and Learning System was piloted Medication 37 in 2002-03 but not all national health service trusts were Patient abuse (by staff/third party) 5 reporting before the end of 2004. Information about the Patient accident 100 number of patient safety incidents associated with death Self-harming behaviour 419 in 2004 is not included because of the low number of Treatment, procedure 237 incidents submitted to the Reporting and Learning Other 1,041 System prior to that date and the unreliability of the Total 2,275 information available. 645W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 646W

York Hospital: Manpower Ann Keen: The data are not available in the format requested. The following table shows national health Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health service staff at the York Hospitals NHS Trust by main (a) how many whole time equivalent medical consultants, staff group as at 30 September each specified year. The (b) (c) (d) other doctors, nurses and midwives and figures quoted for 1997 include posts that subsequently other health professionals were employed at York Hospital transferred to Selby and York Primary Care Trust (PCT), in 1997, excluding posts subsequently transferred to as these cannot be separately identified. York Primary Care Trust; and how many were employed in each category on the most recent date for which figures are available. [322107]

NHS staff at York Hospitals NHS Trust (full time equivalent) 1997 2008

All hospital and community health services (HCHS) medical and dental consultants 102 157 of which medical consultant 97 152 All HCHS other medical and dental staff 159 217 of which medical other 153 208 All non-medical staff 3,399 3,232

Professionally qualified clinical staff 1,771 1,513 Qualified nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff 1,362 1,030 Qualified scientific, therapeutic and technical staff 409 483 Qualified Allied Health Professions 228 231 Qualified Healthcare Scientists n/a 138 Other Qualified Scientific, therapeutic and technical (ST and T) staff 181 114

Support to clinical staff 1,021 885 Support to doctors and nursing staff 915 670 Support to ST and T staff 105 215

NHS infrastructure support 602 834 Central functions 166 307 Hotel, property and estates 344 457 Managers and senior managers 92 70 Other staff or those with unknown classification 60 n/a = Not applicable. Figures for healthcare scientists were not separately identifiable until 2003. Notes: 1. Full-time equivalent figures are rounded to the nearest whole number. 2. Data Quality Workforce statistics are compiled from data sent by more than 300 NHS trusts and PCTs in England. The NHS Information Centre for health and social care liaises closely with these organisations to encourage submission of complete and valid data and seeks to minimise inaccuracies and the effect of missing and invalid data. Processing methods and procedures are continually being updated to improve data quality. Where this happens any impact on figures already published will be assessed but unless this is significant at national level they will not be changed. Where there is impact only at detailed or local level this will be footnoted in relevant analyses. Sources: The NHS Information Centre for health and social care Non-Medical Workforce Census The NHS Information Centre for health and social care Medical and Dental Workforce Census

JUSTICE Wales for domestic burglary offences, from 1997 to 2008 (latest available) can be viewed in the table. Centrally Burglary: Convictions held court proceedings data do not identify the circumstances of each case and it is therefore not possible Mr. Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice to separately identify in which areas offences of burglary how many people were convicted of domestic burglary in a dwelling were committed. offences committed in (a) Jarrow constituency, (b) South Tyneside, (c) the North East and (d) England Court proceedings data are not available at parliamentary constituency level. Data are given in the table for the and Wales in each year since 1997. [321621] North East GOR in which the Jarrow constituency and Claire Ward: Information showing the number of South Tyneside are located. persons found guilty at all courts in the North East Court proceedings data for 2009 are planned for Government Office Region (GOR) and England and publication in autumn, 2010.

Number of persons found guilty at all courts for burglary in a dwelling offences1 in the North East Government Office Region (GOR)2 and England and Wales, 1997 to 20083,4 Area 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 20085

England and Wales 17,870 17,306 16,387 14,471 13,684 14,622 14,540 13,503 12,820 12,442 13,138 13,471 Of which:

North East GOR 1,474 1,423 1,307 1,004 1,091 1,206 1,007 790 776 767 827 786 647W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 648W

1 Includes burglary, and aggravated burglary, in a dwelling—Theft Act 1968 sections 9, 9(1)(a), 9(1 )(b), 10. 2 Includes: Cleveland police force area; Durham police force area; Northumbria police force area. 3 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. 4 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 extractedfrom 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. 5 Excludes convictions for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July and August 2008. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice

Crimes of Violence: Convictions Government office region (GOR) and England and Wales for offences of violence against the person, from Mr. Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for 1997 to 2008 (latest available) is shown in the following Justice how many people were convicted of offences table. related to (a) violent crime and (b) serious violent Court proceedings data are not available at parliamentary crime in (i) Jarrow constituency, (ii) South Tyneside, constituency level. Data are given in the table for the (iii) the North East and (iv) England and Wales in each north-east GOR in which the Jarrow constituency and year since 1997. [321591] South Tyneside are located. Claire Ward: Information showing the number of Court proceedings data for 2009 are planned to be persons found guilty at all courts in the north-east published in the autumn 2010.

Persons found guilty at all courts for violence against the person offences in the north-east Government office region (GOR)1, and England and Wales, 1997 to 20082, 3 Number Area 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 20084

England and Wales more serious offences5 3,283 3,173 2,915 2,825 2,908 3,201 3,195 3,554 3,589 3,242 3,453 3,424 less serious offences6 31,279 33,877 32,785 32,445 32,390 34,507 34,841 35,595 37,340 38,622 38,498 38,095 common assault 20,636 24,110 26,406 26,262 26,610 28,949 32,282 38,330 44,745 49,260 52,693 52,319 of which: North-east GOR more serious offences5 236 236 181 169 167 203 219 214 220 206 225 202 less serious offences6 2,119 2,319 2,322 2,204 2,260 2,328 2,208 2,163 2,387 2,554 2,707 2,578 common assault 936 1,050 1,258 1,216 1,140 1,351 1,615 1,869 2,006 2,198 2,885 2,676 1 Includes: Cleveland police force area Durham police force area Northumbria police force area. 2 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. 3 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extractedfrom 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. 4 Excludes convictions for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July and August 2008. 5 Includes: murder, attempted murder, threat or conspiracy to murder, manslaughter, infanticide, child destruction, causing death by dangerous driving, manslaughter due to diminished responsibility, causing death by careless driving under the influence of drink or drugs, causing or allowing the death of a child or vulnerable person, causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving, causing death by driving,—unlicensed, disqualified or uninsured drivers, causing death by aggravated vehicle taking, wounding or other act endangering life, endangering railway passenger. 6 Includes: endangering life at sea, other wounding etc. (including offences of assaults occasioning actual bodily harm and wounding or inflicting grievous bodily harm), cruelty to or neglect of children, abandoning child aged under two years, child abduction, procuring illegal abortion, concealment of birth. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice.

Drugs: Crime Government Office Region (GOR) and England and Wales for drugs offences, from 1997 to 2008 (latest Mr. Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for available) can be found in the table. Justice how many people were convicted of offences Court proceedings data are not available at parliamentary related to drugs in (a) Jarrow constituency, (b) South constituency level. Data are given in the table for the Tyneside, (c) the North East and (d) England and North East GOR in which the Jarrow constituency and Wales in each year since 1997. [321593] South Tyneside are located. Claire Ward: Information showing the number of Court proceedings data for 2009 are planned for persons found guilty at all courts in the North East publication in autumn, 2010.

Number of persons found guilty at all courts for drug offences in the North East Government Office Region (GOR)1 and England and Wales, 1997to20082,3 Area 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

England and Wales 40,666 48,821 48,711 44,621 45,621 49,036 51,162 39,197 39,090 39,582 44,565 52,941 Of which: North East GOR 1,526 2,194 2,528 2,773 3,340 3,624 3,816 2,687 2,759 2,734 2,667 2,626 649W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 650W

1 Includes: Cleveland police force area; Durham police force area; Northumbria police force area. 2 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. 3 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extractedfrom 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. 4 Excludes convictions for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July and August 2008. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice

Electoral Register Table 1: Local authorities England and Wales Local authority Maximum grant (£) Sir John Stanley: To ask the Secretary of State for Allerdale Borough Council 5,813 Justice what his estimate is of the public expenditure Alnwick District Council 5,849 cost nationally and locally of implementing the Amber Valley Borough Council 3,971 Government’s announcement in April 2008 that address Arun District Council 4,622 information held on the Electoral Register must be Ashfield District Council 3,933 reviewed, checked and matched against a national address Ashford Borough Council 4,736 database. [321670] Aylesbury Vale District Council 5,475 Babergh District Council 4,134 Mr. Wills: The Electoral Registration Data Standards Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council 5,417 Direction of April 2008 was made by the Secretary of Barrow-in-Furness Borough Council 5,744 State pursuant to the provisions of section 52(1) of the Basildon District Council 5,728 Representation of the People Act 1983 on the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council 4,241 recommendation of the Electoral Commission. Bassetlaw District Council 4,134 The Direction requires all electoral registration officers Bath and North East Somerset Council 5,431 to ensure that all data stored by them in electronic Bedford Borough Council 4,340 systems complies with a set of minimum standards Berwick-upon-Tweed Borough Council 6,436 from 1 December 2009. In order to comply with the Birmingham City Council 14,107 standards, Electoral Registration Officers must ensure Blaby District Council 4,73 8 address data is formatted according to the requirement Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council 4,942 of British Standard BS7666:2006 and must match the Blackpool Council 4,251 detail of electors’ addresses with the National Land and Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council 5,926 Property Gazetteer (NLPG) in England and Wales, or Blyth Valley Borough Council 4,835 in Scotland, the Corporate Address Gazetteers (CAG). Bolsover District Council 3,738 The Government have made funding available to Electoral Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council 5,691 Registration Officers to enable them to meet the costs of Boston Borough Council 3,885 compliance. Bournemouth Borough Council 9,542 The Electoral Registration Data Standards can enable Bracknell Forest Borough Council 3,829 local authorities to make efficiency savings through the Braintree District Council 5,380 creation of a single source of addressing information Breckland Council 4,242 for all of the authority’s services. That is because where Brentwood Borough Council 3,877 local authorities take advantage of this the need for Bridgend County Borough Council 5,270 multiple entry of address data can be eliminated, reducing Bridgnorth District Council 3,934 costs and inaccuracy. Information about address changes Brighton and Hove City Council 5,496 gathered through electoral registration activity throughout Bristol City Council 7,030 the year also ensures that the addresses recorded in local authority systems and in the NLPG and CAG Broadland District Council 4,271 continue to be as accurate and up to date as possible. Bromsgrove District Council 4,409 This can be of particular benefit where the NLPG or Broxbourne Borough Council 18,526 CAG are used by the emergency services. Broxtowe Borough Council 3,714 Burnley Borough Council 4,013 The maximum amount of funding made available to Bury Metropolitan Borough Council 19,839 support implementation of the data standards nationally Caerphilly County Borough Council 4,902 and locally is set out in Tables 1 and 2 respectively. Calderdale Metropolitan Borough 4,633 Local authorities in England and Wales and Valuation Council Joint Boards in Scotland are able to access the grant in Cambridge City Council 5,896 aid through a claim process specified by the Secretary of Cannock Chase District Council 3,615 State. Because this claim process will not be completed Canterbury City Council 4,304 until 31 March 2010, the final amount paid out will not be known until after this date. Caradon District Council 6,328 Cardiff County Council 7,717 Table 1: Local authorities England and Wales Carlisle City Council 4,239 Local authority Maximum grant (£) Carmarthenshire County Council 6,316 Adur District Council 3,933 Carrick District Council 4,292 651W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 652W

Table 1: Local authorities England and Wales Table 1: Local authorities England and Wales Local authority Maximum grant (£) Local authority Maximum grant (£)

Castle Morpeth Borough Council 4,845 Erewash Borough Council 4,160 Castle Point Borough Council 3,925 Exeter City Council 3,646 Ceredigion County Council 24,077 Fareham Borough Council 3,521 Charnwood Borough Council 4,208 Fenland District Council 5,877 Chelmsford Borough Council 4,228 Flintshire County Council 5,772 Cheltenham Borough Council 6,508 Forest Heath District Council 3,621 Cherwell District Council 4,874 Forest of Dean District Council 5,349 Chester City Council 4,768 Fylde Borough Council 4,387 Chesterfield Borough Council 3,802 Gateshead Metropolitan Borough 4,946 Chester-le-Street District Council 3,706 Council Chichester District Council 3,984 Gedling Borough Council 3,663 Chiltern District Council 3,628 Gloucester City Council 3,985 Chorley Borough Council 5,886 Gosport Borough Council 3,594 Christchurch Borough Council 3,670 Gravesham Borough Council 3,781 City and County of Swansea 5,227 Great Yarmouth Borough Council 6,844 City of Bradford Metropolitan District 6,822 Guildford Borough Council 5,355 Council Halton Borough Council 3,950 City of York Council 4,632 Hambleton District Council 3,836 Colchester Borough Council 4,274 Harborough District Council 4,328 Congleton Borough Council 4,292 Harlow District Council 3,947 Conwy County Borough Council 5,744 Harrogate Borough Council 5,024 Copeland Borough Council 3,615 Hart District Council 5,782 Corby Borough Council 3,539 Hartlepool Borough Council 3,559 Corporation of London 3,889 Hastings Borough Council 3,856 Cotswold District Council 4,480 Havant Borough Council 3,729 Council of The Isles of Scilly 5,746 Herefordshire Council 4,489 Coventry City Council 5,835 Hertsmere Borough Council 6,286 Craven District Council 4,219 High Peak Borough Council 3,615 Crawley Borough Council 4,139 Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council 3,992 Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council 19,189 Horsham District Council 3,935 Cyngor Gwynedd 6,655 Huntingdonshire District Council 4,303 Cyngor Sir Ynys Mon 9,526 Hyndburn Borough Council 3,758 Dacorum Borough Council 4,447 Ipswich Borough Council 3,650 Darlington Borough Council 3,642 Isle of Wight Council 4,685 Dartford Borough Council 3,615 Kennet District Council 3,629 Daventry District Council 3,807 Kerrier District Council 4,706 Denbighshire County Council 3,849 Kettering Borough Council 3,873 Derby City Council 6,068 King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Borough 6,074 Derbyshire Dales District Council 5,766 Council Derwentside District Council 4,017 Kingston upon Hull City Council 4,381 District of Easington 3,695 Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council 5,917 Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council 5,678 Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council 5,198 Dover District Council 4,137 Lancaster City Council 5,141 Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council 6,130 Leeds City Council 14,834 Durham City Council 3,620 Leicester City Council 5,293 East Cambridgeshire District Council 4,054 Lewes District Council 3,948 East Devon District Council 5,830 Lichfield District Council 3,676 East Dorset District Council’ 3,667 Lincoln City Council 4,978 East Hampshire District Council 4,574 Liverpool City Council 8,387 East Herts Council 6,459 London Borough of Barking and 4,768 East Lindsey District Council 8,081 Dagenham East Northamptonshire District Council 3,558 London Borough of Barnet 6,173 East Riding of Yorkshire Council 5,360 London Borough of Bexley 4,384 East Staffordshire Borough Council 3,621 London Borough of Brent 6,539 Eastbourne Borough Council 5,882 London Borough of Bromley 5,468 Eastleigh Borough Council 3,528 London Borough of Camden 6,443 Eden District Council 6,756 London Borough of Croydon 6,525 Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough 5,824 Council London Borough of Ealing 5,360 Elmbridge Borough Council 5,750 London Borough of Enfield 5,295 Epping Forest District Council 5,609 London Borough of Greenwich 5,240 Epsom and Ewell Borough Council 3,644 London Borough of Hackney 4,644 653W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 654W

Table 1: Local authorities England and Wales Table 1: Local authorities England and Wales Local authority Maximum grant (£) Local authority Maximum grant (£)

London Borough of Hammersmith and 5,434 Norwich City Council 5,887 Fulham Nottingham City Council 4,321 London Borough of Haringey 4,531 Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough 3,579 London Borough of Harrow 5,215 Council London Borough of Havering 4,467 Oadby and Wigston Borough Council 4,216 London Borough of Hillingdon 4,227 Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council 19,339 London Borough of Hounslow 7,3 03 Oswestry Borough Council 3,872 London Borough of Islington 5,761 Oxford City Council 4,208 London Borough of Lambeth 6,167 Pembrokeshire County Council 4,112 London Borough of Lewisham 5,576 Pendle Borough Council 5,640 London Borough of Merton 5,672 Penwith District Council 18,720 London Borough of Newham 4,643 Peterborough City Council 4,461 London Borough of Redbridge 4,623 Plymouth City Council 7,104 London Borough of Richmond upon 4,454 Poole Borough Council 4,282 Thames Portsmouth City Council 6,589 London Borough of Southwark 4,316 Powys County Council 12,091 London Borough of Sutton 4,765 Preston City Council 4,128 London Borough of Tower Hamlets 6,421 Purbeck District Council 4,767 London Borough of Waltham Forest 6,055 Reading Borough Council 5,841 Luton Borough Council 6,469 Redcar and Cleveland Council 4,235 Macclesfield Borough Council 5,445 Redditch Borough Council 3,618 Maidstone Borough Council 5,968 Reigate and Banstead Borough Council 4,064 Maldon District Council 3,523 Restormel Borough Council 3,768 Malvern Hills District Council 6,534 Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough 6,274 Manchester City Council 9,390 Council Mansfield District Council 3,615 Ribble Valley Borough Council 5,237 Medway Council 4,869 Richmondshire District Council 5,828 Melton Borough Council 4,097 Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council 6,672 Mendip District Council 4,054 Rochford District Council 3,631 Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council 6,645 Rossendale Borough Council 3,782 Mid Bedfordshire District Council 4,308 Rother District Council 4,403 Mid Devon District Council 3,615 Rotherham Metropolitan Borough 4,563 Mid Suffolk District Council 4,772 Council Mid Sussex District Council 3,793 Royal Borough of Kensington and 4,649 Chelsea Middlesbrough Council 4,412 Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames 5,411 Milton Keynes Council 4,309 Royal Borough of Windsor and 5,864 Mole Valley District Council 3,629 Maidenhead Monmouthshire County Council 7,127 Rugby Borough Council 3,686 Neath Port Talbot County Borough 4,308 Runnymede Borough Council 5,788 Council Rushcliffe Borough Council 4,294 New Forest District Council 4,310 Rushmoor Borough Council 3,615 Newark and Sherwood District Council 4,156 Rutland County Council 4,451 Newcastle upon Tyne City Council 5,945 Ryedale District Council 3,666 Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council 4,164 Newport City Council 3,734 Salford City Council 4,996 North Cornwall District Council 5,285 Salisbury District Council 3,609 North Devon District Council 5,183 Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council 5,499 North Dorset District Council 4,521 Scarborough Borough Council 6,710 North East Derbyshire District Council 3,668 Sedgefield Borough Council 3,552 North East Lincolnshire Council 7,258 Sedgemoor District Council 3,776 North Hertfordshire District Council 4,843 Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council 8,010 North Kesteven District Council 4,083 Selby District Council 3,648 North Lincolnshire Council 5,029 Sevenoaks District Council 4,119 North Norfolk District Council 7,221 Sheffield City Council 6,656 North Shropshire District Council 6,090 Shepway District Council 4,995 North Somerset Council 4,463 Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough 4,468 North Tyneside Council 4,750 Council North Warwickshire Borough Council 18,634 Slough Borough Council 5,745 North West Leicestershire District 4,102 Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council 4,328 Council South Bedfordshire District Council 3,661 North Wiltshire District Council 6,776 South Bucks District Council 3,991 Northampton Borough Council 4,854 South Cambridgeshire District Council 4,307 655W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 656W

Table 1: Local authorities England and Wales Table 1: Local authorities England and Wales Local authority Maximum grant (£) Local authority Maximum grant (£)

