Monday Volume 561 15 April 2013 No. 139

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Monday 15 April 2013

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

MEMBERS OF THE CABINET

(FORMED BY THE RT HON.DAVID CAMERON,MP,MAY 2010) PRIME MINISTER,FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY AND MINISTER FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE—The Rt Hon. David Cameron, MP DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL—The Rt Hon. Nick Clegg, MP FIRST SECRETARY OF STATE AND SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS—The Rt Hon. William Hague, MP CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER—The Rt Hon. George Osborne, MP CHIEF SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY—The Rt Hon. Danny Alexander, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT—The Rt Hon. Theresa May, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE—The Rt Hon. Philip Hammond, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR BUSINESS,INNOVATION AND SKILLS—The Rt Hon. Vince Cable, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WORK AND PENSIONS—The Rt Hon. Iain Duncan Smith, MP LORD CHANCELLOR AND SECRETARY OF STATE FOR JUSTICE—The Rt Hon. Chris Grayling, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR EDUCATION—The Rt Hon. Michael Gove, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT—The Rt Hon. Eric Pickles, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR HEALTH—The Rt Hon. Jeremy Hunt, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR ENVIRONMENT,FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS—The Rt Hon. Owen Paterson, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT—The Rt Hon. Justine Greening, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR SCOTLAND—The Rt Hon. Michael Moore, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE—The Rt Hon. Edward Davey, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR TRANSPORT—The Rt Hon. Patrick McLoughlin, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR CULTURE,MEDIA AND SPORT AND MINISTER FOR WOMEN AND EQUALITIES—The Rt Hon. Maria Miller, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR NORTHERN IRELAND—The Rt Hon. Theresa Villiers, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WALES—The Rt Hon. David Jones, MP LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF LORDS AND CHANCELLOR OF THE DUCHY OF LANCASTER— The Rt Hon. Lord Hill of Oareford, CBE

DEPARTMENTS OF STATE AND MINISTERS Business, Innovation and Skills— SECRETARY OF STATE AND PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE—The Rt Hon. Vince Cable, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. David Willetts, MP (Minister for Universities and Science) The Rt Hon. Michael Fallon, MP § Lord Green of Hurstpierpoint (Minister for Trade and Investment) § PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Jo Swinson, MP § Matthew Hancock, MP § (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Skills) Viscount Younger of Leckie Cabinet Office— MINISTER FOR THE CABINET OFFICE AND PAYMASTER GENERAL—The Rt Hon. Francis Maude, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. Oliver Letwin, MP (Minister for Government Policy) The Rt Hon. David Laws, MP § PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIES— Nick Hurd, MP Chloe Smith, MP Communities and Local Government— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Eric Pickles, MP SENIOR MINISTER OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Baroness Warsi § MINISTER OF STATE—Mark Prisk, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Nick Boles, MP The Rt Hon. Don Foster, MP Brandon Lewis, MP Baroness Hanham, CBE ii HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT—cont.

Culture, Media and Sport— SECRETARY OF STATE FOR CULTURE,MEDIA AND SPORT AND MINISTER FOR WOMEN AND EQUALITIES—The Rt Hon. Maria Miller, MP MINISTER OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Hugh Robertson, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE— Edward Vaizey, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE FOR WOMEN AND EQUALITIES Helen Grant, MP § Jo Swinson, MP § Defence— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Philip Hammond, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. Andrew Robathan, MP The Rt Hon. Mark Francois, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Dr Andrew Murrison, MP Philip Dunne, MP Lord Astor of Hever, DL Duchy of Lancaster— LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF LORDS AND CHANCELLOR OF THE DUCHY OF LANCASTER—The Rt Hon. Lord Hill of Oareford, CBE Education— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Michael Gove, MP MINISTER OF STATE— The Rt Hon. David Laws, MP § (Minister for Schools) PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Matthew Hancock, MP § (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Skills) Edward Timpson, MP Elizabeth Truss, MP Lord Nash Energy and Climate Change— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Edward Davey, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. Gregory Barker, MP The Rt Hon. Michael Fallon, MP § PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE—Baroness Verma Environment, Food and Rural Affairs— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Owen Paterson, MP MINISTER OF STATE— David Heath, CBE, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Richard Benyon, MP Lord de Mauley Foreign and Commonwealth Office— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. William Hague, MP SENIOR MINISTER OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Baroness Warsi § MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. David Lidington, MP (Minister for Europe) The Rt Hon. Hugo Swire, MP Lord Green of Hurstpierpoint § PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Mark Simmonds, MP Alistair Burt, MP Health— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Jeremy Hunt, MP MINISTER OF STATE— Norman Lamb, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Anna Soubry, MP Daniel Poulter, MP The Rt Hon. Earl Howe HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT—cont. iii

Home Office— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Theresa May, MP § MINISTERS OF STATE— Mark Harper, MP (Minister for Immigration) The Rt Hon. Damian Green, MP (Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice) § Jeremy Browne PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— James Brokenshire, MP Lord Taylor of Holbeach, CBE International Development— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Justine Greening, MP MINISTER OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Alan Duncan, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE—Lynne Featherstone, MP Justice— LORD CHANCELLOR AND SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Chris Grayling, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. Lord McNally The Rt Hon. Damian Green, MP (Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice) § PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Helen Grant, MP § Jeremy Wright, MP Law Officers— ATTORNEY-GENERAL—The Rt Hon. Dominic Grieve, QC, MP SOLICITOR-GENERAL—Oliver Heald, MP ADVOCATE-GENERAL FOR SCOTLAND—The Rt Hon. Lord Wallace of Tankerness, QC Leader of the House of Commons— LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS AND LORD PRIVY SEAL—The Rt Hon. Andrew Lansley, MP PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY—The Rt Hon. Tom Brake, MP Northern Ireland— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Theresa Villiers, MP MINISTER OF STATE—Mike Penning, MP Privy Council Office— DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL—The Rt Hon. Nick Clegg, MP Scotland Office— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Michael Moore, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. David Mundell, MP Transport— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Patrick McLoughlin, MP MINISTER OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Simon Burns, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Norman Baker, MP Stephen Hammond, MP Treasury— PRIME MINISTER,FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY AND MINISTER FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE—The Rt Hon. David Cameron, MP CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER—The Rt Hon. George Osborne, MP CHIEF SECRETARY—The Rt Hon. Danny Alexander, MP FINANCIAL SECRETARY—The Rt Hon. Greg Clark, MP EXCHEQUER SECRETARY—David Gauke, MP ECONOMIC SECRETARY—Sajid Javid, MP COMMERCIAL SECRETARY—Lord Deighton, KBE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY—The Rt Hon. Sir George Young, MP LORDS COMMISSIONERS— The Rt Hon. Desmond Swayne, MP Anne Milton, MP David Evennett, MP Stephen Crabb, MP § Robert Goodwill, MP Mark Lancaster, MP iv HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT—cont.

ASSISTANT WHIPS— Greg Hands, MP Karen Bradley, MP Joseph Johnson, MP Nicky Morgan, MP Robert Syms, MP Mark Hunter, MP Jenny Willott, MP Wales Office— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. David Jones, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Stephen Crabb, MP § Baroness Randerson Work and Pensions— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Iain Duncan Smith, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— Mark Hoban, MP Steve Webb, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Lord Freud Esther McVey, MP Ministers without Portfolio— The Rt Hon. Kenneth Clarke, QC, MP The Rt Hon Grant Shapps, MP The Rt Hon. John Hayes, MP Her Majesty’s Household— LORD CHAMBERLAIN—The Rt Hon. Earl Peel, GCVO, DL LORD STEWARD—The Earl of Dalhousie MASTER OF THE HORSE—Lord Vestey, KCVO TREASURER—The Rt Hon. John Randall, MP COMPTROLLER—The Rt Hon. Alistair Carmichael, MP VICE-CHAMBERLAIN—The Rt Hon. Greg Knight, MP CAPTAIN OF THE HONOURABLE CORPS OF GENTLEMEN-AT-ARMS—The Rt Hon. Baroness Anelay of St Johns, DBE CAPTAIN OF THE QUEEN’S BODYGUARD OF THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD—Lord Newby, OBE BARONESSES IN WAITING—Baroness Garden of Frognal, Baroness Northover, Baroness Stowell of Beeston, LORDS IN WAITING—Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, Earl Attlee, Lord Gardiner of Kimble, The Rt Hon. Lord Wallace of Saltaire, Lord Popat § Members of the Government listed under more than one Department

SECOND CHURCH ESTATES COMMISSIONER, REPRESENTING CHURCH COMMISSIONERS—Sir Tony Baldry, MP HOUSE OF COMMONS THE SPEAKER—The Rt Hon. John Bercow, MP CHAIRMAN OF WAYS AND MEANS—The Rt Hon. Lindsay Hoyle, MP FIRST DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF WAYS AND MEANS—Nigel Evans, MP SECOND DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF WAYS AND MEANS—The Rt Hon. Dawn Primarolo, MP PANEL OF CHAIRS Mr David Amess, MP, Hugh Bayley, MP, Mr Joe Benton, MP, Mr Clive Betts, MP, Mr Peter Bone, MP, Mr Graham Brady, MP, Annette Brooke, MP, Martin Caton, MP, Mr Christopher Chope, MP, Katy Clark, MP, Mr David Crausby, MP, Philip Davies, MP, Jim Dobbin, MP, Nadine Dorries, MP, Sir Roger Gale, MP, Mr James Gray, MP, Mr Mike Hancock, MP, Mr Dai Havard, MP, Mr Philip Hollobone, MP, Mr Jim Hood, MP, The Rt Hon. George Howarth, MP, Mr Edward Leigh, MP, Dr William McCrea, MP, Miss Anne McIntosh, MP, Mrs Anne Main, MP, Sir Alan Meale, MP, Sandra Osborne, MP, Albert Owen, MP, Mark Pritchard, MP, Mrs Linda Riordan, MP, John Robertson, MP, Andrew Rosindell, MP, Jim Sheridan, MP, Mr Gary Streeter, MP, Mr Andrew Turner, MP, Mr Charles Walker, MP, Mr Mike Weir, MP, Hywel Williams, MP SECRETARY—Simon Patrick HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION The Rt Hon. The Speaker (Chairman), Sir Paul Beresford, MP, Mr Frank Doran, MP, Ms Angela Eagle, MP, The Rt Hon. Andrew Lansley, MP, John Thurso, MP SECRETARY OF THE COMMISSION—Robert Twigger ASSISTANT SECRETARY—Joanna Dodd ADMINISTRATION ESTIMATE AUDIT COMMITTEE Alex Jablonowski (Chairman), Ms Angela Eagle, MP, The Rt Hon. Sir Alan Haselhurst, MP, John Thurso, MP, Stephen Brooker, Barbara Scott SECRETARY OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE—Ben Williams LIAISON COMMITTEE The Rt Hon. Sir Alan Beith, MP (Chair), Mr Graham Allen, MP, The Rt Hon. James Arbuthnot, MP, Mr Adrian Bailey, MP, The Rt Hon. Kevin Barron, MP, Dame Anne Begg, MP, Mr Clive Betts, MP, The Rt Hon. Sir Malcolm Bruce, MP,Mr William Cash, MP,Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, MP,Mr Ian Davidson, MP, DavidTCDavies, MP, The Rt Hon. Stephen Dorrell, MP, James Duddridge, MP, Mrs Louise Ellman, MP, Natascha Engel, MP, Dr Hywel Francis, MP, The Rt Hon. Sir Alan Haselhurst, MP, The Rt Hon. Margaret Hodge, MP, Mr Bernard Jenkin, MP, Miss Anne McIntosh, MP, Andrew Miller, MP, Mr George Mudie, MP, Richard Ottaway, MP, Mr Laurence Robertson, MP, Mr Graham Stuart, MP, Mr Robert Syms, MP, John Thurso, MP, Mr Andrew Tyrie, MP, The Rt Hon. Keith Vaz, MP, Mr Charles Walker, MP, Joan Walley, MP, Mr John Whittingdale, MP, Mr Tim Yeo, MP CLERKS—Andrew Kennon, Philippa Helme MANAGEMENT BOARD Sir Robert Rogers, KCB (Clerk of the House and Chief Executive), David Natzler (Clerk Assistant and Director General, Chamber and Committee Services), John Pullinger (Director General, Information Services), Andrew Walker (Director General, HR and Change), John Borley, CB (Director General, Facilities), Myfanwy Barrett (Director of Finance), Joan Miller (Director of Parliamentary ICT) (External Member), Alex Jablonowski (External Member), Barbara Scott (External Member) SECRETARY OF THE MANAGEMENT BOARD—Matthew Hamlyn SPEAKER’S SECRETARY—Peter Barratt SPEAKER’S COUNSEL—Michael Carpenter SPEAKER’S CHAPLAIN—Rev. Rose Hudson-Wilkin PARLIAMENTARY COMMISSIONER FOR STANDARDS—Kathryn Hudson PARLIAMENTARY SECURITY DIRECTOR—Paul Martin

15 April 2013

THE PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES OFFICIAL REPORT

IN THE SECOND SESSION OF THE FIFTY-FIFTH PARLIAMENT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND [WHICH OPENED 18 MAY 2010]

SIXTY-SECOND YEAR OF THE REIGN OF HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II

SIXTH SERIES VOLUME 561 SEVENTEENTH VOLUME OF SESSION 2012-2013

The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Mr Mark House of Commons Francois): Before I answer the question, I am sure that the whole House will wish to join me in paying tribute to Lance Corporal Jamie Webb of the 1st Battalion The Monday 15 April 2013 Mercian Regiment, who died in hospital in Kandahar on Tuesday 26 March 2013 from wounds received in Afghanistan on Monday 25 March. He died in the The House met at half-past Two o’clock service of his country and our thoughts, and those of the whole House, are with his family and friends. PRAYERS The Government are committed to ensuring that each and every one of the roughly one in 10 adults in this country who are veterans receive the support they require [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] from across the whole of Government. Responsibility for delivering mental health support lies with the Department of Health, with which the Ministry of Defence BUSINESS BEFORE QUESTIONS works closely. Together we are providing greater access NEW WRIT to mental health care for the first six months after Ordered, discharge, an increase in the number of veterans mental That the Speaker do issue his Warrant to the Clerk of health professionals, a 24-hour helpline in partnership the Crown to make out a new Writ for the electing of a with Combat Stress, and an online mental health support Member to serve in this present Parliament for the and advice website called the Big White Wall. Borough constituency of South Shields in the room of David Wright Miliband, who since his election for the Chi Onwurah: The north-east provides more servicemen said Borough constituency has accepted the Office of and women, proportionally, than any other region in Steward of Her Majesty’s Manor of Northstead in the the country, so I am pleased to say that we have award- County of York.—(Ms Winterton.) winning mental health services such as a veterans well-being assessment and liaison pilot, in partnership with Combat Stress and the Royal British Legion. They expect a surge in referrals as our troops withdraw from Afghanistan Oral Answers to Questions next year, but the pilot ends in March. What plans does the Minister have to meet the expected increase in demand for mental health services?

DEFENCE Mr Francois: As I say, this will partly be a responsibility for the Department of Health, with which we work closely, but I take the whole issue very seriously, and I The Secretary of State was asked— have tried personally to meet as many people as I can who are involved in this issue, for instance Sir Simon Veterans (Mental Health) Wessely at King’s, Andrew Cameron at Combat Stress and Dr Hugh Milroy at Veterans Aid. The Government 1. Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central) (Lab): will continue to reach out to these and other experts to What steps he is taking to ensure veterans have access provide the right care for those to whom we owe such a to appropriate mental health support. [150728] debt of gratitude. 3 Oral Answers15 APRIL 2013 Oral Answers 4

Mr James Gray (North Wiltshire) (Con): Some great The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence work has been done on mental health care for veterans (Mr Philip Dunne): This Ministry of Defence is fully since the seminal report by the Under-Secretary of committed to the Government’s growth agenda by State for Defence, my hon. Friend the Member for supporting responsible defence exports. From the Prime South West Wiltshire (Dr Murrison), some years ago. Minister down, ministerial colleagues and senior officials Does the Minister agree that there is a particular problem are actively supporting the British defence industry in associated with members of the Territorial Army and international markets. For example, already this year other reservists who have come back from active service my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence and who may not know that they have a mental problem? has promoted defence exports during his visits to Australia It may be many years later, when they have left the and Indonesia. I have visited India, United Arab Emirates, regimental family, that the problems become apparent. Qatar and Malaysia in support of exports and to lead What extra can be done to help members of the Territorial delegations at defence exhibitions, and the Under-Secretary Army who have been dispersed around the country? of State for Defence, my hon. Friend the Member for South West Wiltshire (Dr Murrison), who has responsibility Mr Francois: I understand the issue that my hon. for international security strategy, has just returned Friend raises. Like him, I pay tribute to the excellent from supporting defence exports in Libya and Brazil. “Fighting Fit” report, which addressed mental health for both serving personnel and veterans. He may be Chris Skidmore: The production of the wings for the aware that there was a lacuna a few years ago in that new Airbus A400M at Filton is progressing so well that reservists returning from theatre were not subject to the Airbus has announced that it is increasing the number same decompression package as regulars and did not of skilled aircraft fitters. Once the first aircraft is delivered necessarily receive the same mental health briefings as to the French air force this summer, and to the RAF regular troops. We have changed that so that reservists next year, I believe that the A400M will be the jewel in coming back from theatre get the same decompression the crown of the British aerospace industry. Will the package and mental health briefings as their regular Minister outline what action the Government are taking counterparts, which helps to alleviate problems later on. to support exports of this aircraft to markets overseas?

Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab): Will the Minister Mr Dunne: The A400M Atlas will provide both tactical tell us what problems the Government have experienced and strategic airlift capability from its first delivery in transferring medical records of former service personnel to the RAF next year. We agree that this world-class from Defence Medical Services to GPs? capability has the potential to become the tactical lift aircraft of choice for air forces around the world once the hugely successful C-130 Hercules, which has had Mr Francois: There has been an issue, partly compounded this role for many years, is withdrawn from service. The by difficulties relating to the matter of consent. The UK is fully behind the efforts of Airbus Military to FMed 133, as the form is known, provides a summary export the Atlas military transport aircraft, which will of a person’s medical history while in the services, and is support skilled jobs in the aerospace hub around Bristol given to members of the services when they leave. They and across the UK. are encouraged to present it to their GP when they resettle in the civilian community, so that the GP knows Luciana Berger (Liverpool, Wavertree) (Lab/Co-op): that they served and are now a veteran. The form The Defence ministerial team will have had a number of provides information to the GP on how to receive more representations on the challenges faced by small and detailed medical records from Defence Medical Services medium-sized enterprises in being able to compete if the GP decides that that is appropriate. adequately. What support will the ministerial team be extending to SMEs in the defence sector so that they Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con): can compete and export internationally? Will my right hon. Friend outline to the House what specific help the Government are giving to Combat Mr Dunne: As I have said at the Dispatch Box previously, Stress in its valiant efforts to help the whole of the we have a strong commitment to support SME penetration military services family with regard to mental health? of our own procurement chain and to help them export overseas. Early next month, in support of UK Trade & Mr Francois: We work very closely with Combat Investment Defence & Security Organisation, I am attending Stress, which is a valuable charity. As I intimated earlier, a symposium at which there will be more than 350 SMEs, I recently met Andrew Cameron, who helps to run that precisely to help them with their defence exports. charity so effectively. As my hon. Friend may know, it has a number of residential centres where people who 20. [150749] Stephen Metcalfe (South Basildon and suffer from such conditions as post-traumatic stress East Thurrock) (Con): I thank my hon. Friend for his disorder can receive help over a period of weeks or earlier answer. Will he explain to those who do not months if necessary. I hope to visit one of these centres necessarily understand the merit of defence exports the in the near future. incredible benefit they deliver, not only for our armed forces but for the wider British economy? Defence Exports Mr Dunne: Our armed forces benefit directly from responsible defence exports. Not only do they help 2. Chris Skidmore (Kingswood) (Con): What steps he build bilateral relationships and defence co-operation is taking to promote economic growth by encouraging with our key allies, but they raise capability, enhance the defence exports. [150729] interoperability of allies and partner nations, and contribute 5 Oral Answers15 APRIL 2013 Oral Answers 6 to regional security around the globe. As far as the Andrew Selous: Will the Minister confirm that our contribution to the UK economy is concerned, defence target for additional reserve recruitment could be met exports have a vital role to play in sustaining UK jobs, by less than one third of 1% of the younger working-age generating UK tax revenues and helping to ensure the population and that the employers in question would long-term viability and cutting edge of our defence benefit enormously from the positive attitude, outlook industrial base. and determination of employees who take up reserve training? Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Moor View) (Lab): I would like to associate the Opposition with the Minister’s Mr Francois: My hon. Friend knows something about condolences to the family and friends of Lance Corporal this matter personally, because he himself served in the Webb for their loss. Territorial Army some years ago, and is absolutely right about the benefit that reservists can offer to their employers. The Minister will be aware that the Brazilian navy is I am pleased to say that a number of employers recognised looking to acquire at least one, possibly two, new aircraft that in their response to the consultation. On his good carriers, so there will be significant potential for export point about numbers, I would just say that when I served opportunities. French companies are already on the as a TA infantry officer in the 1980s—[HON.MEMBERS: case, supported by the French Government, looking “Hear, hear!] Thank you—employer support was an issue to procure the design work. Given that we are building then too. We managed then to get to 75,000 trained two of the world’s most advanced aircraft carriers, as a soldiers in the TA with a smaller population than result of which we will have the skills and a dip in we have now, so I have to believe that we can get to ship-building orders between the end of the carrier 30,000 now. build and the start of the Type 26—which, incidentally, we are looking to sell to the Brazilians—what discussions Mr Frank Roy (Motherwell and Wishaw) (Lab): Will has his Department, including the Under-Secretary of the Government introduce legislation against employers State for Defence, the hon. Member for South West who discriminate against reservists, especially in relation Wiltshire (Dr Murrison), during his recent visit, had to hiring procedures? with the Brazilians specifically to promote British interests in the design and build of those carriers? Mr Francois: I am aware of the issue that the hon. Gentleman raises. Our instinct is to try and garner Mr Dunne: As the hon. Lady knows, Brazil and the employer support voluntarily, as it were, but we are UK entered into a maritime co-operation agreement as aware of the issue and intend to address it in our a result of the Prime Minister’s visit in recent months. response in the White Paper. As I said earlier, the Under-Secretary of State, my hon. Friend the Member for South West Wiltshire, visited Mr John Baron (Basildon and Billericay) (Con): I Brazil only last week, when he discussed maritime suggest that expressions of support and troops and co-operation, particularly in the offshore patrol vessel boots on the ground are two different things. Given the area. It is clear that the Brazilians wish to construct the widespread concerns about defence cuts and force aircraft carriers in their own shipyards, which means generation factors, how confident is the Minister that that there is no prospect of a direct export order for an the plan to plug the gap left by the loss of 20,000 regular entire ship; but as regards many of the systems, components troops will not prove to be a false economy? and weapons systems, we will be seeking to provide Mr Francois: As I think I have already said, I am opportunities for companies in this country supplying confident that we can do this, based not least on my our aircraft carriers, which are currently under construction own experience and that of my hon. Friend the Member in Rosyth, to bid into the Brazilian and other nations’ for South West Bedfordshire (Andrew Selous), who, as programmes. my hon. Friend will know, was a Territorial Army Reserve Forces officer in the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers—the same regiment to which he belonged. 3. Andrew Selous (South West Bedfordshire) (Con): Mr Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire) (Lab): We all What recent discussions he has had with employers to wish the Government’s reservist White Paper to be a encourage their support for the expansion of reserve success. Within existing competition rules, would the forces. [150730] Minister consider MOD procurement processes that take into account whether companies support reservists? The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Mr Mark I wish to return to the point made by my hon. Friend Francois): Reserve forces have a central role to play in the Member for Motherwell and Wishaw (Mr Roy). delivering national defence and security—what they do Current legislation protects reservists returning from matters to our nation. My right hon. Friend the Secretary the front line, but no equivalent employment legislation of State attended two national workshops in January protects them from the minority of employers who with a range of employers to discuss our vision of a discriminate against reservists in their hiring processes. transformed relationship based on mutual benefits. I Although the Minister has held out against such legislation am very pleased that at these workshops and in other in the consultation, will he at least consult employers responses from employers to November’s Green Paper large and small to see whether there is an appetite to consultation, there has been broad and constructive prevent that small number of employers from discriminating support for our proposals. In the lead-up to the planned against those who protect our nation? publication of the future reserves 2020 White Paper later in the spring, we will continue to engage with Mr Francois: In some ways the right hon. Gentleman employers and employer groups such as the CBI and has, for honourable reasons, asked a similar question to the Federation of Small Businesses. his hon. Friend the Member for Motherwell and Wishaw 7 Oral Answers15 APRIL 2013 Oral Answers 8

(Mr Roy), who sits on the Benches behind him. We are munitions, parts and components. Can the Minister confirm aware of the issue and intend to address it directly when that the Government’s interpretation of “conventional we publish the White Paper later in the spring. I am glad arms”, as it will apply to the UK arms trade in that the right hon. Gentleman has offered bipartisan implementing the treaty, will also cover those elements? support in principle for the White Paper and the process of growing our reserves, which clearly we welcome. Mr Dunne: Yes I can. The treaty covers all seven categories in the UN register of conventional arms, as Sir Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): Leading by example, well as small arms and light weapons, ammunition, will the Minister say how many civilians employed by munitions, and parts and components. the Ministry of Defence have joined the reserve forces since 1 January? RAF Facilities (Alternative Uses)

Mr Francois: I am not sure I can give my hon. Friend 5. John Pugh (Southport) (LD): What plans he has a precise number for how many have joined since 1 January, for the commercial or community use of RAF facilities; but I am willing to write and give him a number for how and if he will make a statement. [150732] many in the Ministry of Defence are serving in the reserve forces. I am also happy to provide that information The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence to the hon. Member for North Durham (Mr Jones). I (Mr Philip Dunne): It is Ministry of Defence policy to am sure that, like me, he will agree with the remarks of encourage commercial, social or community use of the chairman of Durham county council, Councillor RAF facilities, consistent with operational, security Linda Marshall, who said: and safety considerations. We are encouraging civil “Reservist employees are better at problem solving, they are aviation use of certain military airfields, such as RAF good negotiators…their confidence grows throughout their training.” Northolt, within agreed operating hours. We regularly If we can do it in Durham with the support of the hold air shows at military airfields and encourage county council, we can do it elsewhere. community use of sporting or other leisure facilities on RAF bases wherever possible. Arms Trade Treaty John Pugh: I thank the Minister for that response. In 4. Sandra Osborne (Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock) (Lab): my constituency, RAF Woodvale is in danger of forfeiting If he will provide an update on progress on the arms good will and much needed revenue by stopping the trade treaty. [150731] popular Woodvale rally because of asbestos risks. What can he do to make my constituents happier and the The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence Ministry of Defence a little better off? (Mr Philip Dunne): As the hon. Lady will now know, on Tuesday 2 April the arms trade treaty was adopted by Mr Dunne: I am aware that the hon. Gentleman was an overwhelming majority vote, with 154 states voting concerned last year when the Woodvale rally could not in favour at the United Nations General Assembly. take place as a result of the discovery of fragments of Once implemented, this robust and effective legally asbestos following burrowing activities by, I believe, binding treaty will establish a common baseline for the rabbits and moles in the grassy areas of the airfield. regulation of arms transfers. They have been fenced off and we are undertaking a land quality assessment exercise this year to see whether Sandra Osborne: I very much welcome the work that the asbestos can be safely contained, for public health the Government have done on the treaty, and I am sure and the health of the servicemen and women who work that the Minister will want to acknowledge the central there. role played by the previous Labour Government in promoting it. Will he confirm that the agreed terms of Jenny Chapman (Darlington) (Lab): How much are the treaty will be implemented in full in the UK at the the Government planning to save through the rationalisation earliest opportunity and also say when we can expect of the defence estate by the end of this Parliament? legislation on this matter? Mr Dunne: The Government’s estate has been the Mr Dunne: I am grateful to the hon. Lady for her subject of one announcement so far on Army basing, congratulations, which we should pass on to colleagues and there will be a subsequent announcement on reserve in the Foreign Office who led on this issue. We welcome basing. As part of that exercise, the Government are the treaty wholeheartedly. The arms export licensing intending to make savings that are baked into the regime operating under this Government and the previous efficiency targets agreed with Her Majesty’s Treasury, Government is one of the most rigorous in the world and I would be happy to write to the hon. Lady with and ensures that we will comply with the treaty’s obligations. more details in due course. It is good for British defence contractors, as it establishes a level playing field at a higher standard. We will have Defence Engagement Strategy no difficulty implementing the treaty. It does not become effective until 50 states have signed it, and we will work 6. Gareth Johnson (Dartford) (Con): What the timetable hard to encourage that to happen as soon as possible. is for implementation of the defence engagement strategy. [150733] Mr Russell Brown (Dumfries and Galloway) (Lab): The outcome of the talks has been broadly welcomed, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence as the Minister recognises. Labour has always argued (Dr Andrew Murrison): The international defence that “conventional arms” should include ammunition, engagement strategy, published in February 2013 and 9 Oral Answers15 APRIL 2013 Oral Answers 10 now very much in play, provides a sharp focus to our reason that others want to engage with us is that we are defence engagement activities in support of wider very good at what we do. It will therefore continue to be Government objectives, in line with the vision set out in the case that the UK will be a partner of choice in the strategic defence and security review. Defence is defence engagement. making a contribution to UK influence worldwide on a daily basis, with the Defence Engagement Board overseeing Armed Forces Covenant the rolling out of our defence engagement strategy. Since publishing the strategy, we have accredited a 7. Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): What recent steps non-resident defence attaché for Burma and advanced the Government have taken to uphold the armed forces our preparations for new defence sections in Libya and covenant. [150734] Somalia. 14. Tom Blenkinsop (Middlesbrough South and East Gareth Johnson: I am grateful to the Minister for that Cleveland) (Lab): What recent steps the Government answer. Given that maritime security is vital for shipping have taken to uphold the armed forces covenant. off the horn of Africa, will he tell the House how the [150741] defence engagement strategy will specifically target that important region? The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Mr Mark Francois): The full extent of the Government’s work to Dr Murrison: My hon. Friend is absolutely right to support the armed forces covenant was set out in the highlight this matter. He will be aware of the success of armed forces covenant annual report, which was laid Operation Atalanta under British command; that operation before the House in December 2012. Since then, new has really got to grips with piracy off the horn of measures have included the introduction of the armed Africa. In addition, we engage with the European Union forces independence payment, which is not taxable or through EUTM—EU training mission—Somalia and means tested, as well as the introduction of the new EUCAP NESTOR, which is involved in training indigenous defence discount service and the recent Budget assets for littoral operations. He will also be aware of announcement of further LIBOR fines funding for the work of AMISOM, the African Union Mission in service charities. The Cabinet Sub-Committee on the Somalia, in which we are involved with training, and of Armed Forces Covenant, on which I sit, was established the British Peace Support Team Eastern Africa, based to ensure that momentum is maintained, and it continues in Kenya, which is heavily involved in peace support to provide a forum in which Ministers can propose operations. Later this year, I hope that we will be able to commitments from their respective Departments to assist open a defence section in Mogadishu, when security in honouring the covenant. conditions allow. Nic Dakin: Some 2,900 recipients of war widow or Angus Robertson (Moray) (SNP): Does the Minister disabled military pensions are being hit by increases to agree with the value of joint international training as council tax as a result of changes in the benefit system. part of the defence engagement strategy? Will he take How does that align with the principle of the military this opportunity to commend the thousands of personnel covenant? from 10 different states who are currently taking part in the Joint Warrior exercise, as well as all the communities Mr Francois: I seem to recall that the hon. Gentleman that are hosting them? has asked me questions on related matters before. Local councils have some discretion in the money they can use Dr Murrison: I certainly commend our engagement for assisting particular cases, and I hope they will use it in training. I have spent some time in Libya and Brazil wisely, including when military families are affected. I recently, and it is clear that our international partners am encouraged by the fact that more than 250 local really want British training. It is an important part of authorities across Great Britain have signed community their ask of us, and it is a first-rate part of our defence covenants—more than half the local authorities in Great engagement activity. Britain—so I particularly expect them to do their best to make the right decision. Sir Gerald Howarth (Aldershot) (Con): I congratulate my hon. Friend and successor on his work on the Tom Blenkinsop: I am interested in the Minister’s defence engagement strategy. Does he agree that nothing response, because the devolution of blame for the policy leverages influence in the world more than defence, overlaps with how the Government have behaved over particularly in areas such as training, mentoring and the Armed Forces Pay Review Body recommendation providing advice? Has he been able to secure any extra for a 1.5% increase in pay for the armed forces. The funds, particularly from the Department for International Budget said that it would be paid, but the detail shows Development, given that money spent on the defence that it will start on 1 May not 1 April, and will therefore engagement strategy is much more effective than some run for only 11 months, not 12. This means our forces of the money that is being spent on overseas aid? are getting £2.6 million less than was promised, or intended by the Armed Forces Pay Review Body. Could Dr Murrison: My hon. Friend is right in many respects, the Minister explain how that is in line with the principles especially on the quality of the men and women of our of the military covenant? armed forces and the high regard in which they are held. This country is absolutely peerless in that regard, and it Mr Francois: The announcement in the Budget was is a great joy for me to go around the world—as I now indeed that it would come in from May, and not in inevitably do, and as he used to do during his excellent April, so there is no surprise in what the hon. Gentleman tenure of the post that I now hold—and see that the announced. It was made plain in the Budget at the time. 11 Oral Answers15 APRIL 2013 Oral Answers 12

When Labour Members have raised these types of question Mr Francois: I have a great deal of time for Dr Susan in the past, they sometimes found that their criticism Atkins, the Service Complaints Commissioner. I have was ill-founded. I refer to the hon. Gentleman’s colleague, met her twice since my appointment to this post and my the hon. Member for Scunthorpe (Nic Dakin). He will ministerial colleagues and I remain in dialogue with her. remember that a few months ago he asked me how We are looking at the whole operation of the service reforms to housing benefit would affect service families. complaints system, not least in light of some of the He will know, following the announcement made by the points raised in that debate. We continue that dialogue Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, that we with her and we may have more to say about the matter changed the system so that where an adult child living in the future. at home is serving on operations, the child will be treated as continuing to live at home and is therefore North Korea exempt. The point I make to the hon. Member for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland (Tom Blenkinsop) is that when these issues have been raised 8. Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): What in the past we have listened, and we have funds for local assessment he has made of the ability of North Korea authorities to address the issue as well. to deliver a ballistic nuclear warhead and the extent to which such technology is being shared with Iran. Mr Speaker: Order. I always enjoy the Minister’s [150735] answers and I listen to them very attentively, but today they are somewhat longer than were his speeches to The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Philip Hammond): Conservative student conferences, which we both attended It is clear that North Korea is undertaking programmes together in 1985. to develop nuclear weapons and a range of missile systems. It has successfully flight-tested ballistic missiles Jack Lopresti (Filton and Bradley Stoke) (Con): The capable of reaching South Korea, Japan and US bases two local authorities in my area, South Gloucestershire in the region. It has paraded a long-range missile with a council and Bristol city council, have yet to sign up to claimed range of 12,000 km, which is highly likely to be the community covenant scheme. What more can the intended to be nuclear-armed. Those developments are Government do to ensure that local authorities sign up in breach of international law and threaten the stability to the covenant as a matter of priority? of the region. Mr Francois: The decision to sign a community covenant As for links with Iran, North Korea is known to have is a matter for individual local authorities, but we sold ballistic missile technology to Iran. Any sharing of obviously encourage all local authorities across the nuclear technologies would be a matter of grave concern country to sign up to a community covenant to show and would breach UN sanctions. their support for the armed forces family—the wider armed forces community. I hope that will apply to the Mr Hollobone: The attempted development of nuclear local authorities in my hon. Friend’s constituency. weapons by North Korea and Iran surely underlines the I make that about 23 seconds. importance of maintaining our own independent nuclear deterrent, but does my right hon. Friend agree that Caroline Dinenage (Gosport) (Con): Will my hon. perhaps the greatest risk to world peace is a miscalculation Friend join me in congratulating Gosport borough or mistake on behalf of either Iran or North Korea at council, which adopted its version of the military covenant this time when tensions are rising? at the tail end of last year? Will he update the House on the progress that has been made in the take-up of Mr Hammond: I completely agree that there are huge community covenants? risks at a time of heightened tension and a huge potential for miscalculation, which is why I welcome the initiative Mr Francois: As I said, more than half the local in which the United States is engaged to try to calm authorities in Great Britain have signed the community tensions around the Korean peninsula. The developments covenant, and I am pleased to say that they are coming in Korea, and indeed Iran, show us primarily that the in all the time. I am really encouraged by the number of world is a very dangerous and unpredictable place, and local authorities at all tiers of local government that that a credible nuclear deterrent is the ultimate protection have been signing community covenants to demonstrate against the threat of nuclear aggression or blackmail. their support for the armed forces community, and I am very pleased to hear that that spirit is alive and well in Gosport. Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Selly Oak) (Lab): What assessment has the Secretary of State made of the time Gemma Doyle (West Dunbartonshire) (Lab/Co-op): frame in which the North Koreans will have the capability The Service Complaints Commissioner and the Defence to strike mainland Europe with a nuclear missile? Select Committee both back the creation of a services ombudsman, as do we. On 31 January, we held a Mr Hammond: It is impossible for us to make with Westminster Hall debate on the military justice system, any accuracy a prediction of the time scale involved. As and I hope the Minister will review the remarks he I said, the North Koreans have tested shorter-range made in that debate. I am concerned that he may have ballistic missiles and paraded a ballistic missile with inadvertently overstated the powers being given to the sufficient range to reach Europe and the continental Service Complaints Commissioner. Could he confirm United States. We can only assume—I would be prepared that it is his intention that the commissioner should to bet my bottom dollar on it—that they are seeking to have all the powers he outlined in that debate, and does integrate their nuclear technology with that ballistic he therefore agree that it is time for an ombudsman? missile technology. 13 Oral Answers15 APRIL 2013 Oral Answers 14

Mr Julian Brazier (Canterbury) (Con): In welcoming as to why No. 10 and the Treasury say that there will be my right hon. Friend’s robust earlier reply, does he agree defence cuts post 2015. Is it because the Government’s that the links to which he and my hon. Friend the priority is Treasury accountants, rather than the security Member for Kettering (Mr Hollobone) referred—not needs of this country? only with Iran but, to a lesser extent, with other potentially extreme regimes—emphasise once more that, in a world Mr Hammond: The Government have announced with huge uncertainty, our nuclear deterrent is critical? that there will be a spending review—spending review ’13 —which will set the budgets for non-ring-fenced Mr Hammond: I agree with my hon. Friend, and I Departments, including Defence, for 2015-16. There would go further and say this: the life expectancy of the has been an announcement confirming that the equipment replacement ballistic missile submarines will be about programme will be protected in the defence budget, 35 to 40 years, and it would be a very brave man who with a real-terms increase of 1% per annum between would claim now that he could see, 40 years ahead from 2015-16 and 2020-21. the 2020s, that there will be no need for that capability.

Mr Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire) (Lab): It is in all Mrs Glindon: Ministers have pledged an annual real-terms our interests that the situation in North Korea is resolved 1% increase in defence equipment spending post 2015, not only peacefully, but meaningfully, so as the US deploys but in what year, under current plans, does the Secretary military assets to the Korean peninsula, what discussions of State forecast the whole defence budget rising in real has the Secretary of State had with his US counterparts terms? about the provision of any UK logistical support? Should the US move any military assets out of Afghanistan to Mr Hammond: I am not going to pre-empt the outcome that region, has he confirmed to the US that the UK of SR 13; nor am I going to conduct the spending would be willing to fill any of the gaps created by that review in public. My Department is engaged in analysis redeployment? with the Treasury and the Cabinet Office, in search of genuine efficiency savings. Where we can find such Mr Hammond: I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman savings, for example in the equipment support programme, for his question. There have been no discussions with the Ministry of Defence will willingly do its bit to and no requests from the US, as far as I am aware—certainly contribute to fiscal consolidation. I will, as you would at ministerial level—regarding any form of logistical expect, Mr Speaker, argue vigorously for the resources support in relation to the tensions on the Korean peninsula. that Defence needs to deliver Future Force 2020 in Again, as far as I am aware, there is no proposal by the accordance with the strategic defence and security review US to move any assets from the Afghanistan theatre in 2010. response to this crisis. Mr James Arbuthnot (North East Hampshire) (Con): Defence Budget A few weeks ago, the Prime Minister told the House that he continued to hold the “strong view” that the 10. Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): overall defence budget should rise in real terms from What recent progress he has made on balancing the 2015 onwards. When will that prime ministerial wish defence budget. [150737] become Government policy?

17. Mrs Mary Glindon (North Tyneside) (Lab): What Mr Hammond: I can confidently predict that the recent progress he has made on balancing the defence Prime Minister will be involved and will be a key player budget. [150744] in the end game of the SR 13 discussion. The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Philip Hammond): I announced to the House last May that we had eliminated Sir Menzies Campbell (North East Fife) (LD): Does the black hole in the finances of the Ministry of Defence my right hon. Friend realise that he struck a chord with that we inherited from the Labour party, and had many in the House of Commons when he recently brought the Defence budget into balance. Since then, expressed reservations about the possibility of further on the one hand, we have been required to make further cuts in the defence budget? Does he agree with me that budget reductions in 2013-14 and 2014-15 of £1.2 billion it is not the immediate availability of capability that is in total as a result of the Chancellor’s announcements important but the resilience that our armed forces possess at autumn statement 2012 and Budget 2013; on the in the event that the United Kingdom found itself other hand, we have made further savings through engaged in a protracted engagement? Is he satisfied that efficiency and renegotiation of contracts and have been all three services possess that resilience? granted exceptional levels of end-year flexibility by the Treasury to carry forward 100% of our 2012-13 underspend, Mr Hammond: My right hon. and learned Friend is including unneeded contingency provisions, into 2013-14 of course correct: it is resilience, both in the sense of an and 2014-15. In consequence, we are confident that we ability to sustain an enduring operation, and in the can absorb the budget reductions announced without sense of an ability to regenerate capability and force any significant impact on core defence output in those levels should the global security situation change, which years. is crucial. One can always have more resilience, and one would always like more reserve, but I am confident that Diana Johnson: Ministers frequently say that they the stance or posture that we set out in SDSR 2010 will have a defence review and then budget according to the enable us to deliver appropriate levels of national security security needs of the country, so I am a little confused in 2020. 15 Oral Answers15 APRIL 2013 Oral Answers 16

Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): Does Dr Whitehead: I am sure the Minister is aware that the Secretary of State realise that if he wants a defence despite the installation over the past few years of a manufacturing sector to remain in our country—I have number of radar systems that can distinguish between David Brown Gear Systems, an important defence turbines and planes, the number of MOD objections to contractor, in my constituency—and if he wants it to turbine applications doubled between the first part survive and thrive as a sector, it is absolutely vital that of 2012 and the last part of 2012 as a percentage of we have procurement over a long period to enable the applications. Can the Minister assure me that his necessary investment? Is he aware that there is uncertainty Department continues to honour the memorandum of in the industry about these defence cuts? understanding between the wind energy industry and the MOD in 2008? Mr Hammond: Of course, cuts in defence budgets, not only in the UK but in the United States and, in fact, Mr Robathan: The hon. Gentleman and I share a in nearly all developed countries, have presented huge deep commitment to renewable energy, including wind challenges to defence industries. At the same time, energy onshore, going back to the days of the parliamentary many of their traditional export customers have developed renewable and sustainable energy group, when I was the their own defence manufacturing and even design and vice-chairman and he was the chairman. There are two development capabilities. We are trying to work with reasons, as I understand it, for the increase in the the defence industry to give it greater visibility of our number of objections. The first is that there has been a forward intentions, and to work with it to design greater plethora of applications for wind turbines onshore, and export ability into its projects. many of those are pretty close to airfields and other radar installations. The second is that, because of the Peter Luff (Mid Worcestershire) (Con): I congratulate plethora of applications, we are no longer able to provide my right hon. Friend unreservedly on his success in the the pre-application advice as we did before—there are herculean task of balancing the defence budget, but so many of them. does he agree that if we are to keep that budget balanced, one of the things that has to change is the status of Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): Defence Equipment and Support? Can he share with RAF Staxton Wold in my constituency is within an the House any clear indication of when he will announce 8-mile radius of a raft of onshore planning applications. his intentions in respect of that organisation? Surely the MOD must have a view as to possible interference with and collision between radar and these obstructions. Mr Hammond: My hon. Friend is right. [Interruption.] The right hon. Member for East Renfrewshire (Mr Mr Robathan: I am not aware of the individual Murphy) correctly guesses that the announcement will circumstances surrounding those applications. However, be made shortly; “in the spring” and “before the summer I do not think we are particularly concerned about recess” also spring to mind. My hon. Friend is right that collision with turbines—I hope I am not being unduly if we are to deal effectively, and in a way that protects optimistic about that. Each application is judged on its the best interests of the taxpayer, with large corporate merits, and the MOD will object only if it believes that entities which are able to scour the world for the top a wind turbine will interfere with the radar or flying talent, we must be able to match them man for man activities. across the negotiating table. China Onshore Wind Turbines 13. Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con): What assessment he has made of China’s planned expansion of its 11. Dr Alan Whitehead (Southampton, Test) (Lab): aircraft carrier capacity. [150740] What recent discussions he has had with representatives of the renewables industry regarding onshore wind The Minister for the Armed Forces (Mr Andrew Robathan): turbine planning applications; and if he will make a China’s aircraft carrier capability remains at an early statement. [150738] stage of development and the building of new indigenous vessels will take it some time. The Government closely The Minister for the Armed Forces (Mr Andrew Robathan): watch developments in the Asia-Pacific region as they Perhaps it is a matter of keeping the best for last, or may affect our interests and our allies. there is nothing in my portfolio, or it may be an attempt to keep me away from the Dispatch Box—the House Neil Carmichael: What discussions has the Minister will decide. had with our allies in that region and elsewhere about Regarding the question, Ministry of Defence officials the possible implications for the stability of the Asia-Pacific and my colleague the Minister with responsibility for region? defence personnel, welfare and veterans met the chief executive of RenewableUK in November to discuss Mr Robathan: We have regular discussions with allies matters relating to both offshore and onshore wind across the region, including major talks such as AUKMIN, turbine applications. MOD officials also attend the where the Foreign and Defence Secretaries visited their aviation management board made up of key wind energy counterparts in Australia in January and where a variety stakeholders, chaired by the Department for Energy of strategic issues were discussed. I went to New Zealand and Climate Change. My Department routinely engages and Tonga at the end of last year to promote defence with developers and consenting authorities in its co-operation. I passed on my thanks for their troop consideration of onshore wind turbine planning contributions to Afghanistan and presented some medals applications. to the Tongans who defend Camp Bastion. 17 Oral Answers15 APRIL 2013 Oral Answers 18

Compensation (Service Personnel) the recommendations of the House of Lords report. As my hon. Friend will know, the Government’s position is 16. Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): What clear: Scotland benefits from being part of the United recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of Kingdom and the United Kingdom benefits from having the armed forces and reserve forces compensation Scotland in it. We are confident that the Scottish people scheme in compensating injured service personnel; and will agree. However, in the event that they voted to leave if he will make a statement. [150743] the United Kingdom, the referendum, rather than being the point at which Scotland would leave the Union, The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Mr Mark would mark the beginning of a lengthy and extremely Francois): The armed forces compensation scheme complex set of negotiations between the Scottish and was last reviewed in 2009-10 under the independent UK Governments on the terms of independence. If an chairmanship of the former Chief of the Defence Staff, independent Scotland wanted to change the arrangements Admiral Lord Boyce. The review found that the scheme for the UK’s nuclear deterrent, the considerable costs, was fundamentally sound but adjustments were required complexity and time scale involved in delivering alternative in some areas. The MOD implemented all recommendations arrangements would inevitably be a major feature of from the review through legislation laid in August 2010 the negotiations. It is therefore incorrect to suggest the and February 2011. The changes became operative on need for an immediately deliverable contingency plan 9 May 2011. for the deterrent. However, the House will be aware that the MOD plans for a huge range of contingencies. For Kerry McCarthy: I thank the Minister for that response. reasons of national security, we do not comment publicly Will he undertake to look into the case of my constituent, on plans relating to the nuclear deterrent. former Royal Marine Thomas Nicoll, who was medically Mr Kevan Jones (North Durham) (Lab): The MOD discharged after suffering permanent injuries to the underspent its budget by £3 billion last year: a total of tendons in his knee? Had he suffered ligament injuries, £1.6 billion is being carried forward, and there is now he would have been entitled to the highest rate of a shortfall of £1.4 billion up to 2015. Further to the compensation under the scheme but, because there is no question asked earlier by my hon. Friend the Member mention of tendons in the guidelines, he is not entitled for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland (Tom to that. Will the Minister promise to rectify that bureaucratic Blenkinsop), can the Secretary of State tell the House absurdity so that my constituent will be entitled to the why the MOD is not using some of that money to compensation? backdate the pay increase from May to April announced in the Budget? Mr Francois: In the interests of brevity, I give the hon. Lady my word that, if she would like to write to me Mr Hammond: A significant proportion of the directly about the details of the case, I will look into it underspend in 2012-13 is, in fact, the result of delayed and place a copy of the letter in the Library of the spending on equipment programmes and will be needed House. to be spent in 2013-14 and 2014-15. As the hon. Gentleman Topical Questions will also know, part of the underspend is being used to meet the additional reductions in the budget announced by the Chancellor in the autumn statement and the T1. [150753] Graham Evans (Weaver Vale) (Con): If he Budget, which is why we are able to meet those requirements will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. without cutting into the delivery of our core outputs in 2013-14 and 2014-15. To amplify the point about the The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Philip Hammond): pay settlement that is effective from 1 May, I will say My priority remains the success of operations in this: the practical reality is that the MOD’s pay system Afghanistan. Beyond that, my priorities are to deliver is quite fragile, and the possibility of making a retrospective the transformation of the MOD, maintain budgets in change was considered significantly high-risk. It would balance and deliver equipment programmes so that our introduce a significant risk of a catastrophic breakdown armed forces can be confident of being properly equipped in the pay system. We therefore— and trained. We have set out plans to restructure the Army, to re-base it from Germany, to expand the reserves Mr Speaker: Order. We have a lot of questions to get and integrate them with regular forces, and to restructure through and I intend to get through them. Frankly, the the Defence Infrastructure Organisation and Defence answer to the first supplementary question was an Equipment and Support within a slimmed-down MOD abuse of the procedure at topical questions. Answers that is focused on providing support to the armed forces. should be brief. [Interruption.] The Secretary of State can look at me quizzically, but I am telling him that the Graham Evans: Has my right hon. Friend seen the answer was simply too long for me, too long for the recommendation of the House of Lords Economic House and it delayed us necessarily. It must not happen Affairs Committee’s report on the implications of Scottish again. separation that the Government should provide assurance that plans are in place to maintain the UK’s nuclear T4. [150756] Pauline Latham (Mid Derbyshire) (Con): deterrent in the event of the Scottish people voting for Does my right hon. Friend agree with the conclusion separation? Does he agree with the recommendation? of the Defence Committee that it is ultimately up to the Afghan people to determine their future? What Mr Hammond: I am grateful to my hon. Friend and assurances can he give that the UK will continue to disappointed that the sole representative of Scottish give substantial support to the Afghan Government separatism in the Chamber today had disappeared before and institutions once ISAF combat operations we reached this point in proceedings. I have indeed seen conclude by the end of next year? 19 Oral Answers15 APRIL 2013 Oral Answers 20

The Minister for the Armed Forces (Mr Andrew Robathan): reference to press speculation about special forces. I can I agree with the Defence Committee that it is for the confirm that front-line special forces numbers will remain people of Afghanistan, not people abroad, to determine at current levels and will not be cut below the 2010 level. their future. We certainly intend to continue to support the Afghan people. We intend to support the Afghan T6. [150758] Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con): I very National Army Officer academy post-2014 and in other much welcome the increase in UK defence exports, ways. I also understand that the Government will be which employ hundreds of thousands of people around supporting Afghanistan through the Department for the country, many of whom in my constituency. Will my International Development. hon. Friend update the House on progress on exports of the Typhoon fighter? T3. [150755] Ann McKechin (Glasgow North) (Lab): Given that the security situation in Syria is deteriorating The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence by the day and that there is growing concern about the (Mr Philip Dunne): The Government have been at the possible use of chemical weapons, will the Minister forefront of export campaigns for Eurofighter Typhoon. update the House on what discussions he has had with Following success in securing export orders in Oman EU partners and NATO allies about the risk of escalation last December, we have been actively working with of the conflict—in particular, the risks of arming the industry, the UK Trade & Investment Defence and opposition groups in Syria? Security Organisation and the Eurofighter partner nations to support potential Typhoon sales to a number of The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence countries in the middle east, Europe and Asia—including (Dr Andrew Murrison): The hon. Lady is absolutely Malaysia, where I led a delegation of 25 companies in right to raise the issue. She will be aware that under UN the week before Easter. Typhoon exports help to sustain Security Council resolution 1540, responsibility for the highly skilled jobs and engineering capability in the air securing of those terrible weapons lies with the Assad sector, including that of the facility in my hon. Friend’s regime. That regime should be under no illusion that we constituency which produces vital, full-mission simulators will hold Bashar al-Assad to account in the event that for Typhoon pilot training. he deploys them. The hon. Lady will also be aware that the United Nations Secretary-General will investigate Mr Ian Davidson (Glasgow South West) (Lab/Co-op): both sides of the issue to determine whether there is any Ministers will be aware that subcontracted work on the evidence of use of these terrible weapons. We will offer aircraft carrier on the Clyde is drawing towards a close. our technical assistance in that matter. What steps are being taken to ensure that work is found for those shipyards before steel starts to get cut on the T5. [150757] Christopher Pincher (Tamworth) (Con): Type 26? As the anniversary is now little more than a year away, what help can my right hon. Friend give, with colleagues Mr Dunne: As the hon. Gentleman knows, because in other Departments, to Normandy veterans, along we have discussed this directly in recent months, the with their families and carers, to make what may well be Aircraft Carrier Alliance is continuing work on the their final trip to Normandy to commemorate the programme for the construction of the existing Queen 70th anniversary of their arrival on those beaches in 1944? Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier and its successor, Prince of Wales. Discussions with the company on how to The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Mr Mark mitigate the work gap prior to the order being given for Francois): I regard commemorating D-day as particularly the Type 26 frigate are continuing. important, not least because my own father, Reginald Francois, served on that historic occasion. I am aware T7. [150760] Anne Marie Morris (Newton Abbot) that the Normandy veterans are considering how best (Con): I am sure that the Minister agrees that the new to contribute to the 70th anniversary next year. The centre for the Devon Army cadet force in Newton Heroes Return 2 scheme was launched on 1 April 2009 Abbot is a demonstration of this Government’s continued and provided funding to help second world war veterans support in maintaining strong local links with the armed who saw active service to take part in commemorative forces. Will he consider a visit to my constituency to see visits to mark the anniversaries of important events in for himself the valuable contribution that the corps that conflict. We hope that the scheme, which is provided provides to young people in our community? by the Big Lottery Fund, will also be able to assist in a material way next year. Mr Francois: I thank my hon. Friend for highlighting the excellent work that our cadet forces do for young T9. [150762] Dan Jarvis (Barnsley Central) (Lab): The people in all parts of the United Kingdom. I am delighted Secretary of State may have seen a recent interview, that the Army cadet force and the air training corps in given by the Foreign Secretary to The Times, in which Newton Abbot are making full use of their new joint the Foreign Secretary said that what we increasingly centre. Only last week, the Secretary of State visited two need is more capability in surveillance, specialist cadet units in Glastonbury, and before Easter I visited a capabilities and cyber skills. May I ask the Secretary of cadet unit at Kinnegar in Northern Ireland. Later in the State whether his Department is cutting, or has plans year I hope to visit the commando training centre in to cut, any of those capabilities of which the Foreign Lympstone, and I will look into visiting the Newton Secretary says we need more? Abbot cadets on the same trip.

Mr Hammond: No. We are very much aware of all Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab): The people of those needs and I endorse the comments that my right Chesterfield have tremendous affection and respect for hon. Friend made. He was probably making an oblique 575 Field Squadron Royal Engineers reserve forces, 21 Oral Answers15 APRIL 2013 Oral Answers 22 based in Chesterfield. Notwithstanding the success of Mr Crispin Blunt (Reigate) (Con): One of the reasons that squadron, which was given the freedom of the the previous Government were able to run up a £38 billion borough of Chesterfield last year, there will be considerable gap between their budget and their forecast expenditure concern at recent reports that the level of reservists was the doing away with the annual defence review needs to increase by 66% for the Government to hit White Papers in 1997. What measures does my right their targets. Are the Government confident that those hon. Friend have in place to make sure that the forthcoming targets will be hit? defence budget stays honest in the light of his decade-long promise on defence expenditure? Mr Francois: As I have already made plain to the House, I am confident that we can meet those targets, Mr Hammond: I am grateful to my hon. Friend. We but taking nothing for granted, this Friday I am going have implemented a number of measures internally, down to the new Army recruiting centre at Upavon to including a very tight control on new commitments, see the recruiting process at work for myself. I think that constant monitoring of budgets, and attention to this I will be even more confident when I get back. issue at the highest levels of the Department, including ministerial oversight. I am very confident that the defence T8. [150761] Roger Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire) budget, having been got into balance, will be kept in (LD): In drawing up plans for the return of military balance, however difficult the decisions that have to be equipment from Afghanistan, what account has the made to ensure that. Ministry of Defence taken of the equipment that the Afghan army will need to carry out its challenging Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): Does my right hon. duties in the future? Friend agree that the only guaranteed nuclear deterrent is one that is carried by a submarine, launched by a Mr Robathan: We have yet to decide on any gifting to ballistic missile, and on duty 24 hours a day, every day the Afghan army, but obviously the Afghan army is our of the year? ally. We are proceeding on withdrawing equipment from Afghanistan as we withdraw numbers of personnel Mr Hammond: There is no doubt in my mind that the from the country, but we have yet to decide on anything most cost-effective way of delivering a credible and about gifting. effective nuclear deterrent is through continuous, at sea, submarine-based deterrence.