South Derbyshire District Council 3,616 Wansbeck District Council 4,077 South Gloucestershire Council 4,263 Warrington Borough Council 4,852 South Hams District Council 3,663 Warwick District Council 3,748 South Holland District Council 4,330 Watford Borough Council 5,942 South Kesteven District Council 4,372 Waveney District Council 3,895 South Lakeland District Council 7,820 Waverley Borough Council 4,315 South Norfolk District Council 4,202 Wealden District Council 5,626 South Northamptonshire Council 3,634 Wear Valley District Council 3,812 South Oxfordshire District Council 5,967 Wellingborough Borough Council 4,415 South Ribble Borough Council 5,748 Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council 4,373 South Shropshire District Council 5,771 West Berkshire Council 4,556 South Somerset District Council 5,025 West Devon Borough Council 4,015 South Staffordshire Council 4,143 West Dorset District Council 4,755 South Tyneside Metropolitan Borough 4,626 West Lancashire District Council 3,726 Council West Lindsey District Council 3,632 Southampton City Council 5,611 West Oxfordshire District Council 3,804 Southend-on-Sea Borough Council 5,316 West Somerset District Council 5,093 Spelthorne Borough Council 5,744 West Wiltshire District Council 6,110 St. Albans City and District Council 6,656 Westminster City Council 4,874 St. Edmundsbury Borough Council 3,794 Weymouth and Portland Borough 3,762 St. Helens Council 5,235 Council Stafford Borough Council 4,299 Wigan Council 5,962 Staffordshire Moorlands District Council 3,519 Winchester City Council 3,739 Stevenage Borough Council 3,933 Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council 7,847 Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council 6,234 Woking Borough Council 3,519 Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council 4,208 Wokingham District Council 5,137 Stoke-on-Trent City Council 4,400 Wolverhampton City Council 4,353 Stratford-on-Avon District Council 7,409 Worcester City Council 5,231 Stroud District Council 3,704 Worthing Borough Council 3,935 Suffolk Coastal District Council 5,744 Wrexham County Borough Council 5,402 Sunderland City Council 6,909 Wychavon District Council 3,876 Surrey Heath Borough Council 3,573 Wycombe District Council 6,433 Swale Borough Council 3,657 Wyre Borough Council 3,826 Swindon Borough Council 4,234 Wyre Forest District Council 4,488 Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council 4,492 Total 1,958,321 Tamworth Borough Council 3,979 Table 2: Valuation Joint Boards in Scotland Tandridge District Council 3,933 Joint Valuation Board Maximum payment (£) Taunton Deane Borough Council 4,434 Teesdale District Council 5,873 Central Scotland 22,588 Teignbridge District Council 5,073 Dunbartonshire 23,370 Telford and Wrekin Council 4,720 Lanarkshire 46,443 Tendring District Council 4,453 Ayrshire 27,515 Test Valley Borough Council 3,763 Highland 20,120 Tewkesbury Borough Council 4,610 Orkney and Shetland 4,424 Thanet District Council 3,624 Grampian 44,434 Three Rivers District Council 3,990 Tayside 30,327 Thurrock Council 4,964 Dumfries and Galloway 26,729 Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council 3,728 Fife 26,746 Torbay Council 5,484 Lothian 58,120 Torfaen County Borough Council 4,001 Glasgow 46,152 Torridge District Council 6,025 Renfrewshire 35,576 Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council 4,694 Scottish Borders 9,581 Tunbridge Wells Borough Council 4,214 Total 422,125 Tynedale District Council 4,764 Uttlesford District Council 4,788 Vale of Glamorgan County Borough 3,953 Electronic Warfare Council Vale of White Horse District Council 5,885 Vale Royal Borough Council 4,378 Mr. Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Wakefield Metropolitan District Council 6,273 what assessment he has made of the effects of an Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council 7,284 electromagnetic pulse strike caused (a) deliberately and (b) through solar activity on the critical infrastructure Wandsworth Borough Council 5,783 of his Department. [321760] 657W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 658W

Mr. Wills: We regularly review our business continuity Prisons: Crimes of Violence and resilience plans, informed by assessments made by central agencies. Our plans provide for a flexible response Mr. Gerrard: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice to disruption of infrastructure and critical activities how many assaults that resulted in (a) serious injury from the range of threats and hazards. For security and (b) hospitalisation took place in English and reasons we do not disclose assessment of individual Welsh prisons in each year since 2006. [321744] threat sources or of any particular vulnerability. We recognise that the potential hazard posed by solar activity Maria Eagle: The National Offender Management is expected to increase in 2012 and we will be reviewing Service (NOMS) has a responsibility to keep prisoners, this threat when further scientific evidence becomes staff and visitors safe. The management of violence and available. its reduction, including support for staff, is central to successful prison management. It is fundamental to NOMS objectives and vital to achieving the broad aims National Offender Management Service: Birmingham of safer custody. Every establishment, whether private or public, has a Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for local violence reduction strategy which engages all staff, Justice how much funding was provided in Birmingham all disciplines and prisoners in challenging unacceptable for (a) the Probation Service, (b) youth offending behaviour, problem-solving and personal safety. This teams and (c) the National Offender Management includes environmental and physical measures, as well Service in each year since 1997. [321579] as alternative ways of managing behaviour. The information requested is shown in the following Maria Eagle: Neither the National Probation Service table. The NOMS uses data drawn from large administrative nor the National databases which capture a wide range of information recorded locally by individual prisons. Data for 2009 is Offender Management Service have allocated funding currently being checked and validated. specifically for Birmingham.

The National Probation Service was established in Assault Incidents 2006 2007 2008 April 2001 and has allocated funding to the West Midlands Probation Area, which includes Birmingham, as shown Total assaults resulting in serious 1,057 1,148 1,177 in the following table. Before April 2001 the probation injury services were delivered by local authorities and details Serious injury and in-patient 183 161 184 of funding allocations are not held centrally. admission Other assaults not serious injury 52 49 49 resulting in in-patient admission £ Total assaults resulting in 235 210 233 in-patient admission Financial Year 2001-02 37,865,000 Prisons: Disciplinary Proceedings 2002-03 38,581,000 2003-04 41,932,000 Mr. Gerrard: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 2004-05 44,076,000 how many Prison Service Order 1300 formal 2005-06 50,140,000 investigations have taken place in each prison in each 2006-07 53,377,000 year since 2006. [321745] 2007-08 55,055,000 2008-09 59,331,000 Maria Eagle: Information on the number of formal 2009-10 57,484,000 investigations conducted under Prison Service Order 1300 in each prison, in each year, since 2006 is provided The Youth Justice Board, which was established in in the following table. October 1998, has allocated funding to the Birmingham Youth Offending Team as shown in the following table. Establishment 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Acklington 7 8 16 12 1 £ Albany11020 Altcourse 00000 Financial Year Ashfield00000 1999-00 428,547 Ashwell 5 6 18 10 3 2000-01 901,804 Askham Grange 33220 2001-02 1,905,535 Aylesbury 13 15 15 15 5 2002-03 2,512,812 Bedford 14 5 10 8 0 2003-04 1,933,682 Belmarsh 12 15 45 38 10 2004-05 2,447,030 Birmingham 40 44 8 31 7 2005-06 3,095,862 Blantyre House 01410 2006-07 3,131,725 Blundeston 67764 2007-08 3,281,517 Brinsford 12 5 12 15 7 2008-09 3,755,001 Bristol 12 10 8 5 0 2009-10 3,630,285 Brixton 45 44 78 86 12 Bronzefield01000 659W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 660W

Establishment 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Establishment 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Buckley Hall 12 16 10 8 1 Latchmere House 31101 Bullingdon 13 12 14 14 6 Leeds 13 19 10 7 1 Bullwood Hall 11 4 3 6 0 Leicester 3 3 6 11 3 Bure 00002Lewes 6 19 10 14 1 Camp Hill 67720Leyhill 14840 Canterbury (incl. 8104 3 3Lincoln 13 13 11 13 5 foreign nationals) Lindholme 4 10 20 12 2 Cardiff 21 12 14 18 1 Littlehey 9 13 1 13 4 Castington16722Liverpool 10 23 21 23 4 Channings Wood 4 13 12 13 2 Long Lartin 12 7 26 46 8 Chelmsford 6 17 11 9 4 Low Newton 2 8 17 20 2 Coldingley 7 10 10 7 3 Lowdham 00000 Cookham Wood 34931Grange Dartmoor 15 17 20 19 6 Maidstone 15 19 19 13 2 Deerbolt 4 7 9 16 6 Manchester 26 32 56 17 8 Doncaster 00000Moorland Closed 1 6 9 13 1 Dorchester 2 7 8 13 1 Moorland Open 02100 Dover 62550MortonHall46251 Immigration New Hall 13 13 7 6 6 Removal Centre North Sea Camp 57694 Downview19480 Northallerton 4 10 12 10 0 DrakeHall31040 Norwich 79981 Durham 10 12 31 13 6 Nottingham 6 15 10 11 4 EastSuttonPark00060 Onley 9 32 11 12 6 Eastwood Park 9 4 7 10 2 Parkhurst 6 14 9 6 0 Edmunds Hill 9 11 7 5 0 Pentonville 51 52 27 11 0 Elmley 23 22 27 4 2 Portland 4 4 10 6 3 Erlestoke 12 18 14 11 3 Preston 131122165 Everthorpe 4 13 10 3 3 Ranby 241735205 Exeter 02661 Reading 9 14 5 6 1 Featherstone 16 12 14 13 4 Risley 22 10 16 7 4 Feltham 29 22 29 40 8 Rochester 7 9 9 20 2 Ford 34474 Send 5 10 6 16 3 Foston Hall 6 5 12 11 2 Shepton Mallet 12110 Frankland 15 3 15 12 2 Shrewsbury15641 FullSutton111123792 Stafford 21 14 4 8 4 Garth 10 7 20 17 5 Standford Hill 3 8 10 3 1 Gartree 10 16 11 20 2 Stocken85312 Glen Parva 10 9 15 11 5 Stoke Heath 20 11 26 13 5 Gloucester 24680 Styal 77500 Grendon 6 0 7 11 5 Sudbury 1 3 11 6 1 Guys Marsh 15 21 14 29 7 Swaleside 15 15 12 8 1 Haslar 48710 Swansea48920 Immigration Removal Centre Swinfen Hall 9 9 5 15 5 Haverigg Camp 6 13 13 1 0 The Mount 19 19 14 6 3 Headquarters 21 19 54 68 18 The Verne 12 9 13 7 2 Hewell 30 24 16 20 3 Thorn Cross 8 6 12 8 1 (Houseblocks Usk/Prescoed 5 12 9 12 0 1-8) Wakefield 6 12 11 14 1 High Down 13 19 20 23 6 Wandsworth 32 26 45 31 7 Highpoint 4 12 8 10 1 WarrenHill58312 Hindley 12 17 19 16 2 Wayland63541 HollesleyBay34231 Wealstun 8 12 12 14 1 Holloway 37 22 3 5 1 Wellingborough 8 15 8 16 2 Holme House 3 2 7 18 2 Werrington 67630 Hull 15 27 5 6 0 House Huntercombe 3 8 11 0 0 Wetherby 4 12 8 7 0 Isis 00020Whatton 6 9 6 19 1 IsleofWight00072Whitemoor 14 18 25 23 6 Kennet 0 2 6 11 2 Winchester 13 14 21 10 6 Kingston 3 5 12 15 2 Wolds 00000 Kirkham 10 5 6 4 0 Woodhill 11 6 22 13 4 Kirklevington32660Wormwood 16 30 43 25 7 Lancaster Castle 2 5 11 6 3 Scrubs Lancaster Farms 7 12 17 14 5 Wymott 19 15 12 17 3 661W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 662W

(3) how many young offender institutions have a race Establishment 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 equality and diversity communication strategy; and Totals 1,264 1,453 1,644 1,599 352 when each was last revised; [321749] Notes: (4) how many young offender institutions have 1. These figures have been drawn from live administrative data systems which may be amended at any time. Although care is taken when processing and diversity representative posts; and how many such analysing the returns, the detail collected is subject to the inaccuracies inherent posts are vacant. [321753] in any large scale recording system. 2. This information is based on data extracted from a central investigations database (now historic) and data provided by die National Offender Maria Eagle: Prison Service Orders (PSO) 2800 (Race Management Service during March 2010. Equality) and 2855 (Prisoners with Disabilities) require 3. Information has been collated according to the calendar year 1 January through to 31 December. prisons to have a designated member of staff to act as a 4. Since 1 April 2004 the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman investigates and liaison for race equality and for disability issues. produces reports about all deaths in prison custody. As a result these figures are not included. Locally prisons and young offender institutions (YOIs) may choose to have a diversity manager to oversee Probation Officers equality issues generally. In addition, all have offender representatives supporting the work of local management teams on diversity issues. On 31 December 2009, 16 from Mr. Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 18 YOIs indicated that they had a diversity manager. what estimate he has made of the likely change to the number of (a) probation officer and (b) probation PSO 2855 sets out prisons’ and YOIs’ requirements service officer posts in Wales in financial year 2010-11. for meeting the needs of prisoners with disabilities and [306476] how the Prison Service must comply with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (amended 2005). The PSO does not provide guidance on particular disabilities as it Maria Eagle: The amalgamation of the four probation is the intention that the individual needs of the offender providers into a single trust will yield savings of about are assessed and reasonable adjustments made to address £1.5 million taken from non-delivery functions. This the issues raised, rather than adopting a one size fits all supports front-line delivery by allowing about 34 full-time policy. equivalent probation officers’ posts across Wales to be funded from these savings. PSO 2800 requires prisons and YOIs to have a race equality communication strategy setting out how they Under the planning assumptions for the trust, during will communicate and consult with staff, prisoners and 2010-11 improvements to the trust’s workforce planning visitors. Information on the management of equality in and case management may result in an overall reduction prisons and YOIs is collected quarterly through a of up to 28 probation officer posts (POs) and up to two questionnaire designed by the NOMS Race and Equalities probation service officer posts (PSOs) across Wales. Action Group. Every YOI reports having a race equality However, additional funding has been granted for offender communication strategy. Data are not collected centrally service provision, which is currently under discussion on revision dates. between the Director of Offender Management in Wales and probation. Any new services agreed with probation Young Offender Institutions: Food would result in the retention of some posts to deliver the services. These discussions are being concluded as quickly as possible. Mr. Gerrard: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the cost of providing food in each of the young offender institutions holding juveniles was in the last 12 Reoffenders months. [321746]

Mr. Grieve: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Maria Eagle: The average Prison Service daily food if he will collect and publish re-offending rates for each expenditure per prisoner1 in public sector young offender prison or cluster. [322307] institutions holding juveniles during 2008-09 (latest available data) is shown in the table. Mr. Straw: The Ministry of Justice is currently 1 The daily food cost has been calculated using available management undertaking a programme of work to investigate this information from NOMS finance systems and assumes that all issue, better to determine whether meaningful data on transactions have been allocated and recorded against the correct the reoffending of former prisoners from individual accounting codes. institutions can be produced. It is our intention to Average daily cost of food per prisoner, 2008-09 publish some findings from this work in November £ 2010 in a new publication which will include a range of data and analysis on reoffending which is not covered Brinsford 2.40 by the existing published statistics. Castington 2.51 Cookham Wood1 2.84 Downview 2.21 Young Offender Institutions: Equality Eastwood Park 2.58 Feltham 3.20 Mr. Gerrard: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Foston Hall 2.41 (1) how many young offender institutions have Hindley 2.50 diversity manager posts; and how many such posts are Huntercombe 2.60 vacant; [321741] New Hall 2.46 (2) what provision is made for children with a Stoke Heath 2.47 disability in young offender institutions; [321743] Warren Hill2 2.61 663W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 664W

Average daily cost of food per prisoner, 2008-09 of the bullying or harassment of prisoners in young £ offender institutions, or of children who do not speak English as a first language. Werrington 3.20 Wetherby 2.58 Each young offender institution has arrangements to 1 Includes Rochester as their kitchen also provides meals for Cookham safeguard and promote the welfare of the young people Wood and it is not possible to separate food costs for the two sites. in its care, including strategies for child protection, 2 Includes Hollesley Bay as their kitchen also provides meals for suicide and self-harm prevention and violence reduction. Warren Hill and it is not possible to separate food costs for the two sites. Mr. Gerrard: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice in how many young offender institutions there is a Mr. Gerrard: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice routine assessment of the language skills of children (1) which young offender institutions observe when they are admitted. [321750] guidelines on providing five pieces of fruit or vegetables a day; [321747] Maria Eagle: There is no routine assessment of a (2) what steps the Prison Service is taking to young person’s language ability. However we are working implement Department of Health guidance on healthy with the Communication Trust to improve awareness eating. [321748] and support for young people in the youth justice system who have communication needs. Supported by Maria Eagle: Young offender institutions in England DCSF funding, the Communications Trust is taking and Wales provide a multi-choice, pre-select menu that forward a programme to improve awareness of the includes healthy options. Caterers are issued with guidance importance of young people’s communication needs in to provide five portions of fruit and vegetables each day the secure estate and youth offending teams. The trust is and are expected to meet this requirement. developing training for the youth justice work force and influencing existing work force programmes and National There are a number of initiatives to encourage healthy Occupational Standards. eating including working towards food specifications with reduced sugar and salt content, favouring steaming and baking rather than shallow and deep frying and Young Offenders: Hearing Impaired avoiding adding salt and sugar during the cooking process. A balanced approach to nutrition is being Mr. Gerrard: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice pursued in line with the Department of Health’s guidelines. how many deaf children are in custody in England and Educating all prisoners, including young offenders, Wales. [321742] to eat a more healthy diet is key. Increasingly the National Offender Management Service is adopting a Maria Eagle: The information requested is not collected multi-disciplinary approach and working with the centrally, and could only be gathered by contacting Department of Health, the Food Standards Agency each establishment individually, which would involve and others to encourage individual prisoners to eat disproportionate cost. more healthily. There is a requirement for all providers of secure accommodation to comply with existing legislation, Young Offender Institutions: Languages including the Disability Discrimination Act 2005. In addition there are further requirements on the different categories of secure establishment to make adequate Mr. Gerrard: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice provision for those with disabilities, including the National (1) how many children in young offender institutions Minimum Standards for Children’s Homes, contractual do not have English as a first language; [321736] agreements with providers and Prison Service Order (2) how many children in young offender institutions 2855. These requirements ensure that deaf young people do not speak English. [321737] who are in custody receive proper provision.

Maria Eagle: Data on the number of young people in Young Offender Institutions (YOIs) who do not speak English, or whose first language is not English, is not COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT collected centrally. In order to meet foreign language needs in YOIs, translations, or explanations through an Aerials: Planning Permission interpreter, of important information must be available for all young people whose first language is not English. Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Interpreters can also be provided to supplement translated Communities and Local Government how many refusals material. of planning permission for mobile telephone masts by local authorities have been overturned by the Planning Mr. Gerrard: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Inspectorate in each of the last 10 years. [320850] how many incidents of bullying or harassment of children who do not speak English as a first language Mr. Ian Austin: The Planning Inspectorate’s database were recorded in young offender institutions in each classifies appeals relating to mobile telephone masts year since 2006. [321739] together with appeals relating to other telecommunications developments. The following table therefore shows data Maria Eagle: The National Offender Management on refusals of planning permission by local authorities Service does not collect data centrally on either incidents for development relating to telecommunications including 665W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 666W radio/TV mast, aerial, dish or antenna, that were Fire Services: Greater London subsequently allowed on appeal, since 2001, where data is available. Mr. Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether the Number of appeals allowed regional fire control rooms in London will be 2001 256 operational and live by September 2011. [319114] 2002 489 2003 391 Mr. Malik: Under current planning assumptions the 2004 242 regional fire control centre for London is due to become 2005 423 operational during September 2011. Planning assumptions 2006 485 are currently under review. 2007 388 2008 79 Green Belt: Greater London 2009 91 Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Performance Certificates Communities and Local Government how many homes have been built in the Metropolitan green belt in Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for each of the last 10 years. [320897] Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer of 9 March 2010, Official Report, column 212W, Mr. Ian Austin: There is no published information on on energy performance certificates, whether he has made the proportions of new dwellings built in the green belt an assessment of the effects on customers of the reported below regional level. This information would require errors in the Energy Performance Certificate Register additional analysis to assess the robustness of the Land between September 2008 and June 2009; and whether Use Change data at this level of geographical he has made an estimate of the number of incorrect disaggregation. entries in the register made during that period. [322354] Green Belt: St. Albans Mr. Ian Austin: As indicated in my answer of 9 March 2010, Official Report, column 212W, any errors Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for identified as a result of Quality Assurance procedures Communities and Local Government how many or customer complaints has been rectified. This has homes were built on land with green belt designation in been done at no cost to the consumer. No estimate is St. Albans constituency in each of the last 10 years. available of the number of incorrect entries in the EPC [320887] Register made between September 2008 and June 2009. Mr. Ian Austin: There is no published information on Fire Services the proportions of new dwellings built in the green belt below regional level. Mr. Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government for what Home Buying Stakeholder Advisory Panel reason the Parliamentary Under-Secretary, the hon. Member for Dewsbury, did not attend the Local Mr. Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State Government Association Fire Conference on 10 March for Communities and Local Government on what dates 2010; and if he will make a statement. [322375] the Home Buying Stakeholder Advisory Panel has met; and if he will place in the Library copies of the minutes Mr. Malik: I was unable to attend the conference due of each of its meetings. [319282] to ill health. Fire Services: Catering Mr. Ian Austin: The stakeholder advisory panel on home buying and selling met on 25 July 2007, 11 October 2007, 12 December 2007, 19 March 2008, 4 June 2008 Mr. Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for and 4 November 2008. Communities and Local Government what the (a) make, (b) specification and (c) cost is of the coffee machines I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. in each of the regional fire control rooms. [319113] Member for Brentwood and Ongar (Mr. Pickles) on 22 May 2008, Official Report, column 453W, which Mr. Malik: Regional control centres are equipped to dealt with the minutes of the meetings of the panel. support continuous operations and have high quality facilities including industrial standard kitchens. This Housing Revenue Accounts allows the buildings to provide for large numbers of staff, for example during large scale emergencies. Mr. Davey: To ask the Secretary of State for (a) The coffee machines in the kitchens of each regional control Communities and Local Government what proposals centre are made by Brasilia. he has for the reform of the Housing Revenue Account (b) The specification is a Gradisca 3 Group. subsidy scheme; and if he will make a statement. [321464] (c) The coffee machines were provided by each developer as part of the construction fit out of the building with the rest of the kitchen equipment. The cost of each coffee machine, associated John Healey: I intend to make an announcement and equipment and training is in the region of five to six thousand publish a summary of responses to the consultation pounds. shortly. 667W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 668W