Thomas Docherty (Dunfermline and West Fife) (Lab): Mr Speaker: Last, but not least, I call Penny Mordaunt. Next year HMS Illustrious will be taken out of service. The Minister will know just how fond memories are of Penny Mordaunt (Portsmouth North) (Con): What the work that was done at Rosyth dockyard. Will he consideration has been given to making the Service meet me to discuss how we can best commemorate her Complaints Commissioner an ombudsman? withdrawal? Mr Francois: As I intimated in response to an earlier Mr Francois: I hope that we can do better than to question, I have met Dr Susan Atkins twice and we commemorate the withdrawal of HMS Illustrious and discussed her view of the operation of the service that it will be possible to come up with a scheme to save complaints system. As I said earlier, we are looking at her for the nation. She is representative of a historic how to improve our service complaints system and we class of aircraft carrier, and we need, one way or another, hope to have more to say in the future. I hope that that to preserve her for generations to come. will satisfy sub-lieutenant Mordaunt. 23 15 APRIL 2013 24

Speaker’s Statement Heart Surgery (Leeds)

3.35 pm 3.37 pm Mr Speaker: I would like to make a short statement Stuart Andrew (Pudsey) (Con) (Urgent Question): To about the arrangements for Lady Thatcher’s funeral on ask my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wednesday. I have received a number of representations— Health if he will make a statement on Leeds children’s direct and indirect, formal and informal—concerning heart surgery unit. how the House and Parliament as an institution might best mark this occasion. I have considered all of these, The Secretary of State for Health (Mr Jeremy Hunt): but concluded that the most appropriate means of Following the deaths of 30 to 35 children at the Bristol indicating our sentiments would be for the chimes of royal infirmary between 1991 and 1995 and the subsequent Big Ben and the chimes of the Great Clock to be silent inquiry, children’s heart surgery is rightly the subject of for the duration of the funeral proceedings. I have, great public concern. therefore, made the necessary arrangements to achieve this. I believe that there can be a profound dignity and With respect to Leeds general infirmary, there are deep respect expressed in, and through, silence and I am three issues that the House will want to be updated on: sure that the House will agree. was it right to suspend children’s heart services at Leeds on 28 March; was the decision handled in the best way The Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster possible; and, given his public comments, is it appropriate General (Mr Francis Maude): On a point of order, for Professor Sir Roger Boyle to have a continuing role Mr Speaker. As you know, Lady Thatcher held Parliament in the Safe and Sustainable review of children’s heart in great reverence in her time both in this House and in surgery? the other place. I am confident that this will be seen as a First, was the right decision made? The answer is dignified and respectful gesture on the part of Parliament. categorically yes. The principle of “first do no harm” I am grateful to you, Mr Speaker, and I am confident must run through the very heart of the NHS. If there is that Lady Thatcher’s family will take it very much in evidence that patient safety is at risk, it is absolutely that spirit and be hugely appreciative of what you have right that the NHS acts quickly and decisively to prevent decided. harm to patients. However difficult or controversial, we must never repeat the mistakes made at both Mid Staffs Mr Speaker: I am extremely grateful to the right hon. and Bristol, where arguments over the quality of data Gentleman. prevented action that could have saved patients’ lives. Secondly, was the decision handled properly? On Mr Dennis Skinner (Bolsover) (Lab): Further to that 26 and 27 March, Sir Bruce Keogh, NHS England’s point of order— medical director, was given a range of critical information about the quality of care at Leeds: statistical data that Mr Speaker: No, I am not taking further points of indicated higher than expected mortality rates; concerns order at this stage. We have an urgent question and a about staffing rotas; and further concerns from parents statement, and there will no doubt be other points of and a national charity about the way the most complex order. cases were referred. With the agreement of the LGI, Sir Bruce took the entirely appropriate decision to suspend children’s heart surgery while further investigations were made. The families were informed on the day the decision was taken to suspend services, 28 March. On 29 March—Good Friday—the day that decision became public, I spoke with the right hon. Member for Leeds Central (Hilary Benn) and my hon. Friends the Members for Pudsey (Stuart Andrew) and for Leeds North West (Greg Mulholland) to inform them of the situation. My conclusion is that, on the basis of the information available to him, Sir Bruce behaved entirely properly. He was also right to authorise the restarting of surgery from 10 April for low-risk patients on the basis of more complete data and assurances from the trust. The third question is whether, in the light of his recent comments, Professor Sir Roger Boyle can have a continuing role in the Safe and Sustainable process. Sir Roger is one of our leading heart surgeons. He did the right thing in informing Sir Bruce of his concerns over Leeds’ mortality data. He has also played an important role as an adviser to the Safe and Sustainable review of children’s heart services. However, it is the view of Sir Bruce Keogh, with which I concur fully, that Sir Roger’s comments to the media on 11 April could be seen as prejudging any future conclusions of that review. It is therefore right that Sir Roger plays no further role in its deliberations. 25 Heart Surgery (Leeds)15 APRIL 2013 Heart Surgery (Leeds) 26

Stuart Andrew: I am grateful to my right hon. Friend My hon. Friend will understand, given that the NHS for his answers. No one would disagree with the point nationally was provided with data that suggested that that information that is provided about the safety of a mortality could be up to 2.75 times greater at that unit unit should be investigated. However, the quality of the and given that there was a potentially busy holiday information and the source of the complaints raise weekend ahead, when it did not know how complex the serious questions about the proportionality of the action cases would be and when there were locums on the staff that was taken and, more importantly, about the motives rota who may or may not have been up to the standard of the complainants. Sir Roger Boyle was a key adviser of the permanent staff, that Professor Sir Bruce Keogh to the Safe and Sustainable review, which proposed an had genuine concerns that led to his decision. But I illogical outcome for northern England. His recent actions hope the fact that surgery was restarted on 10 April will and comments surely prove that the decision to close assuage my hon. Friend’s worry that the initial decision the Leeds unit was predetermined. was linked to the Safe and Sustainable review—it was Sir Roger leaked data that were unverified to argue not; it was a concern about patient safety and because for the suspension of surgery—an action that was described that concern has been addressed, surgery has restarted. as “appalling” by their author. The information was There were, however, issues about the quality of the inaccurate and, when corrected, demonstrated that the data, which at least in part was because the hospital was Leeds unit was safe. In fact, it showed that it is in a not supplying data properly in the way it needed to. similar position to the units at Guy’s and Alder Hey. That was one reason why the mortality data were not as Why did Sir Roger not recommend the suspension of accurate and good as they should have been. Although surgery at those units? Is it because those are the ones I entirely agree that patient safety must always come that he and the Safe and Sustainable review recommended first, and not NHS or national politics or whatever it as designated centres? may be, that also means that sometimes difficult decisions have to be taken. What happened at Mid Staffs, where Furthermore, on Friday, despite detailed scrutiny we had a big argument about data that meant nothing that proved that Leeds was safe, Sir Roger claimed that happened for too long, and what happened originally at it was on the edge of acceptability and that he would Bristol, where up to 35 children may have lost their not send his daughter there. Those comments demonstrated lives, is a warning about the dangers of inaction. On a clear bias against Leeds and were irresponsible in this occasion, I think that overall the NHS got it right. respect of parents whose children are facing surgery. In addition, one of the whistleblowers has been identified Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) (Lab): First, as a surgeon from the Newcastle unit, which is another let me apologise to the House on behalf of my right example of vested interests. hon. Friend the Member for Leigh (Andy Burnham) The suspension of surgery and Sir Roger’s comments who cannot be here today because he is in Liverpool have caused huge anxiety and concern among patients attending the memorial service for victims of the and staff, and have hurt the reputation of the hospital, Hillsborough disaster. which it has taken years to build. I therefore ask the This situation has descended into yet another trademark following questions of my right hon. Friend. Government shambles. Just 24 hours after the High How can we have faith in the Safe and Sustainable Court announced that the decision to close the children’s review, given that its key adviser has behaved in such an cardiac unit at Leeds was “legally flawed”, Leeds Teaching appalling and biased manner? Despite the fact that he Hospitals NHS Trust was effectively instructed to stop will no longer take any part in the review, the decisions surgery. The timing of the decision was strange to say remain. Does this matter not prove that Sir Roger acted the least, but to quote the head of the central cardiac in a predetermined manner? Is it not vital to put the audit database: patient’s interests first, rather than NHS politics? Does “It rings of politics rather than proper process.” my right hon. Friend agree that Leeds has been treated We now know that the instruction was based on incomplete disproportionately when compared with other units and unverified data, and that Dr Tony Salmon, president that have similar figures? Is he aware that there are of the British Congenital Cardiac Association, was reports of surgeons being anxious about providing data “very concerned” at the way the data were being used, for fear of reprisals? Is there not an urgent need for the and that any conclusions drawn from the data were Independent Reconfiguration Panel to report to resolve “premature”. The Opposition are therefore pleased that the uncertainty that exists across the country with regard this urgent question has been granted as the House to children’s heart surgery? Is it not time to give serious clearly deserves some answers. consideration to the proposal that both Leeds and First, the Secretary of State needs to outline to the Newcastle should stay open, which is supported by House exactly when he was informed that NHS England clinicians and patients as it is in their best interests? had concerns about the centre, and say whether he gave Finally, will he pay tribute to the staff and patients at his approval to suspend surgery there. If so, was he Leeds, who have acted with great dignity in the face of satisfied that the data presented were accurate and had hostile criticism? clinical support? On the issue of data, why did it take this recent episode at Leeds for the information to be Mr Hunt: I do pay tribute to the staff at Leeds and to released into the public domain—information that my the families of patients. I recognise that this is an issue hon. Friend the Member for Leicester West (Liz Kendall), of huge concern. As my hon. Friend rightly says, they and others, had asked to be released for some time? have behaved with great dignity in a difficult situation. I Secondly, does the Secretary of State accept that the also pay tribute to him for the responsible way in which suspension of surgery, with all the consequent anxiety he has behaved in this difficult situation, as have many that it caused patients and staff, was at best a mistake Leeds MPs. and at worst an irresponsible and disproportionate 27 Heart Surgery (Leeds)15 APRIL 2013 Heart Surgery (Leeds) 28

[Andrew Gwynne] and certainly one of national repute. The death rates for that hospital, which deals with particularly difficult action? Thirdly, does he accept that the timing of the patients and highly complicated operations, are right at decision to suspend surgery so soon after the High the top. I urge him to learn from the Leeds fiasco—I do Court’s ruling caused a great deal of suspicion in Leeds not put the fiasco at his door—that the Glenfield hospital and gave the distinct impression that it was a political should be preserved for the good of the nation and of decision and not based on clinical evidence? Finally—this the people of the east midlands, so that we do no harm. point goes beyond Leeds—the Health Secretary’s record so far has failed to inspire confidence in the process of Mr Hunt: I am grateful to my hon. and learned Friend reconfiguration. Will he therefore conduct an urgent for his question. I am waiting to hear advice from the investigation into Leeds and how this happened, and Independent Reconfiguration Panel on its assessment consider what lessons can be learned from this unedifying of the Safe and Sustainable review. I will wait until I get episode for the children’s cardiac review and future that advice before making any decisions, and in particular reviews? before making any decisions on Glenfield, Leeds or any We owe it to the dedicated staff who work in our other hospital involved. NHS to ensure that whatever disagreements we may It is important to recognise, however, that there two have in Westminster, and whatever our politics, we do separate issues: the first is the mortality rates at particular not hinder their ability to provide high-quality care to hospitals, but the second is whether we can improve patients. We also owe it to patients and their families mortality rates overall by concentrating surgery into not to add to the anxiety and stress of undergoing fewer hospitals. I will wait to hear from the IRP on both treatment. On both those counts the Government have before making any decisions. failed, and I hope that when the Secretary of State returns to the Dispatch Box, he will have the decency to apologise and start answering these very serious questions. Hilary Benn (Leeds Central) (Lab): The Secretary of State will be well aware of the deep disquiet in Leeds Mr Hunt: I am afraid the hon. Gentleman has let the about what has happened to the children’s heart surgery Labour party down with the total inadequacy of that unit in my constituency, and I am grateful to him for the response. He spoke of an irresponsible and disproportionate conversation we had on Good Friday. Given that the decision, but I ask him to reflect on that as someone High Court has decided that the decision to close Leeds who would like to be a Health Minister. Would he is unlawful, and given that we have now had it confirmed seriously have wanted anything different to happen? If that the Leeds unit was safe before and is safe still, when the NHS nationally is informed of data that show that will he be able to reassure worried parents of very sick mortality rates at a particular hospital could be up to children that the future of the Leeds unit is safe? three times higher than they should be, would he sanction the continuation of surgery, or would he say, “We need Mr Hunt: I thank the right hon. Gentleman for the to get to the bottom of the statistics before deciding constructive conversation we had on Good Friday about whether there will be any more operations”? If he is what I entirely agree is an extremely difficult issue for saying that he would have wanted surgery to continue, I the families and for the staff at the LGI. My intention is put it to him that he and his party have learned nothing to try to resolve the matter as quickly as possible. I from the lessons of Bristol and nothing from the lessons obviously cannot comment on what view I will take of Mid Staffs. I did not authorise the decision, but while legal proceedings are under way and while I wait wholeheartedly supported it because it was an operational for advice from the IRP, but I agree with him about the decision made by NHS England. It is right that such uncertainty, which I would like to resolve as quickly as decisions are made by clinicians, who understand such possible. He would want me to be guided by what is in things better than we politicians do. the best interests of his constituents and people across On reconfigurations, the hon. Gentleman’s party closed the country who need children’s heart surgery. or downgraded 12 A and Es and nine maternity units in its period in office. The shadow Health Minister, the hon. Member for Leicester West (Liz Kendall), has said Greg Mulholland (Leeds North West) (LD): I, too, that Labour would not fall into the “easy politics” of thank the Secretary of State for his private phone call to opposing every single reconfiguration, but that is exactly me, but we should have heard from him on this fiasco what the Opposition are doing. It is not just easy before today in response to an urgent question. I have to politics; it is what Tony Blair last week called the say that his response has simply not been good enough, “comfort zone” of being a “repository for people’s anger” considering what has happened. To correct one thing rather than having the courage to argue for difficult that he said, it was not with the agreement of the LGI reforms. that services were suspended. Clearly, Sir Bruce Keogh marched into the LGI at 8 o’clock in the morning and Sir Edward Garnier (Harborough) (Con): My right said that if surgery was not suspended, people would be hon. Friend mentioned at the outset of his response sacked. That was no way to behave even if the data were three principles, the first of which was to do no harm. accurate, but Sir Bruce has now backtracked and admitted Following discussions that he and I have had—I am the data passed to him by his friend Sir Roger Boyle sure he has had such discussions with our hon. Friend were not accurate. the Member for Loughborough (Nicky Morgan) and The decision to close children’s heart surgery in a safe no doubt other Leicester and Leicestershire MPs—does unit, which is what we now know Leeds always was, he agree that there is a read-across from Leeds to puts children at greater risk. To make a decision of that Glenfield, where we have the Leicester children’s heart nature that is incorrect is simply unacceptable. Will the unit? It is unquestionably a unit of international repute Secretary of State do what is now clearly necessary and 29 Heart Surgery (Leeds)15 APRIL 2013 Heart Surgery (Leeds) 30 have a full investigation of this fiasco, including the I would like that all to happen as quickly as possible conduct, judgment and motivations of senior NHS within the law, so that we can conclude this matter and officials involved? remove the great uncertainty that I know is unsettling so many people. Mr Hunt: I simply say to the hon. Gentleman that if, as he has alleged consistently in the media, this was Mr George Mudie (Leeds East) (Lab): Does the Secretary some kind of political ploy linked to Safe and Sustainable, of State not accept that Sir Roger’s unacceptable remarks, we would not have reopened children’s heart surgery in which came 24 hours after the court decision confirmed Leeds on 10 April as we did. I spoke to him at the time the review as flawed, unfair and unlawful, have dented and told him that it was my hope that operations would severely the credibility of the Safe and Sustainable be able to resume as soon as possible and that we would review in the eyes of the public? The Secretary of State get to the bottom of the data to find that the concerns has suggested that he will wait until the configuration were unnecessary because the unit was safe. In the end, board comes back with a recommendation, but does he that is what happened. not think that it would have been better if he had come It would have been utterly irresponsible for Professor to the Chamber to tell hon. Members and the public Sir Bruce Keogh, in view of the evidence he was faced what steps he would be taking to restore credibility to with—including incomplete data that the hospital had the Safe and Sustainable review? not supplied in the way that it should have done—not to ask the hospital to suspend surgery. That would have Mr Hunt: I think that NHS England has taken firm been taking a risk with the lives of the hon. Gentleman’s action: it has said that Professor Boyle will not take any constituents and the people of Leeds in a way that further part in Safe and Sustainable. However, the hon. would have been wholly inappropriate. The NHS needs Gentleman will understand that as the review is currently to move in a totally different direction on patient safety, subject to legal proceedings, I cannot comment any and this is a good example of the NHS medical director further. As the final decision will end up on my desk, I behaving promptly and properly in exactly the way he want to wait until the legal proceedings are complete should. and I have the report of the IRP to consider before I make that decision. I stress what I said to my hon. Fabian Hamilton (Leeds North East) (Lab): In his Friend the Member for Skipton and Ripon (Julian opening statement, the Secretary of State mentioned Smith): I would like it to conclude as quickly as possible. that one of Sir Bruce Keogh’s concerns was the complaints I know that is in the best interests of the people of made by families in Yorkshire about the treatment their Leeds. children had received at Leeds children’s heart surgery unit. If there had been those concerns, does the Secretary Andrew Jones (Harrogate and Knaresborough) (Con): of State not think that over the three years of the Safe I thank my right hon. Friend for his statement. NHS and Sustainable review at least one complaint would bosses are right to take seriously any concerns regarding have been made via Members of Parliament in Yorkshire patient safety, particularly in the light of the Mid Staffs or local media outlets? The fact that no complaints were crisis. There has been significant anger and confusion received over three years surely tells him that generally locally surrounding the chaos of the decision to close the families were very satisfied with the way their children the unit. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the use of were treated. Will he now apologise to the families data, which are incomplete and described by the doctors of Yorkshire for the closure between 28 March and that produced them as not fit for purpose, has led to 10 April? precipitate and disproportionate actions that have worried patients and their families? We have, after all, a culture Mr Hunt: The apology would have been due to those in which NHS managers are extremely familiar with families if Sir Bruce Keogh had not acted promptly in handling data. They must have known that precipitate the face of data that showed the possibility of a serious actions would come from looking at leaked partial data. problem at that hospital. He was right to react promptly and to get to the bottom of those data. I put it to the hon. Gentleman that if he had been a Health Minister Mr Hunt: I entirely understand the concern of families, at the time he would not have wanted the NHS medical staff and doctors at the LGI. I simply say to my hon. director to do anything other than give absolute priority Friend that the reason the data were not complete was to patient safety. That is what happened. Like the hon. because the hospital had failed to supply them. There is, Gentleman, I am delighted that it was possible for therefore, an important warning to all hospitals to operations to resume on 10 April. ensure that they supply accurate and timely information on their surgery survival rates. Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con): However we got to this point, I urge my right hon. Friend—on Mr Nicholas Brown (Newcastle upon Tyne East) (Lab): behalf of one of the leading campaigners for Leeds Does the Secretary of State still accept the underlying heart surgery, my constituent Lois Brown—to do everything premise of the Safe and Sustainable review, which is he can to ensure that we move as quickly as possible to a that there should be a smaller number of centres of decision on Leeds, based on the full facts and made in excellence for children’s specialist heart surgery? If he a transparent manner. still accepts that premise, will he say something to the House today about his timetable for bringing the issue, Mr Hunt: I can absolutely assure my hon. Friend that which has gone on for 12 years, to a conclusion? that is my intention. There is legal due process—legal proceedings are under way—and he would want that to Mr Hunt: I certainly accept the premise, on the basis be respected. I am also anxious to read and digest of considerable clinical evidence, that for complex surgery the report of the Independent Reconfiguration Panel. greater specialisation leads to higher survival rates. On 31 Heart Surgery (Leeds)15 APRIL 2013 Heart Surgery (Leeds) 32

[Mr Jeremy Hunt] Karl Turner (Kingston upon Hull East) (Lab): Come on Jeremy, answer the question. whether that is the right thing to do in this particular case, I would like to wait for the outcome of the legal Mr Hunt: Whenever he receives information, the process and the advice of the Independent Reconfiguration medical director is under an absolute obligation to act. Panel, but I will just say this: I would like to conclude What he did was absolutely correct: he said that he this as quickly as possible. I am subject, rightly, to legal would look at the data and get to the bottom of them due process. Families who feel strongly want this to be and that if it turned out that the data were not as concluded quickly, but they also want to know that it accurate as they should have been, surgery would resume. has been concluded fairly, and I think that that underlies That is exactly what happened. a lot of the concerns raised by Members this afternoon. The timetable is not within my gift but what is within Mr Speaker: The hon. Member for Kingston upon my gift in terms of timings I will try to expedite as Hull East (Karl Turner) is a very excitable fellow—he quickly as possible. might remind some people of his predecessor in the House in that respect. Sir Alan Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed) (LD): Does my right hon. Friend recognise that whatever challenge Meg Munn (Sheffield, Heeley) (Lab/Co-op): A baby there may be to the evidence relating to Leeds, there has born with a heart condition in Sheffield who needs a been no challenge to the evidence of the successful complex intervention would normally go to Leeds. One outcomes in Newcastle? Can he assure me that clinical of the concerns about the Safe and Sustainable review evidence will predominate in his final decision? was that children from my constituency would have had to travel further. The decision to suspend the Leeds unit Mr Hunt: I can absolutely give my right hon. Friend created that very situation. The Secretary of State needs that assurance. It is very important, when dealing with to acknowledge that children could, as it turns out, have very difficult decisions of this nature, that we are led by been put at risk unnecessarily by closing a unit that was clinical evidence on what will save the most lives. We in fact safe, because they would have had to travel have an absolute responsibility to all of our constituents further, which for very ill babies is a risk in itself. At the to ensure that clinical evidence informs the final decision. heart of this has been a lack of transparency and a failure to put information into the public domain. I Mr Kevin Barron (Rother Valley) (Lab): I was contacted have had to table parliamentary questions to try to get by a mother whose son’s operation was cancelled, and it information about what is happening. Nobody wants had also been delayed on two previous occasions for an unsafe situation. Will the Secretary of State now other reasons. Given this unedifying situation, in which commit to complete transparency in respect of all the the two leading clinicians who advise on these areas for information? the NHS have lowered themselves to saying whether they would send their child to this unit for an operation, Mr Hunt: This situation arose because of the much what advice should I give to my constituent? greater data transparency and because the Government have been encouraging people to come forward if they Mr Hunt: I am certain that the right hon. Gentleman’s have concerns about things going wrong. As a result, we constituent would not want surgery to proceed anywhere were presented with data on the basis of which the NHS in the NHS if there are question marks over its safety. director decided that the safe and sensible thing to do Of course, when such decisions are made in a very short was to suspend surgery while we got to the bottom of period of time, it is greatly discomforting and worrying these data, which could have demonstrated some very for the many families involved, who have enough to serious outcomes. We need to take good advice from worry about anyway—I completely understand that. clinicians about the balance of risk. Yes, there might be He should remember, however, how we in the NHS let some risks with people having to travel further for the down the families in Bristol and Mid Staffs by not surgery, but surely the risks are much greater if potentially acting when data suggested that there might be a problem. unsafe operations are allowed to continue. That was It is better to act quickly and decisively and then, if why, on that balance of risk, it was decided to suspend possible, to resume surgery, as happened on this occasion, surgery at Leeds until we could get to the bottom of than not to act at all and to find out later that we have whether the data were right. been responsible for much, much worse outcomes. Alec Shelbrooke (Elmet and Rothwell) (Con): In the Nigel Adams (Selby and Ainsty) (Con): On behalf of week after surgery at the heart unit was suspended, my right hon. and hon. Members across Yorkshire, may wife and I met a constituent in Rothwell whose child I use this opportunity to thank my hon. Friend the was due to go in for surgery. She was completely and Member for Pudsey (Stuart Andrew) for how he has utterly exhausted and overwrought with worry and worked in a consensual, cross-party and non-political concern. Many people were concerned not just about way on this issue? the suspension, but about the distances that they would have had to travel if Leeds had not reopened. That Did the Secretary of State not find it at least odd that possibility, which we had previously mentioned, became the concerns about the Leeds unit came to light within a reality. Sir Roger has now been suspended from the hours of the High Court’s ruling against the decision to review, but he had already reported. In order that we close the Leeds unit? can take one positive out of what has happened in the past couple of weeks, will the Secretary of State ensure Mr Hunt: The truth is that whenever the NHS medical that the distances people have to travel are now taken director— seriously in the review? 33 Heart Surgery (Leeds)15 APRIL 2013 Heart Surgery (Leeds) 34

Mr Hunt: That is exactly the purpose of a review. Let in Leeds is that the public have lost confidence after me reassure my hon. Friend that before I make any what has taken place. Sir Roger Boyle has condemned decision, I will be getting on my desk independent the hospital and the Secretary of State has not condemned advice from the Independent Reconfiguration Panel. him for the comments he has made. Can he do that One thing that that advice does is weigh up the balance now? of advantage between the greater distances that people have to travel and the advantages of specialisation for Mr Hunt: Let me be clear: I do not want anyone in complex surgery. My heart goes out, as I know his does, the NHS who has concerns about mortality to sit on to people who were made extremely worried by what those concerns, so if Sir Roger had concerns, he was happened over Easter at Leeds. However, he will also right to raise them with Professor Sir Bruce Keogh. understand that if there are concerns, the last thing his Sir Roger also made comments that suggested that he constituents would want is an NHS that did nothing might have prejudged the outcome of Safe and Sustainable, because of an argument about data. The right thing to so I think it is right that he does not take any further do was to get to the bottom of the data, and I am sure role in that, and we will be getting independent advice that his constituents are as delighted as he and I are that on whether Safe and Sustainable made the right surgery has now resumed. recommendations, which I shall consider before making any decision. I have to say to the hon. Gentleman that Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): What there is no fancy footwork. I am absolutely clear that if does the Secretary of State think of the opinion of one anyone, anywhere in the NHS, has concerns about of my constituents, who said to me over the weekend, safety and if the view of the NHS medical director is “What a right old mess all this has been”? The fact is that we need to investigate those concerns and, in the that it has been a mess. I have supported the all-party meantime, suspend surgery at that institution, I will campaign on the basis that we go for the best clinically support the NHS medical director. That is the right safe outcomes for all my constituents. My constituents thing to do and I think the hon. Gentleman would do have gone to Leeds general infirmary, as have my children. exactly the same if he were in my shoes. It is a hospital of great renown, in which the people of Yorkshire have tremendous faith, but in today’s statement Mr David Ward (Bradford East) (LD): This whole the Secretary of State has two or three times put us in thing stinks; it really does. We now know that the unit is the same frame as Mid Staffordshire and Bristol. There perfectly safe, which means that, for a period of time, is no question but that Leeds general infirmary is a fine children’s health was put at risk while it was closed. institution. Will he put it on the record today that this is That is the seriousness of the situation. The decision not the same sort of case? This is a fine hospital was not made after careful, thoughtful consideration of struggling to deliver under a cloud that has been over it authoritative, verified data; it was a kneejerk reaction to for three or four years. what must, in all probability, have been malicious allegations made against the unit. We have been told over and over Mr Hunt: What I say to the hon. Gentleman is that it again to ask ourselves what Sir Roger could have done, is a fine hospital and a safe hospital, but data were other than close the unit, but what did he actually do? presented to the NHS medical director that said that That is what we need to find out, and the matter needs mortality rates there for children’s heart surgery were to be investigated. We know what the context was, two and three quarter times higher than should be following the court case, and we need to find out what expected. In that situation, there is of course a great follow-up work he did in that context to verify the deal of inconvenience and worry caused by a decision allegations before he took that risk with the health of to suspend surgery, but I would rather have that young children. inconvenience and worry than continue with surgery when we have not got to the bottom of whether there is Mr Hunt: There are some risks, of course, in suspending any truth in those data. That must be the right thing to surgery, but when we have mortality data such as those do for the people who are due to have operations at that that Professor Sir Bruce Keogh was faced with, there hospital. are also considerable risks involved in doing nothing in response. The decision was taken not to close the children’s Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) (Con): Parents whose heart unit but to suspend surgery until he could get to children face major surgery are already particularly the bottom of whether there was any truth in the data. anxious and distressed, and that is before an unseemly He had a very difficult decision to make, given that public dispute breaks out between the medical experts situation, but I think he made the right decision. that they rely on. This also highlights the fact that the investigation has been going on for far too long. The Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): Parents of very poorly uncertainty is unacceptable. May I urge my right hon. children in the Scunthorpe area who have been very Friend to do everything possible to bring the matter to a effectively supported by the Leeds unit have been dismayed speedy conclusion? to hear what has been happening over the past month or so. The Secretary of State has given us clear answers Mr Hunt: I completely agree with my hon. Friend. I this afternoon, and I thank him for that. He has said want this to be resolved as quickly as possible. We have that there will be a resolution to the Safe and Sustainable to operate within legal due process, but the sooner we review as soon as possible. Will that be in 2013 or at can resolve the uncertainty, the better. some point beyond that?