Mr. Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr. Ian Austin: 160 local planning authorities in Communities and Local Government when he expects England have at least one accredited Building for Life to publish further proposals for reform of the Housing assessor as a result of the Commission for Architecture Revenue Account subsidy system; and if he will make a and the Built Environment’s (CABE) Building for Life statement. [321709] accredited assessor training programme. CLG’s policies do not require local authorities to become accredited John Healey: I intend to make a further announcement assessors. However, Planning Policy Statement 3 gives and publish a summary of responses to the consultation clear direction to local planning authorities to deliver shortly. well-designed housing and monitor and report on progress. Building for Life is a useful approach that enables local Mr. Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for authorities to do that. Communities and Local Government if he will bring forward proposals to end the transfer out of the Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for national housing revenue account (HRA) of HRA Communities and Local Government how many surpluses paid for from tenants’ rent with effect from development plans submitted as part of the Kickstart 2010-11. [322250] Round 1 process were deemed (a) very good, (b) good, (c) average and (d) poor when first assessed John Healey: The HRA Subsidy Determination for against the Building for Life standard. [321553] 2010-11 was published on 3 February. We intend to make an announcement shortly which Mr. Ian Austin: Details of the breakdown of Building will outline the progress we have made on self-financing, for Life scores under Kickstart round 1 can be found on set out more details of our proposals and provide a the Homes and Communities Agency website: summary of responses to the consultation. http://www.homesandcommunities.co.uk/public/documents/ Kickstart_Round%20_1_Review.pdf Housing: Construction The HCA and CABE will produce detailed reports on all aspects of the delivery of Kickstart rounds 1 and Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for 2 following the conclusion of the round 2 assessment Communities and Local Government (1) what process. These reports will include information on the percentage of new (a) affordable and (b) privately design assessments undertaken. built homes had (a) one, (b) two, (c) three and (d) four or more bedrooms in each local authority area in each Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for year since 1997; [320657] Communities and Local Government how many (2) what percentage of new (a) affordable and (b) assessments were added to the Commission for privately-built homes were (a) flats and (b) houses in Architecture and the Built Environment’s Assessment each local authority area in each year since 1997. Register in each of the last three years. [321555] [320658] Mr. Ian Austin: The register of formal Building for Mr. Ian Austin: Tables will be placed in the Library of Life assessments was launched on 30 September 2009. the House which shows the percentage of social rented No assessments were registered with CABE in 2007 or and affordable homes delivered through the Homes and 2008. 90 assessments were registered in 2009. Further Communities Agency’s Affordable Housing Programme assessments have been conducted by others but are not by the number of bedrooms and by houses or flats for formally recognised or recorded. each local authority area. These figures are only available from the Homes and Communities Agency’s Investment Management System, so will not cover the total number Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for of new build social rent and affordable homes. Communities and Local Government how many Building for Life assessments carried out for Kickstart Not all affordable housing is provided through new developments have been reassessed following a request build completions, supply can also come from the from (a) the Homes and Communities Agency and acquisition and refurbishment of private sector homes. (b) the Commission for Architecture and the Built In 2008-09, a total of 55,770 additional affordable Environment. [321556] homes, of which 31,090 were for social rent homes, were provided. Mr. Ian Austin: The Homes and Communities Agency Information on new privately built homes by bedroom (HCA) commissioned the Commission for Architecture size or dwelling type for each local authority area is not and the Built Environment to carry out Building for available. Life assessments on Kickstart Round 1 schemes. For the lower scoring schemes, HCA supplemented these Housing: Standards assessments with further information to enable the suitability of bids to be considered in their wider community and Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for local authority context. Communities and Local Government how many local planning authorities in England have at least one Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for accredited assessor for Building for Life; whether it is Communities and Local Government what annual fees his Department’s policy to require all local authorities are charged by the Commission for Architecture and to have at least one accredited assessor; and if he will the Built Environment for continued accreditation for make a statement. [321552] Building for Life assessors. [321557] 669W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 670W

Mr. Ian Austin: There is currently no annual fee £ charged by the Commission for Architecture and the LASCE1 MRA2 Built Environment for continued accreditation of Building for Life assessors. 2000-01 59,979,798 n/a 2001-02 58,015,822 42,624,554 Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for 2002-03 55,175,337 41,616,934 Communities and Local Government (1) what 2003-04 55,300,203 39,844,656 payments were made by the Homes and Communities 2004-05 45,050,978 39,682,548 Agency to the Commission for Architecture and the 2005-06 47,952,457 39,422,670 Built Environment in each of the last three years; 2006-07 46,914,415 38,807,225 [321560] 2007-08 44,992,723 40,273,716 (2) how much the Homes and Communities Agency 2008-09 41,183,689 41,009,973 paid to the Commission for Architecture and the Built 2009-10 37,873,808 40,722,499 1 LASCE—local authority supported capital expenditure Environment for its assessment of the Kickstart 2 MRA—major repairs allowance schemes against its Building for Life criteria. [322352] Multiple Occupation John Healey: The Homes and Communities Agency was created on 1 December 2008. The following payments Justine Greening: To ask the Secretary of State for have been made to the Commission for Architecture Communities and Local Government what effect the and the Built Environment: conversion of a house in multiple occupation to a December 2008 to March 2009: £125,304 single dwelling has on the calculation of the number of April 2009 to date: £458,278 of which £244,332 is for CABE’s housing units under the criteria used to assess housing assessment of Kickstart schemes against its Building for Life levels (a) nationally and (b) under the housing target criteria, to date. in the London Plan. [321349] All figures exclude VAT. Mr. Ian Austin: The conversion of a house in multiple Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for occupation to a single dwelling would have no effect on Communities and Local Government how many the estimate of dwelling numbers nationally. This is council and housing association homes in Birmingham because a house in multiple occupation is counted as did not meet the decent homes standard in each year one dwelling. since 1997; and how much funding his Department The housing numbers in the Mayor’s London Plan provided to upgrade council and housing association include “non self-contained”accommodation. In London, homes in Birmingham in each of those years. [321566] therefore, conversion of a house in multiple occupation would result in a reduction in “non self-contained” Mr. Ian Austin: The information requested is provided accommodation. in the following table. This is drawn from the Business Plan Statistical Appendix (BPSA)—Annual Monitoring Non-Domestic Rates: Ports data from Local Authorities, published by CLG. The RSL data are from the Regulatory Statistical Return Mr. Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for (RSR), published by the Tenant Services Authority. Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer of 2 March 2010, Official Report, columns The figures for funding provided by the Department 1153-54W,on non-domestic rates: ports, for what reason are set out in the second table. The Major Repairs the Valuation Office Agency decided (a) in 2002 that Allowance and the Local Authority Supported Capital Grimsby Fish Dock Enterprise should not be separately Expenditure are not used exclusively for Decent Homes rated and (b) in 2009 that it should be separately rated. expenditure. We do not provide funding to RSLs. [322225] Social housing stock—Birmingham Local authority RSL Total social sector Ian Pearson: I have been asked to reply. All Non- All Non- All Non- The Valuation Office Agency determined that Grimsby stock decents stock decents stock decents Fish Dock Enterprises should not form a separate 2001 85,500 53,000 n/a n/a n/a n/a assessment in 2002 on the back of information they 2002 80,900 56,900 n/a n/a n/a n/a were provided at the time. However the facts now show 2003 76,700 51,700 n/a n/a n/a n/a the fish market should be separately assessed for business 2004 72,900 49,300 n/a n/a n/a n/a rates. 2005 70,400 43,700 38,600 4,900 109,100 48,600 Where a change has been made to alter the rating lists 2006 68,200 34,900 38,900 4,600 107,100 39,500 this has been as a consequence of new information that 2007 66,800 23,000 39,200 4,000 106,000 27,000 alters the overall balance in terms of the decision on 2008 65,700 14,400 39,400 2,600 105,100 17,000 paramount occupation. The decision as to who is in 2009 64,800 7,100 39,700 1,400 104,400 8,500 paramount control, and therefore who should be rated, Note: rests on the facts of each case. Figures rounded to nearest hundred Mr. Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for £ 1 2 Communities and Local Government what guidance LASCE MRA was provided to the Valuation Office Agency on steps 1997-98 61,838,161 n/a to ensure that the assessment and rating of port businesses 1998-99 61,815,478 n/a consequent on the end of prescription rating were separate 1999-2000 60,087,942 n/a processes. [322290] 671W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 672W

Barbara Follett: The assessment of rateable value and 216W, on tenancy deposit schemes, what mechanisms the maintenance of rating lists is the responsibility of are in place to ensure the financial viability of tenancy the Valuation Office Agency and not this Department. deposit schemes. [322355] We do not provide guidance to the Valuation Office Agency on professional valuation issues. Mr. Ian Austin: The contracts under which the tenancy deposit schemes operate are designed to ensure that Sleeping Rough: York they continue to be financially viable. Those contracts are commercially sensitive. But I can confirm that the Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for mechanisms which they contain in order to safeguard Communities and Local Government what estimate he financial viability include restrictions on investments has made of the number of rough sleepers in York in and agreed method statements based on the schemes’ the (a) summer and (b) winter of (i) 1997 and (ii) the initial business planning assumptions. All these measures most recent year for which figures are available. are kept under close review. [322090] Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr. Ian Austin: Since 1998 an annual figure for rough Communities and Local Government pursuant to the sleeping has been published. There were 12 rough sleepers answer of 9 March 2010, Official Report, column found on a street count in York in 1998 and good 216W, on tenancy deposit schemes, whether he has progress has been made with only two found in 2009. made an assessment of the adequacy of the self- The total number of rough sleepers has fallen to 464 financing aspect of the business models of the private in 2009 based on local authority street counts compared companies under contract to his Department. [322356] to the 1998 baseline of 1,850. Mr. Ian Austin: We closely monitor the three tenancy Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for deposit scheme providers with contracts with Communities Communities and Local Government how many open and Local Government and hold regular contract access beds for rough sleepers there are in York and governance meetings with them. We are satisfied that how many such beds were provided in 1997. [322091] their business models are adequate to facilitate the ongoing financing of their schemes. Mr. Ian Austin: This Department does not collect information on the number of open access beds for rough sleepers. Under our £90 million Hostels Capital Improvement Programme we have invested over £2 million SCOTLAND on the new Arclight hostel for rough sleepers in York to replace the poor quality night shelter. Defence Tackling Antisocial Behaviour Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland who authorised the issue of his Department’s Mr. Blunt: To ask the Secretary of State for background paper, entitled Scotland and Defence Communities and Local Government pursuant to the published on 8 March 2010; when the paper was answer of 9 March 2010, Official Report, column commissioned; who was consulted as part of the 210W, on antisocial behaviour, how many copies of the preparation of the paper; what estimate he has made of leaflet on tackling antisocial behaviour were delivered the cost of (a) producing and (b) printing the paper; to each local authority listed. [322303] and what steps his Department took to publicise the paper upon publication. [321967] Barbara Follett: A report has been deposited in the Library of the House which sets out the number of Ann McKechin: The paper was produced by the Scotland copies of the Tackling Antisocial Behaviour leaflet that Office to provide a factual analysis of the position to were delivered to each local authority. help inform debate. It was prepared over the last few months and a number of Ministry of Defence officials Tenancy Deposit Schemes were consulted during its drafting to check facts and figures. The paper was agreed to, and the final draft Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for approved by, Defence Ministers. Communities and Local Government pursuant to the As the paper was part of the ongoing work of the answer of 9 March 2001, Official Report, column 216W, Scotland Office, there were no additional, costs involved on tenancy deposit schemes; if he will place in the in its production or printing. It was subsequently made Library a copy of the contract between his Department available on the Scotland Office website. and each tenancy deposit scheme provider. [322327] Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr. Ian Austin: The contracts between Communities Scotland whether special advisers in his Department and Local Government and the tenancy deposit protection were involved in the drafting of the background paper, scheme providers contain, commercially confidential entitled Scotland and Defence. [321968] information. I am therefore unable to place copies in the Library. Ann McKechin: Special advisers in the Scotland Office, work with the Permanent Civil Service, and provide Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for advice and assistance to Ministers across the range of Communities and Local Government pursuant to the their activities in accordance with the Code of Conduct answer of 9 March 2010, Official Report, column for Special Advisers. 673W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 674W

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for TREASURY Scotland which defence establishments in Scotland he has visited since (a) taking office in October 2008 and Banks: Pay (b) commissioning the background paper, entitled Scotland and Defence. [321969] Mr. Meacher: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will bring forward proposals to place a Mr. Jim Murphy: I have visited a wide range of cap on bankers’ bonuses. [321385] defence-related establishments throughout Scotland since taking office, including RAF Kinloss, Rosyth dockyard, Sarah McCarthy-Fry [holding answer 9 March 2010]: the shipbuilding yards at Govan and the missile ranges The Government are clear that remuneration policies at Uist, where I announced the ranges would remain must be based on long-term sustainable performance in open for business. the interests of all shareholders, taking proper account I also visited the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards at of risk. Therefore, there must be an end to the short-term their base in Fallingbostel in Germany as well as welcoming bonus culture in the banking sector. the Black Watch back to Edinburgh following the end However, the Government also recognise that of their most recent tour in Afghanistan. I have also performance related pay is an important part of rewarding been actively involved in visits to defence-related valuable contributions as long as it rewards long-term organisations such Erskine and the Army Benevolent success and takes an appropriate account of risk. The Fund and attended Armed Forces Day in Glasgow last idea of a bonus cap was rejected by the G20 and the year. Government do not plan to bring forward proposals to In addition, have visited a number of defence place a cap on banking bonuses. manufacturers including: Babcock International Group plc Child Trust Fund: York BVT QinetiQ Hugh Bayley: To ask the Chancellor of the SELEX Galileo Exchequer how many children in the City of York local authority area have received child trust fund payments Thales Optronics UK (a) since the scheme’s inception and (b) in the last 12 months. [322108] Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his Department’s paper entitled Sarah McCarthy-Fry: Each child trust fund account Scotland and Defence has been discussed at Cabinet. that is opened receives a payment of £250 from the [321970] Government, with an additional payment of £250 to children in lower-income families. Statistics showing the Ann McKechin: Information relating to internal meetings, level of child trust fund accounts opened in each local discussion and advice and the proceedings of Cabinet authority area is available at: and Cabinet Committees is generally not disclosed, as http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/ctf/stats.htm to do so could harm the frankness and candour of This data shows that 10,760 child trust fund accounts internal discussion. had been opened in the York Unitary Authority for children born by 5 April 2008.

Departmental Internet Council Tax: Valuation

Mr. Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland Mr. Stewart Jackson: To ask the Chancellor of the how many designs for its (a) internal website and (b) Exchequer with reference to the answer to the hon. intranet his Department has commissioned since 2005; Member for Bromley and Chislehurst of 2 November and what the cost was of each such design. [321980] 2009, Official Report, column 758W, on council tax: Bromley, if he will place in the Library a table showing Ann McKechin: There have been no design changes to the most recent figures for the number of properties the Scotland Office intranet since 2005. with each individual (a) dwelling house code and (b) value significant code, including codes for (i) type, (ii) number of rooms, (iii) number of bedrooms, (iv) Departmental Lost Property number of bathrooms, (v) number of floors, (vi) floor level, (vii) parking, (viii) garaging, (ix) conservatory type, (x) age, (xi) outbuilding and (xii) modernisation John Mason: To ask the Secretary of State for code, for all local authority areas in England; and what Scotland what property has been recorded as (a) lost figures the Valuation Office Agency holds for such and (b) stolen from his Department in the last 12 properties in Wales. [319184] months; and what estimate has been made of the cost of the replacement of that property. [322082] Ian Pearson: The tables of dwelling house codes and value significant codes for each billing authority have Ann McKechin: In the last 12 months one item of not been updated since publication in October 2009 property has been recorded as lost. The Scotland Office under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. A copy of incurred no cost as it was not replaced. No property has the tables was subsequently placed in the Library. The been reported stolen in the last 12 months. VOA intends to update these tables on an annual basis 675W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 676W and will publish revised tables later in 2010 so that off of the claimant count each month on average. At publication can conform to the National Statistics code the beginning of 2010, claimant count unemployment is of practice. still nearly 18 per cent. lower and long-term youth unemployment 85 per cent. lower than in May 1997. Departmental Internet Investment Income Surcharge Mr. Heald: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many designs for its (a) internal website and (b) intranet his Department has commissioned since 2005; Jim Cousins: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer and what the cost was of each such design. [321978] with reference to the answer of 17 July 2008, Official Report, column 629W, on investment income surcharge, Sarah McCarthy-Fry: In 2008 the HM Treasury intranet what the equivalent figure is for 2008-09. [322315] underwent a redevelopment. The design costs associated with this were £38,634. Mr. Timms: The exemption limit above which the investment income surcharge of 15 per cent. applied Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers was £7,100 for 1983-84, the last year before the investment income surcharge was abolished. The level of the exemption Mr. Philip Hammond: To ask the Chancellor of the limit which would have applied for 2008-09 is £19,800 Exchequer how many full-time equivalent staff of each under annual statutory indexation based on changes in grade are employed by his Department to assist special the retail price index with rounding up each year to the advisers. [321125] nearest multiple of £100. Applying a rate of surcharge of 15 per cent. to Sarah McCarthy-Fry: The number of full-time equivalent individual’s investment income above an exemption limit staff employed by HM Treasury to assist the special of £19,800 would yield around £3.7 billion in respect of advisers and Council of Economic Advisers is 4.5, the 2008-09 tax year, although most of this income comprising of 2 full-time range Ds, 1 part-time range C would not be received until the following year. and 2 full-time range Bs. This estimate is based on the Survey of Personal EU Budget Incomes 2006-07 projected forward in line with the 2009 pre-Budget report assumptions. The figure excludes any estimate of behavioural response which could be Mr. Bone: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer considerable given the extent of the change. what estimate he has made of the percentage change in the UK’s net contribution to the EU budget between 2008-09 and 2010-11. [322305] Israel: EU External Trade

Ian Pearson: The latest estimate of UK net contributions Dr. Starkey: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the EU Budget are £4.2 billion in 2007-08, £3.0 billion for what reasons HM Revenue and Customs (a) refused in 2008-09, £4.8 billion in 2009-10 and £6.0 billion in preference for and (b) investigated consignments of 2010-11, as given in footnote 3 of Table B15 of the imports from Israel under the EU-Israel Trade Agreement December 2009 pre-Budget report. in respect of (i) two consignments with commodity code 33079000, refused in August 2009, (ii) one consignment Greater Manchester with commodity code 34013000, refused in November 2009 and (iii) one consignment with commodity code Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Chancellor of the 34013000, under investigation. [322387] Exchequer if he will set out, with statistical information related as directly as possible to Manchester, Gorton Mr. Timms: HM Revenue and Customs refused constituency, the effects on that constituency of his preference for the three consignments in question as Department policies since 1997. [322137] documentary checks confirmed that the place of production was in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. For the Sarah McCarthy-Fry: The Neighbourhood Statistics remaining consignment with commodity code 34013000, Service provides a wide range of statistical information HMRC are awaiting confirmation of the place of at parliamentary constituency level, taken from the production. 2001 Census and other sources. This service is available on the National Statistics website at: Public and Commercial Services Union http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk./ The Government have put in place a broad programme Mr. Amess: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer of reform since 1997. Over the decade to 2007, the what recent representations he has received from the economic performance of all parts of the UK has Public and Commercial Services Union on the job improved considerably. security of its members who work for his Department The global recession has had a negative impact on and its agencies. [322251] economic activity in all areas of the UK. However, the economy was starting from a position of strength and is Sarah McCarthy-Fry: Treasury Ministers and officials actively supported by policies implemented by the receive representations from a wide variety of organisations Government, including the fiscal stimulus and a significant in the public and private sectors as part of the process package of support for those out of work. of policy development and delivery. As was the case In Gorton people are benefiting from this investment. with previous Administrations, it is not the Government’s Since the middle of 2009, more than 730 people moved practice to provide details of all such representations. 677W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 678W