Mr Gerry Sutcliffe (Bradford South) (Lab): I know Mr Hunt: I very much hope that this does not go the Secretary of State likes dancing, but his fancy beyond 2013, but I am afraid that that is not in my footsteps today are doing him no favours. The position hands, because of legal due process. Legal proceedings 35 Heart Surgery (Leeds)15 APRIL 2013 Heart Surgery (Leeds) 36

[Mr Jeremy Hunt] made in this way up and down the country on maternity and accident and emergency units, for example. How are under way at the moment and I have to consider the will the Secretary of State ensure that such data are advice of the Independent Reconfiguration Panel, but I reliable and robust, that they can be challenged, and want to stress to the hon. Gentleman, as I have to many that such situations can be dealt with far more quickly hon. Members, my determination to resolve the situation than has been the case in Leeds? as quickly as possible. Mr Hunt: The hon. Lady makes an important point. Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): At the heart of this is a change happening in the NHS, Children living in Thirsk and Malton will be operated where heart surgery is leading the way and we are on either at Leeds hospital or at Newcastle hospital. discovering that we can make dramatic improvements What is becoming apparent in this and other debates to mortality rates. It has happened in heart surgery, on the health service is the desire of parents and other where we have moved from being one of the worst family members to have their loved ones—young children performers in Europe to one of the best, because of the in this case—operated on as close as possible to where collection of risk-adjusted data. That has now been they live, whereas clinicians and the Government seem, extended to cancer outcomes and to a total of 10 specialities. at every stage of the NHS reforms, to be making We shall gradually collect that data over the next two decisions based on clinical excellence. This is a debate years, which will allow peer review in a way that cannot that needs to be had. normally happen. It is a big change and part of the issue was that the hospital in Leeds did not realise how Mr Hunt: I agree with my hon. Friend. There are two seriously the data would be taken, which may have types of reason for people going into hospital. With meant that it did not supply as complete data as it geriatric care, for example, there are clear advantages in should have, and that led to the problem. There is a big someone being treated as near as possible to their home. change, but also a big opportunity for the NHS to All other things being equal, it makes sense for people improve its outcomes. to be treated where it is easy for friends and family to visit them, as that can aid recuperation and convalescence. Jonathan Ashworth (Leicester South) (Lab): I want When more complex surgery is required, however, there to reinforce entirely the point put to the Secretary of is clinical evidence that mortality rates are better if we State by the hon. and learned Member for Harborough specialise surgery in a fewer number of centres. That is (Sir Edward Garnier) a few moments ago. Safe and the debate that we are having about children’s heart Sustainable made recommendations about Leeds and surgery, and I hope to resolve the matter as quickly as about closing children’s heart surgery at Leicester, but possible. in recent days published data show that Leicester has one of the lowest mortality rates. Can the Secretary of Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): State guarantee that the Independent Reconfiguration Given that the Safe and Sustainable review is being Panel will fully take into account those data published dogged by so many problems, and given the inaccuracies just a few days ago? and the prejudice against Leeds in particular, has the Secretary of State thought about scrapping the whole Mr Hunt: Absolutely. process? Paul Blomfield (Sheffield Central) (Lab): We have Mr Hunt: That is the subject of legal proceedings seen an extraordinary sequence of events that have at the moment, and I want to ensure that we have a unnecessarily tarnished the reputation of what the Secretary process that is fair and that is recognised to be fair by all of State described as a fine hospital, and caused enormous the people who are affected by this possible decision. I anxiety to families across Yorkshire and the wider region. therefore want to ensure that the decision will be judicially Does the Secretary of State not agree therefore that we robust, but I also want to get independent advice from need a full inquiry into how the decision was taken? the IRP before I make my final decision. If that means that it takes longer to get to a decision, then I am afraid Mr Hunt: I think the most important thing is properly that that might be the case, but the most important to establish the truth of the data and then to make sure thing is to get to a decision that is fair and that is that any lessons learned from that are reflected in recognised to be so. decisions made about the Safe and Sustainable Review, so that the influence of mortality data on any decisions Jenny Chapman (Darlington) (Lab): It is right that in Safe and Sustainable is based on proper analysis such decisions should be made on the basis of data, but of those data. That is certainly something we will learn those data must be more reliable. Such decisions are from. 37 15 APRIL 2013 G8 Foreign Ministers 38

G8 Foreign Ministers I, along with my American and French counterparts, held talks with the Prime Minister designate and two 4.21 pm vice-presidents of the Syrian National Coalition ahead The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth of the G8. We discussed how the coalition can best Affairs (Mr William Hague): With permission, Mr Speaker, represent the interests of all Syria’s communities and I will make a statement on the meeting of G8 Foreign uphold human rights, and how we can work together Ministers in London last week, which also allows me to to increase services and humanitarian assistance inside update the House on international events over the recess. Syria. The theme of the meeting was preventing and resolving The UK is determined to do more to support the conflict, and dealing with its consequences. There were Syrian National Coalition. Our aim is to bring about a important agreements in five areas that the UK had political transition by building the credibility and capability established as priorities. of the moderate opposition and increasing pressure on The G8 agreed to support the re-engagement of the regime. The package of non-lethal assistance, including international financial institutions, such as the International protected vehicles and body armour, that I announced Monetary Fund, with Somalia, so it can invest in its last month is now being shipped to the region. As I said economy, and welcomed the Somalia conference, which during my previous statement to the House, we have to will be held in London on 7 May. The Ministers endorsed be prepared to do even more to help to save lives. Our the Burmese Government’s proposals for responsible policy on Syria cannot be static in the face of this investment to support political and economic progress, growing calamity. while urging peace and reconciliation to end ethnic and As the Prime Minister said last month, we have taken religious conflicts. On cyberspace, we agreed to share no decision that we would like to send arms to the best practice and build up the capacity of other countries Syrian opposition, but the UK and France argue that to secure their networks effectively.The UK’s G8 presidency we will need further amendments to the EU arms this year is being used to help create economic opportunities embargo, or even to lift it altogether. As things stand, in countries in transition in the middle east and north we need greater flexibility if we decide that urgent Africa, particularly for women and young people. The action is necessary, for example in response to a specific Ministers endorsed our programme to promote investment, incident or continued grave deterioration on the ground, support enterprise, and work with Arab countries on or to create the conditions for a successful political the return of stolen assets. The G8 agreed a landmark transition. I will discuss that with the Foreign Ministers declaration on preventing sexual violence in conflict, of other key countries in the Friends of Syria Group in which I will return to shortly. Istanbul on Saturday, with EU Foreign Ministers in We also had extensive talks on pressing international Luxembourg on Monday, and in further international issues. In Syria, we face worsening conflict and extreme meetings next month. humanitarian suffering. Well over 70,000 people have The G8 Ministers also reviewed the threat to international died, a truly horrific number; 5.5 million people are in security from North Korea. We condemned its aggressive desperate humanitarian need, and there are now 1.3 million rhetoric, the announcement that it would reopen the refugees in neighbouring countries—a quarter of a nuclear facility at Yongbyon, and its development of million more than when I last spoke to the House on the nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, breaching its subject only last month. The UK is deeply concerned international obligations. We urged North Korea to that the UN relief effort is critically underfunded, and engage in credible and authentic multilateral talks on that only 34% of the $1.5 billion humanitarian appeal denuclearisation, to abide by its obligations under all has so far been provided, even though the need will relevant UN Security Council resolutions, to abandon become far worse if the conflict continues. The G8 all its weapons programmes and to refrain from further agreed immediate priorities of increasing humanitarian provocative acts. access inside Syria, ensuring that donors provide the funding they have promised, and the need to support All G8 Ministers were clear that North Korea’s current stability in host countries. posture will lead only to further isolation. We emphasised The G8 Ministers reaffirmed the view that the use of our willingness to take further significant measures if chemical weapons in Syria would demand a serious North Korea conducts another missile launch or nuclear international response. The UK is increasingly concerned test. I discussed North Korea in detail with the Japanese that there is evidence of the use of chemical weapons Foreign Minister in the margins of the G8 and spoke to in Syria. These allegations must be fully and urgently the South Korean Foreign Minister this morning. I also investigated. We welcome the UN Secretary-General’s welcome Secretary Kerry’s visit to the region at the announcement of an investigation into the allegations, weekend. I have laid a written ministerial statement and call again on the Syrian regime to co-operate fully today on these developments and the action that the and allow the investigation unfettered access to all Government are taking. areas. They should take heed that the world is watching, The G8 also discussed the recent E3 plus 3 talks on and those who order the use of chemical weapons, or Iran’s nuclear programme and the disappointing outcome. who participate in their use, must be held to account. Tehran’s position falls short of what is needed for a We also agreed that a Syrian-led political transition is diplomatic breakthrough. We will continue the twin-track urgently needed, based on the principles of the Geneva approach of sanctions and negotiations, but the G8 was communiqué. The opposition has stated that it is open clear that the window for diplomacy will not remain to dialogue and we are supporting its efforts to prepare open for ever. for political transition. The Syrian Government must We also had very good discussions on the middle east demonstrate that they are ready to enter negotiations in peace process, strongly welcoming Secretary Kerry’s good faith. We are calling on Russia to work with us to recent visits to the region and the US commitment to establish a genuine political effort on that basis. finding a just, lasting and comprehensive peace. Both 39 G8 Foreign Ministers15 APRIL 2013 G8 Foreign Ministers 40

[Mr William Hague] sexual violence in conflict zones. His steps to bring the international community together to tackle the horrific sides must show bold political leadership and refrain use of sexual violence in conflict have rightly received from actions that threaten the viability of a two-state warm support from Members in all parts of the House. solution. I also pay tribute to the civil society groups that have I was delighted that the G8 Foreign Ministers agreed campaigned tirelessly on the issue, and on whose significant a major declaration on preventing sexual violence in efforts the Foreign Secretary’s engagement has been conflict, which is the first of its kind and the result of a built. year of effort and negotiations by the United Kingdom. The Foreign Secretary and the Prime Minister have I pay tribute to the special representative of the UN speculated in recent weeks about the need to ensure that Secretary-General on sexual violence, Zainab Bangura, the Syrian rebels are armed and trained. The Foreign and to UN special envoy for refugees, Angelina Jolie, Secretary will be aware that the G8 communiqué made who has worked with me to develop this initiative from no reference to international efforts to stem the flow of the beginning—[Interruption.] And very good work it arms into Syria, but did he raise the transfer of weapons has been. at the meeting or, indeed, in any bilateral meetings with The G8 has declared, for the first time, that rape and G8 Foreign Ministers in attendance, in particular with serious sexual violence in conflict constitute grave breaches Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov? In his statement, the of the Geneva convention. G8 members have the Foreign Secretary stated that the UK has “taken no responsibility to search for, prosecute or transfer for decision” on arming the Syrian rebels, but in the Liaison trial individuals accused of such crimes, regardless of Committee on 12 March the Prime Minister struck a their nationality and wherever they are in the world. rather different tone, as he was keen to stress that The G8 committed itself to the development of a the UK comprehensive international protocol on the investigation “might have to do things in our own way.” and documentation of rape and sexual violence in He added that the UK was “still an independent country”. conflict to increase the number of successful prosecutions. We will now take the lead on developing this protocol Will the Foreign Secretary clarify those earlier remarks with experts from all over the world. from the Prime Minister, and will he further clarify whether the Government’s approach to arming the rebels We declared that there should never be any amnesty has altered in any way in the light of recent evidence of for sexual violence in peace agreements and pledged to radical Islamist militants operating on the ground? review the doctrine and training that we provide to our That includes the al-Nusra Front, which only last week own national military and police, and to peacekeeping confirmed its affiliation to al-Qaeda. Indeed, the Foreign troops of other nations. The declaration also includes Secretary will be aware of a letter that I sent to him on vital commitments on women and children’s rights, and 20 March raising questions about the British Government’s the protection of women human rights defenders. decision to The G8 endorsed the deployment of international experts to help build up the judicial, investigative and “fund training to help armed groups understand their responsibilities and obligations under international law”.—[Official Report, legal capacity of other countries, which the United 6 March 2013; Vol. 559, c. 963.] Kingdom is already doing. Our team of over 70 experts has been deployed to Bosnia, the Syria border and I have not yet received a reply from the Foreign Secretary, Libya, and will carry out further deployments this year so in the light of the upcoming deadline for the renewal to those three countries, as well as to South Sudan, Mali of the EU arms embargo, will he kindly confirm his and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The G8 intention to reply to that letter? Ministers announced £23 million in new funding to I also welcome the fact that the Foreign Secretary back these efforts, including £10 million from the UK. said that one of the immediate priorities arising from Taken together, that was an historic step, marking a the meeting was ensuring that donors provide the funding wholly new international effort to shatter the myths that they have promised for Syria. Will he confirm about sexual violence in conflict and end the culture of whether all the states represented at the G8 Foreign impunity. We will now take this campaign to the United Ministers meeting last week have provided all the funding Nations. I will lead a debate at the UN Security Council that they have promised? during our presidency in June, and it will be one of my A key priority on Syria as we approach the G8 top priorities for the UN General Assembly in September. summit must be to build influence with Russia, and In all these areas, the G8 Foreign Ministers addressed encourage it to stop its continued sponsorship of the the crises of today, but also, as I believe strongly we Assad regime. Given that, I found it a little curious that must always do, addressed ourselves to improving the the Foreign Secretary restricted his observations about condition of humanity. discussions with Russia to a single line in a statement of six pages. Will he clarify what, in the light of the final 4.30 pm communiqué from the Foreign Ministers meeting, is the Mr Douglas Alexander (Paisley and Renfrewshire British Government’s strategy to help to bring an end to South) (Lab): I thank the Foreign Secretary for his the violence in Syria? If it is the Geneva accords, what statement and for advance sight of it. The G8 Foreign practical steps have been taken to secure the anticipated Ministers meeting covered a range of subjects, as the negotiations? Foreign Secretary made clear in his statement, but I will Finally, I should like to turn to the points made by focus on Syria and North Korea. the Foreign Secretary on the ongoing situation in the First, however, it would be remiss of me to do anything Korean peninsula. We support the agreement reached other than express my personal congratulations to the by Foreign Ministers following the G8 meeting to condemn Foreign Secretary on his leadership on the issue of the continued aggressive and provocative actions of the 41 G8 Foreign Ministers15 APRIL 2013 G8 Foreign Ministers 42

North Korean regime. Does the Foreign Secretary agree To expand on our discussions with Russia about that, that China’s role as an historic supporter of North we have discussed with our Russian colleagues several Korea is key to defusing the crisis, so will he join me in times in the past month how to try to come together to welcoming its constructive engagement on the issue to bring about the Geneva communiqué—a transitional date? Government drawn from regime and opposition, with The efforts of others will not absolve the North full executive authority—but no one in other western or Koreans of their own responsibilities, so does the Foreign Arab nations, nor the UK, has yet succeeded in agreeing Secretary agree that the responsibility is now on the with Russia the mechanism to bring that about. A North Korean leadership to accept an open offer that United Nations Security Council resolution would, in has been extended from the international community to our view, be the appropriate mechanism, but Russia and initiate meaningful negotiations in relation to this troubling China have vetoed that in the past and would do so and dangerous situation? again under current circumstances. It could come about through each of the countries involved—through us, the United States, the Russians and others—putting Mr Hague: I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman pressure on all the parties involved to negotiate that. We for his questions and for his strong endorsement of the are ready to do so. We are always doing that with the initiative that I have been pursuing on preventing sexual national coalition, but sufficient pressure has not been violence in conflict. This is a cross-party issue that is of put on the regime to do that, so we will always work concern to people in all parties in the UK, and we can hard on a diplomatic and negotiated way forward. In all enthusiastically get behind it. We are, as he said, the absence of that, we have to do what we can to save building on the efforts of people in civil society, many lives and to try to make a resolution of the conflict NGOs and people who have already worked at the more likely. United Nations for some years, but it is time for the most powerful, active Governments of the world to get I agree with the thrust of the right hon. Gentleman’s behind the initiative, make major international diplomatic questions about China and the Democratic People’s progress, and show that we can change the situation on Republic of Korea. China’s position of agreeing to UN the ground. I will keep the House updated throughout Security Council resolution 2094, which put additional the year on our efforts. sanctions on North Korea, is welcome. I will discuss that with the new Chinese leadership over the next On Syria, the right hon. Gentleman asked about couple of days to see how we can work together on it. discussions on the transfer of weapons. We had a long The message should be clear, as it is from the whole discussion about Syria at the G8 and with the Russian House and from the whole UN Security Council: North Foreign and Defence Ministers when they made a bilateral Korea has a choice, and with the choice it is making at visit here on 13 March. So in the past month we have the moment it will end up with a country that is even had two substantial rounds of discussions with Russian more broken and even more isolated, even from China. Ministers—indeed, three rounds in just over a month. It is not too late to make an alternative choice; the path Of course we discussed the continued flow of weapons of multilateral negotiations and greater engagement to the regime in Syria. Part of the problem is that the with the international community is still open. regime can continue to receive weapons, but many moderate figures in opposition groups say that they cannot obtain them. Mr John Redwood (Wokingham) (Con): I share the Foreign Secretary’s loathing of the violence of the What the Prime Minister said last month about the Syrian regime, but will he comment briefly on the possibility that we might have to do more is very much opposition forces? To what extent do they believe in what I am saying here and what I said in my last democracy, freedom and human rights, and how well statement—that our policy cannot be static. He said, armed are they already? and I repeated in the statement, that we have not taken any decision about arming the opposition ourselves. Mr Hague: The answer, of course, is a mixture. I There are legitimate arguments against that. They have believe that the National Coalition, which we met last sometimes been put in the House, and the right hon. week—we met the Prime Minister designate, two of the Gentleman has raised some of them. If we were to take Vice-Presidents and, indeed, the President, Mr al-Khatib, that step, we would have to assure ourselves to the whom I talked with on the phone—is sincere in its maximum degree possible not only of the international commitment to democracy and human rights and to legal position, but that the weapons could not be misused the inclusion of Syria’s very varied communities in the by others for whom they were not intended. Those are country’s future. I have met them and discussed that a major considerations. sufficient number of times to be sure of that answer. It must also be a major consideration that we currently There are extremist groups, however, and the longer this face a humanitarian catastrophe, with tens of thousands goes on the greater the risk that they will gain more of people being killed and millions in desperate need. A support. Estimates of the number of fighters in the regime that is not bringing the conflict to an end can get al-Nusra Front, which the shadow Foreign Secretary weapons and extremists can get weapons, but people referred to, are in the low thousands, but that is still who are in favour of a free, democratic and moderate thousands. The number of fighters supporting various Syria find it very difficult to do so. We all have to ask opposition groups is likely to be in six figures—more ourselves how long we can go on with that situation if than 100,000. Although that is proportionately small, the conflict continues and if it continues to get worse. we must nevertheless take that seriously, which is why Of course, what we need most of all is a diplomatic and we argue that we have to give more practical support to political settlement. Giving additional assistance to the the moderate democratic opposition so that the focus of National Coalition is part of putting pressure on the opposition in Syria does not become the more extreme regime to come to a political settlement. groups. 43 G8 Foreign Ministers15 APRIL 2013 G8 Foreign Ministers 44

Angus Robertson (Moray) (SNP): I thank the Foreign There is only a choice between the lesser of evils in how Secretary for his statement and commend all the efforts we pursue our policy on this subject, but that underlines for peace in Korea and Syria and the progress that has the fact that we cannot ignore the crisis. been made in combating sexual violence in conflict. I think that all Members on both sides of the House will Mike Gapes (Ilford South) (Lab/Co-op): The be absolutely horrified that 66% of pledged UN aid, Governments of Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan which is vital for UN agencies and the Red Crescent, armed the mujaheddin in Afghanistan, with unforeseen has not been provided. Will he outline for Members, and terrible long-term consequences. Rather than giving perhaps by placing a paper in the Library, which of the to elements of the Syrian opposition surface-to-air countries that have pledged amounts have provided it missiles that can shoot down civilian aircraft, would it and which have not? not be better to consider again whether a no-fly zone, controlled by us, is a better option? Mr Hague: I will consider that. The hon. Gentleman will understand that sometimes there is a delicate diplomacy Mr Hague: All options have to be considered. The in naming and shaming on pledges. It is necessary first hon. Gentleman has asked about the issue several times to get the facts absolutely straight, because there are and has been pursuing it wholly legitimately. My answer countries that have disbursed money, countries that is quite similar to the one I gave him last time. To have allocated money but are awaiting the details of the enforce a no-fly zone, there are, again, international projects they will spend it on, and other countries that legal considerations. It would also require the participation have done neither, so the picture is quite complex. of aircraft on a very large scale, so the decision would However, I will look at the idea. After all, we should be essentially be one for the United States, given the scale as transparent as we can about the data. required. No such decision by the United States has been taken. We are working in an environment where I neglected to answer the question the shadow Foreign we do not have a no-fly zone and we have to consider Secretary asked on whether all G8 nations have disbursed the options available to us in the light of that. all the money they pledged. The answer is no, although they are better than most at delivering the money. I Richard Ottaway (Croydon South) (Con): I congratulate think that in the main they have allocated it to particular the Foreign Secretary on a successful conference, which countries and projects. I will consider how best I can obviously entailed a lot of hard work behind the scenes. provide the House will more information, although On Syria, he said, “As things stand, we need greater my right hon. Friend the International Development flexibility if we decide that urgent action is necessary”. Secretary can provide the House with more information Does he accept that any further action in Syria must be on that that is consistent with delivering on the pledges lawful and have a legal basis if it is to have international made. support?

Sir Menzies Campbell (North East Fife) (LD): I am Mr Hague: Yes, absolutely. It is a fundamental principle sure that the whole House would wish to express its for British Governments that the action that we take appreciation to my right hon. Friend for finding space must be lawful. My hon. Friend will know that when, in his busy diary to spend time with Angelina Jolie, and for instance, we took action ourselves in Libya, based to good effect, as we have heard. on UN resolution 1973, the Cabinet collectively considered the legal advice before that took place. We were able to Returning to the question of Syria, I maintain my be clear about it in the House. reservations about arms supplies, as he would expect, but I recently met a senior Jordanian official who went Yes, international law is of paramount importance to great lengths to express to me the impact of the for us. Due regard must be given in international law, of refugee problem on Jordan. When there is a country course, to extreme humanitarian suffering. There comes that is fragile politically and even more fragile economically, a point where trying to ameliorate extreme humanitarian a failure on the part of those who have made pledges to suffering becomes the prime consideration. However, I provide assistance for the refugee problem becomes assure my hon. Friend that such legal considerations more acute. The truth is that their failure is nothing will never be absent from our minds. short of disgraceful. Does my right hon. Friend agree? Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): I welcome the decisions taken by the summit in respect of the Roma-Lyon Mr Hague: Yes, I do. The official number of refugees group and the fight against international terrorism. now in Jordan is 424,000. To put that into perspective, Last week, I visited Interpol and was briefed on the that would, on a rough calculation, be equivalent to work of its Fusion Task Force. Does the Foreign Secretary about 8 million or 9 million people arriving in the agree that there seems to be a synergy between the work United Kingdom—that is the scale of the addition to of the taskforce and the Roma-Lyon group? Will he the population there. We can all imagine the strain that undertake to try to bring those initiatives together while that would impose on any country. we hold the presidency of the G8, so that there is no The House is clear, strong and united on the subject duplication in the fight against international terrorism? of countries’ meeting pledges. The additional dimension to this matter is that if it is so difficult to come up with Mr Hague: I will certainly look at the point that the the $1.5 billion agreed in January at Kuwait, how difficult right hon. Gentleman makes. The G8 Ministers strongly will it be to come up with the $1.5 billion every few and unanimously reinforced our commitment to countering weeks or couple of months that we are going to need if terrorism effectively; that was a major part of our the crisis goes on and the numbers get much bigger? discussion. There is the kind of synergy to which he That is why I say again that our policy cannot be static. refers, and I will look at what we can do in that regard. 45 G8 Foreign Ministers15 APRIL 2013 G8 Foreign Ministers 46

Mr Bernard Jenkin (Harwich and North Essex) (Con): assistance. We are not advocating the destruction of the Will my right hon. Friend cast his mind back to the first institutions of the state. Whatever happens in Syria—if, G8 summit that he attended as Foreign Secretary? Was as my hon. Friend says, Assad fell tomorrow—we do anybody forecasting that we would be facing a horrendous not want the same situation as arose in Iraq, when conflagration in Syria and the threat of thermonuclear entire institutions and armies were disbanded. Therefore, war in North Korea? Does not that underline how a political settlement is absolutely what we should be unpredictable our current international security situation looking for. Of course, we must also have contingency is and the fact that it is impossible for us to predict that plans, and we must be discussing with other nations we will not require nuclear weapons for our protection what we can do in emergencies about the security of within the next 50 or 60 years? chemical weapons. We do indeed discuss all those contingencies and we are preparing for them. Mr Hague: Yes, my hon. Friend is absolutely right, particularly with regard to the attempts of the DPRK Mr Frank Roy (Motherwell and Wishaw) (Lab): What to develop nuclear weapons and ballistic missile technology. message does the Foreign Secretary give to journalists The effects of the decisions that we are making about a who endanger students by travelling with them secretly successor to Trident will last for decades. We have to to film in North Korea? provide for the security of this country over several decades to come, and we must therefore, absolutely, Mr Hague: This is really a matter for the BBC and the have at the forefront of our minds the fact that we London School of Economics, and the BBC will have cannot predict—even a few years out, as he says—the to look at it. I think that I have enough matters to threats that we might face. We can imagine that anyone decide on with regard to the DPRK and all the international in 1913, rather than 2013, who was trying to predict the events we are describing without my intervening in that threats they would face into the 1940s would have particular row. struggled very seriously to do so.

Meg Munn (Sheffield, Heeley) (Lab/Co-op): I Mark Pritchard (The Wrekin) (Con): I congratulate congratulate the Foreign Secretary and all those involved my right hon. Friend on the protocol on sexual violence in securing the declaration on preventing sexual violence in conflict and wish him success at the United Nations. in conflict. Will he say a little more about the development He might recall that I was one of the first Government of the protocol that the UK will be leading on? Does he Members to back the army of the Libyan freedom envisage any role at all for parliamentarians? If so, will fighters, but I have grave reservations about any army of he agree to seek a debate in Government time on this Syrian rebel freedom fighters. Would their arms be very important issue? subject—whether this is done unilaterally or multilaterally —to the new arms treaty regime, which, of course, the Foreign Office ably led on in New York over the past Mr Hague: Yes, there is absolutely a role for few weeks? parliamentarians. Indeed, as we work on the protocol over the next few months and take it to the United Nations, I would welcome informal meetings and informal Mr Hague: I am aware of my hon. Friend’s long-held consultation with hon. Members of all parties. Of course, views on this. In any debate we have or decisions we we would have to speak to the business managers about make on this matter, the views of this House are, of debates. We did have a short debate that covered the course, of paramount importance. There are a variety subject on 14 February, and there was enthusiastic of views across the House in the current circumstances. support for this measure across the House. However, I We strongly believe in the arms trade treaty and in am sure that as the year goes on—indeed, during the applying its provisions. We also apply the consolidated forthcoming debate on the Gracious Speech—there may guidance that applies to arms exports from this country, be opportunities for us to look at this together. although we can choose to exempt some items from that in emergencies. Of course, having fought so hard for the Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con): Even if the arms trade treaty, we will uphold it. Assad regime fell tomorrow, the Syrian Government could give us no guarantee at all that their chemical Dr William McCrea (South Antrim) (DUP): May I weapon stocks would not fall into the hands of the express appreciation to the Foreign Secretary for his thousands of al-Qaeda fighters who are fighting alongside efforts in seeking to resolve many of the international the opposition—and it took just a couple of dozen challenges that he has outlined today? Will he assure the people to organise 9/11. Would not a more sensible House that, should the present North Korean aggressive strategy be to work with the Russians and to try to get a posturing be found to be more than rhetoric, he will ceasefire rather than to remain obsessed with overthrowing endeavour to reach an agreed international response? the regime? Mr Hague: Yes, absolutely. We do that, of course, at Mr Hague: My hon. Friend must not misunderstand the United Nations Security Council, successfully so this. We are working on a political solution and endlessly far. We have agreed with China, Russia and the United debating and discussing it with Russia. We are not States on resolution 2094, the most recent resolution. advocating, nor do we believe in, a military solution in The G8, including Russia, was completely unanimous, any direction in Syria. The additional support that we which was an important statement by many of the give to the National Coalition is part of our effort to world’s leading nations. We concert closely on this promote a political solution to show the regime that the subject with the United States, Japan and the Republic National Coalition is not going to go away—and of of Korea, so whatever we do on it we will do in very course to save lives, which is another reason we give that close partnership with those other leading nations. 47 G8 Foreign Ministers15 APRIL 2013 G8 Foreign Ministers 48

Martin Horwood (Cheltenham) (LD): The bombs of We and many other countries would take that extremely Korea and Syria understandably dominate many of the seriously. However, I do not have any information to headlines, but the G8 is absolutely right to focus also on give my hon. Friend about that. the more subtle dangers of cyber attack, not only to the digital realm, but to wider economies, societies and Ms Gisela Stuart (Birmingham, Edgbaston) (Lab): infrastructure. Is the Foreign Secretary confident that Further to the Foreign Secretary’s answer to my hon. the UK and the G8 are devoting sufficient resources to Friend the Member for Motherwell and Wishaw (Mr Roy), countering this growing global threat? surely he has had a chance to form an opinion on whether the BBC’s “Panorama” programme and the Mr Hague: We in the UK are certainly devoting manner in which the footage was obtained will help or substantially increased resources. As my hon. Friend hinder diplomatic processes. will know, we allocated in the strategic defence and security review an additional £650 million to developing Mr Hague: I honestly think that that is a matter for our capabilities in the cyber area. One of the things that the BBC and the LSE to pursue. Since I have spent the I discussed with my G8 colleagues is the setting up of day talking to the South Korean Foreign Minister, our own cyber capability centre, which they can take hosting the Moroccan Foreign Minister, launching our part in and contribute to. I am satisfied that we are human rights and democracy report, preparing for this devoting the necessary resources. I think that, around statement and overseeing the diplomatic arrangements the world, countries are in different stages of waking up for the funeral of Baroness Thatcher, I have not formed to the scale of this threat. I discussed it with the South a view. It is for the BBC and the LSE to take the matter Korean Foreign Minister this morning and I welcome forward. the fact that, later this year, they will hold the next international cyber conference, following on from the Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con): The Foreign Secretary series that I started in 2011, to raise our awareness and has correctly noted that North Korea should be encouraged co-operation on the issue. to participate in a multilateral framework. Following Secretary Kerry’s visit to the region and the encouraging Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): I congratulate the signs that emanated from his talks with the Chinese, Foreign Secretary on the great progress made this year what can the Foreign Secretary tell the House that on the arms trade treaty, but implementation is often would encourage us to think that North Korea will even more difficult than getting the agreement in the move in the right direction at the appropriate speed? first place. Eighty-one countries have now signed up to banning cluster munitions and we are committed to Mr Hague: I have no immediate good news for my trying to get other countries to ban them as well. Did hon. Friend and the House on that matter, except for the Foreign Secretary get a chance to mention the issue the clear unity in the G8 to which I referred. That unity to the Americans or the Russians at the meeting the extends beyond the G8 to our working closely with other day? China. My hon. Friend referred to Secretary Kerry’s visit, during which he agreed that the United States Mr Hague: That was not part of this meeting, but it is would work with the Chinese Government. China has a regular part of our bilateral discussions with many more leverage and influence over North Korea than any countries. The hon. Gentleman is right that we have to of the other nations to which we have referred. The maintain our efforts to increase that number. We are extent of Chinese concern and determination that North committed to it—again, on a cross-party basis—in this Korea should not go down the path that it is on is one House and across Government, and support what the encouraging piece of information in an otherwise very previous Government did and achieved on the issue. difficult situation. Although it did not figure in the G8 discussions, I assure the hon. Gentleman that it will continue to be Mark Hendrick (Preston) (Lab/Co-op): The Foreign part of our diplomatic effort around the world. Secretary has commended the Chinese and referred to Secretary Kerry’s visit to China. That is positive and is in stark contrast to the position a couple of weeks ago, Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): On Saturday, The when the Americans, and to some extent our country, Times reported that the Ministry of Defence has evidence were saying that the Chinese were not doing enough of chemical weapons being fired in Syria. What assessment with regard to North Korea. I am sure that the Foreign has the EU made of reports that Assad has made efforts Secretary accepts the co-operation that is now taking to transfer advanced chemical and biological weapons place, but does he accept that if there was a major to Hezbollah in Lebanon? Does that factor into the conflict on the Korean peninsula, the Chinese Government EU’s efforts to proscribe Hezbollah? would have to deal with millions of refugees and the scale of the humanitarian disaster would make Syria Mr Hague: I cannot comment on intelligence matters. look like a fairly small-scale operation? However, my hon. Friend will have heard me say in the statement how important it is that the UN Secretary- Mr Hague: Of course, the prospect of any conflict on General’s investigation into the use of chemical weapons the Korean peninsula would be deeply alarming to the has access to all the areas involved in the allegations of whole world. China, as a close neighbour, would be chemical weapons use. We would be gravely concerned, particularly concerned. That is always a factor in China’s as would most nations, about the transfer of such weapons foreign policy calculations in such matters. I welcome to any other nation or entity. Indeed, the transfer of China’s agreement to UN resolution 2094, because it is weapons to Hezbollah, let alone chemical weapons, evidence that it sees that the avoidance of such conflict would be a direct contravention of UN resolution 1701. involves additional pressure on the DPRK, although in 49 G8 Foreign Ministers15 APRIL 2013 G8 Foreign Ministers 50 a graduated way in its view. I welcome China’s position place after 14 June and the Iranian presidential election. and we will continue to work with it, including through My hon. Friend is right to say that that will be an important direct discussions in the coming days. period, and if there is no diplomatic breakthrough with Iran before then, it will be seen across the world as Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): How far are crucial. When the elections are over and there is a new the United Kingdom and the international community President of Iran, that period will be seen as the test prepared to go to prevent North Korea and Iran from as to whether Iran is going to engage seriously with the getting nuclear weapons, and is the Foreign Secretary rest of the world. confident of success? Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): I sincerely Mr Hague: We heard from our hon. Friend the Member commend the work done by the Foreign Secretary on for Harwich and North Essex (Mr Jenkin), who is no sexual violence in conflict areas, and I know he is longer in his place, about how unpredictable world committed to that. I hope however, at the risk of being events are, and it is not wise for Foreign Secretaries to put down as a humourless feminist, that the kind of express complete confidence in a happy outcome for frisson that went round the Chamber at the mention of every single situation. I am confident, however, that the Ms Jolie was not intended to detract from the great international community is united on both those issues, seriousness of the issue. Are women’s rights organisations and given that unity it would be wholly irrational on involved in this initiative, and does the Foreign Secretary the part of North Korea or Iran to continue down the have any proposals to give them funding? path they are following at the moment. One cannot, of course, rule out miscalculations and sometimes irrationality, Mr Hague: Yes, of course many organisations are but I am at least confident that all countries that should involved and the steering board of my initiative includes be working together are doing so. I mentioned the unity many NGOs. It would be best for me to write to the on North Korea, and on Iran we work as the E3 plus 3, hon. Lady with details of all organisations involved. which includes all five permanent members of the Security The funding we deliver generally goes to overseas Council, including Russia and China. There could not organisations such as those I saw on the ground when I be stronger international unity on those subjects. visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo three weeks ago. I announced support for women’s groups that are active on the ground in the DRC and working Hugh Bayley (York Central) (Lab): Humanitarian to document cases of sexual violence in conflict so that needs arising from Syria and work on violence against prosecutions can take place. They need equipment that women both require aid. The last time the G8 met at a helps to gather and preserve the necessary evidence. I Heads of Government meeting in the UK, they came to therefore announced a series of grants for those projects. an historic Make Poverty History deal to increase aid. I will send the hon. Lady a list of those things for The new Government support that decision but some completeness and to save time in the Chamber. G8 countries are backsliding from the commitments they made at Gleneagles. Will that be discussed when Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con): the Heads of Government meet in G8 format later this The Secretary of State will be aware that the Syrian year? regime has asked the UN to list Jabhat al-Nusra as a terrorist organisation. What will be the UK position Mr Hague: That was an important agreement and on that? across parties we should be proud that this year we are hitting the 0.7% UN target on overseas aid. The hon. Mr Hague: Of course, we will consider anything that Gentleman is right to say that not all G8 members have is put to the UN Security Council and look at all the done that—not all are even increasing their aid, let facts about Jabhat al-Nusra, but we must bear in mind alone hitting the target. My right hon. Friend the Prime that it suits the Syrian regime’s narrative to portray the Minister will be chairing the Heads of Government opposition as a collection of extremist groups, whereas, meeting, and he is of course passionate about this as I pointed out earlier, the vast majority of the opposition subject. I will put the hon. Gentleman’s point to him. are not. We will discuss that with other nations on the UN Security Council—the matter has not yet come Alec Shelbrooke (Elmet and Rothwell) (Con): I was a to the Security Council—and I will keep the House strong supporter of the arms trade treaty and I congratulate informed. the Foreign Secretary on the work done by his office in ensuring that it became a reality. The world will be Sandra Osborne (Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock) (Lab): watching how that is engaged with in the situation in I, too, welcome the protocol on preventing sexual violence Syria. I wish to highlight to the House and the country in conflict and congratulate the Foreign Secretary on something important that the Foreign Secretary said, his work in that regard. As all hon. Members know, which was that time is not unlimited in finding a diplomatic sexual violence in conflict has been a serious problem solution to Iran. I urge him to ensure that in E3 plus 3 for a long time, and there are known perpetrators of it meetings he takes the opportunity to encourage Russia throughout the world. What can be done to pursue and China to ensure that a proper strategy is in place to those people and bring them to justice? engage effectively and as ruthlessly as can be done with the new President of Iran who will arrive later this year. Mr Hague: I am glad to say that some prosecutions are in prospect for such crimes. The recent arrest and Mr Hague: Absolutely. The E3 plus 3 group has been transport to the International Criminal Court in The united in its approach in its negotiations so far, and Hague of General Bosco Ntaganda for alleged crimes I hope that will continue in any negotiations that take committed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is 51 G8 Foreign Ministers15 APRIL 2013 G8 Foreign Ministers 52

[Mr Hague] to pursue the matter with both the Government and the opposition in Burma. We will absolutely maintain our one such case. I hope the initiative I am pursuing will efforts on that. lead to a sharp increase over several years in the number of prosecutions. That is the objective of the team of Mr Andrew Love (Edmonton) (Lab/Co-op): I return experts I have mentioned—we have already deployed it at the end of the statement to the questions at the to several conflict-affected areas and will deploy it to beginning on the growing humanitarian catastrophe several more this year. The team will help to gather the that is overtaking Syria, the need for action, and the evidence, which means that prosecutions of both big lamentable lack of action on behalf of the international offenders and individuals can take place so that the community. You mentioned that some of the G8 had culture of impunity is shattered, and so that it is known not lived up to expectations on UN aid, but you did not all over the world that sexual violence in conflict is not speak of the other nations. You have been very clear something that people get away with any more. That is with us, but can you be clear what action the G8 very much the purpose of the initiative. proposed to deal with the matter, and what further discussions you will be having to ensure that everyone lives up to that commitment? Jonathan Ashworth (Leicester South) (Lab): I was grateful that the Foreign Secretary in his statement and Mr Speaker: Order. I cannot be clear on any of those the G8 communiqué referred to Burma and to the need matters and will be having no such discussions, but the to end religious and ethnic tensions there. I am sure he Foreign Secretary may be able to oblige. is aware that, in recent weeks, there have been more reports of sectarian violence against the Rohingya Mr Hague: I am sure we would enjoy you being clear community and other Muslim communities. The root on this issue, Mr Speaker, but I will try to be clear on it. of much of it is Rohingya citizenship. What pressure, The G8 nations do not do badly in this regard, although through the G8 discussions, can he bring to bear on everyone has to make sure that they deliver on their Burma both to recognise Rohingya citizenship and to commitments. Most of the problems of not meeting safeguard the human rights of all religious minorities commitments are outside the G8. Of course, we are in Burma? working very hard, and my colleagues in the Department for International Development are working hard bilaterally with individual Governments, to say that amounts, Mr Hague: The focus of what we did on Burma at the adding up to $1.5 billion, that were pledged in Kuwait G8 was supporting responsible investment in the country— at the end of January—nearly three months ago—must responsible with regard to the population of Burma—but be delivered if there is to be any hope of meeting the we are active in any case in pursuing the hon. Gentleman’s needs of the huge numbers of refugees that I have point. I met last month the Burmese Foreign Minister described. The Government are very active in trying to and made very strongly the point about sectarian violence bring that about. Suggestions have been made by hon. in Burma and the need for the state to ensure that it Members during our exchanges about publishing some comes to an end. I also discussed the matter by telephone of the information, and I undertook to have a look at last week with Aung San Suu Kyi, because it is important doing that. 53 15 APRIL 2013 54

Point of Order Finance (No. 2) Bill Second Reading 5.15 pm Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab): On a point of 5.17 pm order, Mr Speaker. Youwill remember that on 9 January the House unanimously passed a motion in favour of The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David supporting the Government to regulate the pub companies Gauke): I beg to move, That the Bill be now read a industry. Consultees were expecting an announcement Second time. It is a great pleasure to present this year’s from the Government on 5 April, but that did not Finance Bill—a Bill that further demonstrates the happen. On 7 April, The Mail on Sunday carried a piece Government’s commitment to creating a tax system saying that the Chancellor had overridden the Secretary that is fairer, simpler and more transparent, and one of State for Business, Innovation and Skills and that that will promote growth and reward work. Unlike the that Government policy would no longer be being followed. Opposition, those of us on the Government Benches I have written to the Secretary of State to ask whether recognise that we have to address the fiscal mess left us. the Government have changed their policy, but I have That means that we have to resist the voices of those had no reply. I wonder whether you might be able to wanting to engage in a further splurge in borrowing. advise me on how to ensure that the House is kept But we can take steps to make ourselves more competitive informed. If the Government’s policy has been changed, and help people with the cost of living, and that is what it seems most unsatisfactory that the readers of The Mail we will do in the Bill. I will happily take interventions on Sunday should be better informed than Members of this afternoon, but to give some structure to my speech Parliament. it is perhaps worth while my laying out to the Chamber the order in which I intend to discuss the Bill. First, I Mr Speaker: I note the hon. Gentleman’s point of will talk about the measures that will support growth order. In respect of his latter point, I simply make the and enterprise, then the measures that will tackle avoidance observation at the outset that it does not necessarily and evasion, and then the measures that will increase follow that the readers of the organ in question are, as fairness. Finally, I will talk about the way in which the he puts it, better informed. That said, Ministers will of Bill will help to deliver a simpler tax system. course be conscious of their responsibilities to the House. It is not a matter for the Chair, but the hon. Gentleman Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North) (Lab): On the issue of has placed on the record his real concern and it will avoidance and evasion, the press reported over the have been heard on the Treasury Bench. He is a doughty weekend that Britain and its dependencies have more campaigner and I feel sure that he will return to the tax havens than almost any other country. Will the theme if he remains less than satisfied. Government tackle evasion and avoidance seriously, and save us an awful lot of money?

Mr Gauke: As I was trying to make clear a moment ago, I will turn to the subject of evasion and avoidance later on in my speech. The Government have a proud record of taking steps to reduce evasion and avoidance, with legislative measures, support for Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs and what we are doing at an international level to encourage greater co-operation between jurisdictions to ensure that the net is closing in on those who wish to evade their responsibilities. We will continue to take positive steps on that front.

Mr John Redwood (Wokingham) (Con): The Labour Government set capital gains tax at 18%, which is somewhere near the revenue-maximising rate. This Government put CGT up to 28% and, predictably, their own figures show that revenue is lower. When will they promote enterprise with a lower rate that will generate far more revenue, something we clearly need?

Mr Gauke: One has to look at the tax system as a whole, including capital gains tax, and I am not sure that I necessarily agree with my right hon. Friend’s interpretation of the period as a whole in relation to CGT revenues. In the year in question, there was certainly a reduction in deals done and transactions completed after the increase in the rate of CGT, but subsequent CGT revenues have picked up. We also have to bear in mind the relationship between CGT and income tax. I agree strongly with my right hon. Friend that it is important to have a competitive tax system that encourages enterprise and growth—indeed, I will turn to that now. 55 Finance (No. 2) Bill15 APRIL 2013 Finance (No. 2) Bill 56

[Mr Gauke] Mr Gauke: That is not actually what the OBR numbers at the last Budget showed, but clearly we are faced with One of the most important questions facing the difficult economic conditions. It is striking, however, country is this: at a time when much of the world is still that whereas, when the previous Government faced coming to terms with the consequences of the financial difficult economic conditions, the deficit ballooned, we crash, when many of our export markets face significant have taken tough action to ensure that we continue to difficulties, and when international competition is becoming reduce it. Would we like to be reducing it more? Of greater, and, because of the recklessness of the previous course we would. Why is that not happening? The Government, we cannot afford to borrow more, how difficult economic conditions clearly apply. But is the do we put in place the conditions for growth? In the right approach to these difficult economic conditions to specific context of the Bill, how do we ensure that we go on a borrowing splurge, as the Labour party consistently have a tax system that helps us to achieve growth and advocates? The answer is clearly no. encourages businesses to locate and invest in the United Kingdom? As the Chancellor has made clear, our objective Mr William Bain (Glasgow North East) (Lab): If the is to have the most competitive tax system in the G20. Finance Bill is such a success in stimulating additional growth, will the Exchequer Secretary explain the statistics Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): How can the on page 103 of the OBR’s fiscal outlook, which reveals Minister square the statement he has just made with the that since its December forecasts, forecast income tax fact that all his predictions for borrowing are on the way revenues are £6.5 billion lower for 2014-15, £6.9 billion up? Three years ago, we were assured that the Government’s lower for 2013-14 and £7.1 billion for 2015-16? Not policies would resolve this problem. If we are borrowing, much of a success, is it? would it not be better to borrow to invest, rather than to deal with failed economic policy? Mr Gauke: If the hon. Gentleman looks through the OBR’s analysis, he will see its explanation for growth Mr Gauke: Borrowing is down by a third from the being lower than it had anticipated, which has an impact position it was in when we came into office—that is the on the fiscal numbers. It is more than explained by the reality of the situation. We have to remember that if we disappointing performance of our export markets and had the policies advocated by the previous Government, the fact that we have not been able to export as much as borrowing in this Parliament would be £200 billion the OBR had anticipated. The question is: how do we higher than it is going to be. respond to that? Do we try to put in place a competitive tax system that makes businesses and industries want to locate and invest in the UK? We have heard nothing Chris Leslie (Nottingham East) (Lab/Co-op): I do from Labour on that front, whereas this Government’s not know whether the Minister did not get the memo, record is very strong. but the Office for Budget Responsibility confirmed that, compared with the Government’s predictions for Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (The Cotswolds) (Con): In the 2010 spending review, borrowing is predicted to be passing, may I say how hypocritical it is of Opposition £245 billion more. The Minister needs to get a grip on Members to say what they have been saying about debt the fact that borrowing is getting higher. I dare him to levels? Had they not left us with the debt level we say that the deficit is being reduced in this financial year inherited, we would not have this problem. as compared with the previous financial year, because that is just not happening. Despite what my hon. Friend might be hearing from the banks, my constituents tell me that they are lending only when they can get copper-bottomed, personal Mr Gauke: The hon. Gentleman is right to say that guarantees and that the lending they are getting is borrowing levels are higher than predicted by the OBR becoming ever more expensive. Will he look into the three years ago, but that is not the same thing as saying cost of export credit finance, which is a great hindrance that borrowing is higher now than it was. The fact is to small and medium-sized businesses exporting? that at the last Budget the OBR forecast that the deficit was going to be lower this year than it was last year. Mr Gauke: My hon. Friend is absolutely right that we need to do what we can to ensure access to finance for Chris Leslie rose— those strong, viable small businesses that want to expand. That is why we have taken measures such as the funding Mr Gauke: The reality is that, had we pursued the for lending scheme and why we want to ensure that we policies the Opposition advocated at the last general have a business-friendly environment. I am grateful for election, let alone now, the deficit would be much, much his observations on export guarantees. He will be aware higher. In fact, the Opposition are not standing behind of some of the measures that the Government have any of the deficit-reduction policies they advocated at taken over the past two or three years to try and the last general election. For example, I think they support those exporting businesses. I note his comments support what we are doing on the fuel duty—it was one and calls for us to go further. of the few measures the previous Government had in order to reduce the deficit. Mark Field (Cities of London and Westminster) (Con): I appreciate that the Minister has to deal with an Chris Leslie: I thank the Minister for giving way so incredibly difficult situation that is not made any easier generously, but I just want him to answer my question. by this constant battling over borrowing figures. We all He is not claiming that the deficit is still being reduced, know how serious the situation is, and for my part I will is he? It is not falling this year compared with the last not be spending my time blaming the last Government, financial year, is it? which is unhelpful. We must look to the future. 57 Finance (No. 2) Bill15 APRIL 2013 Finance (No. 2) Bill 58

My hon. Friend the Member for The Cotswolds It is not just corporation tax rates: clause 34 will (Geoffrey Clifton-Brown) rightly pointed out the introduce the new above-the-line credit for large company importance of export guarantees. If we are to get trade R and D investment from April 2013—a measure that moving again, it is essential that we ensure a much more will make the level of support more visible to those efficient export guarantee process, particularly with small making investment decisions and thus more beneficial and medium-sized enterprises. We must appreciate—I to foreign-parented multinationals looking to invest in hope that the Minister does—that part and parcel of R and D in the United Kingdom. This Government the guarantee is recognising that some of those guarantees have also made a clear commitment to support the will not come off and so will have to be paid for by the creative industries through the tax system. Building on Government. If we are to break into developing markets, the success of the film tax relief, which last year supported however, we need to do so with some aplomb. investment in more than 300 British films, clause 35 introduces new corporation tax reliefs for the animation, Mr Gauke: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his high-end television and video games sectors. The new remarks. It is right to say that exporting is important. It reliefs will be among the most generous in the world, is one area where, as an economy, we have not performed encouraging investment in these highly skilled and as well as we would have liked over many years, although innovative parts of the creative economy. They are we are making striking progress in some of the major measures that will bring jobs to the United Kingdom developing economies. However, we face difficulties, in and funds to the Exchequer. particular with the eurozone, which is our biggest export This Government recognise the need for a broad market. industrial base, and measures in the Bill will support a Let me return to what we are doing as a Government wide variety of sectors. Clauses 77 to 90, for example, to ensure that we meet our objective of having the most provide certainty over decommissioning relief on the competitive tax system in the G20. We have already UK continental shelf. Clause 7 supports small business made considerable progress. As evidence, let us look at by increasing the annual investment allowance for two the KPMG annual survey of tax competitiveness, in years and clause 56 provides for an extension of the which senior tax professionals were asked to name their capital gains tax holiday. Those measures send the clear three most competitive tax jurisdictions. In 2009, just message to businesses, entrepreneurs and investors across 16% named the UK among their top three, but by 2012 the world that if they want to come to the UK, invest in the UK was named by 72% of respondents, ahead of the UK and employ people in the UK, they will be very every other jurisdiction. Since that survey was undertaken, welcome in the UK. the corporation tax rate has fallen from 24% to 23%, but we will not be complacent. Clause 4 will cut the Mr Redwood: I strongly support the corporation main rate of corporation tax to 21% from April 2014. tax move, which will be extremely helpful to Britain’s As we announced at the Budget, we will then reduce the competitiveness, but when people are thinking about where corporation tax rate by an additional one percentage to locate their businesses, they worry not only about point from April 2015—a measure in clause 6 that will profits tax but about personal tax. Does my hon. Friend mean that the United Kingdom has the lowest business agree that, given the current inherited income rates and tax rate of any major economy in the world. capital gains tax rates, a lot of the high earners in those companies do not want to be anywhere near London because the taxation rates are still very heavy? Geraint Davies (Swansea West) (Lab/Co-op): Given that before and after the Budget the corporation tax Mr Gauke: My right hon. Friend makes a valuable rate in France was 33%, while in Germany it was 29% point. This underlines the fact that the Government and in Britain it was 21%, why is it necessary to reduce were right to reduce the 50p rate of income tax, because it to 20% and in so doing to get rid of 5% of the it was out of line with the vast majority of our international corporation tax yield? How long will it take to get that competitors. We have to look at the tax system as a 5% back? Will we produce 5% more inwardly-investing whole. I believe that we have made striking progress in businesses or will the size of the business community delivering that, and in ensuring that we are open for grow by 5% to make it up? We are already extremely business. It is also striking that, since we have embarked competitive on that front, so how long will it take to on our package of reforms, the flow of businesses make up that money, which the Minister has given away leaving the country has already been stemmed. Indeed, for no apparent reason? we have seen many businesses either returning to the UK or coming here for the first time. They include Mr Gauke: I hope the reduction to 20% will have WPP, Lancashire, AON, Rowan and Seadrill, and I believe all-party support, but I am sorry if it does not. The that more will follow. advantage of 20% is that we will have a corporation tax rate that is consistent with the small profits rate. It is the Mark Field rose— lowest in the G20 and sends a clear signal to businesses around the world that the UK is open for business. That Stewart Hosie (Dundee East) (SNP) rose— is something that we in this Government are proud of and that we believe is putting in place the conditions for Mr Gauke: I will give way first to my hon. Friend growth. I hope that the Opposition will support this the Member for Cities of London and Westminster measure, although Labour in government did not make (Mark Field). as much progress in reducing corporation tax rates as it might have done and we lost a competitive advantage. Mark Field: I give my hon. Friend credit for what he This Government are restoring that competitive advantage, has done for the animation and video games industries which is something we are proud of. in my constituency. As he will know, there has been a 59 Finance (No. 2) Bill15 APRIL 2013 Finance (No. 2) Bill 60

[Mark Field] suppliers and prospective clients. We obviously welcome the investment in the creative industry, which is also long-standing campaign for such provisions, and I am very important. by no means the only Member of Parliament who has lobbied for them in recent years. Will he ensure that we Mr Gauke: I shall certainly take that intervention as will be able to act as nimbly as possible if our tax rates lobbying in support of the proposal. The hon. Gentleman become uncompetitive, for whatever reason, for those is right to highlight our super-connected cities policy, internationally competitive businesses? Such action might which is further modernising our economy and further need to be applied to a whole range of industries, well benefiting a number of cities. I appreciate the case he beyond the IT and animation industries. As he has makes for Swansea, and I am sure that it will be properly rightly pointed out, it is very easy to lose such jobs considered. nowadays, and we need to ensure that they come back to these shores at the earliest possible opportunity. Justin Tomlinson (North Swindon) (Con): The tax breaks for the video games industry are a fantastic opportunity Mr Gauke: My hon. Friend makes an important to create swathes of new jobs, but it is essential that point. The Government recognise that capital and the Minister continues to apply pressure to address the investment can be very mobile, and that they are more shortage of computer programming graduates or we mobile in some sectors than others. We have demonstrated shall miss out on a fantastic announcement. a willingness to listen in this regard. Our principal policy in this area has been to adopt a lower rate, but we Mr Gauke: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for have recognised that in certain areas of considerable putting that point on the record. He will be aware of the mobility, we need to respond to what is happening. We efforts made by the Government to strengthen our have done so through the measures in the Bill, and capacity in that respect, and I am sure his remarks will through the patent box in last year’s Finance Act, which be noted carefully by my ministerial colleagues in the was important in further ensuring that the UK is an Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. attractive location for investment. I shall now give way I turn to tax avoidance and evasion. Although we to another Member of Parliament with a constituency believe in a competitive tax landscape, we are not by any interest in the video games industry. means a soft touch on tax. As a Government, we have made very clear our expectations of businesses. We Stewart Hosie: I welcome some of these targeted expect businesses to pay tax in accordance with the law, measures, particularly those relating to video games. I but we also want to ensure that aggressive, artificial tax think that they are sensible. I also welcome the tenfold avoidance is dealt with, which brings me to the second increase in the annual investment allowance, but does key theme of the Bill. the Minister not think it odd that that increase will last for only two years? Given that certain capital investments The vast majority of individuals and businesses pay will take some time, is it not ludicrous that in two years’ their fair share of tax, but the Bill takes determined time, the general annual investment allowance will revert action against those who choose not to do so, by to £25,000 a year? Might not that create uncertainty? introducing a further package of measures to tackle tax Would it not be better to maintain the general annual avoidance. investment allowance rate at a higher level, to encourage medium-term investments not only for two years but for Ian Swales (Redcar) (LD): When people engage in three, four and five years? practices where assets are bought and sold for different prices—for example, film rights were headlined in a Mr Gauke: There is a balance to be struck, and we recent case—it is actually tax evasion, and prosecution have rightly focused on bringing down the rate of should follow. Does the Minister agree with that analysis? corporation tax, not only for larger businesses but for smaller ones as well. Let us remember that the small Mr Gauke: Where there is an element of dishonesty, profits rate was set to go to 22% when we came into it is clearly tax evasion, and Her Majesty’s Revenue and office, and that it is now 20%. We have increased the Customs has indeed been successful in bringing prosecutions annual investment allowance for that two-year period in a number of high-profile cases. Under this Government to try to stimulate investment at a time that is not we have seen the number of prosecutions by HMRC necessarily the easiest for many businesses. That is part increase fivefold, which is a reflection of how seriously of what we have done to help small businesses during we consider tax evasion and of our determination to this difficult period. Taking steps to bring the rate down assist HMRC in addressing it as much as possible. is important; it is a tradition, if you like. It has been our direction of travel in the UK over many years, and I Kelvin Hopkins: A theme I have raised many times in think that we have now got the balance about right. the Chamber is the number of staff in HMRC. I am sure the Minister knows that every additional tax officer Geraint Davies: I have here a letter to the Chancellor collects many times their own salary, and in the case of from the Admiral group in Swansea—the biggest business business taxation, it can sometimes be hundreds or even in Wales. It expresses disappointment that Swansea thousands of times their salary. Do we not simply need was not included as a city with super-connected city a substantial increase in the number of professional status in the last Budget and asks that it continues to staff in HMRC to make sure we collect all the tax? be considered in future. Will the Exchequer Secretary positively consider that request? Business is asking Mr Gauke: The hon. Gentleman and I have debated for the infrastructure tools to succeed, particularly that point on a number of occasions. The important so that large businesses can connect worldwide with thing is to ensure that HMRC has the right expertise 61 Finance (No. 2) Bill15 APRIL 2013 Finance (No. 2) Bill 62 and skills, and the right people doing the job. In truth, Chris Leslie: I had a feeling the Minister would say there has been a significant reduction in HMRC staff that the corporation tax reduction had been offset by over recent years, the vast majority of which occurred the bank levy. However, although the Prime Minister under the previous Government. We are increasing the promised that the levy would raise £2.5 billion, it raised numbers working in the enforcement and compliance only £1.8 billion in 2011-12—[Interruption.] Perhaps area, but a lot of the answer is about ensuring that the hon. Gentleman is getting an answer to this point HMRC can work in the most effective way. I was struck from the Economic Secretary. In the past financial year, by the increase in the number of tax professionals being the levy raised only £1.6 billion, so there is a massive trained by HMRC. We do want to invest in skills within shortfall compared with the amount that the Prime HMRC. This is not simply a numbers game but, as it Minister said it would raise. How on earth does that happens, the number of people working for HMRC in offset the corporation tax cut for the banks? enforcement and compliance is going up, not down. Mr Gauke: We were clear that our objective was that the bank levy would collect £2.5 billion, on a permanent Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: While I strongly support the basis, which is more than the bank payroll tax ever move in the Budget to reduce corporation tax, it is no collected. When the amount has fallen below our good encouraging companies to come to this country if expectations, we have adjusted the levy, and the independent they then avoid paying corporation tax. Is it not important Office for Budget Responsibility anticipates that the that big multinational companies pay corporation tax bank levy will raise £2.5 billion this year. We have made on the profits that they make in this country? Equally, is adjustments largely because the banking sector has not my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister absolutely continued to be afflicted by economic difficulties throughout right to ensure that, through the G8, we have international the world, as a consequence of the crash, so fragile agreements so that multinational companies cannot go global conditions have played a part. I am not going to around the world, especially to third world countries, be preached to by the Opposition on the taxation of and make profits without paying the relevant corporation banks. We have introduced a bank levy; the Opposition tax? had 13 years in which to do something about that, but failed to do so. Mr Gauke: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. We want an international tax system that ensures that economic Mr Andrew Love (Edmonton) (Lab/Co-op) rose— activity is taxed where it occurs. That involves working internationally, and he is right to highlight the Prime Mr Gauke: I shall give way to the hon. Gentleman Minister’s ambitions while we have the presidency of before moving on to other subjects. the G8, which will feed through to the G20 and the work that the OECD is already doing, which we Mr Love: One can understand that conditions will support. It is right to have an international tax system affect the amount that the banks pay, but surely it is a that reflects the reality of how multinational businesses simple measure of adjusting the rate to ensure that the work. calculation generates £2.5 billion as promised. Clauses 203 to 212 introduce the UK’s first general Mr Gauke: The hon. Gentleman is right. We have anti-abuse rule—GAAR—which will provide a significant adjusted the rate, and increased it to a level at which the new deterrent to abusive avoidance schemes and strengthen OBR believes it will bring in £2.5 billion. HMRC’s means of tackling them. On top of that, we are taking action to close a further 15 tax avoidance Tim Loughton (East Worthing and Shoreham) (Con): loopholes, which will increase tax revenues by almost Perhaps the Minister will remind Opposition spokespeople £1 billion up to 2017-18, as well as protect future that corporation tax is payable only on profits. Many revenues. The Chancellor gave a clear warning in the banks that were forced into disastrous mergers by the 2012 Budget that the Government would take action on previous Government are still turning in losses, which aggressive stamp duty avoidance. The Bill follows up on might account for the shortfall in the figures given by that warning by legislating against those who continue the hon. Member for Nottingham East (Chris Leslie). to avoid tax on property transactions. All these measures will stop people exploiting legislation to gain tax advantages Mr Gauke: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for making that were never intended, and they will also encourage that helpful point. fairness. Turning to the wider issue of fairness, in addition to the steps that we have taken on avoidance and evasion, Chris Leslie: While the Minister is on the subject of the Bill builds on previous coalition policy by ensuring companies that might not pay their fair share of corporation that individuals and businesses will make a fair contribution, tax, will he confirm that the banks received a substantial while the Government continue to support those on the corporation tax cut in the past financial year and the lowest incomes. We continue to reward work and help one before that, yet he has done nothing to correct the hard-working families with the cost of living, and the situation? Bill therefore increases the income tax personal allowance to £9,440 from this month. That represents the biggest ever cash increase, and the Chancellor has announced Mr Gauke: No, I cannot confirm that, because it is that the threshold will rise again, to £10,000, from next not correct. The reality is that the reductions in corporation year. tax falling to banks have been more than offset by increases in the bank levy. We have sought on every Justin Tomlinson: This announcement is extremely occasion to offset the decreases in corporation tax welcome, but most people simply do not know how through increases in the levy. much the changes will help them. Does the Minister 63 Finance (No. 2) Bill15 APRIL 2013 Finance (No. 2) Bill 64