Revenue and Customs to apply an above earnings increase of 2.5 per cent. to the basic state pension. Because of the statutory link Mr. Hoyle: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer between the additional state pension and public service what procedures are in place to communicate agreed pensions, any uprating of the additional state pension redundancy and relocation arrangements to staff at would impose a burden on taxpayers and also put HM Revenue and Customs offices which are scheduled pensioners with public service pensions at an unfair to close. [317701] advantage over those with private sector pensions. Leaving additional state pension at current rates this Mr. Timms: On 13 January 2010 HM Revenue and year has no bearing on an individual’s decision on Customs’ (HMRC) confirmed that 130 of its offices, whether to contract-out of the state second pension previously announced for closure during the Department’s because uprating applies only to additional state pension Workforce Change Regional Review Programme, would after a person is in receipt of their pension and does not close during 2010-11. affect the value of the additional state pension being The Department has put in place a range of measures accrued by people below state pension age. Information to communicate with and provide support to staff who for individuals considering whether to contract out of are affected by the announcement. HMRC has, and will the additional state pension into an occupational pension continue to consult with trade unions on communication scheme or personal pension can be found in our leaflet issues. entitled ‘Contracted-out pensions’ (PM7). Staff who are unable to relocate have been declared Tax Allowances: Forestry surplus and are entitled to volunteer for compulsory early severance or compulsory early retirement, to leave Mr. Sheerman: To ask the Chancellor of the HMRC by 31 March 2010. Exchequer if he will take steps to improve the tax Meetings were held in each office affected on 13 January incentives to charities engaged in tree planting and to explain the consequences of the announcement. These reforestation with traditional species of tree. [321543] meetings were supported by information, including questions and answers, published on HMRC’s intranet. Ian Pearson: The Government provide a generous A staff dial-in with senior managers was also held on range of tax reliefs for charities and donors, worth over 13 January, and a managers’ help line and staff mail-box £3 billion a year, which provides support to charities set up to ensure staff received the information they need whatever their cause. The Chancellor keeps taxes and about relocation and redundancy arrangements. tax reliefs under ongoing review. Letters were issued to all affected staff on 15 January Charities are also eligible to apply for grants from the confirming their surplus status and providing individuals Forestry Commission under the Rural Development with an estimated severance quotation. Staff seminars Programme for England that contribute to the costs of have been held to give people a better understanding of planting native woodlands. their situation, the options open to them and to provide The Government’s 2009 Low Carbon Transition Plan a further opportunity to ask questions before they set out its intention to support a new drive to encourage make a decision by 26 January. private funding for woodland creation and work is Managers will hold individual discussions with all under way to explore the best way of meeting this staff who choose not to accept the offer to leave to help commitment. them find redeployment opportunities within HMRC or the wider civil service. Taxation: Domicile HMRC will continue to provide regular updates for staff on its intranet site and through five regional Paul Farrelly: To ask the Chancellor of the support teams, with representatives from business units Exchequer (1) what requirements passport holders across HMRC, which have been set up both to help from (a) Belize and (b) each other foreign country people make choices and facilitate closure of the offices. must satisfy to be granted non-domicile status in the UK for tax purposes; [321658] State Retirement Pensions (2) under what circumstances a person who was born in the UK whose parents were UK citizens and who is Mr. Sanders: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer a long-term resident of the UK can qualify to be if he will make it his policy to increase the state classified as (a) non-domiciled in the UK for tax earnings-related pension scheme (SERPS) by 2.5 per purposes and (b) domiciled in Belize for UK tax cent. in line with the basic state pension; and what purposes; [321659] recent guidance his Department has issued to those (3) how many people holding Belize passports are considering a SERPS pension. [321713] classified as non-domiciled in the UK for tax purposes; and on what date each was granted such status. Angela Eagle: I have been asked to reply. [321660] The conventions on uprating state pensions are concerned with maintaining their price value. Had we applied Mr. Timms: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) those rules this year, when inflation as measured by the does not collect information on the passports held by September retail prices index was minus 1.4 per cent. taxpayers, or keep separate information on domicile in pensioners would not have received a rise in their state relation to Belize passport holders. pension. Certain tax consequences follow from not being We decided that the fairest and most effective way of domiciled in the UK, but whether or not someone is getting help to the 11 million pensioners in the UK was domiciled in the UK is a matter of general law. 679W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 680W

Under general law, the domicile status of an individual Recent estimates of CHP development estimate an depends closely on the facts and circumstances relating installed capacity of 7.1MW in 2010. Using the 2008 to that individual. HMRC’s website at: load factors, this would provide an estimated 36,260GWh http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/cnr/domicile-tier2.pdf of electricity. provides guidance on the principles that need to be Electricity: Disconnections applied to the facts in determining domicile in any particular case. Charles Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many domestic Valuation Office Agency: Termination of Employment electricity customers were disconnected as a result of non-payment of bills in each year since 1997. [320312] Mr. Austin Mitchell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many senior staff have (a) resigned Mr. Kidney: Ofgem publish data on the number of and (b) taken early retirement from the Valuation disconnections due to debt. Further information can be Office Agency for each reason since 2004. [322289] found in the following publication: http://www.ofgem.gov.uk/Sustainability/SocAction/ Ian Pearson: Three senior staff have resigned from Monitoring/SoObMonitor/Documents1/ the Valuation Office Agency since 1 April 2004. No 2008%20Supplier%20Social%20OBligations%20Annual%20Report.pdf senior staff have taken early retirement since 1 April The following table includes the total number of 2004. disconnections due to debt for electricity in each year from 1997 to 2008. The majority of suppliers reduced their numbers of electricity disconnections in 2008. A large proportion of the increase in the total was due to ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE the impact of a change in regulation which meant that prepayment meters could no longer be installed in some Boilers: Government Assistance types of properties. Ofgem is currently monitoring the situation. Mr. Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Disconnections due to debt Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made Electricity Number of the total cost to his Department of administering 1997 460 [321074] the boiler scrappage scheme. 1998 400 1999 373 Mr. Kidney [holding answer 9 March 2010]: The 2000 300 Government estimate that the total cost of administering the boiler scrappage scheme over its lifetime will be 2001 375 around £1.8 million which equates to 3.6 per cent. of 2002 995 scheme costs. 2003 1,361 2004 727 2005 604 Climate Change: Costs 2006 1,258 2007 2,657 Charles Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for 2008 2,891 Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the net cost to the Exchequer of the Government’s Existing supply licence obligations and an industry Climate Change Agreements in (a) 2009-10, (b) agreed code of practice provide a high level of protection 2010-11 and (c) 2011-12. [320517] for vulnerable consumers in debt. Suppliers must not disconnect a domestic premises during winter (October Sarah McCarthy-Fry: I have been asked to reply. through to March) if they know, or have reason to Estimates of the net cost to the Exchequer of the believe, that the customer is of pensionable age and Government’s Climate Change Agreements are available lives alone, or only lives with other pensioners or children in Table 7 of the pre-Budget report Tax Ready Reckoner. under the age of 18. Energy: EC Action Combined Heat and Power Charles Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for Charles Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent progress has Energy and Climate Change how much of the UK’s been made on implementation of the EU’s third energy electricity supply was generated from good quality package; and if he will make a statement. [320357] combined heat and power sources in the most recent year for which figures are available; and what his most Mr. Kidney: The Government are carrying out analysis recent estimate is of the quantity which will be of the Third Package Directives and Regulations to generated from such sources in 2010. [321364] assess what changes will need to be made to our domestic energy market framework to meet the specified legal Mr. Kidney: In 2008, 27,911 GWh of electricity was requirements. The required changes are to be made by 3 generated from good quality CHP. This equates to 7 per March 2011 and Government will consult stakeholders cent. of the UK’s electricity supply. Figures for 2009 on implementation of the package during the course of will become available on the 29 July 2010. this year. 681W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 682W

Energy: Prices I believe a rebate on electricity bills is more inclusive, enabling eligible households off the gas grid to benefit alongside eligible households on the gas grid. Mr. Charles Kennedy: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what provision has Fuel Oil been made under mandated social price support in respect of electricity and gas to increase the level of Mr. Charles Kennedy: To ask the Secretary of State support provided to households not connected to the for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he mains gas network. [321894] has made of the level of competition in local heating fuel supply markets in the UK; and if he will make a Mr. Kidney: Subject to its safe passage, the current statement. [321897] Energy Bill will allow the Secretary of State to establish mandated social price support for more of the most Mr. Kidney: There are around 200 different heating vulnerable consumers. oil distributors and around 40 Liquid Petroleum Gas I have announced my intention, subject to consultation, (LPG) suppliers in the UK, some with a national, to require energy suppliers to deliver the new help regional or local presence, with competition between available under mandated social price support schemes the companies involved. In order to provide a choice for through eligible consumers’ electricity accounts. consumers the relevant trade associations provide a search facility to find local suppliers: I expect the consultation to take place this summer and to be sufficiently wide-ranging to cover the point http://fps.findmydistributor.co.uk/ the right hon. Member raises. and A rebate on electricity bills is more inclusive, enabling http://www.uklpg.org/supplier-search/ eligible households off the gas grid to benefit alongside The Government support the retention of a competitive eligible households on the gas grid. market for heating oil, which is in the best interests of all customers. Both general consumer protection legislation, such as the Supply of Goods and Services Act and Mr. Charles Kennedy: To ask the Secretary of State Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations, and for Energy and Climate Change what estimate his competition law apply to this sector. Responsibility for Department has made of the effect of social tariffs in the enforcement of competition law lies with the Office reducing the level of fuel bills in households which rely of Fair Trading (OFT) and the Competition Commission. on heating fuels such as heating oil and liquefied Following an investigation by the Competition Commission petroleum gas. [321895] regulatory changes to make it easier to switch supplier for domestic bulk LPG have recently come into force, Mr. Kidney: Ofgem who monitor the energy suppliers’ and should improve competition in this market. social programmes, report on the number of gas and electricity customer accounts which benefit from social Office of Gas and Electricity Markets: Finance tariffs and the average savings per tariff. Some of these customers will be off the gas network, however the data Charles Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for available does not give a breakdown of these. Energy and Climate Change what the budget is of the By March 2009 over 1 million customer accounts Office of Gas and Electricity Markets for (a) 2009-10, were benefiting from a social tariff under the current (b) 2010-11 and (c) 2011-12. [320515] three year voluntary agreement between Government and the energy suppliers. Mr. Kidney: Ofgem inform us that their budget for 2009-10 and projected budget for 2010-11 and 2011-12 We have proposed legislation for a Social Price Support is: Scheme in the Energy Bill, which is currently before Parliament. As part of this, we are minded to require energy suppliers to provide help through eligible consumers’ £ million electricity accounts. This would enable eligible households 2010-11 2011-12 off the gas grid to benefit alongside those eligible households 2009-10 (projected costs) (projected costs) on the gas grid. Ofgem 38.7 37.5 37.2 Ofgem 6.9 41.2 39.9 Mr. Charles Kennedy: To ask the Secretary of State E-Serve for Energy and Climate Change what consideration he Total 45.6 78.7 77.1 has given to structuring mandated social price support to support households reliant on heating fuels; and if The projected increase in E-Serve’s budget between he will make a statement. [321896] 2009-10 and 2010-11 is mainly due to the administration of new Government programmes such as the rollout of smart meters, feed in tariffs and the Renewable Heat Mr. Kidney: Careful consideration is being given by Incentive. the Department on how best to target mandated social price support at vulnerable and fuel poor consumers. Public Bodies: Finance As a result of this work I have already announced my intention, subject to consultation in summer 2010, to Charles Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for require energy suppliers to deliver the new help available Energy and Climate Change what budget has been set under mandated social price support schemes through for the (a) Coal Authority, (b) Committee on Radioactive eligible consumers’ electricity accounts. This is because Waste Management, (c) Nuclear Decommissioning 683W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 684W

Authority, (d) UK Energy Research Partnership and Chris Bryant: The Government see the primary strategic (e) Civil Nuclear Police Authority in (i) 2009-10, (ii) priorities for the EU as to deliver an open and competitive 2010-11 and (iii) 2011-12. [320514] European economy, to promote stability and growth in its neighbourhood, and to work for sustainability, openness Mr. Kidney: The following budgets have been set for and security in the wider world. these organisations for 2009-10: The Government are at the forefront of promoting and driving action across this agenda. We have led the Organisation Total budget for 2009-10 (£) debate on the future shape of an ambitious, innovative, Coal Authority 40,000,000 low carbon jobs and growth orientated economic agenda, Committee on Radioactive 525,000 as set out in the Prime Minister’s Compact for Jobs and Waste Management Growth. We continue to encourage the EU to deliver Nuclear Decommissioning 2,936,000 further enlargement, and to promote the reforms necessary Authority within the aspirant countries, including particularly UK Energy Research 1— increased capacity and effectiveness of government Partnership institutions, transparent and accountable judicial Civil Nuclear Police Authority 4,900,000 institutions, and restructured and reformed economies. 1 The ERP is a partnership between government, industry and And we continue to drive efforts to ensure the EU research organisations. DECC’s contribution to ERP in 2009-10 is promotes international security and stability, including £38,000. through effective policy toward major external issues, a Budgets for 2010-11 and 2011-12 are not yet finalised. coordinated approach towards common security and defence policy operations, and effective institutional Totnes Town Transition Group structure, including for the European External Action Service, that help to deliver the strategic priorities as a Mr. Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy whole. and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of 22 February Falkland Islands 2010, Official Report, columns 74-5W, on the Totnes Town Transition Group, by what mechanisms the monitoring and evaluation plan will capture evidence of Andrew Mackinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for project impacts and promote community dialogue and Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent shared learning; what timetable has been set for completion representations the US administration has made to his of that plan; what estimate he has made of the cost to Department on the subject of the UK’s sovereignty in the public purse of that plan; and what programmes respect of the Falkland Islands; and if he will make a statement. [322388] will be funded from the grant of £625,000. [322041]

Joan Ruddock: The Low Carbon Community Challenge Chris Bryant: None. research programme will use the following mechanisms as part of the monitoring and evaluation plan in order Andrew Mackinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for to capture evidence of project impacts and promote Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will issue a community dialogue and shared learning: demarche to the US administration about the US Secretary of State’s call for talks on sovereignty in Capturing baseline hard data and historic trends on domestic respect of the Falkland Islands during her recent visit and non-domestic energy use in buildings in each of the 22 communities. to Buenos Aires; and if he will make a statement. [322389] Socio-economic and environmental behaviour data captured using a household survey across the successful communities—one before the challenge begins and one at the end—involving a Chris Bryant: We are in regular touch with the US on sample of residents in each community. this issue. The US continues to recognise the UK’s Public dialogue: A series of facilitated events in each of the administration of the Falkland Islands and their wider 22 communities to understand the emerging lessons from the position remains unchanged. We have consistently made Challenge—for the project, the partners as well as for policy clear that there is no need for any discussions or negotiations making. on the issue of the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands Evaluation of the effectiveness of the LCCC as a programme. and surrounding maritime areas, about which we have The plan started in February 2010 and will be completed no doubts. The principle of self-determination, enshrined in March 2012. The estimated cost to the public purse in the UN charter, underlies our position. of the evaluation plan over the two years is between £900,000 and £1,300,000. Intelligence Services Mr. Davey: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the guidelines issued FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE by his Department to officers of those intelligence services which fall within his responsibilities on interviewing prisoners abroad have been (a) seen and (b) agreed by European Union him; and if he will make a statement. [321504]

Mr. Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for David Miliband [holding answer 11 March 2010]: The Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what issues he has draft consolidated guidance is being considered by identified as strategic priorities for the European the relevant Ministers, and as my right hon. Friend the Union; and if he will make a statement. [322295] Prime Minister has made clear, will be published soon. 685W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 686W

Nuclear Disarmament: International Cooperation Mr. Coaker: 50 projects in 43 local authorities have reached financial close in the Building Schools for the Mr. Dai Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Future programme. These are listed in table A as follows. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what papers the 58 local authorities in BSF have not reached financial Government has prepared for the nuclear non-proliferation close. These are detailed in list B. The 51 local authorities summit in Washington DC on 12 and 13 April 2010; still waiting to join the programme are in list C. which (a) Ministers and (b) officials plan to attend the Table A: 43 local authorities which have reached financial close summit; and whether any representatives of non- Local authority Date reached financial close governmental organisations will be included in the UK delegation. [319205] Hull March 2010 Stoke-on-Trent February 2010 Tessa Jowell: I have been asked to reply. Rochdale January 2010 Blackburn with Darwen (part of January 2010 Government officials are currently involved in negotiating Blackburn with Darwen and Bolton) the communiqué and work plan texts that are expected Bolton (part of Blackburn with January 2010 to be issued at the US-hosted Nuclear Security summit Darwen and Bolton) in April. The UK delegation has not yet been finalised. Salford (part of Salford and Wigan( December 2009 Wigan (part of Salford and Wigan) December 2009 Terrorism: Northern Ireland Birmingham August 2009 Durham August 2009 Mr. Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Sandwell July 2009 Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has Derbyshire July 2009 made an estimate of the amount of money which has North Lincolnshire July 2009 been provided by individuals and organisations in the Barnsley July 2009 US to dissident Republican terrorist organisations in Luton May 2009 Northern Ireland in each of the last five years; what Southwark May 2009 steps have been taken with the US administration to Haringey March 2009 prevent any such payments being made; and if he will Tameside February 2009 make a statement. [321306] Tower Hamlets January 2009 Paul Goggins: I have been asked to reply. Newham January 2009 Middlesbrough December 2008 There is no evidence that the US represents a significant Hackney November 2008 source of funding or other support for dissident republicans. Liverpool November 2008 In terms of prevention, both RIRA and CIRA have been designated ’Foreign Terrorist Organisations’ by Kent October 2008 the US Government. This makes it unlawful for a Islington July 2008 person in the US or subject to the jurisdiction of the US Nottingham June 2008 to knowingly provide material support or resources to a Westminster April 2008 designated foreign terrorist organisation. It also requires Sunderland March 2008 any US financial institution that becomes aware that it Leicester December 2007 has possession of or control over funds in which a South Tyneside (part of South December 2007 designated foreign terrorist organisation or its agent has Tyneside and Gateshead—StaG) an interest, to retain possession of or control over the Gateshead (part of South Tyneside December 2007 funds and report the funds to the Office of Foreign and Gateshead—StaG) Assets Control of the US Department of Treasury. Knowsley December 2007 Lewisham December 2007 Waltham Forest August 2007 Sheffield July 2007 CHILDREN, SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES Newcastle July 2007 Solihull May 2007 Building Schools for the Future Programme Leeds April 2007 Lambeth January 2007 Mr. Allen: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Bradford December 2006 Schools and Families in which schools in each local Lancashire December 2006 authority area a school rebuilding project is under way Greenwich November 2006 under the Building Schools for the Future programme Manchester August 2006 which has not reached financial close. [321859] Bristol June 2006

Mr. Coaker: The information requested has been List B: Local authorities in BSF that have not reached placed in the House Libraries. financial close Barking Mr. Allen: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Barnet Schools and Families which local authorities (a) have reached financial close for their Building Schools for Bedford the Future (BSF) projects, (b) are part of the BSF Blackpool programme but have not reached financial close and Bournemouth (c) are not part of the programme. [321860] Brent 687W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 688W

Buckinghamshire Bromley Cambridgeshire Bury Camden Calderdale Cornwall Cheshire East Coventry Cheshire West and Chester Croydon City of London Darlington Cumbria Derby City Dorset Devon Dudley Doncaster East Riding of Yorkshire Ealing East Sussex Enfield Gloucestershire Essex Harrow Halton Herefordshire Hammersmith and Fulham Isle of Wight Hampshire Isles of Scilly Hartlepool Leicestershire Havering Medway Hertfordshire Merton Hillingdon Milton Keynes Hounslow North Somerset Kensington and Chelsea North Yorkshire Kingston Northamptonshire Kirklees Northumberland Lincolnshire Reading NE Lincolnshire Redbridge Norfolk Richmond upon Thames North Tyneside Rutland Nottinghamshire Shropshire Oldham South Gloucestershire Oxfordshire Southend-on-Sea Peterborough Slough Plymouth Stockport Poole Surrey Portsmouth Swindon Redcar and Cleveland Thurrock Rotherham Torbay Sefton Trafford Somerset Warwickshire Southampton West Berkshire St. Helens West Sussex Staffordshire Wiltshire Stockton-on-Tees Windsor and Maidenhead Suffolk Wirral Sutton Wokingham Telford and Wrekin Yo rk Wakefield Walsall Departmental Consultants Wandsworth Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for Warrington Children, Schools and Families how much was spent Wolverhampton on advertising by (a) his Department and (b) each (i) Worcestershire non-departmental public body and (ii) executive List C: Local authorities not in Building Schools for the agency for which his Department is responsible in Future 2009. [316836] Bath and North East Somerset Ms Diana R. Johnson: It has not been possible to Bedfordshire (Central) identify the Department’s spend on advertising in 2009 Bexley without incurring disproportionate cost. However, the Bracknell Forest Department’s spend on advertising in the 2008-09 financial Brighton and Hove year was £13,891,106. 689W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 690W

Advertising expenditure by non-departmental public nationwide have received education maintenance bodies and executive agencies in 2009 cannot be obtained allowance in each year since 2008-09. [313485] without incurring disproportionate cost. Education Maintenance Allowance Mr. Iain Wright: This information is held by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC). I have asked the LSC’s chief executive, Geoff Russell, to write to my Mr. Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for hon. Friend with the information requested. Children, Schools and Families (1) how many people in (a) Jarrow constituency, (b) South Tyneside, (c) the Letter from Geoff Russell, dated 5 March 2010: North East and (d) England have received education I am writing in response to your Parliamentary Questions maintenance allowance in each year since its inception; 321112, 313484 and 313485. [321112] Information on the number of young people who have received (2) how many people in (a) Jarrow constituency, (b) Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is available at Local Authority Level, but not at constituency level. EMA take-up is South Tyneside, (c) the North East and (d) England defined as young people who have received one or more EMA received education maintenance allowance in 2009; payments in the academic year. [313484] The following table shows EMA take-up during each academic (3) how many people in (a) Jarrow constituency, (b) year since inception for England, the North East, South Tyneside South Tyneside, (c) the North East and (d) Local Authority area and Gateshead Local Authority area.

2009/10 to end- Area type Area 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 January 2010

National England 297,259 429,627 527,319 546,472 540,908 599,791 Region North East 19,409 25,755 32,528 33,803 34,934 36,425 LA South Tyneside 1,636 1,711 2,148 2,326 2,251 2,422 LA Gateshead 1,842 2,000 2,268 2,445 2,532 2,673

In comparing across years, it is important to understand that Number of pupils entered for GCSEs in selected subjects in national roll-out was phased over several years. In the first year comprehensive and independent schools in 2009 EMA was available to all 16 year olds across England and to Comprehensive school Independent school 17 and 18 year olds in former pilot areas. In 2005/06 EMA was Selected available to all 16 and 17 year olds nationally. From 2006/07 subject Number Percentage Number Percentage EMA was available to all 16, 17 and 18 year olds nationally. Physics 53,532 10.3 15,028 31.0 EMA take-up data showing the number of young people who have received one or more EMA payments during 2004/05, 2005/06, Biological 56,884 11.0 16,435 33.9 2006/07 and 2007/08 is available on the LSC website, at the Sciences following address: Chemistry 53,654 10.3 15,671 32.4 History 155,610 30.0 23,248 48.0 http://www.lsc.gov.uk/providers/Data/statistics/learner/ EMA_take_up.htm Geography 132,109 25.4 21,636 44.7 Mathematics 510,220 98.3 27,664 57.1 English 503,383 97.0 41,347 85.4 GCSE English 405,303 78.1 36,839 76.1 Literature Source: Michael Gove: To ask the Secretary of State for Achievement and Attainment Tables. Children, Schools and Families how many pupils in The data relate to pupils at the end of key stage 4. (a) comprehensive and (b) independent schools were entered for GCSE examinations in (i) physics, (ii) Mr. Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for biology, (iii) chemistry, (iv) history, (v) geography, (vi) Children, Schools and Families how many pupils mathematics, (vii) English and (viii) English literature achieved at least five GCSE grades at A* to C in (a) in the most recent year for which figures are available. Jarrow constituency, (b) South Tyneside, (c) the [314907] North East and (d) England in each year since 1997. [321113]

Mr. Coaker [holding answer 2 February 2010]: The Mr. Coaker: The information requested is given in information required is given in the following table: the following table:

Jarrow South Tyneside North-east England

Percentage of Percentage of Percentage of Percentage of Number of pupils gaining Number of pupils gaining Number of pupils gaining Number of pupils gaining pupils1, 2 5+ A*-C3 pupils1, 2 5+ A*-C3 pupils1, 2 5+ A*-C3 pupils1, 2 5+ A*-C3

1997 962 38.8 1,873 35.7 31,234 36.8 537,661 42.5 1998 937 38.1 1,820 36.9 30,433 37.1 527,538 43.8 1999 951 41.5 1,826 39.9 30,629 39.4 533,730 45.7 2000 948 39.9 1,839 39.3 30,473 41.7 534,343 47.0 691W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 692W

Jarrow South Tyneside North-east England Percentage of Percentage of Percentage of Percentage of Number of pupils gaining Number of pupils gaining Number of pupils gaining Number of pupils gaining pupils1, 2 5+ A*-C3 pupils1, 2 5+ A*-C3 pupils1, 2 5+ A*-C3 pupils1, 2 5+ A*-C3

2001 1,056 42.3 2,020 39.1 31,826 42.5 554,506 47.9 2002 1,055 42.7 2,142 42.2 31,712 44.3 558,002 49.5 2003 1,060 40.6 2,054 43.5 32,045 46.8 572,040 51.1 2004 1,029 45.3 2,020 45.1 32,409 48.7 590,096 52.0 2005 948 52.4 1,933 51.7 31,007 53.6 582,876 55.0 2006 986 56.0 2,003 55.5 31,679 57.4 592,485 57.5 2007 1,081 60.4 2,096 59.3 32,570 60.6 598,767 60.1 2008 997 66.3 1,954 64.9 32,112 66.5 595,806 64.6 20094 980 76.3 1,914 77.5 30,671 72.8 576,430 70.0 1 From 2006 figures are for pupils at the end of key stage 4. Prior to 2006 results are based on pupils aged 15. 2 Includes pupils attending all maintained schools (including academies and city technology colleges) and from 2000 does not include pupils recently arrived from overseas. 3 From 2004 results incorporate GCSEs, GNVQs and a range of other qualifications approved pre-16. Prior to 2004 results are based on GCSEs and GNVQs only. 4 Revised data. Source: School and College Achievement and Attainment Tables.

Michael Gove: To ask the Secretary of State for proportion of pupils who were (a) eligible and (b) not Children, Schools and Families how many and what eligible for free school meals achieved five A* or A proportion of pupils did not obtain at least one GCSE grades at GCSE, including English and mathematics at Grade C or above, excluding equivalents, in each (a) but excluding equivalents in the (i) earliest and (ii) most constituency and (b) local education authority in 2009. recent year for which figures are available. [310643] [321665] Mr. Coaker [holding answer 11 March 2010]: The information requested for pupils attending maintained Mr. Coaker [holding answer 14 January 2010]: Pupil schools (including special schools, city technology colleges level attainment data by free school meal eligibility are and academies) has been placed in the House Libraries. only available from 2003 onwards. The information requested is presented in the following table and is for GCSE: Disadvantaged maintained schools only. Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many and what

Number of pupils1 achieving 5 or more A* or A grades at GCSE Percentage achieving 5 or more A* or A grades at GCSE including English and Maths (excluding equivalents) including English and Maths (excluding equivalents) Eligible for FSM Not eligible for FSM Eligible for FSM Not eligible for FSM

2003 791 33,538 1.0 6.8 20092 1,254 45,294 1.7 9.0 1 Figures for 2003 are based on pupils aged 15 and 2009 figures are based on pupils at the end of key stage 4. 2 Figures for 2009 are provisional. Source: National Pupil Database

GCSE: Greater Manchester constituency gained five GCSEs at grades A* to C or equivalent in (i) 1997 and (ii) 2009. [322294] Tony Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many pupils in schools in (a) Mr. Coaker: The information requested is given in the City of Manchester and (b) Manchester Central the following table:

GCSE and equivalents1 results for pupils2 attending schools3 in Manchester local authority and Manchester Central constituency 1997 20096 Percentage of pupils Percentage of pupils Number of pupils5 gaining 5+ A*-C Number of pupils5 gaining 5+ A*-C

Manchester Central constituency 508 28.5 384 66.7 Manchester local authority 3,959 26.3 4,685 62.6 England4 586,766 45.1 634,507 70.0 1 From 2004 results incorporate GCSEs, GNVQs and a range of other qualifications approved pre-16. Prior to 2004 results are based on GCSEs and GNVQs only. 2 From 2006 figures are for pupils at the end of key stage 4. Prior to 2006 results are based on pupils aged 15. 3 Includes pupils attending all maintained schools (including Academies and City Technology Colleges) and from 2000 does not include pupils recently arrived from overseas. 4 England figures also include independent schools as well as hospital schools and PRUs. 5 Number of pupils on roll aged 15 at the start of the academic year or at the end of key stage 4. 6 Revised data. Source: School and College Achievement and Attainment Tables 693W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 694W

National Curriculum Tests subject at Key Stage 1 in each year since such assessments were introduced. [317741] Mrs. Maria Miller: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many and what Mr. Coaker [holding answer 22 February 2010]: The proportion of children achieved at least level 3 in each information is shown in the following tables.

Reading: Key Stage 1 Task/test and Teacher Assessment Results % of students who achieved at or above the given level No. of students achieving at or above the given level Level 2 Level 2B3 Level 3 Level 2 Level 2B3 Level 3

1995 78 — 33 466,500 — 199,600 1996 78 — 30 464,600 — 176,600 1997 80 — 26 489,500 — 160,300 1998 80 62 26 500,800 389,000 163,600 1999 82 66 29 513,000 412,000 184,300 2000 83 68 28 504,600 409,200 168,900 2001 84 69 29 505,700 413,600 174,400 2002 84 69 30 495,700 405,000 177,200 2003 84 69 28 487,900 401,300 162,200 20042 85 71 29 499,100 415,700 168,000 2005 85 72 27 484,800 411,500 153,500 2006 84 71 26 474,500 400,600 143,900 2007 84 71 26 458,300 388,900 141,300 2008 84 71 25 450,600 382,800 135,900 2009 (provisional) 84 72 26 449,900 383,400 138,200

Writing: Key Stage 1 Task/test and Teacher Assessment Results % of students who achieved at or above the given level No. of students who achieved at or above the given level Level 2 Level 2B3 Level 3 Level 2 Level 2B3 Level 3

1995 80 — 15 477,300 — 88,200 19961 79 — 6 474,600 — 36,700 1997 80 — 6 490,200 — 36,900 1998 81 48 7 507,800 304,000 45,200 1999 83 53 8 519,600 335,400 51,000 2000 84 57 9 511,000 341,900 53,400 2001 86 59 9 515,800 353,100 57,100 2002 86 60 9 506,100 351,200 55,800 2003 81 62 16 471,000 358,700 93,400 20042 82 62 16 480,900 362,900 93,500 2005 82 62 15 469,200 351,100 85,800 2006 81 60 14 457,300 339,100 78,300 2007 80 59 13 439,300 321,500 69,000 2008 80 58 12 429,800 314,000 65,300 2009 (provisional) 81 60 12 431,100 318,100 65,900

Mathematics: Key Stage 1 Task/test and Teacher Assessment Results % of students who achieved at or above the given level No. of students who achieved at or above the given level Level 2 Level 2B3 Level 3 Level 2 Level 2B3 Level 3

1995 79 — 19 470,700 — 116,200 1996 82 — 19 491,500 — 114,300 1997 84 — 20 512,700 — 124,400 1998 84 61 19 529,000 382,500 118,400 1999 87 64 21 544,000 399,000 134,000 2000 90 73 25 542,900 440,800 153,000 2001 91 75 28 546,100 454,300 166,700 2002 90 76 31 531,900 445,100 184,200 2003 90 73 29 523,300 426,000 169,400 20042 90 75 28 531,500 443,600 165,700 2005 91 74 23 518,000 421,900 130,400 2006 90 73 21 507,300 410,600 120,400 2007 90 74 22 491,800 404,200 120,500 2008 90 74 21 481,500 395,600 114,400 2009 (provisional) 89 74 21 476,900 392,400 112,700 695W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 696W

Science: Key Stage 1 Teacher Assessment Results % of students who achieved at or above the given level No. of Students who achieved at or above the given level Level 2 Level 2B3 Level 3 Level 2 Level 2B3 Level 3

2005 90 — 25 510,500 — 142,400 2006 89 — 24 501,400 — 133,000 2007 89 — 23 486,100 — 125,200 2008 89 — 22 476,300 — 118,800 2009 (provisional) 89 — 22 473,800 — 116,700 1 The assessment of writing changed in 1996 and is not comparable to earlier years. 2 Figures prior to 2004 are based on task/test assessments. Figures for 2004 are based on a combination of task/test assessment in non-pilot schools and new post-2004 teacher assessment arrangements in pilot schools. Figures for 2005 onward are based on post-2004 teacher assessment arrangements. There were no test/task reporting arrangements for science, therefore data prior to 2005 are not available. Figures from 2004 onwards are not directly comparable with those prior to 2004, and care is needed in interpreting trends in the data. 3 Prior to 1998 data on sub-levels are not available. Science data is not reported at sub-level therefore figures for 2B are not available. Notes: 1. All figures are based on final data, with the exception of 2009 which is based on provisional data. 2. Numbers are rounded to nearest 100. 3. Percentages are rounded to nearest percentage point.

Mrs. Maria Miller: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr. Coaker [holding answer 22 February 2010]: The Children, Schools and Families how many and what requested information is given in the following table. proportion of children in receipt of free school meals achieved at least level (a) 2 and (b) 2b in each subject at Key Stage 1 in each year since the introduction of such assessments. [317745]

Percentage of pupils achieving each level in key stage 1 assessments by free school meals eligibility. Years: 2002 to 2009. Coverage: England Percentage of pupils achieving: No. of Working eligible Absent/ towards pupils unable Disapplied level 1 1 2C 2B 2A 3 4 2+

Reading 2002 106,152 — — — ——————69 2003 102,793 — — — ——————69 2004 108,726 — — — ——————70 2005 101,276 0 0 8 22 18 24 17 11 0 70 2006 95,430 0 0 8 23 18 24 17 10 0 69 2007 94,221 0 0 8 24 17 23 18 11 0 69 2008 90,638 0 0 7 24 17 23 18 10 0 69 2009 92,439 0 0 6 23 17 24 18 11 0 71

Writing 2002 (Writing) 106,153 — — — ——————72 2002 (Spelling) 106,151 — — — ——————61 2003 102,794 — — — ——————64 2004 108,728 — — — ——————66 2005 101,285 0 0 11 22 26 23 12 5 0 66 2006 95,430 0 0 11 24 26 22 12 5 1—65 2007 94,221 0 0 11 26 26 22 11 4 0 63 2008 90,637 0 0 10 26 26 22 11 4 1—64 2009 92,437 0 0 8 26 26 24 12 4 0 66

Mathematics 2002 106,152 — — — ——————81 2003 102,794 — — — ——————80 2004 108,728 — — — ——————80 2005 101,301 0 0 5 13 25 26 21 10 0 81 2006 95,430 0 0 5 14 25 26 20 9 1—80 2007 94,221 0 0 5 15 23 26 21 9 0 80 2008 90,638 0 0 5 16 23 26 21 9 1—79 2009 92,455 0 0 4 16 23 28 20 9 0 80

Science 2005 101,306 0 — 3 18 — 68 — 11 0 78 2006 95,423 0 — 3 19 — 68 — 10 0 78 2007 94,218 0 — 3 19 — 68 — 9 0 77 697W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 698W

Percentage of pupils achieving each level in key stage 1 assessments by free school meals eligibility. Years: 2002 to 2009. Coverage: England Percentage of pupils achieving: No. of Working eligible Absent/ towards pupils unable Disapplied level 1 1 2C 2B 2A 3 4 2+

2008 90,638 0 — 3 19 — 68 — 9 0 77 2009 92,425 0 — 3 19 — 69 — 9 0 78 1 Indicates figure suppressed due to small cohort size. Notes: 1. Pupil level collection of FSM eligibility began with the 2002 School Census, therefore no data are available prior to 2002. 2. Figures prior to 2004 are based on tests, 2004 are based on a combination of test and teacher assessment, 2005 and later based on teacher assessment. 3. Science figures are unavailable prior to 2005 as science test results were not collected centrally. 4. In 2003 significant changes were introduced to the assessment of writing. A separate level for spelling was not reported separately, instead marks for spelling contributed to the pupils’ writing level and there was a new mark scheme for the two writing tasks. 5. Level distributions prior to 2005 are not available. 6. Percentages rounded to nearest percentage point. 7. Data cover maintained schools only.

National Curriculum Tests: Leeds (2) how many 14 year-olds in schools in Leeds North West constituency obtained level five or above in Key Greg Mulholland: To ask the Secretary of State for Stage 3 in (a) 1997 and (b) 2009. [319510] Children, Schools and Families (1) how many 11 year-olds in schools in Leeds North West constituency attained level four or above in Key Stage 2 in (a) 1997 Mr. Coaker: The information requested is given in and (b) 2009; [319509] the following tables:

Key Stage 2 results of 11 year-old pupils1 attending schools in the Leeds North West constituency Number of pupils eligible Number of pupils gaining level 4 and Percentage of pupils gaining above level 4 and above 1997 20092 1997 20092 1997 20092

Leeds North West English 847 611 633 530 75 87 Maths 847 611 588 506 69 83 Science 847 611 661 558 78 91 1 Includes pupils attending all maintained schools (including Academies and City Technology Colleges) 2 Revised data. Source: School and College Achievement and Attainment Tables Key Stage 3 results of 14 year-old pupils1 attending schools in the Leeds North West constituency Number of pupils eligible Number of pupils gaining level 5 and Percentage of pupils gaining level 5 and above above 1997 20082 1997 20082 1997 20082

Leeds North West English 810 883 480 711 59 81 Maths 818 883 553 740 68 84 Science 814 881 537 676 66 77 1 Includes pupils attending all maintained schools (including Academies and City Technology Colleges). 2 Key Stage 3 Tests were discontinued after 2008. From 2009 National Curriculum Assessment at Key Stage 3 is based on Teacher Assessments. Source: School and College Achievement and Attainment Tables and National Pupil Database

Pupil Exclusions: Poole Mr. Coaker: The amount spent by the Department on School Improvement Partners in the latest year (2009-10) was £29.9 million. Of this, £23.5 million came Mr. Syms: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, directly through the DCSF via the Area based Grant Schools and Families how many pupils excluded from (ABG) and £6.4 million was spent through the National school in Poole were readmitted on appeal in the latest Strategies’ management and delivery of the SIP programme. period for which figures are available. [320385]

Mr. Coaker: During 2007-08 there were no appeals Schools: Essex against permanent exclusions in Poole local authority area. Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families (1) how many pupils in School Improvement Partners: Finance schools in (a) Essex and (b) Castle Point obtained five GCSEs at grade A* to C or equivalent in (i) 1997 and Mr. Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, (ii) 2009; [318090] Schools and Families how much his Department spent (2) how many 11-year-olds in schools in (a) Essex on School Improvement Partners in the latest year for and (b) Castle Point attained level 4 or above in Key which figures are available. [321274] Stage 2 in (i) 1997 and (ii) 2009; [318093] 699W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 700W

(3) how many 14-year-olds in schools in (a) Essex Mr. Coaker: Since 1997 the Government have and (b) Castle Point obtained level 5 or above in Key transformed education and child care with improved Stage 3 in (i) 1997 and (ii) 2009; [318094] outcomes for children and young people. Figures showing (4) if he will set out, with statistical evidence relating the performance at Key Stage 2, Key Stage 3 and at as closely as possible to Castle Point constituency, the GCSE and equivalents in Castle Point constituency and effects on that constituency of changes to his Essex local authority are given in the following tables. Department’s policies since 1997. [318095]

Key Stage 2 results of 11-year-old pupils attending schools in the Castle Point constituency and Essex local authority Number of eligible pupils Number of pupils gaining level 4 and above Percentage of pupils gaining level 4 and above1 1997 20092 1997 20092 1997 20092

Castle Point English 1,085 1,003 730 786 67 78 Maths 1,085 1,003 643 774 59 77 Science 1,085 1,003 726 866 67 86

Essex English3 18,378 15,427 11,575 12,354 63 80 Maths3 18,432 15,426 11,320 12,163 61 79 Science3 18,426 15,427 12,335 13,674 67 89

England English 573,641 565,132 359,860 453,044 62 80 Maths 573,922 565,129 352,800 445,625 61 79 Science 573,959 565,201 391,685 499,192 68 88 1 Includes pupils attending all maintained schools (including academies and city technology colleges). 2 Revised data. 3 1997 LA data is not directly comparable with 2009 LA data due to local government reorganisation in 1998. Source: School and College Achievement and Attainment Tables. Key Stage 3 results of 14-year-old pupils attending schools in the Castle Point constituency and Essex local authority Number of eligible pupils Number of pupils gaining level 5 and above Percentage of pupils gaining level 5 and above1 1997 20082 1997 20082 1997 20082

Castle Point English 1,221 1,250 811 954 66 76 Maths 1,221 1,249 753 951 62 76 Science 1,221 1,248 689 872 56 70

Essex English3 17,641 16,639 10,428 12,665 59 76 Maths3 17,670 16,655 11,217 13,039 63 78 Science3 17,686 16,674 10,960 12,199 62 73

England English 541,744 591,634 310,578 437,798 57 74 Maths 543,745 592,145 324,615 453,921 60 77 Science 543,869 592,105 326,852 423,960 60 72 1 Includes pupils attending all maintained schools (including academies and city technology colleges). 2 Key Stage 3 Tests were discontinued after 2008. From 2009 National Curriculum Assessment at Key Stage 3 is based on teacher assessments. 3 1997 LA data is not directly comparable with 2009 LA data due to local government reorganisation in 1998. Source: School and College Achievement and Attainment Tables and National Pupil Database. GCSE and equivalents1 results for pupils2 attending schools3 in the Castle Point constituency and Essex local authority Number of eligible pupils Number of pupils gaining Percentage of pupils gaining 1997 20094 1997 20094 1997 20094

Castle Point 5+ A*-C 1,201 1,239 503 831 41.9 67.1 5+ A*-G 1,201 1,239 1,087 1,173 90.5 94.7

Essex 5+ A*-C5 17,914 16,136 7,994 11,006 44.6 68.2 5+ A*-G5 17,914 16,136 15,943 15,039 89.0 93.2 701W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 702W

GCSE and equivalents1 results for pupils2 attending schools3 in the Castle Point constituency and Essex local authority Number of eligible pupils Number of pupils gaining Percentage of pupils gaining 1997 20094 1997 20094 1997 20094

England 5+ A*-C 537,661 576,430 228,646 403,501 42.5 70.0 5+ A*-G 537,661 576,430 467624 540,115 87.0 93.7 1 From 2004 results incorporate GCSEs, GNVQs and a range of other qualifications approved pre-16. Prior to 2004 results are based on GCSEs and GNVQs only. 2 From 2006 figures are for pupils at the end of Key Stage 4. Prior to 2006 results are based on pupils aged 15. 3 Includes pupils attending all maintained schools (including academies and city technology colleges) and from 2000 does not include pupils recently arrived from overseas. 4 Revised data. 5 1997 LA data is not directly comparable with 2009 LA data due to local government reorganisation in 1998. Source: School and College Achievement and Attainment Tables.