[Justin Tomlinson] Mr Gauke: The vast majority of those people will pay less income tax in total as a consequence of the measures agree that any changes, good or bad, should be displayed that we have introduced. As a result of the change in on payslips, in the same spirit that changes in council thresholds, most support has been focused on basic-rate tax or business rates are displayed in the annual bill? taxpayers and people who have been taken out of income tax altogether. For the vast majority of people Mr Gauke: My hon. Friend makes an interesting who now find themselves in the higher-rate band, the point. He will be aware of the steps that the Government gains that they have made from the increase in the have taken to introduce personal tax statements that personal allowance more than outweigh the additional will make the tax system much more transparent. It will tax they will pay on the higher rate. be clearer to people how much tax they are paying, and In that context, it is worth highlighting the steps that how that money is being spent. We believe that those we have taken to ensure not only that we protect the are helpful steps, and those tax statements can demonstrate poorest but that the wealthy pay their fair share of tax. the way in which we have made great progress in increasing Clause 16 will legislate to cap previously unlimited the personal allowance. income tax reliefs at £50,000 or 25% of an individual’s income, whichever is greater. That will prevent those Several hon. Members rose— reliefs from being exploited unfairly, so that individuals, many with very high incomes, cannot use those reliefs Mr Gauke: I shall give way to the hon. Member for to reduce their income tax bills to zero year after year. Corby (Andy Sawford), as I have not give way to him As announced in the Budget last year, clauses 91 and yet. 172 will legislate for an annual tax on enveloped dwellings. That is a charge on residential properties valued at more than £2 million held by certain non-natural persons. To Andy Sawford (Corby) (Lab/Co-op): The Minister complement that measure, the Bill includes the extension may be reluctant to offer real transparency on the impact of capital gains tax to certain non-natural persons of the Government’s changes because of the findings of disposing of UK residential property valued at over the Institute for Fiscal Studies that the average family £2 million. For too long, the well-advised wealthy have will be £891 a year worse off as a result of the cumulative found ways around paying stamp duty land tax. The effect of the changes under his Budgets over the past Government have acted to address that. three years. Clauses 47 and 48 legislate for the further reduction of lifetime and annual allowances for pension contributions. Mr Gauke: I do not recognise those numbers. We That is not an easy measure to introduce, but it will have taken steps to try to get the country out of a leave the vast majority of those saving for retirement significant fiscal hole. We have taken steps to reduce the unaffected while curbing the rising cost of pensions tax amount of tax that millions of households will pay as a relief. Other measures in the Bill will curb unwelcome consequence of the increase in personal allowance. We rising costs. The Government understand the costs that have reduced income tax for 25 million people. That is have the biggest impacts on families and businesses something we are proud of, and something that we did every day, and as such, we have taken action in the not see when the Opposition were in power. Bill to help those individuals and businesses that have been impacted by persistently high pump prices. Under Sheila Gilmore: What the Minister fails to appreciate, clause 177, fuel duty will be frozen at current levels, in saying that he does not recognise those figures, is the meaning that it will be 13p per litre cheaper than under fact that the increase in the tax threshold has been the previous Government’s plans. wiped out for many families, particularly those with children, by the changes in tax credits. At the same time, The Bill will cut the cost of the average pint of beer the cost of increasing the tax threshold is £9 billion, so by 1p. Not only is that good news for the beer drinkers it is not the best way of targeting help on the low paid. among us, but it represents excellent news for the brewing industry and for pubs. The reduced duty under the small breweries relief has helped to build a thriving Mr Gauke: I am grateful to the hon. Lady for putting brewing industry, which demonstrates that lower duty on the record her opposition to the increase in the can lead to growth, investment and jobs. That 1p cut personal allowance. I am sure that is something that will will be a further step to supporting a successful British be read with interest by her constituents. industry. Stewart Hosie rose— It is the Government’s belief that the most effective tax policy is that which is devised in the most transparent fashion, and as such, the majority of measures in the Mr Gauke: Because he is insistent, I shall give way to Bill have been formulated following lengthy consultation the hon. Gentleman. with interest groups, business and the public. Thirty-six formal and eight informal consultations took place Stewart Hosie: The Minister is keen to discuss the last summer. In December last year, over 400 pages change in the basic rate allowance, but he is rather less of draft legislation for the Bill were published for keen to discuss the 40% threshold, which has gone from technical consultation, alongside explanatory notes, tax £37,000 to £34,000, then to £32,000. The Government information and impact notes. We received more than have dragged an extra 670,000 people into the 40p tax 400 comments on the technical consultation, which has rate, which used to be for the rich, and that is before helped to make sure that the measures in the Bill are this year’s changes. He is rather less keen to discuss that. as easy to understand as possible, and thus as easy to I wonder why. comply with as possible. 65 Finance (No. 2) Bill15 APRIL 2013 Finance (No. 2) Bill 66

Geraint Davies: I am grateful for the Minister’s enormous economics? Let us be clear. There is no positive impact generosity in giving way a third time. On the issue of on economic growth from the Bill. The Government’s transparency in pensions, does he accept that the people own Office for Budget Responsibility on page 46 of its who are going to be hit hardest are the current young, report on the Budget states that it will have who are the future old? They are also paying much “no impact on the level of GDP at the end of the forecast higher student loans, they face debts, they will need horizon.” much higher deposits for their mortgages, they will have The OBR also says that to pay higher rents so they cannot save, and they face “these measures reduce GDP growth” much greater uncertainty about job prospects. Downstream they will be hit again by the pension changes, which are in 2013. After all that effort by the Chancellor, culminating not transparent to them, partly because they are not in the Budget and this weighty Finance Bill, what is the thinking about that now because they are young. impact on economic growth in this calendar year? It is negative. Mr Gauke: I will try not to digress too much. If I can It is no wonder that the Treasury’s plans and the be helpful to the hon. Gentleman, I do not think he is OBR forecasts are on a slippery slope, constantly and concerned about the proposals in the Bill, which will continuously downgrading their projections for the economy apply only to those who make the biggest contributions while upgrading the size of the deficit. Those grandiose to their pension fund and receive tax relief for that. He plans and supposedly tough decisions that the Chancellor makes a number of important points, but those are not set out three years ago have seen economic growth of necessarily relevant to the proposals on pension tax just 0.8%, compared with the 5.3% that they forecast relief. If he is concerned about that, I look forward to and promised at the time. All the while, our international hearing his concerns over the course of the many debates competitors are moving forward, leaving us behind. that we will have. Only two other G20 countries have grown more slowly The Bill is substantial. Building on the invaluable than the UK since the 2010 spending review—Japan work of Michael Jack and John Whiting at the Office of and Italy. Tax Simplification, it delivers a number of important reforms to simplify the tax system, including the David Rutley (Macclesfield) (Con): Will the hon. implementation of recommendations from their reviews Gentleman give way? of small business tax and tax-advantaged share schemes. This is a significant Bill. It is a clear statement of our Chris Leslie: Let us not forget the double-dip recession, ambition to secure a tax system that restores the together with the shrinking economy in the last quarter competitiveness of our private sector, clamps down on for which figures are available. avoidance and evasion, and helps to build a fairer I give way on the double-dip recession. society for those who want to work. It is a clear statement that we remain committed to reducing the deficit and David Rutley: I thank the hon. Gentleman for giving building a prosperous economy in the United Kingdom way. I am pleased to see that he has departed from the once again. It is a Bill that will energise business and vaudeville act that we normally see from the shadow support hard-working people, and it is a Bill that I Chancellor, and instead adopted the posture of Eeyore. wholeheartedly commend to the House. Has he failed to notice that the IMF has projected that the growth in the UK for this year and next will be 6.1 pm greater than that in both France and Germany? Chris Leslie (Nottingham East) (Lab/Co-op): The Minister’s job was clearly to drill down into the technical Chris Leslie: I am sorry if I am upsetting the hon. details, rather than focus on the big picture of the Gentleman by having to emphasise some of the things Budget and the Finance Bill. [Interruption.] There is that are going wrong in the Government’s plan, but heckling already. It would have been nice to see a bit of somebody has to wake up the Back Benchers after life from the Minister during the debate. How to draw the scintillating comments that were made from the the sting from a Finance Bill? Send for the Exchequer Government Front Bench. If the hon. Gentleman thinks Secretary. It is true that he is less provocative than the he has the capability to stand up and defend his Chief Secretary to the Treasury; I will give him that. Government’s record on economic growth, we would all It is true that the Government wanted to kill off any be impressed. He must surely accept that it has been a interest in the Bill and put it on the back burner. massive and total failure and a disappointment which Towards the end the Minister tried to arouse the enthusiasm has not only hurt all our constituents, but has made of his colleagues on the Back Benches for the Bill by the public finances far worse than the Government were saying that it was about building a fairer society and predicting. energising Britain, but it is not a Bill for building a The Government said that they wanted to rebalance fairer society or energising business. It is not a Bill for the UK economy, but look at the latest trade statistics, the economy. It is not about what is best for the country which showed our trade deficit increasing by £1 billion at all. It is a Bill totally designed around what the between January and February, with the balance of Chancellor thinks is best for him. As the weight of payments deficit for our country now at £36 billion. evidence mounts that his plan is failing, he flails around Despite the depreciation of sterling, our exports are desperately to justify his strategy, casting around constantly shrinking, and despite the problems in the eurozone, to blame everyone and everything else for the fact that our exports to other non-eurozone countries, such as everything is going so badly wrong. the United States, are getting worse as well, and all that The Bill gives us a glimpse of just how desperate things from the Chancellor who two years ago promised he must be getting inside the Treasury. For the Treasury would deliver team, it is all about the politics, but what about the “a Britain carried aloft by the march of the makers.” 67 Finance (No. 2) Bill15 APRIL 2013 Finance (No. 2) Bill 68

Mark Field: The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that It is not just the failure on growth; the Bill does not the global situation, particularly among the eurozone contribute to deficit reduction either. The deficit is countries, makes it incredibly difficult for us to achieve already set to be £245 billion larger than the Government the export-led growth that we would all have liked over planned. The OBR reacted to the Budget and the the past three years. Will he give credit to the Government Finance Bill with some stark predictions. In fact, it for the fact that more than 1 million private sector jobs stated on the first page of its Budget analysis that the have been created over the past three years? That should deficit reduction plan has now stalled. The £121 billion be welcomed and should counter some of the pessimism deficit recorded in 2011 will turn out to be the same for emanating from his speech. 2012, and the OBR predicts that it will be the same for this financial year. I challenged the Minister earlier to Chris Leslie: If I can try to be optimistic, I hope that stand up and say that the deficit is still falling. He tried there will be a sustained increase in employment, but I to claim that the OBR figures pointed in that direction. am getting worried. The latest figures showed that Well, they point in that direction by less than one tenth unemployment is rising again. We must look at the of 1%—a fig leaf of £100 million. The claim that they underlying situation reflected in the productivity gap still have a deficit reduction strategy is not credible. The and the capacity problem in the economy, which the deficit reduction strategy is gone. Treasury is worsening. The Minister spent a large part of his speech trumpeting the reductions in corporation The Deputy Prime Minister and the Chancellor of tax that the Treasury have put into the Bill as the big the Exchequer both promised that they would balance solution to those problems. Of course we want the UK the books by 2015, so what has happened to that to be seen as a good place for investment, but the promise? Their explanations for the failure become Treasury has not produced any analysis of how those more and more desperate. They blamed the snow, the further cuts in corporation tax will feed through into royal wedding, Europe, the banks and the unemployed. economic growth. We hope they will, but it is time we The blame has been laid at everyone’s door except saw some clear proof that inward investment and business where is belongs—No. 11 Downing street. The time has growth are flowing from that approach, and that we are come for Ministers to take some responsibility for their not just stacking up corporate surpluses which are failings. locked away because businesses fear that they will not The OBR also predicts—these are pretty shocking be able to access bank credit. figures—that real wage levels will fall by 2.4% over the course of this Parliament. Wages are forecast to fall Geraint Davies: My hon. Friend will know that the most steeply this year, relative to prices. The cost of debt to GDP ratio will have grown from 55% in 2010 to living is increasing, but it is getting harder and harder 85% in 2015, and that the way to sort that out is by for people to keep pace. confronting the debt and/or confronting the GDP—namely, Where are the measures in the Bill to create a fairer growth. Does he accept that even though 1 million more society? The Budget and the Bill are deeply unfair for people are in jobs, overall production has not gone up, millions of hard-working families who will be, as my so their average productivity has gone down? Does he hon. Friend the Member for Corby (Andy Sawford) agree that it is time to invest in infrastructure, super- said, on average £891 worse off this year because of the connectivity and skills, and to make Britain more productive changes introduced since 2010. In fact, the Institute for and make it grow? Fiscal Studies statistics show that a lone-parent household Chris Leslie: My hon. Friend makes a good point. It in work will lose £1,206 this financial year, a couple is not a good sign that it is taking more and more people with children where both parents are earners will lose to produce the same amount of output. In the long run £1,869 and—this is the most staggering statistic—a that is not a sustainable strategy for our economy. couple with children where only one parent is an earner Ministers need to look more seriously at that issue. The will lose, typically, £3,995 this year as a result of the problem is not just the fact that the Bill neglects economic changes the Government have announced since 2010. growth. Tim Loughton: On that point about families in which Tim Loughton: I am slightly puzzled that the shadow one parent is an earner, will the hon. Gentleman therefore Minister cannot see the link between the reductions in commit his party to supporting a transferable tax allowance corporation tax and attracting businesses to this country. for married couples, which, as well as sending out a He should get out more. Is he not aware of a number of strong message, would specifically help those couples companies which have relocated from the Republic of where one person goes out to earn and the other looks Ireland, for example? Bank of America has relocated after the children? £50 billion worth of its trading business to the City of London. Firms in my constituency are bringing business back from Denmark to this country because the corporation Chris Leslie: I understand that the hon. Gentleman tax rates are much more beneficial for them. That sends will be tabling amendments on that issue and look out a clear message that this is the place to do business. forward to seeing how he will frame them. I know that Ministers are looking forward to seeing those amendments, Chris Leslie: I am afraid that the former Minister’s because they will spark a useful debate within the suggestions are not borne out by the evidence. Ultimately, Government ranks. Personally, I do not think that is the corporation tax benefits a company only if it is turning best strategy. I think that it would be better to look at a profit. I am yet to see action being taking in the Bill to the damage his hon. Friends have been doing to the tax help businesses now, particularly those struggling to get credits system. It is women and families, in particular, back into the black. Those are the steps that are needed who are paying the price for the Chancellor’s economic to help the businesses that are finding the current economic mistakes. In fact, the Government have cut support for conditions very difficult indeed. parents by reducing statutory maternity and paternity 69 Finance (No. 2) Bill15 APRIL 2013 Finance (No. 2) Bill 70 pay so that by 2015 it will be worth £180 less than it spend the highest proportion of their income, because would have been had it been uprated in line with inflation. they cannot afford to save. By hitting the poorest the I think that the hon. Gentleman needs to look at hardest the Government are hitting growth overall and that point. The Prime Minister once promised—I know making a more unbalanced economy and a more divided that this is something the hon. Gentleman feels keenly—that society. he would lead the most family-friendly Government ever, but it is ordinary families across the country who Chris Leslie: It is the politics of shooting oneself in are paying the price for the Government’s failed economic the foot. The difficulty is that the Chancellor does not strategy. even understand that his strategy is making his task far harder in the long run. It is not just the fact that people The Finance Bill will make Britain less fair. We are on lower and middle incomes are suffering as a result; it definitely not all in this together. For example, let us is the unfairness when they compare it with what the look at the Government’s “shares for rights” scheme, set Government are doing for those parts of the economy out in clause 54, which I know we will be considering and of society that they favour. The banks are still again in the Chamber. The Government’s view of a getting away with not paying their fair share. A tiny fairer society is one in which businesses are allowed to corner of the country is doing very well out of the force new employees to give up their rights at work, Chancellor. The banks, whose actions created the deficit, including the right not to be sacked unfairly and the are not contributing their fair share towards repairing right to redundancy pay, something so unpopular that it. In fact, astonishingly, they are benefiting from the even former Conservative Ministers voted against it in Chancellor’s generosity. This Bill fails to get a grip of the House of Lords. It is not even as if the business the contribution the banks ought to be making. It is still community is asking for that power. Of the 184 businesses too weak on the very institutions that had to be bailed that responded to the official consultation, only three out by the taxpayer because of their perilous self-indulgence. said that they wanted to use the scheme. Ministers are We have debated in the past, and we will do so again, totally out of touch with employees and employers on the fact that Ministers have failed lamentably when it that issue. comes to tackling bonuses. In opposition, the Prime Whatever rosy picture the Minister tries to paint, the Minister promised: public can tell that living standards are falling, not “Where the taxpayer owns a large stake in a bank, we are rising. The Government just do not seem to understand saying that no employee shall be paid a bonus of over £2,000”. how extreme austerity has hit consumer confidence, My hon. Friends probably remember that comment. how it is sapping business confidence and how precipitous However, when I express my dismay about the Bill’s cuts and tax rises have had the opposite of their intended weakness, I am not just talking about the lack of a bank effect. Let us take the study published only last week by bonuses tax. The Government said that the bank levy, the Financial Times showing that they are harming the as a charge on bank balance sheets, was their answer to prospects of recovery for some of our most fragile local clawing back some of the costs for the taxpayer. economies, especially in poorer areas of the country, The Prime Minister said in 2011 that once the levy by removing £19 billion of spending power from their was “fully up and running” it would raise £2.5 billion residents. It is the regions of the UK most in need each year—in fact, he said that it would raise £9 billion of regeneration and private sector investment that are over the spending review period. We now see that the feeling the heaviest impact. Government have totally failed to live up to their promise and that the banks have swerved the bank Andy Sawford: My hon. Friend is making an incredibly levy; they have not paid anything like the amount important point about the uneven effects of the mentioned. In fact, the Chancellor has raised nearly Government’s policies. In some parts of the country £2 billion less from the banks since the Prime Minister people have been able to return to work, according to made that promise just two years ago. Those are not the much-vaunted statistics on unemployment in recent my figures, but the latest figures from the Office for months, but across East Northamptonshire 126 more Budget Responsibility and HMRC. people this year are on employment and support allowance The Government repeatedly claim—the Minister did because of the Government’s failure to get our economy it again today—that the bank levy will raise £2.5 billion growing overall and their particular failure to help a year and that the cuts in corporation tax will not benefit those communities that have suffered most in recent the banks; the Minister said that those corporation tax years. cuts would be offset by increases in the levy. However, the OBR figures, published alongside the Budget, estimate Chris Leslie: Where is the regional economic strategy that in the financial year that has just ended, 2012-13, from the Government? Where is their attempt to revitalise the bank levy will raise just £1.6 billion—a massive those parts of the country that have suffered most of shortfall. We have then to deduct a further £200 million all? I am sorry if I sound a little like Eeyore to Government because of the generous corporation tax cut. All in all, Members, but somebody has to say, as my hon. Friends the banks have paid £1.1 billion less than Ministers have been saying, that Government policies are just promised. That is even worse than in the previous going to harm those parts of the country that are in financial year of 2011-12, when the combined shortfall desperate need of regeneration and will make the situation was £800 million less than the Minister promised. worse for them. My hon. Friend makes that point well. What on earth is going on? Why cannot the Minister get a grip of the issue? The bank levy strategy is Geraint Davies: Does my hon. Friend accept that one haemorrhaging money when it should be boosting the of the Government’s biggest failures has been not to Exchequer far more significantly. I ask my hon. Friends resuscitate consumer demand, which would stimulate to think of what that nearly £2 billion could have growth? It is the poorest in our communities who achieved in the past two years. This is the third or fourth 71 Finance (No. 2) Bill15 APRIL 2013 Finance (No. 2) Bill 72

[Chris Leslie] We had hoped, before the Budget, that the Liberal Democrats would stick to one pledge—their pledge to attempt by the Government to get the issue right, but support a mansion tax. We even tabled a one-line motion each time they have failed to raise what they promised. for Lib Dems to vote for, but they did not want to The Minister has to go back to the drawing board now offend the Conservatives. But they should not worry and come up with a policy that will actually work rather because we will give them another chance to support than something designed to pass a press release test. their own policy later in the week—a mansion tax on The Chancellor is making bad decisions because he is properties worth over £2 million to deliver a tax cut for getting deeper into difficulty, proving time and again lower and middle-income households. We favour a 10p that saving his own skin comes before getting the judgment starting rate of income tax as the best way to do that right. It did not take long for the world to see, for and we think that should be in the Bill. example, that the Government had not properly thought Why have the Government not legislated for their through their flagship Help to Buy scheme after it was child care voucher extension, which has been pencilled announced in the Budget. That was hailed as the boost in vaguely for some time after the general election? that we needed for housing, but focusing only on demand Where is the national insurance help for small businesses without any corresponding action to supply more affordable that we have been calling for and which the Chancellor homes is only a half-policy partially thought through. should be acting on sooner? Why is that not in the Bill? I hope that the scheme succeeds, but why on earth It is not good enough for such provisions to be in black cannot the Government ensure that funds are not siphoned and white in a Budget book; it needs to be in the Bill. off for second-home purchases? By contorting the scheme There have been so many promises in the media, but so that it does not count against the deficit figures, do they have not been seen through in the Finance Bill. they not realise that they have added complexity that The Finance Bill could be the moment when the might hinder take-up? After all, the Government promised Government change their mind on the bedroom tax, that 100,000 people would have used last year’s NewBuy and it should be the legislation that repeals their lovely scheme by now, but only 1,500 people have become gift of an average £100,000 tax cut for Britain’s lucky involved so far. millionaires through the cut to the 50p tax rate. As I have said before, it seems that with this Government Mr Love: If the Government take action on demand there is one rule for the rich, but only one room for the without equivalent action on supply, will that not lead poor. to a massive increase in house prices? Where do the Government get such a gratuitously unfair sense of priorities? The language used to validate Chris Leslie: We will undoubtedly be able to judge the a cruel, harsh, selfish approach is breathtaking—they success of these issues, but there are some deeper flaws insist on the caricature of the “spare room subsidy” and in the design of the Help to Buy scheme; we will debate bristle at the term “bedroom tax” because they know that issue in more detail this week. It all reeks of a that the public can see the policy for the disaster it is policy that has not been thought through properly— proving to be. The Chief Secretary to the Treasury, who designed in haste and yet again not having the intended is not here, wrote in The Sun on Easter weekend that he effect. wanted to tackle the “bedroom blockers”—that from a Understanding what the Government have put into Liberal Democrat Chief Secretary who could and should the Finance Bill requires an understanding of what they have blocked the bedroom tax in the first place. have not put in. This was the Budget and the Finance Bill that were supposed to learn the lessons of the 2012 Mark Field: Like me, the hon. Gentleman represents omnishambles Budget and Finance Bill—the pasty tax, an inner-city seat. He will know from his own mailbag the granny tax and the caravan tax. Here is the product that the biggest housing issue is overcrowding. I find of all the Government’s care and vigilance this year; I that in my constituency, and I cannot believe for one am sure that the Minister’s officials will be proud of moment that the hon. Gentleman does not get similar him. The Government have painstakingly avoided anything letters from constituents. That is what is behind the that will have a positive and significant impact on so-called “bedroom tax”. We are trying to ensure that growth, meticulously evaded any measures that might more vital social housing resource is made available to stimulate job creation and sidestepped anything that those in genuine need. might repair the mess that they are making of the public finances. Chris Leslie: The Government are not putting any of In fact, the only real aspiration in the Bill is to get those resources into building affordable social housing. through it without any more U-turns. But by avoiding Kicking people out of their homes will not help people the bold action that we need to stimulate the economy, in that way. We have already seen evidence that nine out the Government have created a Bill bereft of the major of 10 of those affected by the bedroom tax have no reforms we need. So many measures are conspicuous by option of going anywhere else at all. The Government their absence. The Government have cut public investment, have totally neglected the supply of affordable housing. and now they are cutting back on policies, too. They have not prioritised that. I had hoped that the Chief Secretary to the Treasury Then we come to the grotesque spectacle of a Chancellor would be here today; normally, he would open the of the Exchequer demeaning his office—using the case debate on the Finance Bill. I do not know whether his of a multiple child killer to argue for his changes to the not being here is a deliberate strategy or whether he has welfare system. We knew that Conservatives relish any a decent reason; the shadow Chief Secretary has a opportunity to do down social insurance protections decent reason for not being here, but that could not and that the Government’s policies are actually pushing apply to the Chief Secretary. more people into welfare—not helping them out, but 73 Finance (No. 2) Bill15 APRIL 2013 Finance (No. 2) Bill 74 pushing up the welfare bill to record levels. However, we reform has to be a continuous process to fit the modern did not know the depths to which the Chancellor would circumstances of society. Reform is never just a “job stoop. The nasty party is back. done”, nor should it aim only at being headline-grabbing. The Chancellor certainly grabbed the headlines, but I We should crack down harder on fraud but also on tax say to Government Members that what he said diminished evasion, we should better reflect the contributory principle, his standing in the eyes of millions who rely on benefits— and above all, we should focus relentlessly on getting those in work relying on tax credits as well as people people back into work so that they are making a productive looking for work, pensioners and the disabled. Those contribution while also paying taxes again to bring in millions have absolutely nothing in common with Michael those much needed revenues. Philpott whatever and were all sickened by the evil A Work programme where only 2% of participants behind those crimes. In his speech at the beginning of find themselves in sustained employment is a humiliation the month, the Chancellor had the audacity to castigate for these Ministers. They should never have scrapped his critics for their “shrill, headline-seeking nonsense”—he the new deal, and if they were genuine reformers they said that without a hint of irony. He suggested that would immediately set out a compulsory jobs guarantee, those who dared to criticise his plans using the repeat of the banker bonus tax to fund a “always complain, with depressingly predictable outrage” minimum-wage job placement for all young people and are just another bunch of “vested interests”. unemployed for a year, and using the money saved from reducing the pension tax relief for the richest 1% to Let us just think about that accusation—“vested fund a job for all adults who are long-term unemployed interests”. Putting to one side for a moment the fact for two years or more. No excuses: if they turn down that the Chancellor knows a thing or two about defending those decent and properly paid job opportunities, they positions of privilege, is he really saying that those who should forfeit unemployment benefits. Languishing on care about defending the well-being of some of the the dole for the long term must end, but we need to treat most vulnerable in society are “vested interests”? Well, those looking for work with respect and give them a for the record, yes—we are interested in, and deeply decent and real job opportunity, not cast them aside. concerned about, the impact that the bedroom tax, the withdrawal of council tax benefits and the changes to disability benefits will have. However, the more important Andy Sawford: My hon. Friend rightly highlights the question is why the Chancellor is not interested. Why importance of helping the long-term unemployed back does he think it makes sense to tell 660,000 people, most to work and the new deal’s success relative to the of whom have a disability, that they need to give up a Government’s Work programme, which is a contradiction spare room but leave nine out of 10 with no option of in terms. Does he recognise that in my constituency, moving anywhere smaller? Why does he think that some which, according to independent surveys, is the most of the poorest and most vulnerable can cope with difficult place in the country for young people to find significantly higher council tax bills as a result of the work, we need approaches such as the future jobs fund, withdrawal of council tax benefit, the arrears from which the Government scrapped as one of their first which could end up costing a fortune to collect? Why acts of vandalism on coming into office? We need those does he think it makes sense to penalise working people programmes, which we have proposed. by cutting their tax credits at a time when we should be making work pay? Chris Leslie: This is the answer to Ministers who were The Chancellor is not concerned because for him this saying earlier from a sedentary position, “Where are is a political game. He is not serious about helping those your policies?” The difference between the parties is on welfare; for him, and for the Conservatives’ new spin that they do not understand that jobs, at the heart of supremo, Lynton Crosby, this is all about ideology and welfare reform, are the way to get revenues flowing into tactics. the economy. If they neglect economic growth and do not recognise that growth has an effect on the wider Geraint Davies: My hon. Friend will be aware that prosperity of society as well as on public finances, they housing benefit costs have doubled in the past 10 years, will never repair the deficit as they claimed they would, but is he also aware that 70% of that increase is due to and they will never have the fairer society that the private sector rents because rents have been inflating Minister had the cheek to mention when concluding his and we have not been building enough houses? Does he speech. Ministers talk about fairness: tell that to the accept that if we built more houses we could lower families who are losing £891 this year—households who average rents, sort out housing benefit and give people are in work—when at the same time they see these stable communities and more chance of getting a job Ministers giving away £145 million in the Budget to as well? hedge fund managers by abolishing stamp duty reserve tax on some unit trust investments; tell that to those Chris Leslie: Looking at the situation in the round, who are forking out 20% VAT and losing hundreds of that is exactly the sort of welfare reform that we need. If pounds through higher taxes while the banks are let off we are going to get to the root of these problems, we the hook; and tell that to our constituents who we see, must have serious reforms to our welfare system, and all too frequently, left with only £60 per week to live we need a Government who are serious about delivering on while Ministers lavish on millionaires an average them. £100,000 tax cut in this financial year by scrapping the The Chancellor and his Ministers are not serious 50p top rate. about solving these issues; all they want to do is to stoke The Chancellor either does not understand fairness up fear and prejudice, blame the unemployed and the or does not care that he is creating unfairness. The welfare system, and deflect attention from their own Finance Bill will make the rich richer but do nothing to woeful failures to repair public finances. Serious welfare help the vast majority to secure a better standard of 75 Finance (No. 2) Bill15 APRIL 2013 Finance (No. 2) Bill 76

[Chris Leslie] by 2014-15. Tax rises were expected to contribute £31 billion and spending cuts £44 billion, and the living. Worse still, the Bill will harm the prospects for remaining £84 billion was meant to come from compound our economy this year. Just at the moment we need growth of 2.7% throughout the Parliament. measures to stimulate growth, the Government have Unfortunately, however, as we now know, the coalition produced this misguided Bill. They give a little away ended up with possibly the worst of all worlds. It has with one hand but take away so much more with the received unwarrantedly relentless criticism from Labour other. Their tax rises and cuts more than offset what Members for so-called harsh austerity measures when, they have promised in several years’ time on child care in reality, it has too often lacked the political will to or changes to the personal allowance. Taking a penny execute the levels of savings required. For all the rhetoric, off a pint of beer does not go very far when they have we are still overspending by some £300 million every added 5p a pint through higher VAT. day. We are borrowing, not spending, that amount each Why is this such an inappropriate Bill? It is because and every day, and that means that we will continue to the Chancellor does not prioritise the British economy have to borrow to the tune of some £120 billion year or the prosperity of the British people. His No. 1 on year. priority is himself: his own political reputation. It is all about reviving his own fortunes and trying to shore up Kelvin Hopkins: The hon. Gentleman seems to be his ideological credentials. This Budget and this Finance saying that the Conservative coalition Government had Bill were not about anyone else’s job but the Chancellor’s. the benefit of Labour’s reflationary strategy, which was That explains the fudging of the public accounts to implemented before the election, but then reversed it so make it look as though the deficit was falling when it is that things have got worse ever since. Should they not plainly as high as the year before. It explains the Chancellor’s simply have carried on with Labour’s strategy? refusal to budge from a failing strategy in case he had to admit his mistakes and swallow his pride, it explains the Mark Field: The hon. Gentleman makes a good case, ever-widening net of blame for why things have fallen so I suppose, but we all know that the reality was that the off course, and it explains why the country’s fortunes short-term boost of VAT reduction and the early batches have been downgraded while he carries on regardless. It of QE was unsustainable. They were a pre-election is time that the Chancellor’s reputation was not the boomlet, but, as I have said, the entire political class be-all and end-all of Treasury policy. It is time that we became rather complacent and thought, somehow, that put the boost that our economy needs at the heart of the worst was behind us after the crash of 2008. We now everything we do. This Bill is bereft of the bold steps we know that that simply was not the case. need to kick-start Britain’s economy. I urge my hon. In 2010 the entire political class should have looked Friends to oppose it because Britain deserves better. the electorate in the eye and been clear about the magnitude of the task that lay and, I am afraid, still lies Several hon. Members rose— ahead to rectify the public finances, but we are where we are. I personally take the view that talk of radical tax Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): Order. Although cuts from some on the Government Benches is perhaps there is no time limit on speeches this evening, I hope unrealistic. I fear, for a start, that confidence is so low that Members will be mindful of the fact that others that until it is restored almost any tax give-aways are wish to contribute to the debate when considering the more likely to be squirreled away by individuals and length of their own contributions. companies than pumped back into the economy. I also think we would run the serious risk of the 6.36 pm markets losing faith if we were to play even faster and Mark Field (Cities of London and Westminster) (Con): looser with public borrowing. In spite of the recent loss If there is one small area where I would agree somewhat of our triple A rating from Moody’s, the Chancellor’s with the hon. Member for Nottingham East (Chris great achievement—it should not be underestimated—is Leslie), it is that the Chancellor’s room for manoeuvre that we are still able to borrow in international markets was incredibly limited as he delivered the Budget four at such low interest rates. The lesson of both 1931 and weeks ago. There is no doubt that many of those 1976 is that once the markets turn, all is lost. constraints come as a result of global events. The latest My main hope for the Budget and this Bill was that stage in the eurozone debacle as Cypriot banks have the coalition would take some of the longer-term decisions been underpinned is a contemporary case in point, and that the British economy requires. I am pleased that we see ongoing problems in Portugal that I fear will resource is being set aside for key, shovel-ready infrastructure deteriorate as the weeks and months go by. projects. I had hoped that cash would be accompanied However, it has become ever clearer that in the coalition by decisions and leadership on aviation and energy Government’s first Budget in June 2010, they were, I infrastructure. We cannot let these sensitive political accept, complacent about growth. The short pre-election footballs be kicked once again into the next Parliament. boom following the 2009 VAT reduction and the very I think that the UK, as a trading nation, requires large early rounds of quantitative easing lulled the certainty on those issues, not an endless parade of coalition, on assuming office, into believing that the commissions and reviews. growth that had come about in the two or three quarters I am pleased, however, that the Treasury has helped before the 2010 election was baked into the system and out small business. The march towards ever lower rates would somehow do the heavy lifting when it came to of corporation tax, as the Exchequer Secretary has deficit reduction. The coalition’s plans to eliminate the pointed out, is highly welcome, as are assurances that structural deficit required the gap between revenue small firms will be given a chance to bid for Government and expenditure to be narrowed by some £159 billion contracts under the small business research initiative. 77 Finance (No. 2) Bill15 APRIL 2013 Finance (No. 2) Bill 78

The extent of capital gains tax relief to attract start-up keep us right—has somehow gone wrong, rather than capital for new limited companies is also very good that it is his Government’s policies that have lead the news. Best of all, however, is the knocking off of the OBR constantly to downgrade its predictions? first £2,000 of employer national insurance contributions for small and micro-sized businesses. That will, I hope, Mark Field: I am expressing the concern that the begin to chip away at the worryingly high levels of OBR was somehow seen as a panacea of independence youth unemployment by lifting some of the obvious in a lot of its projections when it has got things uniformly disincentives to taking on new staff. wrong almost every time. As I have said, that is partly I am afraid that I am a little less sanguine about the because of international events that one cannot exclude. Chancellor’s flagship Help to Buy plan. I appreciate its We live in a global economy and are a great global raw politics, underpinned as it is by a desire to help trading nation. The problem is that we have not been struggling younger people on to the housing ladder, able to get the export-led growth that we all want and as many of whom are paying much more in rent than they a result there has been constant downgrading. would as part of a mortgage, if only they had a deposit. Nevertheless, I ask the Treasury to give considerable There was some good news in the Budget, as the thought in the consultation period to what we are trying Exchequer Secretary has said, about the co-operation to achieve. Let us look carefully at supply rather than between the Treasury and our Crown dependencies of just finance, since I suspect that the latter will simply Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man on new financial help keep prices out of the reach of the very people disclosure agreements. As an adviser to the law firm whom we wish to serve, as the hon. Member for Edmonton Cains, I am pleased that our Crown dependencies have (Mr Love) has said. I do not wish the taxpayer to be on led the way with the FATCA—Foreign Account Tax the hook for the consequences of a reinflated property Compliance Act—arrangements. That is to the Treasury’s bubble. Let us not forget the US experience that lay at credit. We saw at ECOFIN only last weekend that we the heart of the financial crisis. are also looking to bring on board the Cayman Islands and the British Virgin Islands to ensure that there is I, like many other Members, am also disappointed more transparency. It is very easy to berate a lot of the that the Office for Budget Responsibility’s predictions international financial centres—many of which have for our economy as recently as the autumn statement on long-standing historical links with not just the City of 10 December 2012 were proved, only 14 weeks later in London, but the UK—but the importance of the liquidity the March Budget, to have been so considerably off that they bring into play should not be underestimated. beam. Few doubt that economic forecasting is an especially It made a big difference in the immediate aftermath dismal science. However, the OBR’s intervention in of the crash of September 2008 and might yet do so at December proved essential in buying the Chancellor some point in the future. crucial breathing space at a time when many commentators had assumed that we were about to flunk our plan to I am a little more concerned that the Treasury is not reduce the deficit year on year. To that extent I accept making entirely clear what is considered abuse and what the hon. Member for Nottingham East has said. avoidance when it comes to tax arrangements. The Many even-handed people will regard that as a sleight earlier exchange between the hon. Member for Burnley of hand, but, more importantly, the scene was set for (Gordon Birtwistle) and the Exchequer Secretary brought cynicism and deep disappointment when aggregate that to mind. [Interruption.] I apologise: it was the hon. borrowing for the next four years was projected at some Member for Redcar (Ian Swales)—my view of the hon. £49 billion higher only 14 weeks after the autumn Gentleman means that it was an all too easy mistake to statement. make. Without clarity about what amounts to avoidance as opposed to abuse, we risk throwing a veil of uncertainty It is worth saying, however, that that is part of a over the UK’s business environment. tradition during all my 12 years in this House. Every single Budget between 2001 and 2007 forecast that I speak to firms large and small in my own constituency. public finances would move back into surplus in about I say to those on the Treasury Bench that, suddenly, for three or four years’ time. Instead, as the hon. Gentleman the first time ever, global corporations are beginning to will remember, debt and the annual deficit rose inexorably consider the almost unthinkable prospect of a certain while the Treasury conjured the illusion of fiscal stability. amount of political risk being attached to the UK. Similarly, at every autumn statement since June 2010, Foreign direct investors would be right to feel aggrieved the OBR has, I fear, been forced to downgrade growth if legitimate tax-planning activities suddenly were deemed out-turns while continuing to hold somewhat optimistically by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs to be aggressive to the notion that the public finances will be transformed tax avoidance, with punitive fines and damaging public by robust growth in two years’ time. relations to follow. The establishment of the OBR was meant to herald a On that note, I should like to raise a specific instance fresh era of forecasting credibility, but it now seems all of retrospection that is causing financial hardship among too reminiscent of the previous Administration’s discredited some of my constituents. Section 58 of the Finance financial projection. I think that observers are beginning Act 2008, brought in by the previous Government, was to wonder whether we should have any regard for the designed to close down certain tax-planning arrangements OBR’s latest set of predictions or, indeed, take with with retrospective effect. I am afraid that it has left anything more than a pinch of salt assurances that some residents in my constituency with demands for recovery is only around the corner. huge amounts of back tax, which in some extreme cases is leading to threats of bankruptcy. Sheila Gilmore: Will the hon. Gentleman clarify his The Exchequer Secretary is aware of those concerns, position? Is he suggesting that the OBR—which was because he has responded to my correspondence on hailed as a great independent organisation that would them. Unfortunately, however, some of those affected 79 Finance (No. 2) Bill15 APRIL 2013 Finance (No. 2) Bill 80

[Mark Field] that tax cuts for the very rich would trickle down through society. We were told that the highest earners by section 58 are not convinced that he is properly listening would somehow create jobs. What did we see by the end to the argument. One constituent advised: of the ’80s? We saw a record recession in 1990, with “The tax arrangements I used were not only legitimate and more houses repossessed and more businesses going openly declared, but expressly considered, debated and approved bust than ever before, all because of the belief that we by parliament back in 1987. This means that according to the should be on the side of those who ride in limousines, HMRC’s declaration, I was not engaged in aggressive and abusive rather than those who go to work every day in their tax avoidance but simple, legitimate tax planning.” vans. Although I accept that HMRC wants to bring more I believe in one thing. It may be old-fashioned, but I money in and to close down aggressive tax avoidance believe that work is the only way out of poverty and the schemes, if it has known that arrangements or schemes only way to reduce the ills of this country. Having have been in place for 25 years and has made no move people in work and paying their taxes is the only way to to close them down, it cannot be right for retrospective reduce not only the deficit, but the national debt. It is activity to take place. My constituents therefore request up to this Government and to any Government, whether the repeal of section 58. they be red, blue, yellow or whatever blue and yellow I would be grateful if the Treasury gave serious are when they come together, to create jobs and to consideration not only to the arguments of the campaigners, reduce all the barriers to people getting into work. but to the message that retrospective legislation sends to business people who are trying to act in a lawful and What does the Bill do? We have heard Government transparent way in planning their taxes. The Exchequer Members lauding the right to buy scheme. We have Secretary rightly pointed out that we should be proud heard them talk about getting more people on to the of being a country that is open for business, but we property ladder, even though rents are up through the must ensure that what we do and what we say in that roof and it is hard to get a deposit. The average age of a regard coincide. person buying their first house is now 37. At that age, my mother and father had already had two children and To conclude, if I have one message for the Treasury as got divorced—they had already lived their life. Now, we consider the Finance Bill in the days ahead, it is to people of that age are still struggling to get on the ladder. forget about the pressure for quick fixes and transient boosts, and instead to focus relentlessly on delivery and What is the problem? It is not home ownership or longer-term measures to make the UK an ever more high rents, but the lack of housing in this country. tempting prospect as a place in which to do business. If Instead of following the pledge of the Labour party to the UK economy is not to get substantial growth before build 100,000 new houses using the sell-off of the 4G the 2015 election, let the coalition at least get some spectrum, the Government have ignored the problem credibility for doing the right thing for the nation and completely. How many people will take advantage of giving our people a genuine sense of hope for the future. the right to buy scheme? Will it go on failing like it is? Only 1,500 people took advantage of it last year. That is 6.51 pm not a scheme that will create a nation of home owners; all it does is provide warm words. Whether we are on Chris Evans (Islwyn) (Lab/Co-op): If there was one the right or the left, we have to get to a point in this test that the Government put in place from the day that country where the best ideas are used. Surely, the best they got into power, it was reducing the deficit. Three idea is to use the money from the 4G spectrum to invest years on, what do we see? Borrowing is increasing by in homes and thereby create jobs. £245 billion and there is no chance of the deficit being The next matter that I want to talk about is barriers paid off by 2015. By 2016-17, debt as a ratio of GDP to work. We can quote statistics all we want, but the will be 85.4%. Those are damning figures. simple fact, as Harold Wilson said, is that it does not On 23 April 2012, the Prime Minister said: matter what the employment rate is in the country; for “We’re involved in an economic rescue mission, but we’re not an unemployed person, the unemployment rate is 100%. just a bunch of accountants dealing with a deficit, there’s also a Most of the people with children whom I talk to in my driving passion and vision to change this country and make it surgery and around my constituency say that the biggest much more on the side of hard-working people who do the right barrier to getting back to work is child care issues. That thing.” is the elephant in the room. We can talk about job Unfortunately, those who work hard and play by the creation schemes all we want, but if people have child rules have seen the top earners in society get a tax cut of care issues, their priority is to look after their child. 5p. I will not denigrate success: there is nothing wrong with people striving to work hard and enjoy the fruits of On 19 March, a Treasury press release lauded the their labour; aspiration is what the party I represent is “New scheme to bring tax-free childcare for 2.5 million working about and it is something that we should believe in. families”. However, if the Government could find a tax cut of 5p When I saw that, I applauded it and thought that it was for the highest earners, why could they not do it for the the way forward. However, I then found out that the middle-income earners, for the families who are worried scheme will not come in until 2015. That means that about their jobs and for the people sitting around their people who have child care issues now face cuts to their kitchen tables today who see the price of their groceries child tax credit. A family with two children have already going up all the time, inflation going up and real wages seen a cut of £1,500 a year in their child care funding. dropping by 2.4%? Who is standing up for them? Nobody. There is not only a cut in child care funding; since 2010, We hear wonderful words and statistics from Government there are 400 fewer Sure Start centres and early years Members, but the simple fact is this: we are still stuck in budgets have been slashed. That affects the economy, the grip of an economic theory that failed. We were told because if parents cannot go back to work, whether 81 Finance (No. 2) Bill15 APRIL 2013 Finance (No. 2) Bill 82 they are mums or dads, it adds to the welfare bill. I have lived in the same council house all their lives, brought genuinely believe that it is economic madness to cut jobs up a family and made a home, but who are being kicked or not allow people to go back into work if it creates a out because they have a three-bedroom house. What are welfare bill that adds more and more to the deficit. they to do—bring in a lodger or someone they do not I will move on to another barrier to work. Like know? No. In my constituency of Islwyn in Caerphilly many hon. Members, I am bombarded by e-mails and county borough, 80% of my constituents who are renting letters from the FairFuelUK campaign. That must be will be affected for the simple reason that in 1945 the the campaign from which I have received the most Labour Government did not build council houses just e-mails, letters and communications. However, those to house people: we built family homes. We built two communications are coming not from a national campaign, and three-bedroom houses in which families could grow but from the ordinary motorist in work. He is struggling and thrive in a safe environment. That was a cornerstone to get to work. Again, the Government laud their of Aneurin Bevan’s vision as Housing Minister—a freezing of petrol duty in September and say that they contribution that people often forget. are on the side of hard-working families and people I am concerned that ordinary people are getting who need their car for work. squeezed all the time. The Finance Bill represents an opportunity for the Government to show that they can Andy Sawford: Does my hon. Friend agree that if the be caring and compassionate, but this opportunity has Government had taken the sensible advice of shadow been wasted. It was not a steady-as-you-go, as-you-were Treasury Ministers to cut VAT, that would have provided Budget, and the figures bear out the situation. Growth much more significant help to people with the price of in this country is anaemic; it is flatlining and needs fuel than their small offering? investment. The Prime Minister’s mantra at Prime Minister’s questions every week is the same: “All Labour wants to Chris Evans: I thank my hon. Friend, because I was do is borrow more money; it wants to go the same way building up to that point. as Greece and spend it all.” To me, however, it is an The Conservatives like to tell people that they are the absolute no-brainer. We are already borrowing £245 billion, party of low taxation. They might have cut income tax so what is wrong with trying to invest that in creating in the ’80s, and cut it now from 50p to 45p, but the one jobs and building new houses? thing they have used over and over again is value added I oppose the Second Reading of this Bill because it tax. Under the Conservatives, VAT has risen from 15% does nothing for the people we seek to represent. This is to 17.5% to 20% as it is now. That is the tool they have not about steady-as-you-go; the Government have failed always used. It is all very well someone being taxed on in their primary aim of reducing the deficit, and therefore what they spend or buy, but everybody has to pay VAT, the Bill does not deserve a Second Reading. whether they are a struggling pensioner, a student who needs clothes or equipment for university, or a single 7.4 pm parent. Everybody has to pay VAT, whether they are a Ian Swales (Redcar) (LD): I welcome most measures duke or on the bins. in this Bill, particularly the rise in the personal tax When VAT is put on petrol, it is instantly put up by threshold to £9,440 this year. That is already cutting in 3p. The Government’s proposal means absolutely nothing. half the tax bill of people on the minimum wage, and This Government could show some bravery and leadership next year the threshold will rise to £10,000 and 24 million by reducing VAT. I know they will say that once VAT people will receive a tax cut. That is the No. 1 Liberal has been put on some goods it has to stay, but that does Democrat priority, and I am delighted to see that it is not mean it has to stay at 20%. When the Labour party being delivered by this Government. was in power in 1997, we reduced VAT on fuel bills to We hear a lot about millionaire tax cuts, but I think 5%. It has been done before; a precedent has been set that when the right hon. Member for Kirkcaldy and and it can be done again. Cowdenbeath (Mr Brown) decided to raise taxes in the When I look around my constituency I see so many last month of his failing Government, he knew that hard-working people who are being squeezed. The most it would be the gift that kept on giving in terms of heinous thing, which I hear all the time, is people being headlines. Unfortunately, however, it was not the gift demonised because they claim benefits, even though six that kept on giving to Her Majesty’s Revenue and out of 10 people who claim benefits are in work. That Customs, as figures have shown. Millionaires will pay says one thing: work is not paying. What do the Government £381,000 more in income tax and national insurance in do? They make a tiny increase this week to the minimum five years of this Government than they paid in the last wage. For me, the minimum wage is the cornerstone of five years of the previous Government. welfare reform—a decent living wage. I am sick to death and tired of hearing my constituents be demonised and Julie Hilling (Bolton West) (Lab): What does the hon. criminalised because they find themselves unemployed. Gentleman think about HMRC saying that the tax They are all pushed together in sweeping statements; would actually have brought in £1 billion? The problem they are called scroungers, and being from the valleys is that we had it only for the first year when people that hurts me, because I know how proud is the tradition prepaid it, and this year when people will postpone it, of working. That is the most heinous thing. but we did not bother to watch what happened in that middle year. One thing the Government could do to prove that we are—to use a phrase that has not been heard for Ian Swales: HMRC is well aware that people with the past two years—“all in this together”, is repeal the those sorts of income levels have many choices about bedroom tax. That is close to my heart, because the what they do with their money, and we have seen the average person in Islwyn will pay an extra £91 for effects of that. Once tax gets to 50%, people do other having an extra bedroom. There will be pensioners who things, and that is what we have seen. 83 Finance (No. 2) Bill15 APRIL 2013 Finance (No. 2) Bill 84

[Ian Swales] parts manufacturers are coming back to the UK and so on. I believe that many of those steps are in the right I wish to mention one or two relevant changes to direction. pensions. I welcome the cut in allowances for pension On carbon taxes, all hon. Members understand the savings. It is incredible that under the previous Government need to take care of climate change, but we must also someone was allowed to save £255,000 a year for their ensure that our energy-intensive industries remain pension and receive full tax relief worth £127,000. This competitive. The Government are taking steps in that Government have cut tax relief to £50,000, which will direction, but there is a lot more to do. We have increases fall to £40,000, so the taxpayer cost of £127,000 will be in the climate change levy and the carbon price floor, £18,000 by next year—a huge change that will bring in, both of which perhaps send the message to our heavier I believe, £4 billion. I also welcome the steps for 1992 industry that it is not welcome here. We need to take Equitable Life annuitants. I have a number of constituents steps to ensure that that is not the case. who felt very unfairly treated, and although the £5,000 The hon. Member for Cities of London and Westminster they will receive does not go all the way to meeting their said that we do not want retrospective changes. One needs, it at least recognises the trauma they have experienced. specific example is the climate change levy for combined I welcome the increase in the allowance for draw-down heat and power organisations such as Sembcorp in my pensioners. That was also painful for some who took a constituency, which invested millions in new equipment big cut in their income when the Government Actuary on the expectation that the regime would remain until changed the figures. 2027. The regime changed retrospectively and, all of a The Minister mentioned tax avoidance. I will not sudden, its investment case was gone. I have written to replay the debate in this Chamber from last January, the Minister on that, and it needs considering specifically. but it had lots of content and I am pleased to see the It is no good expecting people to invest in green technology Government acting on some of that. However, there is if we do not make the ground rules clear. If people start still a lot more to do on the internet and international to believe that the ground rules will move, they will not businesses, and I look forward to seeing further measures. invest. I also feel that the lines between avoidance and evasion I welcome the announcement in the Budget on the are getting more blurred. Cases such as that of the two areas that will benefit from carbon capture and bogus charity that was headlined in The Times only a storage. I would liked to have seen Teesside on the list, couple of months ago are not just about avoidance and but I recognise that the decision was based on energy. I when HMRC should take people to court to get the welcome the Government’s recent heat strategy, which tax—people need to end up in jail as a result of such specifically mentions the need for carbon capture and schemes. It is high time that we were clear about schemes storage for industry. I hope that future Budgets cater for that are entirely fictitious, and things such as assets a project on Teesside to do exactly that. Teesside has an changing hands at different prices at the same time need excellent business case for the Government if they take to be viewed as criminal activity. into account enhanced oil recovery and the revenue that The Labour party has spoken a lot about the growth will flow from petroleum revenue taxes as a result of the measures—or lack of them—in the Budget, and both CCS projects. I hope the Treasury considers that carefully I and the hon. Member for Cities of London and in future. Westminster (Mark Field), who is not in his place, Generally, the Government are taking many steps would like to see an export-boom recovery. One problem towards encouraging green investment. I hope only that is that under the previous Government manufacturing they can take the one extra step, which is to ensure that went from 22% to 11% of our economy. That amazing a lot of the investment that goes into new energy fall means there are a lot fewer makers in the march—we projects results in UK manufacturing and supply. Too all want to see the march of the makers. I welcome the much of the manufacturing has so far been offshore, steps the Government are taking to do something about including for a wind farm going up right outside my that, including the regional growth fund, which has house in Redcar. given out large amounts, mostly to manufacturing industry; I have listened carefully to the speeches today, including the fact that the Government will act on the Heseltine those from Opposition Members. I understand some of review, which made many of the same points, such as their points but am confused by others. The hon. Member the need to support regions such as mine in the Tees for Islwyn (Chris Evans), in one of his characteristically valley; and the tenfold increase in capital allowances passionate speeches, mentioned VAT. I believe that this from £25,000 to £250,000, which will encourage is the wrong time to introduce a measure that gives the manufacturers to invest, which we badly need. The new most to those who spend the most—the richest get the employment allowance of £2,000 will help the smallest most out of cuts in VAT. Most people at the lower end businesses to make a bit more money and encourage of the scale do not spend much on standard rate VAT them to take on more people. items, so the measure he proposed would involve borrowing There are measures on infrastructure investment. The £12 billion to, for example, cut the price of a Ferrari by Budget plans contain a map of the country featuring £4,000. This is the wrong time to do that. There are the different infrastructure projects, so it is wrong to say much better ways to spend £12 billion if that is what he that infrastructure investment is not happening. I welcome wants to borrow. the Government’s targeting of strategic sectors that Under the previous Government, three gaps widened: they have identified for success, such as automobiles the gap between rich and poor, the gap between north and life sciences. A lot of work is being done on that, and south, and the gap between the north and the south and along with the investment in supply chains, which of the region where I live. That is a shameful record. I seeks to get our supply chains back onshore after so and the Liberal Democrats want a stronger economy many disappeared, it is already paying dividends—car and a fairer society, and I support the Budget. 85 Finance (No. 2) Bill15 APRIL 2013 Finance (No. 2) Bill 86

7.15 pm have changed. That has undoubtedly helped employment figures. The Chancellor was able to massage his borrowing Tom Blenkinsop (Middlesbrough South and East down only by persuading the OBR that Government Cleveland) (Lab): I should like to address the comments Departments would spend £3.4 billion less than their of the hon. Member for Redcar (Ian Swales) about allocated budgets this year. Only three months after the capital allowances. I, too, welcome the Government’s previous forecast, the budget deficit is expected to be an capital allowance proposals, but they are a U-turn—the average £11 billion worse throughout the five-year forecast Government reduced pre-2010 Labour levels of capital period. In cash terms, the problem lies with poor tax allowances to 25% of what they were, but have since receipts, which have been hit by disappointing revenues returned them to pre-2010 levels. this year, and vastly reduced forecasts for nominal gross The north-east leads the way on exports. Government domestic product, which is now at one seventh of the Members have said that the export recovery has not original growth expectations set in June 2010. occurred, but the north-east already had very good On the other hand, Robert Chote and the OBR exports from industry. Compared with other regions in assume the economy has the scope for rapid catch-up the country, the north-east leads the way. For example, growth of 2.3% of national income even after April 2018. Cleveland Potash at Boulby in my constituency today But with so much slack in the economy to be assumed announced a £300 million investment, which will create for the rest of this decade, it is strange that the OBR 120 new jobs and secure more than 1,000 existing jobs does not show inflation falling below its target level of in the potash pit. That occurs on the one-year anniversary 2% at any time. Are Ministers concerned by that? If the of the recommencement of iron and steel production at OBR admitted this to be the case, it could no longer live the Redcar blast furnace at the Teesside Cast Products within the Chancellor’s demands and would probably site, which is under the joint operation of Sahaviriya have to admit not £9 billion, but something more in the Steel Industries and Tata. That is a victory for the region of £17 billion a year of tax rises or spending cuts, campaign of local people on Teesside, of which I was as a result of earlier Government inaction. proud to be a part, as was the hon. Member for Redcar. Success is now synonymous with Teesside, and people The nation’s debt and the Government’s borrowing in Teesside are proud to say that they are a success. We are completely dependent upon the Chancellor’s “monetary look forward to a future built upon the industrial activism”. However, minutes of the Bank of England’s development and manufacturing legacy of the 13 years latest meeting show that the new Governor, Mark Carney, under Labour. failed to win any support for his case for further quantitative easing. Most of the MPC look worried about the potential Organisations such as the North East of England damage of a run on sterling, and the effectiveness in any Process Industry Cluster were created in conjunction case of further asset purchases as banks and households with the Labour Government and One North East. look to clear debts. However, without further QE, the NEPIC centred on the north-east’s assets, particularly Chancellor cannot keep his borrowing rates down, as in the chemical and steel industries, and the heritage of the borrowing at low rates to buy gilts in order to shipbuilding—TAG Energy uses the Haverton Hill site, borrow at low rates is the true reason for low interest formerly a shipyard and dock, to produce monopile rates, not the heavily front-ended, growth-strangling construction units for the offshore wind turbine market. cuts we have witnessed to date. In contrast, the words “double dip”, “double debt” Furthermore, big businesses continual deleveraging and “credit rating downgrade” are synonymous with will not be turned into sudden investment with further the Prime Minister, the Chancellor and the Government. corporation tax cuts. Corporation tax cuts will just aid Since the autumn statement, growth, which was estimated business to further deleverage debt. It has never been so to be poor, has halved in just over three months from cheap for the state to borrow, and the Chancellor is 1.2% to 0.6%. The accrual of debt by this downgraded neither using this cheap accessible capital to pump-prime Chancellor from 2010 to 2015 is more than the total the economy nor persuading banks and big business to debt accrued by the previous Labour Government in free up their substantial reserves and corporate funds. their entire 13 years. Despite that and the overwhelming The Chancellor’s language and tone set the mood music evidence, the Chancellor affirmed in his Budget that for the economy, and his constant message of national borrowing is falling. Public borrowing shows that the deleveraging has sent everyone into a deleveraging frenzy. Government books were in the red to the tune of Banks are hoarding excess capital and large corporate £121 billion last year. They are forecast to improve only companies are simultaneously paying out large dividends marginally to £120.9 billion in 2012-13. to shareholders while sitting on excess capital, with the Tax revenues have fallen £5.1 billion short of the explicit purpose of holding it in case they need to make predictions in the autumn statement, despite the hailed future debt clearances rather than investments. employment figures. That is largely owing to the fact that, despite increases in nominal employment, productivity Ian Swales: The hon. Gentleman is making a powerful has fallen massively. That is matched by a huge fall in case. Does he not welcome the Infrastructure (Financial tax take. The irony is that we have always been told that Assistance) Act 2012, which uses low Government interest the private sector is more efficient. Supposedly, we have rates to underwrite £50 billion of infrastructure spending? 1 million more private sector workers, and gross domestic product is falling, so more people are doing less. That is Tom Blenkinsop: As the hon. Gentleman knows, certain a re-unbalancing of the economy if I ever saw one. programmes, such as the Government’s rebuilding schools Similarly, the increase in the number of employed programme—which has been delayed for a year in one women is largely due to the fact that fewer women school in Guisborough in my constituency—are dependent between the ages of 60 and 64 have retired. Women are on PFI arrangements, which raise capital from the bond working to a later age because state old age pensions market. We had a slightly different arrangement for the 87 Finance (No. 2) Bill15 APRIL 2013 Finance (No. 2) Bill 88