Further information by constituency is available on www.tda.gov.uk/partners/cpd/ the Department’s “In Your Area” website: pds_cwds.aspx?keywords=professional+development+strategy http://www.dfes.gov.uk/inyourarea Teachers in the north-west and challenging schools The information available at constituency level includes are now eligible for enrolment for the new Masters in the number of specialist schools, number of operational Teaching and Learning (MTL). The MTL builds on academies, number of teaching assistants and other Initial Teacher Training (ITT) and induction and will support staff, number of teachers and pupil:teacher have immediate relevance to teaching and learning in ratios. Where information is not available at constituency the classroom, focusing on developing and honing teachers’ level it has been provided at local authority level including practice through inquiry and use of evidence. The MTL the number of free early education places taken up by will also help schools to develop an increasingly collaborative three and four-year-olds, number full-time and part-time culture of professional development. entrants to higher education institutions aged 18 to 20, Additionally, the new Licence to Practise alongside a average A level point score per candidate and per entry CPD entitlement will ensure that all teachers have access together with Percentage of People of Working Age to the CPD they need to guarantee they continue to be Qualified to at least Level 2 and Percentage of People of effective in the classroom. Working Age Qualified to Level 4 and above. Ofsted’s 2006 report on CPD, ‘The Logical Chain’ Additional information could be provided only at found that the most effective CPD takes place in schools. disproportionate cost. With this in mind our White Paper ‘Your Child, Your School, Our Future: Building a 21st century schools system’ gave TDA and the National College a joint Teachers: Standards remit to provide advice on how a nationwide network of quality assured CPD can be delivered through school Mr. Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State clusters, utilising existing provision such as Training for Children, Schools and Families (1) what his most Schools, Teaching Schools and Leadership Development recent assessment is of the operation of the system of Schools. Ministers have welcomed preliminary advice continuous professional development of teachers; on how this can be achieved and further advice is expected in spring 2010.The ministerial advice can be [322301] found on TDA’s website: (2) what his policy is for the future of the system of http://www.tda.gov.uk/upload/resources/pdf/t/training_ continuous professional development of teachers. schools_ministerial_letter221209.pdf [322302] To help ensure that schools and teachers become more informed consumers in identifying effective and Mr. Coaker: It is clear that initial teacher education quality assured professional development TDA has now programmes, schools and the quality of teaching and also rolled out a new national database with an associated learning have all improved in recent years. However, we code of practice. There are currently over 4,000 recognise that there is still more to do to ensure that opportunities for professional development listed on every child experiences high quality teaching in every this database: lesson, and that teachers are equipped to deal with the challenges posed by the 21st century schools system. http://www.tda.gov.uk/partners/cpd/cpdzone.aspx? keywords=CPD+database Good CPD has a positive impact on teachers’ practice and leads to improvements in pupil attainment and We are confident that our policies will ensure that other outcomes and the Department is working with schools and the school work force are equipped to meet the Training and Development Agency (TDA) and other the challenges of the 21st Century School and, thus, partners to take significant action to improve the quality improve outcomes for children and young people. and take up of CPD provision. UK Youth Parliament In November 2009 TDA published a new professional development strategy (PDS) which includes plans to strengthen CPD leadership, impact evaluation and training Charles Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for for support staff, and is underpinned by three key Children, Schools and Families if he will publish his priorities of embedding a learning culture within schools, response to the document Preventing Terrorism and increasing coherence and collaboration and improving Violent Extremism produced by the UK Youth quality and capacity. The PDS can be found on TDA’s Parliament and commissioned jointly by his website: Department and the Home Office. [319791] 703W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 704W

Mr. Coaker [holding answer 3 March 2010]: Officials The number of learners aged 19 and over learning in in the Department are working with the UK Youth mainstream provision with a self declared LDD varies Parliament to discuss the recommendations made in the from year to year depending on demand, but has been report and decide on the next steps to take in response around 200,000 each year from 2006/07 to 2008/09 to the document. academic year (the latest whole year for which data is available). Vocational Education The LSC Statement of Priorities 2009-10 (November, 2008) and the Skills Investment Strategy 2010-11 (November Alan Keen: To ask the Secretary of State for 2009) confirmed our commitment to at least maintain Children, Schools and Families what mechanisms are these volumes for the 2009/10 and 2010/11 academic in place for the benchmarking of teaching practice in year. The actual numbers supported will depend on vocational courses in schools. [313298] demand. Mr. Coaker: Ofsted assesses the quality of teaching Apprentices: Standards and learning during its regular inspections of schools and uses a consistent approach across all subjects. However, it does not routinely report on teaching of individual Mr. Evennett: To ask the Minister of State, Department subjects. Ofsted can, through its survey programme, for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent meetings undertake more detailed studies of specific areas. (a) Ministers and (b) officials of his Department have attended on apprenticeship targets. [321675] Youth Justice: Finance Kevin Brennan: Ministers in both DCSF and BIS Mr. Burrowes: To ask the Secretary of State for have responsibilities for apprenticeships. Targets are set Children, Schools and Families for which parts of the through an annual planning cycle which involves officials youth justice budget he plans to protect funding in each and Ministers to determine the programme budget and of the next three years. [321630] numbers of apprenticeships to be delivered. These have been published in the BIS Skills Investment Strategy Mr. Coaker [holding answer 11 March 2010]: As per 2010-11 and the DCSF 16-19 Statement of Priorities the letter of 15 February 2010 sent to you jointly by my and Investment Strategy 2010-11. The National hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, Garston (Maria Apprenticeship Service (NAS) has responsibility for Eagle) and myself, I can confirm that funding allocated delivery of apprenticeship targets and Ministers from to the Youth Justice Board for front line services aimed both Departments meet monthly with the NAS and at tackling youth crime will be protected at 2009/10 officials to discuss performance and progress. levels in 2010/11. The apprenticeships programme also contributes to Funding for financial years 2011/12 and 2012/13 will the 14-19 Reform programme in DCSF and the Skills be subject to future spending review decisions. programme in BIS. There are regular meetings to manage these programmes at both official level and between Ministers, the NAS and officials, at which progress BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS against targets is discussed. Adult Education: Finance Departmental Freedom of Information

Mr. Harper: To ask the Minister of State, Mr. Hayes: To ask the Minister of State, Department Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what for Business, Innovation and Skills how many freedom estimate has been made of the number of learners with of information requests his Department, its a learning difficulty and/or a learning disability whose predecessors and its executive agencies replied to in education provision will be funded by the Skills Funding each of the last five years. [321687] Agency in (a) 2009-10 and (b) 2010-11; and if he will make a statement. [322361] Mr. McFadden: BIS and its predecessors has replied to the following number of freedom of information Kevin Brennan: The Department for Business, Innovation requests in each of the last five years: and Skills routes funding through the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) for the provision of Further Education Number (FE) and training for adult learners aged 19 and over. 2005 694 For the 2009/10 academic year this included funding 2006 578 for all learners aged 19 and above with a learning 2007 521 difficulty or disability (LDD). For the 2010/11 academic 2008 799 year responsibility for funding learners with LDD aged 2009 1,053 between 19 and 25 with high level needs will pass to the Young People’s Learning Agency and local authorities. I have approached the chief executives of the Insolvency Funding for all other learners aged 19 or over will be Service, Companies House, the National Measurement the responsibility of the Skills Funding Agency. Office and the Intellectual Property Office and they will Investing in FE and skills training for these learners respond to the hon. Member directly. remains a priority and we remain committed to maintaining Letter from Gareth Jones, dated 12 March 2010: future opportunities for them. This means making available I am replying on behalf of Companies House to your Parliamentary the right level of support so that FE colleges and Question tabled 8 March 2010, UIN 321687 to the Minister of training organisations are able to meet their needs. State for Business, Innovation and Skills. 705W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 706W

Companies House received the following number of Freedom of Information requests in each of the last five calendar years: Number 2007/08 7 Number 2008/09 8 2005 90 2009/10 10 2006 101 2007 106 Departmental ICT 2008 116 2009 210 Mr. Philip Hammond: To ask the Minister of State, Letter from Stephen Speed, dated 11 March 2010: Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation information technology projects initiated by (a) his and Skills has asked me to reply to your question—″how many Department and (b) its agencies were cancelled prior freedom of information requests his Department, its predecessors to completion in the last 12 months; and what the cost and its executive agencies replied to in each of the last five years″. of each such project was to the public purse. [320431] The Insolvency Service is a public authority for the purposes of the Freedom of Information Act. There are no requirements Mr. McFadden: In the last 12 months the Department under the Act for a public authority to record or catalogue for Business, Innovation and Skills has not cancelled requests that are received, irrespective of whether the request refers to the Act or must be dealt with under the provisions of the prior to completion any information technology projects. Act. From January 2009 Cabinet Office instructions were incorporated I have approached the chief executives of the Insolvency within The Service’s Security Policy Framework Document to Service, Companies House, the National Measurement fulfil HMG requirements for the central recording and reporting Office and the Intellectual Property Office and they will of Freedom of Information requests. respond to the hon. Member directly. Any logging or recording of requests for information prior to January 2009 was done for administrative purposes, to meet the Letter from Stephen Speed, dated 8 March 2010: stated policy of the public authority and any existing requirements The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and imposed by Central Government. Skills has asked me to reply to your question what information The Insolvency Service has not centrally logged all requests technology projects initiated by (a) his Department and (b) its received across The Service for the period from January 2005 to agencies were cancelled prior to completion in the last 12 months; December 2008 and individual Directorates within The Service and what the cost of each such project was to the public purse. were responsible for responding to the requests they received. In the last 12 months, The Insolvency Service has not cancelled Consequently the figure provided below may well be a slight any of the information technology projects it has initiated. understatement of actual requests received and dealt with by The Service. Letter from John Alty, dated 3 March 2010: In the period March 2005 to February 2010 The Insolvency I am responding in respect of the Intellectual Property Office Service has recorded a total of 1,238 requests. to your Parliamentary Question tabled 01 March 2010, to the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Letter from John Alty, dated 10 March 2010: Skills. I am responding in respect of the Intellectual Property Office The only information technology project that we have cancelled to your Parliamentary Question tabled 8 March 2010, to the prior to completion in the last 12 months was a pilot to investigate Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and the feasibility of obtaining wider input to the patenting process. Skills. The cost up to that point was £142k. The number of freedom of information requests received by the Intellectual Property Office from 2005 to 2009, are as follows: Letter from Peter Mason, dated 3 March 2010: FOI requests I am responding in respect of the National Measurement Office (formerly the National Weights and Measures Laboratory) to Number your Parliamentary Question tabled on 1st March 2010 [reference 2005 48 2009/1518 ] to the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, asking about information technology projects 2006 37 which have been cancelled prior to completion in the last 12 months. 2007 15 2008 113 No information technology projects initiated by the National Measurement Office were cancelled prior to completion during 2009 167 this period. Total 380 Letter from Gareth Jones: Letter from Peter Mason, dated 9 March 2010: I am replying on behalf of Companies House to your Parliamentary I am responding in respect of the National Measurement Question tabled 1 March 2010, UIN 320431, to the Minister of Office (NMO) (formerly National Weights and Measures Laboratory State for Business, Innovation and Skills. (NWML)) to your Parliamentary Question tabled on 08/03/2010 Companies House has not cancelled any Information Technology [reference 2009/1630] to the Minister of State, Department for projects prior to completion in the last twelve months. Business, Innovation and Skills, asking how many Freedom of Information requests his Department, its predecessors and its executive agencies replied to in each of the last five years. Departmental Public Relations The number of Freedom of Information requests handled by NMO (2009/10) and NWML (2005/09) was: Angus Robertson: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills which Number public relations companies have had contracts with (a) 2005/06 0 his Department and (b) each of its (i) non- 2006/07 1 departmental public bodies and (ii) executive agencies since 2004. [319766] 707W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 708W

Mr. McFadden: The following public relations companies Company Area of work have been employed since 2004/05. Most of these companies have been procured via the Central Office of Information Portfolio Metrica DTI Best Practice Media Evaluation (COI). External public relations companies are used for Fishburn Hedges DTI Dispute Resolution campaign raising public awareness on specific issues and are only Porter Novelli Ltd. DTI Renewables used where the internal specialism is not available. Broadsystem SBS Sunday Times Enterprise Network Sponsorship Company Area of work The Department does not hold centrally the information 2009/10 BIS (including former BERR you request on non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) and DIUS) and this could be provided only at disproportionate Four Communications Vulnerable Workers, Family Rights, Consumer Tipping Awareness and cost. National Minimum Wage campaigns I have approached the Chief Executives of the Insolvency Cohn and Wolfe Employing People campaign; Service, Companies House, the National Measurement Climate Change and Media Audit Office and the Intellectual Property Office and they will Fishburn Hedges Employee engagement campaign respond to the hon. Member directly. Consolidated Student Finance and Employability Kindred Science (So What? So Everything) Letter from Stephen Speed, dated 2 March 2010: and Informal Adult Learning The Minister of State, Department of Business, Innovation Grayling Iawards and Skills (BIS) has asked me to reply to your question which Band and Brown FE Colleges Week public relations companies have had contracts with (a) his Department Forster Academic Freedom Debates and (b) each (i) non-departmental public body, (ii) executive agency since 2004.

2008/09 BERR The following public relations companies have had contracts with The Insolvency Service since 2004: GfK NOP and Laura Cohn and Wolfe Employing People campaign Flexible McCaffrey Editorial. working campaign Trimedia Harrison Cowley Consumer Protection Regulations Letter from Gareth Jones, dated 26 February 2010: campaign I am replying on behalf of Companies House to your Parliamentary Highlight PR Queen’s Awards campaign Question tabled 24 February 2010, UIN 319766 to the Minister of Gavin Anderson Renewable Energy campaign State for Business, Innovation and Skills. Companies House has not had contracts with any public 2008/09 DIUS relations companies since 2004. Consolidated Student Finance and Employability Letter from John Alty, dated 26 February 2010: Kindred Science (So What? So Everything) I am responding in respect of the Intellectual Property Office Band and Brown FE Colleges Week to your Parliamentary Question tabled 24 February 2010, to the Cohn and Wolfe Climate Change Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. Forster Academic Freedom Debates Since 2004, The Intellectual Property Office, an executive agency of BIS, has had contracts with the following three (3) 2007/08 BERR public relations companies: Geronimo Communications Enterprising Britain campaign Prowse & Co Gavin Anderson (UK) Ltd. Renewable energy campaign Bell Design GCI London Employing People campaign Eulogy. Highlight PR Queen’s Awards campaign Trimedia Harrison Cowley Ltd. Fireworks safety campaign Letter from Peter Mason, dated 15 March 2010: Consumer Protection Regulations I am responding in respect of the National Measurement Campaign Office to your Parliamentary Question tabled 24 February 2010 to the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation 2007/08 DIUS and Skills, asking which public relations companies have had contracts with the Department and its Executive Agencies since Consolidated Student Finance and Employability 2004. The then National Weights & Measures Laboratory, at that 2006/07 DTI time an Executive Agency of the DTI, had a contract with Icas PR, 4 The Waterhouse, Waterhouse Street, Hemel Hempstead, GCI London Business Link campaign HP1 1 EN, which ran from May 2004 to July 2005. The Agency Fishburn Hedges Gap Analysis campaign has had no contracts with public relations companies since that Gavin Anderson (UK) Ltd. DTI Renewable Energy campaign date. Geronimo Communications SBS Enterprising Britain campaign Departmental Recruitment 2005/06 DTI Wright Communications Consumer Direct campaign Mr. Hurd: To ask the Minister of State, Department Harrison Cowley Consumer Direct campaign for Business, Innovation and Skills how much his Gavin Anderson (UK) Ltd. DTI Renewable Energy campaign Department and its agencies spent on external recruitment Geronimo Communications SBS Enterprising Britain campaign consultants in the last 12 months. [315286] GCI London SBS Interim campaign PR activity Mr. McFadden: Central records indicate that the DTI 2004/05 Department spent £59,928 on external recruitment GCI London DTI Best Practice consultants since its inception (announced on 5 June 2009) to 31 December 2009. 709W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 710W

I have approached the chief executives of the Insolvency Kevin Brennan: Capital expenditure for the higher Service, Companies House, the National Measurement education sector is administered by the Higher Education Office and the Intellectual Property Office and they will Funding Council for England (HEFCE). Since 1997, respond to the hon. Member directly. HEFCE has allocated £41.191 million to the University Letter from Stephen Speed, dated 15 March 2010: of Wolverhampton for capital related developments. The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation Capital expenditure for the further education sector and Skills (BIS) has asked me to reply to your question, how has been administered by the Learning and Skills Council much his Department and its agencies spent on external recruitment (LSC) since April 2001. Before this time, capital expenditure consultants in the last 12 months. was administered by the Further Education Funding The Insolvency Service employs a large number of temporary Council. Since 2001, a total of £6.5 billion of projects staff. Financial records show that in the 12 months from February have been approved “in detail” including an LSC grant 2009 to January 2010 (inclusive) it spent £20,512,282 on temporary support of £3.4 billion. Since 1997, £5.478 million of staff supplied by several agencies. Agency recruitment charges are capital grant support has been allocated to the City of estimated to be between 12.5% and 18% of this total, i.e. between £2,564,035 and £3,692,211. Wolverhampton College. A more exact estimate of the amount spent on external recruitment consultants can be obtained only at a disproportionate cost. Higher Education: Anti-Semitism Letter from Gareth Jones, dated 11 February 2010: Mr. Amess: To ask the Minister of State, Department I am replying on behalf of Companies House to your Parliamentary for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he (a) Question tabled 29 January 2010, UIN 315286, to the Minister of State for Business, Innovation and Skills. has taken and (b) plans to take to deal with anti-Semitism (i) on university campuses and (ii) in Companies House has spent £30,500 on external recruitment student unions; what recent discussions he has had on consultants in the last 12 months. this issue; and if he will make a statement. [321837] Letter from Sean Dennehey, dated 2 February 2010: I am responding in respect of the Intellectual Property Office Mr. Lammy: This Department has set up a group on to your Parliamentary Question tabled on 29 January 2010, to the Anti-Semitism and higher education to facilitate discussions Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and between the Jewish community and higher education Skills. stakeholders, which I chair. This group covers all issues In the period February 09-January 2010 the Intellectual Property relating to anti-Semitism on campus and plays an important Office spent £59,000 on external recruitment consultants. These role in helping to tackle anti-Semitism in higher education. costs were incurred in recruiting and assessing lay members of a tribunal. The two meetings that have taken place have resulted in practical actions to be taken forward by higher education Letter from Peter Mason, dated 2 February 2010: stakeholders and Jewish Community representatives I am responding in respect of the National Measurement working collaboratively. Office to your Parliamentary Question tabled on 29 January 2010, to the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation I also attended the recent Jewish student Lobby of and Skills asking how much was spent on external recruitment Parliament in February 2010 where I heard from students consultants in the last 12 months. about their experiences at university and made clear The National Measurement Office spent £7,103.00 on external once again the Government’s strong opposition to anti- recruitment in the twelve months ending 31 January 2010. Semitism and any form of racism in higher education. I was appalled at the rise in total anti-Semitic incident Departmental Travel figures shown in the recent Community Security Trust annual report, in particular the very disturbing 38 incidents against one academic. Stewart Hosie: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what However, the overall trend in HE showed a 13 per expenditure his Department has incurred on cent. decrease from 2008. international travel since 2007. [319752] Mr. Amess: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what meetings have Mr. McFadden: The expenditure incurred on been held of the higher education sub-group of the international travel by the Department for Business, cross-government working group on anti-Semitism Innovation and Skills since 2007 is: since January 2009; who from each Civil Service grade attended each meeting; what was discussed at each £ meeting; what further meetings are planned; and if he 2007 2,768,317 will make a statement. [321838] 2008 3,634,638 2009 3,493,441 Mr. Lammy: There have been two meetings of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills’ (BIS) anti-Semitism and higher education group, in April Education: Wolverhampton 2009 chaired by me and in November 2009 chaired by my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of Mr. Purchase: To ask the Minister of State, State for Postal Affairs and Employment Relations and Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how by Martin Williams, the Director for Higher Education much capital expenditure his Department has allocated in BIS. At each meeting a ministerial private secretary to (a) the University of Wolverhampton and (b) was present and also a policy official (higher executive Wolverhampton further education colleges since 1997. officer). A further meeting is due to be arranged for [322264] spring 2010. 711W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 712W

The first meeting discussed anti-Semitic incident Higher Education: York monitoring in higher education (HE), and how this was reported by students. The second meeting included updates from members of the group on their wider Hugh Bayley: To ask the Minister of State, work on equality and diversity, including tackling anti- Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how Semitism, and on the recent guidance for students, “A many young people from City of York constituency Student’s Guide to Antisemtism on Campus”, produced started a degree course in (a) 1996, (b) 2005 and (c) by the Union of Jewish Students and the Community 2009. [322119] Security Trust. Both meetings resulted in agreement to a number of practical actions which are being taken Mr. Lammy: The number of young (under 21) forward by HE stakeholders and the Jewish community. undergraduate entrants, from the City of York constituency, We are committed to encouraging higher education to UK higher education institutions are shown in the institutions to ensure discrimination has no place in any table. Figures are taken from the Higher Education of their policies or practices and to act swiftly when Statistics Agency Student Record and are provided for incidents or complaints are brought to their attention. the 1996/97, 2005/06 and 2008/09 academic years. Data One of the most important ways of tackling any form for the 2009/10 academic year will become available of racism in our universities is to ensure there is a from January 2011. dialogue between the universities, students and minority Young1 undergraduate entrants2 from the City of York constituency3. communities and this Department has been instrumental UK higher education institutions4. Academic years 1996/97, 2005/06 in fostering communication between the Jewish community and 2008/09 and higher education. An important part of this work Academic year Entrants has been the establishment of the BIS anti-Semitism and higher education group, which brings together student 1996/97 260 representatives, representatives of the Jewish community 2005/06 415 and key HE sector bodies. 2008/09 410 1 Covers entrants under the age of 21. 2 Covers entrants to full-time and part-time courses. 3 The table does not include entrants where the constituency of the Higher Education: Milton Keynes student cannot be established due to missing or invalid postcode information. 4 Excludes the Open University due to inconsistencies in their coding Mr. Lancaster: To ask the Minister of State, of students across the time series. Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how Note: many people resident in Milton Keynes (a) applied for Figures are on a snapshot basis as at 1 December and are rounded to the nearest five. and (b) were accepted onto a place at university in Source: each of the last three years. [321874] Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).

Mr. Lammy: The information is given in the table. Hugh Bayley: To ask the Minister of State, Department Applicants and accepted applicants to full-time undergraduate courses for Business, Innovation and Skills how many UK (a) via UCAS from Milton Keynes local authority1 undergraduate and (b) post graduate students there Year of entry were at the (i) University of York and (ii) University of 2007 2008 2009 York St John in each year since 1996-97. [322121]

Applicants 1,727 1,966 2,295 Accepted 1,389 1,574 1,742 Mr. Lammy: The numbers of UK-domiciled applicants undergraduate and postgraduate enrolments at the 1 Based on the declared home address of the applicant. Source: University of York and York St John University in each UCAS. year since 1996/97 are provided in the table.

UK-domiciled undergraduate and postgraduate enrolments1 University of York and York St. John University—academic years 1996-97 to 2008-09 University of York York St John University Undergraduate Postgraduate Undergraduate Postgraduate

1996-97 4,965 1,265 3,620 290 1997-98 5,340 1,245 3,465 390 1998-99 5,750 1,240 3,480 415 1999-2000 5,830 1,390 3,415 540 2000-01 6,145 1,430 3,660 525 2001-02 6,725 1,625 3,915 660 2002-03 6,965 1,710 4,465 810 2003-04 7,320 1,975 4,280 775 2004-05 7,600 1,920 4,385 610 2005-06 8,215 2,040 5,110 705 2006-07 8,080 1,785 4,875 730 2007-08 8,030 1,880 4,825 615 713W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 714W

UK-domiciled undergraduate and postgraduate enrolments1 University of York and York St. John University—academic years 1996-97 to 2008-09 University of York York St John University Undergraduate Postgraduate Undergraduate Postgraduate

2008-09 8,105 2,100 5,270 620 1 Covers students of all ages enrolled on full-time and part-time courses. Notes: Figures are on a snapshot basis as at 1 December and are rounded to the nearest five. Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).

Islamic Organisations: Finance My noble Friend the Secretary of State attended the Big Bang event on 12 March and presented awards to finalists of the National Science and Engineering Competition; and Mr. Hayes: To ask the Minister of State, Department My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether his for Business and Regulatory Reform attended on 13 March. Department has provided funding to Islamic organisations in each year since 2005. [321698] NSEW is being promoted throughout Science week on the Department’s website: Mr. McFadden: The Department does not separately www.bis.gov.uk record companies or organisations that receive grant or Overseas Companies: Ethiopia other funding under the heading of “Islamic”, and thus an exercise to try and obtain such information would be unlikely to be successful. Establishing this and obtaining Mrs. Gillan: To ask the Minister of State, the information could be undertaken at only Department for Business, Innovation and Skills which disproportionate cost. British companies were operating in Ethiopia on the latest date for which information is available. [322317] Minimum Wage Ian Lucas: UKTI is aware of 64 British companies Mr. Cash: To ask the Minister of State, Department that were operating in Ethiopia as of November 2009. for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will make an UKTI maintains details of its interactions with individual assessment of the extent to which income at the rate of companies. However, UKTI does not disclose information the national minimum wage is sufficient to meet the provided on an individual basis as it often is of a average cost of living. [321620] confidential nature and provided to us in connection with client’s business interests. UKTI will not disclose Mr. McFadden: The National Minimum Wage (NMW) any such information to any other person for any purpose is a key part of the Government’s wider strategy for without the prior written consent of the company. achieving a fair minimum income from work. Because individuals situations vary, the NMW needs to be Radio Frequencies considered along with other measures for alleviating poverty, such as tax credits. These take account of Mr. Laurence Robertson: To ask the Minister of individual circumstances and can therefore better target State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills resources on those who need it most. what steps he is taking to ensure that opportunities for National Science and Engineering Week market entry are maximised under the proposed combined auction by OFCOM of spectrum for wireless broadband usage. [321050] Anne Main: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what Mr. Timms: The release of spectrum into the market plans his Department has to mark National Science by auction is handled by Ofcom, including auction and Engineering Week. [320954] design. However, the Direction to implement the Spectrum Modernisation Programme which we have recently Mr. Lammy: BIS funds the co-ordination of National consulted upon, requires Ofcom to implement temporary Science and Engineering Week (NSEW), including a spectrum caps which are to limit the ability of operators £100,000 fund for over 400 schools in challenging to gain excessive amounts of spectrum below 1 GHz circumstances to organise their own science and engineering and below 3 GHz. These will help ensure a competitive events. My noble Friend the Minister of State for Science and fair auction, giving opportunity for new entrants, and Innovation wrote to all MPs encouraging them to should they wish to bid. get involved with activities during NSEW.We identified opportunities, within already busy schedules, for BIS Mr. Laurence Robertson: To ask the Minister of Ministers and departmental representatives to contribute State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to events during the week. for what reasons he is providing direction to OFCOM Underlining the Department’s support for NSEW, to implement wireless radio spectrum modernisation. there was considerable ministerial involvement at the [321052] annual Big Bang: UK Young Scientists and Engineers Fair, which took place on 11-13 March, and included Mr. Timms: To implement our spectrum modernisation the finals of the UK National Science and Engineering programme as set out in the Digital Britain Report. Our Competition. Ministerial involvement included: objective is to enable the deployment of next generation My noble Friend the Minister of State for Science and Innovation mobile broadband services, which will deliver substantial engaged in outreach activities on 12 March as a STEM ambassador; benefits to business and consumers. 715W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 716W

Science: Finance and data collection standards for Further Education, and to reduce the data burden on Further Education Simon Hughes: To ask the Minister of State, colleges and training organisations in England. Department for Business, Innovation and Skills from Further Education provision is diverse, and the range which areas of his Department’s budget for science he of data collected varies accordingly. The ILR contains expects to make savings. [320246] up to 45 data fields for each learner and up to 56 for each learning aim. The fields which will be filled in will Mr. Lammy: No decisions have been reached on the vary, however, depending on the learner and the learning future size of the science budget. The Government will being undertaken. Under a reciprocal arrangement with spend £6 billion on science and research by 2010/11, a the Higher Education Funding Council for England doubling in real terms since 1997. The Government (HEFCE) and HESA, further fields are collected for remain committed to the ring-fence and the ten-year the small proportion of learners studying higher education Science and Innovation Investment Framework. We provision and/or funded by HEFCE. Further information shall continue to prioritise funding to deliver a world-class on the ILR can be found here: research base, capable of addressing key challenges http://www.theia.org.uk/ilr including environmental change, ageing and global security. Students: Radicalism

Students: Loans Mr. Hayes: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what information Paul Holmes: To ask the Minister of State, Department his Department holds on the number of students (a) for Business, Innovation and Skills in respect of how suspended and (b) expelled from university as the many student loan applications consideration was delayed result of extremist religious activity in each year since in the period from September to December in each of 2001. [321682] the last five years. [317651] Mr. Lammy: The Department does not request or Mr. Lammy: Data are not readily available on the hold this information. number of applications where “consideration was delayed” Teachers: Qualifications in the last five years. It would incur disproportionate cost to obtain this information. Mr. Evennett: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what Mr. Hayes: To ask the Minister of State, Department discussions officials of his Department have had with for Business, Innovation and Skills how many people of officials of the Department for Children, Schools and each age in each local authority area had a debt with Families on required teaching qualifications for (a) the Student Loans Company on the latest date for schools and (b) further education colleges. [321674] which figures are available. [321699] Kevin Brennan: BIS officials are working with the Mr. Lammy: The question cannot be answered as this Department for Children School and Families (DCSF) would incur disproportionate cost. to clarify the extent of equivalence and transferability of qualified teacher status between schools and further Students: Personal Records education teachers or lecturers.

Mr. Evennett: To ask the Minister of State, Department INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT for Business, Innovation and Skills how many pieces of information (a) universities and (b) further education Burundi: Females colleges are required to gather on individual students by the time of their enrolment. [321678] Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether he has plans to Mr. Lammy: For universities, the Higher Education provide assistance for programmes for the political and Statistics Agency (HESA) agrees and reviews the standard social empowerment of women in Burundi, with requirements of the Student Record, to be completed particular reference to the participation of women as on enrolment. HESA is a private company, established candidates in elections. [321648] in 1993 to meet requirements for uniform and reliable Mr. Thomas: The Department for International statistics across the Higher Education system in the Development (DFID) has provided £1 million to a United Kingdom. Although not all fields need to be pooled fund, managed by the UN Development completed for every enrolment, the current set of fields Programme, for the 2010 Elections in Burundi. This comprising the Student Record can be accessed here: includes funding for the mobilisation of women as http://www.hesa.ac.uk/index.php/component/option.com_ studrec/ participants in the electoral process, as electors, candidates tasks.how_file/Itemid.233/mnl.08051/href.E^_^index.html/ and administrators. A voter registration exercise was For Further Education colleges, the Information successfully carried out in February 2010 resulting in Authority agrees and reviews the content of the 3.5 million people registering to vote, 52 per cent. of Individualised Learner Record (ILR), to be completed whom were women. The project also aims to support on enrolment and used to allow the college to draw political parties to ensure the effective participation of down the appropriate level of funding to support each women in the electoral process, in line with the requirement learner. The Information Authority was established as in Burundi’s Constitution of at least 30 per cent. female an independent body in 2006, to set and regulate data representation in Parliament. 717W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 718W

Civil Society Challenge Fund Developing Countries: Climate Change Sammy Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr. Donaldson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much his Department International Development whether the Civil Society spent on assisting developing countries dealing with Challenge Fund operates across the UK. [322296] the effects of climate change in each of the last five years. [321646] Mr. Michael Foster: The Civil Society Challenge Fund is open to not-for-profit organisations based anywhere Mr. Thomas: The Department for International in the UK. Development (DFID) supports developing countries deal with the effects of climate change through a number of multilateral and bilateral channels. For example DFID Civil Society Challenge Fund: Northern Ireland has: Invested £150 million in the Environmental Transformation Mr. Donaldson: To ask the Secretary of State for Fund (ETF) over the past two years. International Development how many organisations Provided £50 million to the Chars Livelihood Programme in from Northern Ireland have received funding from the Bangladesh to support livelihoods resilient to climate change. Civil Society Challenge Fund since its inception; and Committed to invest £100 million in climate research over five years. how many of these were women’s organisations. [322297] We are not currently able to disaggregate all of our spend on climate change. DFID is working with other donors, through the Development Assistance Committee Mr. Michael Foster: Since its inception in 2000, the of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Civil Society Challenge Fund has funded two projects Development, to agree how climate change spending with Trocaire, based in Belfast. should be reported. We expect to begin reporting against In the most recent funding round (for funding from agreed requirements later this year. April 2010) we have agreed provisional support for a project with, Derry based, Children in Crossfire. Signing Ethiopia: Overseas Aid of the grant agreement is subject to negotiation of Mrs. Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for financial and other arrangements and the usual DFID International Development how much aid his approval procedures. Department provided to Ethiopia (a) to each recipient Neither Trocaire nor Children in Crossfire are women’s and (b) through each distributing organisation in each organisations. of the last five years. [322316] Mr. Thomas: Details of aid provided to Ethiopia are Mr. Donaldson: To ask the Secretary of State for published annually in “Statistics on International International Development how many information Development”, which is available at: seminars on the Civil Society Challenge Fund his http://www.dfid.gov.uk/About-DFID/Finance-and- Department has held in Northern Ireland since the performance/Aid-Statistics/Statistics-on-International- inception of the Fund. [322298] Development-2009/ The amounts provided to each type of recipient are Mr. Michael Foster: Since the establishment of the provided in the following table. The majority of aid Civil Society Challenge Fund in 2000 there have been received by the Government of Ethiopia is channelled no information seminars on this fund in Northern through multilateral institutions such as the World Bank Ireland. and United Nations.

£ million Of which: Financial year Total DFID bilateral aid to Ethiopia Delivered to an NGO Delivered to the Ethiopian Government

2004-05 62.364 3.476 58.89 2005-06 62.558 2.288 60.27 2006-07 90.496 2.529 87.97 2007-08 139.519 2.69 136.83 2008-09 165.521 3.6 161.92

The amount of this aid distributed through bilateral and multilateral channels is as follows.

£ million Of which: Financial year Total DFID bilateral aid to Ethiopia Delivered through a multilateral

2004-05 62.364 9.78 2005-06 62.558 14.73 2006-07 90.496 83.88 719W Written Answers15 MARCH 2010 Written Answers 720W

£ million Of which: Financial year Total DFID bilateral aid to Ethiopia Delivered through a multilateral

2007-08 139.519 135.75 2008-09 165.521 159.99

Haiti: Autism funded through multilateral sources, to which the UK is already a significant contributor. Mr. Andrew Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State WaterAid: Finance for International Development whether his Department has made an assessment of the autism Sammy Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for needs of the Haitian population; and whether his International Development how much his Department Department or its international partners have plans to contributed to WaterAid in each of the last five years. rebuild the autism clinic in Haiti. [321640] [321645]

Mr. Douglas Alexander: A post disaster needs assessment Mr. Michael Foster: The Department for International is currently under way in Haiti. Only after the assessment Development’s (DFID’s) expenditure through all UK has been completed will decisions be made, with the full civil society organisations can be found in our annual participation of the Government of Haiti, on the publication ‘Statistics on International Development’, reconstruction priorities for the country. which is available at The UK allocated £20 million in humanitarian aid www.dfid.gov.uk for the emergency response to the earthquake. We expect The relevant figures for WaterAid are reproduced in reconstruction work in Haiti to be led by the UN and the following table.

Financial year Partnership Programme Agreement Country and other DFID programmes Total (£000)

2004-05 1,160 859 2,019 2005-06 1,460 2,045 3,505 2006-07 1,460 2,766 4,226 2007-08 1,256 4,122 5,369 2008-09 1,290 6,164 7,454

15MC Ministerial Corrections15 MARCH 2010 Ministerial Corrections 16MC Ministerial Corrections The correct answer should have been: Angela E. Smith: The information requested falls Monday 15 March 2010 within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply. Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated January 2010: As Director General for the Office for National Statistics CABINET OFFICE (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question on how many married couples (a) are both over the age of 65, Married People (b) are both in work, (c) are living apart, (d) have no children and (e) have one or more children under the age of five; and if she will make a statement. (310671) Mr. Laws: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office The latest, available information requested is given in the table how many married couples (a) are both over the age attached. The figures are from ONS’s Annual Population Survey of 65, (b) are both in work, (c) are living apart, (APS) household datasets for the period January to December (d) have no children and (e) have one or more children 2008. Information on the number of couples living apart is not under the age of five; and if she will make a statement. collected and is therefore not presented. As with any sample survey, estimates from the APS are subject to a margin of uncertainty [310671] as different samples could give different results. [Official Report, 18 January 2010, Vol. 504, c. 51-52W.] Table 1: Number of married couples1 by various characteristics, United Letter of correction from Angela E. Smith: Kingdom, January to December 2008 Errors have been identified in the response given to Thousands the hon. Member for Yeovil (Mr. Laws) on 18 January Previous 2010. Table 1 relating to the number of married couples is incorrect. Additionally, the figure of 5,270 married Number of married couples 12,170 couples who live in a household where all adults are in of whom employment is missing from the table. both are over the age of 65 2,060 The question and response given were as follows: both are in employment 6,220 live in a household where all adults 5,270 are in employment Mr. Laws: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office have no children 6,040 how many married couples (a) are both over the age of have one or more children under 1,730 65, (b) are both in work, (c) are living apart, (d) have the age of five no children and (e) have one or more children under 1 Excludes cohabiting and same sex couples the age of five; and if she will make a statement. Source: [310671] APS Household datasets

Angela E. Smith: The information requested falls Death: Cancer within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply. Christopher Fraser: To ask the Minister for the Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated January 2010: Cabinet Office (1) what the age-standardised mortality As Director General for the Office for National Statistics rate from prostate cancer was in (a) England, (b) each (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question primary care trust area and (c) each constituency in on how many married couples (a) are both over the age of 65, each year since 1997-98; [317707] (b) are both in work, (c) are living apart, (d) have no children and (2) how many deaths from prostate cancer there were (e) have one or more children under the age of five; and if she will in (a) England, (b) each primary care trust area and make a statement. (310671) (c) each constituency in each year since 1997-98. The latest, available information requested is given in the table [317708] attached. The figures are from ONS’s Annual Population Survey (APS) household datasets for the period January to December [Official Report, 22 February 2010, Vol. 506, c. 159W.] 2008. Information on the number of couples living apart is not Letter of correction from Angela E. Smith: collected and is therefore not presented. Errors have been identified in the response given to As with any sample survey, estimates from the APS are subject the hon. Member for South-West Norfolk (Christopher to a margin of uncertainty as different samples could give different results. Fraser) on 22 February 2010. Table 1, which related to breast cancer, should not have been included in the Table:1 Number of married couples1 by various characteristics, United original answer, which related to prostate cancer and Kingdom, January to December 2008 Table 4 was missing from the answer. Number of people (thousand) The question and response given were as follows: Number of married couples 12,170 of whom Christopher Fraser: To ask the Minister for the both are over the age of 65 2,060 Cabinet Office (1) what the age-standardised mortality both are in employment 5,270 rate from prostate cancer was in (a) England, (b) each have no children 6,040 primary care trust area and (c) each constituency in have one or more children under the 1,730 each year since 1997-98; [317707] age of five (2) how many deaths from prostate cancer there were 1 Excludes cohabiting and same sex couples. in (a) England, (b) each primary care trust area and Source: (c) each constituency in each year since 1997-98. APS household datasets (ONS). [317708] 17MC Ministerial Corrections15 MARCH 2010 Ministerial Corrections 18MC

Angela E. Smith: The information requested falls year available) (Tables 4 and 5), and (c) parliamentary constituencies within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. in England, for the years 1997-02 and 2003-08 combined (the only I have asked the authority to reply. periods available) (Table 6). Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated February 2010: A copy of Tables 2, 3, 5 and 6 have been placed in the House of Commons Library. As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent questions asking (1) what Mortality rates for primary care organisations and parliamentary the age-standardised mortality rate from prostate cancer was in constituencies can only be calculated for the periods given due to (a) England, (b) each primary care trust area and (c) each the availability of mid-year population estimates. Numbers of constituency in each year since 1997-98 (317707) and (2) how deaths for parliamentary constituencies have not been given for many deaths from prostate cancer there were in (a) England, individual years in line with the current ONS policy on protecting (b) each primary care trust area and (c) each constituency in each confidentiality within birth and death statistics. year since 1997-98. (317708) Table 1. Age-standardised mortality rates per 100,000 population, The tables attached provide: where prostate cancer was the underlying cause of death, England, (1) The age-standardised mortality rate per 100,000 population, 1997 to 20081, 2, 3, 4, 5 where prostate cancer was the underlying cause of death, for Deaths (males) (a) England, for the years 1997 to 2008 (the latest year available) Year Rate per 100,000 population (Table 1), (b) primary care organisations in England, for the years 2001 to 2008 (the only period available) (Table 2), and (c) parliamentary 1997 28 constituencies in England, for the years 2001 to 2007 (the only 1998 28 period available) (Table 3). 1999 27 (2) The number of deaths where prostate cancer was the underlying cause of death, for (a) England and (b) primary care 2000 26 organisations in England, for the years 1997 to 2008 (the latest 2001 27 year available) (Tables 4 and 5), and (c) parliamentary constituencies 2002 27 in England, for the years 1997-02 and 2003-08 combined (the only periods available) (Table 6). 2003 27 2004 26 A copy of Tables 2, 3, 5 and 6 have been placed in the House of Commons Library. 2005 26 Mortality rates for primary care organisations and parliamentary 2006 25 constituencies can only be calculated for the periods given due to 2007 25 the availability of mid-year population estimates. Numbers of 2008 24 deaths for parliamentary constituencies have not been given for 1 Age-standardised mortality rates per 100,000 population, standardised individual years in line with the current ONS policy on protecting to the European Standard Population. Age-standardised rates are confidentiality within birth and death statistics. used to allow comparison between populations which may contain different proportions of people of different ages. Table 1: Number of deaths where breast cancer was the underlying 2 Cause of death for prostate cancer was defined using the International cause of death, England and Wales, 20081, 2, 3 Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) code 185 for the Cause of death Deaths (persons) years 1997 to 2000, and Tenth Revision (ICD-10) code C61 from 2001 onwards. The introduction of ICD-10 in 2001 means that the numbers Breast cancer 10,779 of deaths from this cause before 2001 are not completely comparable 1 Cause of death was defined using the International Classification of with later years. Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) code C50. 3 Based on boundaries as of 2009. 2 Figures for England and Wales include deaths of non-residents. 4 Figures for England exclude deaths of non-residents. 3 Figures are for deaths registered in each calendar year. 5 Figures are for deaths registered in each calendar year. The correct answer should have been: Table 4. Number of deaths where prostate cancer was the underlying cause of death, England, 1997 to 20081, 2, 3, 4 Males Angela E. Smith: The information requested falls Year Deaths within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply. 1997 7,982 Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated February 2010: 1998 8,074 1999 8,015 As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I 2000 7,761 have been asked to reply to your recent questions asking (1) what the age-standardised mortality rate from prostate cancer was in 2001 8,305 (a) England, (b) each primary care trust area and (c) each 2002 8,471 constituency in each year since 1997-98 (317707) and (2) how 2003 8,570 many deaths from prostate cancer there were in (a) England, 2004 8,531 (b) each primary care trust area and (c) each constituency in each 2005 8,492 year since 1997-98. (317708) 2006 8,506 The tables attached provide: 2007 8,659 (1) The age-standardised mortality rate per 100,000 population, 2008 8,597 where prostate cancer was the underlying cause of death, for 1 Cause of death for prostate cancer was defined using the International (a) England, for the years 1997 to 2008 (the latest year available) Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) code 185 for the (Table 1), (b) primary care organisations in England, for the years years 1997 to 2000, and Tenth Revision (ICD-10) code C61 from 2001 2001 to 2008 (the only period available) (Table 2), and (c) parliamentary onwards. The introduction of ICD-10 in 2001 means that the numbers constituencies in England, for the years 2001 to 2007 (the only of deaths from this cause before 2001 are not completely comparable period available) (Table 3). with later years. 2 Based on boundaries as of 2009. (2) The number of deaths where prostate cancer was the 3 Figures for England exclude deaths of non-residents. underlying cause of death, for (a) England and (b) primary care 4 Figures are for deaths registered in each calendar year. organisations in England, for the years 1997 to 2008 (the latest 19MC Ministerial Corrections15 MARCH 2010 Ministerial Corrections 20MC

WOMEN AND EQUALITY Michael Jabez Foster: The Government Equalities Office does not hold information on sickness absence Departmental Sick Leave from before October 2007. Since October 2008, no staff in the Government Equalities Office have had five David Simpson: To ask the Minister for Women and or more periods of sickness absence of less than five Equality how many staff in the (a) Government days. Equalities Office and (b) Equality and Human Rights Commission have had five or more periods of sickness Four staff in the Equality and Human Rights absence of less than five days in two or more of the last Commission have had five or more periods of sickness three years. [316451] absence of less than five days in two or more of the last three years. [Official Report, 2 March 2010, Vol. 506, c. 1077W.] Letter of correction from Mr. Michael Jabez Foster: The correct answer should have been: Errors have been identified in the response given to the hon. Member for Upper Bann (David Simpson) on 2 March 2010. The year stated as 2007 is incorrect. The Michael Jabez Foster: The Government Equalities correct year is 2008. Office does not hold information on sickness absence from before October 2008. Since October 2008, no The question and response given were as follows: staff in the Government Equalities Office have had five or more periods of sickness absence of less than five David Simpson: To ask the Minister for Women and days. Equality how many staff in the (a) Government Equalities Office and (b) Equality and Human Rights Four staff in the Equality and Human Rights Commission have had five or more periods of sickness Commission have had five or more periods of sickness absence of less than five days in two or more of the last absence of less than five days in two or more of the last three years. [316451] three years.

ORAL ANSWERS

Monday 15 March 2010

Col. No. Col. No. WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 589 WORK AND PENSIONS—continued Carer’s Allowance ...... 599 Pension Credit...... 597 Child Poverty ...... 594 Pension Credit (Take-up) ...... 598 Defined Pension Benefit Schemes ...... 593 Social Security Fraud...... 599 Jobseeker’s Allowance ...... 602 Topical Questions ...... 603 Jobseeker’s Allowance (EU Claimants) ...... 600 Work for Your Benefit Measures...... 589 Jobseeker’s Allowance (North Wiltshire)...... 590 Youth Unemployment...... 591 Jobseeker’s Allowance (Wales) ...... 595 Youth Unemployment...... 601 Jobseeker’s Allowance...... 597 WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Monday 15 March 2010

Col. No. Col. No. CHILDREN, SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES ...... 37WS JUSTICE—continued Schools 2010-13 ...... 37WS Her Majesty’s Courts Service (Key Performance Indicators) ...... 43WS DEFENCE...... 40WS Borona Programme...... 40WS PRIME MINISTER ...... 44WS Assistant Surveillance Commissioners ...... 44WS ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 41WS WOMEN AND EQUALITY ...... 44WS National Policy Statements ...... 41WS Stern Review (Interim Government Response)...... 44WS JUSTICE...... 42WS WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 46WS Court Fees (Care and Supervision Proceedings)..... 42WS Social Fund Reform...... 46WS PETITION

Monday 15 March 2010

Col. No. Col. No. TRANSPORT ...... 11P Extra gritting (NHS Savings) ...... 11P WRITTEN ANSWERS

Monday 15 March 2010

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 703W CHILDREN, SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES ...... 685W Adult Education: Finance...... 703W Building Schools for the Future Programme ...... 685W Apprentices: Standards ...... 704W Departmental Consultants...... 688W Departmental Freedom of Information ...... 704W Education Maintenance Allowance...... 689W Departmental ICT ...... 706W GCSE ...... 689W Departmental Public Relations ...... 706W GCSE: Disadvantaged ...... 691W Departmental Recruitment ...... 708W GCSE: Greater Manchester ...... 691W Departmental Travel ...... 709W National Curriculum Tests...... 693W Education: Wolverhampton ...... 709W National Curriculum Tests: Leeds...... 697W Higher Education: Anti-Semitism...... 710W Pupil Exclusions: Poole...... 697W Higher Education: Milton Keynes ...... 711W School Improvement Partners: Finance ...... 697W Higher Education: York...... 712W Schools: Essex...... 698W Islamic Organisations: Finance ...... 713W Teachers: Standards ...... 701W Minimum Wage ...... 713W UK Youth Parliament...... 702W National Science and Engineering Week...... 713W Vocational Education...... 703W Overseas Companies: Ethiopia ...... 714W Youth Justice: Finance ...... 703W Radio Frequencies ...... 714W Science: Finance...... 715W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 664W Students: Loans ...... 715W Aerials: Planning Permission ...... 664W Students: Personal Records...... 715W Energy Performance Certificates...... 665W Students: Radicalism...... 716W Fire Services...... 665W Teachers: Qualifications...... 716W Fire Services: Catering ...... 665W Col. No. Col. No. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT— FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE— continued continued Fire Services: Greater London ...... 666W Falkland Islands...... 684W Green Belt: Greater London ...... 666W Intelligence Services ...... 684W Green Belt: St. Albans ...... 666W Nuclear Disarmament: International Home Buying Stakeholder Advisory Panel ...... 666W Cooperation...... 685W Housing: Construction...... 667W Terrorism: Northern Ireland ...... 685W Housing Revenue Accounts ...... 666W Housing: Standards ...... 667W HEALTH...... 626W Multiple Occupation...... 670W Accident and Emergency Departments: Non-Domestic Rates: Ports...... 670W Birmingham...... 626W Sleeping Rough: York ...... 671W Cancer: Health Services ...... 626W Tackling Antisocial Behaviour ...... 671W Cancer: Medical Treatments ...... 627W Tenancy Deposit Schemes...... 671W Carbon Monoxide: Poisoning ...... 629W Care Quality Commission: Public Appointments... 629W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 622W Community Health Services...... 629W Cinemas: Hearing Impaired ...... 622W Dental Services: North Yorkshire...... 630W Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers...... 622W Departmental Disciplinary Proceedings...... 630W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 623W Doctors and Nurses: Greater Manchester...... 632W National Heritage Memorial Fund ...... 623W Electronic Warfare ...... 633W Theatre: Young People ...... 623W General Practitioners ...... 633W Tourism: Olympic Games 2012 ...... 624W General Practitioners: York ...... 634W Health Services: Birmingham...... 635W DEFENCE...... 586W Health Services: York...... 635W Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations ...... 586W Hearing Impaired: Health Services ...... 637W Aircraft Carriers ...... 586W Hospitals: Construction...... 638W Armed Forces: Deployment ...... 586W Hospitals: Waiting Lists...... 639W Armed Forces: Drinking Water...... 586W Maternity Services ...... 641W Armed Forces: Food ...... 587W Medical Records: Children...... 641W Armed Forces: Private Education ...... 587W Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust ...... 641W Armed Forces: Rescue Services ...... 587W NHS: Finance ...... 642W Armed Forces: Reserve Forces ...... 588W NHS: Procurement ...... 643W Army: Lost Property...... 588W Patients: Safety ...... 643W Army: Manpower ...... 588W York Hospital: Manpower ...... 645W Defence Academy ...... 589W Departmental Languages...... 591W HOME DEPARTMENT ...... 608W Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers...... 591W Alcoholic Drinks: Young People ...... 608W Departmental Vetting ...... 591W Crime...... 608W Ex-servicemen: Prisoners ...... 591W Crime Prevention: Retail Trade...... 609W Met Office...... 592W Crimes of Violence...... 610W Met Office: Pay ...... 592W Identity Cards: Procurement...... 611W Middle East: Navy ...... 592W Motor Vehicles: Seized Articles...... 612W Nuclear Submarines...... 592W National Identity Register...... 613W

ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 679W HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION...... 624W Boilers: Government Assistance...... 679W Members: Allowances ...... 625W Climate Change: Costs...... 679W Members’ Staff: Pensions...... 624W Combined Heat and Power ...... 679W Nurseries...... 625W Electricity: Disconnections...... 680W Energy: EC Action...... 680W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 716W Energy: Prices ...... 681W Burundi: Females...... 716W Fuel Oil...... 682W Civil Society Challenge Fund...... 717W Office of Gas and Electricity Markets: Finance ..... 682W Civil Society Challenge Fund: Northern Ireland.... 717W Public Bodies: Finance...... 682W Developing Countries: Climate Change ...... 718W Totnes Town Transition Group ...... 683W Ethiopia: Overseas Aid ...... 718W Haiti: Autism ...... 719W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL WaterAid: Finance...... 720W AFFAIRS...... 580W Agriculture...... 580W JUSTICE...... 645W Biodiversity...... 581W Burglary: Convictions ...... 645W Common Agricultural Policy ...... 581W Crimes of Violence: Convictions...... 647W Dangerous Dogs ...... 581W Drugs: Crime ...... 647W Departmental Information Officers ...... 582W Electoral Register...... 649W Departmental Public Relations ...... 582W Electronic Warfare ...... 656W Greater Manchester ...... 582W National Offender Management Service: Textiles: Waste Disposal...... 583W Birmingham...... 657W Wetlands: Conservation ...... 583W Prisons: Crimes of Violence ...... 658W Wildlife: Birds ...... 584W Prisons: Disciplinary Proceedings ...... 658W Probation Officers...... 661W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE .... 683W Reoffenders...... 661W European Union ...... 683W Young Offender Institutions: Equality ...... 661W Col. No. Col. No. JUSTICE—continued TREASURY—continued Young Offender Institutions: Food ...... 662W Council Tax: Valuation ...... 674W Young Offender Institutions: Languages...... 663W Departmental Internet ...... 675W Young Offenders: Hearing Impaired ...... 664W Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers...... 675W EU Budget ...... 675W NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 584W Greater Manchester ...... 675W Departmental Buildings...... 584W Investment Income Surcharge ...... 676W Departmental Disciplinary Proceedings...... 585W Israel: EU External Trade ...... 676W Departmental Domestic Visits ...... 585W Public and Commercial Services Union ...... 676W Revenue and Customs...... 677W PRIME MINISTER...... 579W State Retirement Pensions...... 677W Departmental Internet ...... 579W Tax Allowances: Forestry...... 678W East of England ...... 579W Taxation: Domicile ...... 678W Envoys and Special Representatives ...... 579W Valuation Office Agency: Termination of Intelligence Services ...... 579W Employment ...... 679W Reading Berkshire...... 580W WOMEN AND EQUALITY ...... 621W SCOTLAND...... 672W Equality and Human Rights Commission...... 621W Defence...... 672W Official Engagements ...... 622W Departmental Internet ...... 673W Departmental Lost Property ...... 673W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 593W Age Concern: Finance ...... 593W TRANSPORT ...... 613W Carer’s Allowance...... 594W Cycling: Safety ...... 613W Council Tax Benefits...... 595W Departmental Manpower...... 615W Departmental Buildings...... 595W Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers...... 615W Departmental Disciplinary Proceedings...... 596W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 615W Departmental Fraud ...... 597W Derby-Manchester Railway Line ...... 616W Departmental Information Officers ...... 598W First Capital Connect: Fixed Penalties...... 616W Employment and Support Allowance ...... 593W Greater Manchester ...... 616W Employment Schemes: Private Sector ...... 598W Kemble-Swindon Railway Line...... 617W Employment Schemes: Young People...... 599W Railways: York...... 618W Future Jobs Fund...... 599W Rapid Transit Systems: Luton...... 619W Jobcentres: Courier Services...... 600W Roads: East Sussex...... 619W Jobseeker’s Allowance: Young People ...... 601W Roads: Tolls ...... 619W Oil: Storage...... 602W Snow and Ice...... 619W Pensioner Poverty...... 593W Southeastern ...... 620W Personal Accounts Delivery Authority...... 603W Stroud ...... 620W Poverty...... 604W Trade Unions ...... 621W Social Security Benefits: Disabled ...... 605W Traffic Commissioners ...... 621W Social Security Benefits: Parents ...... 605W Social Security Benefits: Young People ...... 605W TREASURY ...... 674W Unemployment Benefits...... 606W Banks: Pay ...... 674W Unemployment Benefits: Medical Examinations ... 606W Child Trust Fund: York...... 674W Winter Fuel Payments: British Nationals Abroad.. 607W MINISTERIAL CORRECTIONS

Monday 15 March 2010

Col. No. Col. No. CABINET OFFICE...... 15MC WOMEN AND EQUALITY ...... 19MC Death: Cancer...... 16MC Departmental Sick Leave ...... 19MC Married People ...... 15MC Members who wish to have the Daily Report of the Debates forwarded to them should give notice at the Vote Office. The Bound Volumes will also be sent to Members who similarly express their desire to have them. No proofs of the Daily Reports can be supplied, nor can corrections be made in the Weekly Edition. Corrections which Members suggest for the Bound Volume should be clearly marked in the Daily Report, but not telephoned, and the copy containing the Corrections must be received at the Editor’s Room, House of Commons,

not later than Monday 22 March 2010

STRICT ADHERENCE TO THIS ARRANGEMENT GREATLY FACILITATES THE PROMPT PUBLICATION OF THE VOLUMES

Members may obtain excerpts of their Speeches from the Official Report (within one month from the date of publication), on application to the Stationery Office, c/o the Editor of the Official Report, House of Commons, from whom the terms and conditions of reprinting may be ascertained. Application forms are available at the Vote Office.

PRICES AND SUBSCRIPTION RATES DAILY PARTS Single copies: Commons, £5; Lords, £3·50. Annual subscriptions: Commons, £865; Lords, £525. WEEKLY HANSARD Single copies: Commons, £12; Lords, £6. Annual subscriptions: Commons, £440. Lords, £225. Index: Annual subscriptions: Commons, £125; Lords, £65. LORDS VOLUME INDEX obtainable on standing order only. Details available on request. BOUND VOLUMES OF DEBATES are issued periodically during the session. Single copies: Commons, £105; Lords, £40. Standing orders will be accepted. THE INDEX to each Bound Volumeof House of Commons Debates is published separately at £9·00 and can be supplied to standing order. WEEKLY INFORMATION BULLETIN compiled by the House of Commons, giving details of past and forthcoming business, the work of Committees and general information on legislation, etc. The Annual Subscription includes also automatic despatch of the Sessional Information Digest. Single copies: £1·50. Annual subscriptions: £53·50. All prices are inclusive of postage Volume 507 Monday No. 57 15 March 2010

CONTENTS

Monday 15 March 2010

Death of a Member [Col. 589]

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 589] [see index inside back page] Secretary of State for Work and Pensions

Defence in the World [Col. 613] General debate

Petition [Col. 696]

Stroke Services (North Yorkshire) [Col. 698] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Written Ministerial Statements [Col. 37WS]

Petitions [Col. 11P] Observations

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 579W] [see index inside back page]

Ministerial Corrections [Col. 15MC]