[Tom Blenkinsop] week. That is £93 less per week for their customers to spend. The council tax benefit cut—the Tories’ new poll Building Schools for the Future project. We now have tax—will mean that 700,000 people in employment will the sudden realisation that the cancellation of such lose between £250 to £600 each, meaning small businesses’ capital projects, in the first two years of this Government, regular customers will have between £250 and £600 less has sent the economy into a spiral. to spend. This will no doubt compound an already The real issue for me, especially in the north-east, is obvious demand crisis. connectivity. We want to develop our economic base, After the mummy tax and the granny tax, the end of but rail electrification will go only as far as York. What the pregnancy grant, and VAT being increased again by we want is access to capital funds to get electrification a Tory Government, there will be obvious consequences done as soon as possible. I hope that that will yield for sole traders and small business in general. How do some results, but it is already too late. We have already the Government think these reductions in the disposable had nigh on three years with little investment, and now income of small businesses’ most frequent and dependable the situation is desperate. Capital is still very slow in customers will resolve this country’s economic growth coming from Whitehall, exacerbated by the lack of problems? In the autumn statement, private consumption agencies in the region to assist businesses, even given was expected to be a crucial driver of Britain’s growth in the regional growth fund. How we solve that, given that the years ahead. The OBR expected growth in 2012 to those agencies have been dismantled, I do not know, but come from private consumption. Indeed, it revised it up we need to do more. to 37.5% of all growth after last year’s omnishambles Added to the Chancellor’s mood music and the Budget. Of course, it did not happen. The promised—albeit deleveraging frenzy, we have a Government delaying the simultaneously derided—consumer growth was not payment of bills to hide borrowing. The delaying of delivered. Page 100 of the Red Book assumes a jump of these payments—largely to big businesses—leads to 0.7%, from 0.5% this year to 1.2% next year, in household deleveraging big businesses, with vast sums under the consumption, even though it simultaneously predicts corporate mattress, using smaller businesses as an extra unemployment increasing in 2013-14 and the claimant line of credit. Current unpaid bills to small and medium- count increasing from 1.58 million to 1.63 million in the sized enterprises total £36.4 billion, with some small same period. The Chancellor also failed to inform the businesses writing off bills to the tune of £10,000. An nation that 400,000 disabled people on severe or enhanced illustration of this is the 7% year-on-year contraction in disabled benefits will now have to pay council tax for construction, which has its lowest growth rate since 1987. the first time ever. In conjunction with what I illustrated earlier, these The Chancellor is aware of this issue. In the north-east, are demand-sapping policies on a monumental scale. according to the regional Federation of Small Businesses, Are they being taken because the Government fear that banks cannot apparently give a regional figure for the their other policies will bring about inflation? Are they take-up of the funding for lending scheme for business. attacking demand deliberately in order to control inflation? We need to hold banks to account for that. The north-east We know that Mark Carney, the new Governor of the has 134,000 businesses—I mentioned two of the larger Bank of England, will be constrained by a 2% inflation ones earlier. A thousand employ more than 50 people, target. However, we also know that inflation crept up to while 96,000 are sole traders, who by and large do not between 2.5% and 3%—around the 2.8% mark between pay corporation tax. This April, real-time information January and February—this year. That inflation rise, at will be introduced, but apparently only 25% of FSB the same time as pay freezes, local real-terms pay cuts members know what RTI is. I suggest to Ministers that and benefits reductions, has seen families subject to an small businesses should be given a proper period of unprecedented cost of living crisis. According to uSwitch, slack on the introduction of RTI. The Government Britons collectively owe £637 million to energy firms— have allowed six months, but extending this to 12 months £159 million more than last year’s projections. Some might be necessary so that businesses can adapt properly. 20% of all energy customers surveyed are in debt, a However, the closure of local HMRC tax inquiry offices figure that has risen by 14% since last year. in the north-east—a region with a large sole trader community—means that we will be far more exposed to In conclusion, with falling disposal income levels and transitional difficulties. increasing household outgoings, the temporary retail or consumer growth we are currently seeing is very small. The sole traders, market town traders and small As well as being derided in the first place by Government businesses on our high streets will not only have RTI to Members as the wrong type of growth, given the contend with. The national minimum wage is lower Government’s other policies, it is unsustainable in the now, in real terms, than it was in 2004. It was raised by medium and long term. The Budget is fundamentally 1.9% today, but the consumer prices index is at 2.8%, so unfair: it does not address growth, it doubles the debt it is a real-terms cut. Small businesses and their customers and it does not deal with the deficit—it actually makes in the north-east will see working tax credit freezes from it worse. It fails on all the original criteria set out by the this April, meaning those working under 30 hours will Chancellor in June 2010. lose between £303 and £428. That is £303 to £428 less to spend. Benefits being capped at 1% rather than CPI will 7.31 pm mean that small businesses’ customers lose up to £150. That is £150 less to spend. The bedroom tax—a housing Stewart Hosie (Dundee East) (SNP): May I start by benefit cut of between 14% and 24%—will mean they making two observations? This ought to be the keynote lose between £624 and £1,144. That is £624 to £1,144 debate on the Government’s annual flagship Finance less to spend. The benefit cap, to be rolled out nationally Bill, but there are only five Government Members in the from September, will mean small businesses’ customers Chamber—two Ministers, a Whip, a Parliamentary Private will lose on average £4,836, which is an average of £93 a Secretary and one solitary Liberal, who I suspect will 89 Finance (No. 2) Bill15 APRIL 2013 Finance (No. 2) Bill 90 leave at the earliest possible opportunity—none of whom consolidation—discretionary consolidation; that is, tax is now standing to speak. It is a terrible indictment of rises and cuts—would be £155 billion a year from the Government that even the normal cheerleaders are 2016-17 onwards. As I pointed out on Budget day, that not here to back the Chancellor. That probably indicates 2016-17 figure of £155 billion of discretionary consolidation, that many Government Members consider the Budget tax rises and cuts had somehow been deleted from the to be as miserable as we do. Red Book, and there was no forecast for 2017-18. I was struck by the fact that the hon. Member for It is fair to say that the Government have made a Redcar (Ian Swales) chose to defend the millionaire tax U-turn and that the fiscal tightening will continue to be cut. One reason he gave rather explodes the “we’re all in the equivalent of approximately 7.5% to 8% of GDP it together” myth, which, as someone else has said, is stripped out of the economy in tax rises and cuts. It is rarely used by Government Members these days. Even extraordinary that they think they can cut their way to if this year’s Red Book is right and the cost of the growth at the best of times, but that they think they can millionaires’ tax cut is only £500 million in the next five do so while pursuing a policy which, according to their years, I think we would all argue that if £500 million is own numbers, will see fiscal consolidation, discretionary going spare it would be better to spend it on direct tax rises and cuts of the equivalent of between 7.5% capital investment, capacity for the future, and job and and 8% of GDP in demand stripped out of the economy. GDP creation, rather than give it to people who are already If they can cut their way to growth on the back of that, wealthy. they should be given a Nobel prize. The problem is that The Finance Bill is a consequence of the March none of us believes it will happen. Of course, the overall Budget. Apart from some measures I welcomed relating impact of 4:1 cuts to tax rises tells us exactly who will mainly to business tax, it was a pretty miserable Budget. bear the brunt of these austerity measures. It was miserable because, by and large, it merely continued I said at the beginning that I do not want to be wholly with the Government’s failed policies. We know they negative—there were some measures to be welcomed. have failed because the Chancellor told us that they Earlier, we discussed briefly one of the most potentially have failed—they failed by every measure he set. The significant measures, which is the tenfold increase in the net borrowing requirement, which was due to fall to annual investment allowance to £250,000. That is for £92 billion, has gone up to £121 billion. The national two years only, however, and the Government need to debt, which was due to peak at 92.7% of GDP— understand that even at this level investment decisions £1.36 trillion—in 2014-15 on the treaty calculation, is may take some time to be agreed before businesses are now expected to peak, on the same calculation, at more able to use the benefit. I therefore ask the Government than 100% of GDP.National debt on the treaty calculation to look again at the temporary nature of the increase. is due to reach 100.8% of GDP, or £1.58 trillion, by While we would certainly argue that it makes sense to 2016-17. Therefore, when we hear that the deficit is have targeted tax allowances such as this—it makes lower and debt will fall, it does not really bear any sense for businesses to be allowed to keep more of their scrutiny, even by the Chancellor’s and the OBR’s own own money to invest, particularly when banks are still numbers. The Chancellor has failed to meet his own refusing to take the full share of the risk they should targets on his original time scale for his own fiscal rules: take—the real problem with the Budget, the Red Book that the structural current deficit should be in balance and the Bill is that the Government continue to set in the final year of the five-year rolling programme, themselves against direct capital investment when the and that debt should fall as a share of GDP. Of course, economy needs it most, which is right now. according to the OBR those objectives were highly To understand just how damaging that is, let me give dependent on GDP growth, which, as we have seen in one example: the UK Government argue that they have previous Red Books, was based on incredible, unbelievable, given Scotland an additional £279 million in capital unmet and frankly unmeetable rates of business investment over the next two years. It is debateable whether that growth. is true, as I will come to, but even if it is, it would still Let us remind ourselves that in 2010 the Government imply a 20% real-terms cut to the Scottish capital suggested that business investment had to grow by budget over the four-year spending review period. But it between 8.1% and 10.9% a year for five years. By the is not real capital expenditure: £266.5 million is classified time we got to the OBR’s fiscal outlook the next year, as a financial transaction, meaning that it can be used growth in business investment had actually turned negative, only to fund loans or equity investments. That is a which was extraordinary, and so it went on year after straightjacket. It is accompanied by £103.5 million cut year after year. They were at it again this year, forecasting in hard cash from the resource budget, half of which— future business investment rates of between 6.4% to £56 million—will be cut this year from already-agreed 10.2% from 2013 onwards. I suspect that nobody, even budgets. This is not just daft; it is economically really, in Government, believes that those targets will be met. really silly. I despair that the Government think it The Chancellor, or some other poor Minister, will be back makes sense to be putting administrations—public bodies at the Dispatch Box at some point in the near future of one sort or another—into a straightjacket, while explaining why this was all somebody else’s fault. removing hard cash and discretionary spending. The Chancellor also failed because the Budget and Pamela Nash (Airdrie and Shotts) (Lab): Before the the Bill continue down the path of deep cuts and tax hon. Gentleman moves too far on from capital spending, rises. I am sorry that the hon. Member for Cities of will he say why his party in Scotland is imposing even London and Westminster (Mark Field) is no longer in more draconian cuts on local government than the his place. He gave a customary thoughtful speech, in parties in government here, cutting public sector which he suggested that perhaps we had all not been construction projects in Scotland and contributing to honest and that the cuts should be deeper. However, last the 40,000 construction jobs lost in Scotland since his year’s Red Book told us that the total cost of fiscal party took power? 91 Finance (No. 2) Bill15 APRIL 2013 Finance (No. 2) Bill 92

Stewart Hosie: The problem with that question is that more who were not, and who ought not to be, now it comes straight from the Labour party central office will be. I do not see the fairness that the hon. Gentleman briefing note. The Scottish Government quite rightly speaks of. I suspect that when we get to the next re-profiled revenue spending into capital to make up for election, that might be part of the Liberal party’s campaign the capital cuts from the UK Government. We did that against their current Tory friends. because we recognised that—I think there is unanimity I want to turn to one of the most damaging small on this—direct capital investment had a 1:1 impact parts of the Finance Bill, which is the planned increase multiplier in terms of GDP growth. That is extremely in air passenger duty. APD has become increasingly important, because the problem is that we do not have unpopular in the aviation industry and is now the most enough economic growth, so the Scottish Government expensive in Europe. We know that standard rates vary were right to re-profile revenue into capital spending. from £13 for a short-haul flight to £94 for a long-haul As I said earlier, the 4:1 ratio of cuts to tax rises flight. The rates were increased by RPI on 1 April this under the Government, plus their smoke-and-mirrors year, as announced in the 2012 Budget, and will be approach to direct capital investment, shows just where subject to a further increase by RPI next April, as their priorities lie, and it is not with people, jobs or announced in this Budget. We have consistently made growth. We can all probably agree that plan A has the case for devolution as a means to improve connectivity failed, and with the UK still teetering on the brink of and to give the aviation sector a competitive edge. a triple-dip recession the Chancellor seems to want to As the Minister will know, the Scottish Government continue to do the impossible, which is to cut his way Deputy First Minister wrote to the main airports in to growth. It has not worked and it will not work; and 2012 reaffirming our intention to press the UK Government this Finance Bill will not help. to devolve APD as soon as possible. We do so because it The Bill does, however, make provision for personal makes economic sense. The study “The economic impact tax changes, and the increase in the basic rate threshold of Air Passenger Duty”, published only this February, to £9,440 is welcome. The Government are right to try confirmed that. It suggested that abolishing APD entirely to take as many people as possible on low and modest could boost GDP by 0.46% in the first year, with benefits incomes out of tax, and the savings from that increase, continuing to 2020, and that the GDP boost to the UK added to the £326 of savings from basic rate taxpayers, economy would amount to at least £16 billion in the whose personal allowance has risen from £6,475 in 2010 first three years and result in almost 60,000 extra jobs to £8,105 last year, makes sense, but that is only part of over the longer term. We would argue, therefore, that the personal tax story. As I have said, the Government the time for continually increasing APD has gone and are also foolishly ploughing on with a tax cut for that the time to devolve it is now. millionaires, which at their own conservative estimate We also welcome the support of Scotland’s four main will cost £500 million. airports for the devolution of APD. It is safe to say, It is those in the middle who are really being squeezed. however, that we have become increasingly frustrated The tax relief in terms of the 40% band used to be with the UK Government’s continuing prevarication £37,400, but that was decreased to £34,300 last year, so and the impact on Scotland and Wales of the further for every £326 changed up in the Budget, at 20p in the increases in rates from April this year and April 2014. pound, people have had to shell out an extra £560 at To be fair, the Government have recognised, in devolving the 40p rate, before this year’s changes. So although the APD to Northern Ireland, that a one-size-fits-all policy change in this year’s basic threshold is welcome, we might not be appropriate, but increasing APD throughout must recognise that the Chancellor pulled the same the rest of the UK and not devolving it demonstrates trick in the middle again by pre-announcing another that the Government do not understand the differences cut to the 40% threshold down to £32,010 last year. in the UK aviation sector, the connectivity challenges That means that in three years the Government have faced by Scotland or the needs of passengers. This is a taken the proportion of taxpayers paying the 40% rate matter that we hope to return to in the Committee of from 10% to 13% of the total taxpaying public—up the whole House. 670,000 in three years. Over 25 years, the proportion The Finance Bill is utterly inadequate and ignores the has doubled to 2.1 million extra people now paying a pressing need for investment and growth. I am happy to tax rate that was previously only for the rich. With say that the Scottish National party and Plaid Cymru hundreds of thousands of people now paying a 40p tax will oppose it tonight. rate that was never designed for low and middle incomes, it is safe to say that the middle is not so much being squeezed by the Government, as garrotted. 7.49 pm Frank Dobson (Holborn and St Pancras) (Lab): Whatever Ian Swales: Does the hon. Gentleman recognise that else can be said, it is quite clear that this Finance Bill the first two changes in the 40p band were to ensure that will not sort out the public finances. As a result, we have 40% taxpayers only got the same amount out of the got all sorts of efforts to distract people’s attention. threshold increase as a basic rate taxpayer? In other We have got the Work and Pensions Secretary going words, it was a measure of fairness across the spectrum. on about new punishments for people involved in benefit fraud. I am against benefit fraud, but I am against all Stewart Hosie: I recognise that an increase in the fraud. Let us try to get things into perspective. In the basic threshold from £6,400 to £9,400, which is a £3,000 last year for which figures are available, benefit fraud rise, implies a saving of about £600, but a fall in the cost £1.2 billion. A recent study by Oxfam says that in 40% threshold from £37,400 to £32,100, which is £5,000, the last year for which it has figures, tax fraud cost the implies a cost of £2,000. If one was paying 40% before, taxpayer £5 billion. Needless to say, the Treasury said they still will be, while many hundreds of thousands it did not recognise that figure, which is officialese for: 93 Finance (No. 2) Bill15 APRIL 2013 Finance (No. 2) Bill 94

“I can’t think what to say; I’ll have to find out what the things that might damage it. So we trundled on, until boss says.” However, the Treasury has to acknowledge— the finance industry damaged the rest of us. It is worth because it produced this figure itself—that in the last remembering that the banks’ wrongdoing has cost us year for which official figures are available, £4 billion £700 billion in lost production since the crash. That is was lost to tax fraud. It also produced figures for that what we have all lost. year showing that tax avoidance—not tax evasion—cost These British banks and firms of accountants are not the taxpayer £5 billion. There was a further loss of just organising tax avoidance in the tax havens for all £4 billion for what is called “non-payment”—in other the swindlers. We now know—from prosecutions and words, businesses making sure that when something from agreements that they have come to with the American went wrong, it was not the taxpayer who got any of the authorities—that they have been organising money money. That makes a total of £13 billion lost in one laundering from massive drug dealing, gun running, year, mainly as a result of the desire and effective efforts people trafficking and busting sanctions on places such by the rich and big businesses not to pay tax. That as Burma. means that the taxpayer was swindled out of £13 billion in one year alone. I think the British banks should be doing something a bit different. I think they might possibly have done To be fair, that is partly because this House is notoriously a bit of investing in this country. In the past, small bad at producing tax laws that actually work. That businesses all over the country could go and see their might be partly an effect of the fact that for years the local bank managers at one of the big banks and talk to Treasury has been advised on such matters by the very them about their problems. They knew one another and banks and accountancy firms that are doing the swindling knew what their prospects were. People could borrow in the first place. However, there is little real conviction money that way, and it worked. Then the banks started in the idea that Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs centralising all the funds, so nothing is left with the will do a good job of getting the money that we have local bank manager and local firms now have to be voted should be taken. In fairness to HMRC, tax avoidance interrogated by an algorithm—that is what it boils has become a major British industry. It is not a sideline down to—in the banks’ headquarters. They have not of the big four banks or the big four firms of accountants; been investing in this country. We have to ask ourselves it is a major part of their industrial activity. They are why a large proportion of the industries that were not exactly big taxpayers themselves: in one year, Barclays privatised are now owned by foreign owners, such as paid just 1% of its profits in tax. Électricité de France or the Australian outfit that owns Then there is the massive and disgraceful involvement Thames Water. Could the British banks not have invested of the British financial sector in tax havens round in British businesses? Was there not enough profit for the world, usually in British dependencies. When the them? Does that mean that the profits in the tax havens British empire was at its zenith, the slogan was “Trade and from all sorts of derivatives activities were going to follows the flag”, and it still does, because the British raise them more money? That may be so, but what has dependencies, flying the British flag, are the major tax happened demonstrates just how awful the performance havens all over the world. The mighty British empire of the British banks and finance industry has been. has been reduced to a scatter of sordid tax havens, where most of the fiddling is done by British banks and I do not think this Finance Bill, any of the proposals British firms of accountants. They are there helping the the Government have put forward or even the one or tax avoiders and helping the rich freeloaders to avoid two they have started implementing reflect the scale of the tax they should be paying here and in other countries. wrongdoing that needs to be put right—the swindling Let me give one or two examples. Barclays has just that involved British companies and the damage that over 1,000 subsidiaries, 36% of which are located in does to us as a trading nation with, until recently, a tax havens. HSBC has 1,500 subsidiaries and, again, reputation for honesty and fair dealing. At its core—I 36% are in tax havens. The Royal Bank of Scotland is say this with some care—this is a corrupt set-up. We slightly better—only 31% of its 1,300 subsidiaries are have a banking industry and an accountancy industry located in tax havens—while just 21% of Lloyds’s that are involved in criminal and semi-criminal activity subsidiaries are located in tax havens. all over the world, yet we say to countries such as Bangladesh, “There’s too much corruption in your country.” Ian Swales: The right hon. Gentleman is making a If we are going to start trying to sort out corruption in powerful speech, but I am sure he is not suggesting that other places, it is about time we did it here and where all this has arisen in the last three years. Can he remind British companies are operating. We need transparency, the House of any steps that his Government took in this and we certainly do not need tax havens, especially regard and does he welcome the steps that this Government those that fly the British flag. Their objective is not are taking? They have resulted in, for example, Barclays transparency but the complete opposite: it is to be as closing down its structured capital markets department, obscure as is humanly possible in order to keep the tax which was basically about tax avoidance. authorities out. Another point that is constantly made is that, if we Frank Dobson: I never said for a minute that it started were to change the rules on banking and accountancy, recently. It has been going on for donkey’s years. However, the very clever people in the City would simply get I am not sure about the Lib Dems, but I cannot remember round them. That is unacceptable. Why should such an organisation when Labour was in government called behaviour be acceptable in the finance industry? We Tories in Favour of Stopping Tax Avoidance. Perhaps would regard it as totally unacceptable if the building the minutes will be produced by someone, but it seems industry said, “You can rely on us to get round the extremely unlikely, because everything the Tories ever building regulations,” if the aviation industry said, “We said when they were in opposition was about Labour can get round the safety rules,” or if the pharmaceutical being too nasty to the finance industry and proposing industry said, “We won’t carry out the proper checks that 95 Finance (No. 2) Bill15 APRIL 2013 Finance (No. 2) Bill 96

[Frank Dobson] I have asked Treasury Ministers several times how much money would be raised for the taxpayer by a are required. We can get round those rules.” We ought to 0.01% tax on financial transactions, but the great Treasury regard it as totally unacceptable when people representing mandarins have always said that they have not worked the finance industry say, “Whatever you do in the House out the figure. If that is the case, how can they possibly of Commons, we’ll get round your rules.” conclude that the money that would have to be paid out would damage the finance industry? If they do not Kelvin Hopkins: The hon. Member for Redcar (Ian Swales) know how much such a tax would raise, how can they suggested that some people ought to go to prison for know how much the industry would have to pay out? such behaviour. Does my right hon. Friend agree that We continue to find ourselves in the absurd situation that might concentrate a few minds? in which the banks and their friends, and the big accountancy firms and their friends, are advising the Frank Dobson: It certainly should. I am astonished Government on the taxation system that should be that no one in this country has yet been prosecuted for applied to them. We do not—as far as I know, anyway— the fraud involved in the LIBOR rate-rigging, including have criminals advising the Home Office on criminal the British Bankers Association, which was, after all, law, and I do not think that an industry with such a running the LIBOR system. People were defrauded, so disreputable record should be advising the British why has no one been prosecuted? I do not know, but Government on how it should be dealt with. someone should be. Another excuse for not sorting out the problems in 8.6 pm our banking industry is that we must not go it alone because that would put the industry at a disadvantage David Rutley (Macclesfield) (Con): It is a pleasure to compared with others. We are told, for instance, that speak in today’s debate. This week, of all weeks, is an we cannot possibly be the first country to introduce a appropriate time to reflect on economic and fiscal policy, financial transaction tax—a Tobin tax, a Robin Hood and particularly on the legacy of the free enterprise tax—because to do so would put our banks at a revolution led by the great Lady Thatcher. There is disadvantage. However, Germany and France have now much in the Bill that will continue this Government’s proposed an EU-wide financial transaction tax, yet our work to revive the successes of Lady Thatcher’s approach Government still say no. What are they frightened of? to business, free enterprise and growth. I was fortunate The rate of tax proposed on derivatives transactions enough to meet Lady Thatcher on the general election that the 11 countries led by Germany are establishing in nights in 1983 and 1987. She inspired me and many Europe is 0.01%. Apparently, our financial services others on this side of the House. She was a towering industry is so pathetic that it would be driven to ruin by figure who was well respected across the world, and she a transaction tax rate of 0.01%. richly deserved those election victories back in the 1980s. More than anything, she understood that individuals In fact, we already have a transaction tax in this and Governments needed to live within their means, country: it is called VAT. Nearly every other business and that businesses were best placed to create jobs and in this country is paying a transaction tax of 20%. If deliver economic growth. She trusted them to do that, everyone else is deemed capable of paying 20%, why and created the right conditions for them to succeed. should the financial services industry be deemed incapable That is the proud legacy that the Bill seeks to build on. of paying 0.01% on its transactions, 85% of which are Indeed, there is a clear focus on freeing up small businesses carried out within the industry, between its various from the burdens of tax. constituent parts, rather than with anyone else. That is pathetic, and it is about time that we recognised that a substantial amount of money could be raised for the Frank Dobson: Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the taxpayer in this country, even at a rate of 0.01%. average economic growth during the time that Mrs Thatcher was Prime Minister was no higher than the average economic growth under Harold Wilson or Jim Callaghan? Jonathan Edwards (Carmarthen East and Dinefwr) (PC): Will the right hon. Gentleman remind the House David Rutley: The debate is about sustainable economic what the Labour party’s policy is on the so-called Robin growth, and if we look at the record of the 13 years of Hood tax? My understanding is that the shadow Chancellor the previous Labour Government and their promise is opposed to introducing one. of no return to boom and bust, the facts speak for themselves. Frank Dobson: That might be the case, but I live in hope. Andy Sawford: What is it about 63 consecutive quarters of economic growth that the hon. Gentleman does not Chris Leslie: Let me make it absolutely clear that we recognise as a period of prosperity in this country? should have a Government who are arguing for a financial transaction tax. We need to ensure that we get New David Rutley: As a member of the Treasury Select York, in particular, on board, but we now have evidence Committee, I have had the privilege of interviewing and of what will happen in the European Union, and there putting to the test various former permanent secretaries. is no doubt that there is a very strong case for such Lord Turnbull springs to mind. He worked in the Treasury a tax. under the Labour Government and supported Labour Ministers, and he is on record as saying that after those Frank Dobson: Yes, indeed. I have been advocating 63 successive quarters, what he called wishful thinking such a tax for some time, and I shall continue to do so. crept in— 97 Finance (No. 2) Bill15 APRIL 2013 Finance (No. 2) Bill 98

Andy Sawford: You can’t even get to two quarters of not be found. Suppliers need to be flexible to survive growth— and thrive in competitive markets where consumers, even usually loyal ones, are free at any time to say no. Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. That is why the Government need to ensure that there is the freedom to be flexible and the confidence to be bold David Rutley: According to the permanent secretary for enterprise to thrive and succeed. at the time, wishful thinking was prevalent across the Labour Government, and it led to the hyperbole that it Andy Sawford: What specific measures in the Budget was possible to bring about an end to boom and bust. will give enterprise in my constituency the confidence to Of course that did not come to pass; none of that be bold? Government’s work did. We are about sustainable growth and putting forward the positive action plan that was David Rutley: The enterprise allowance, for example, included in the Budget—[Interruption.] If the hon. enables— Member for Airdrie and Shotts (Pamela Nash) wishes to intervene, she should please do so. Chris Leslie: It is not this year.

Pamela Nash: The hon. Gentleman says that my David Rutley: It will be coming forward. party is guilty of wishful thinking. At the moment, there is no growth in this country; we had 63 quarters Chris Leslie: When? of consecutive growth. How can he possibly compare the two? David Rutley: In 2014. [Interruption.] We have to take a stepped approach to rectify the changes Labour David Rutley: If the hon. Lady had listened, she put through. The allowance is important and will be would know that I did not say that. The phrase about welcomed, and the other measures we are taking on the wishful thinking came from Lord Turnbull—one of supply side, such as the reduction in corporation tax, Labour’s permanent secretaries, speaking for himself. will all help to create a platform for economic growth. The groupthink that pervaded the Treasury at the time led to the tragic results that we are having to clear up, Sheila Gilmore: Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the and the Bill is taking steps to do that. enterprise allowance will be partly funded by the substantial The Bill is a fitting tribute. It will promote competition increase in national insurance contributions that employers and reduce barriers to entry for the ambitious and and employees will pay as a result of the flat-rate aspirational people of this country, who simply want pension? That has been brought forward by a year—even the chance to work hard, compete and get on. The though the Select Committee was told that it would be Chancellor’s Budget speech made it clear that the Bill logistically difficult—to produce that extra income. In will be followed by future measures that continue these fact, the Government are just moving things around efforts to free enterprise and remove the roadblocks to and a lot of people will find themselves a lot worse off economic growth. That is a clear commitment from the when those higher national insurance contributions Government. kick in. It is worth reflecting on what enterprise actually means. It does not mean that people are on their own as David Rutley: It is sad to see such gloomy faces on the some critics allege. As John Donne wrote: Opposition side of the Chamber. I accused the shadow “No man is an island, entire of itself.” Minister of being a bit Eeyore-like and I think it is catching on the Opposition Benches. Labour Members He could have written the same thing about enterprise, should cheer up a little and look at the reaction to the because free-market economics is not an atomistic pursuit, Budget. The Federation of Small Businesses say that it but recognition that we all advance by pooling our comparative advantages in a common free economy. We “asked for a budget for small businesses and this is what has been delivered. This Budget opens the door for small firms to grow and should remind ourselves of the common value and create jobs.” purpose of enterprise as we lay the foundations for future growth. It is not about state intervention, as Andy Sawford: Would the hon. Gentleman write me a Opposition Members suggest. letter, which I could circulate among the young people Business transactions must involve at least two parties— in my constituency who are desperately trying to find the supplier and the consumer—and the very word work and the people hit by the bedroom tax who face “enterprise” is derived from joint undertakings: enter poverty and homelessness, advising them to “cheer up from the French “entre”, meaning “between”, and “prise” a little”? Would he write to me in those terms? I would from “prendre,” to take. It is suggested, perhaps rather gladly circulate it and we could see what my constituents dubiously, that President George Bush once said, “The think. problem with the French is that they have no word for entrepreneur.” Forgive my French, Mr Deputy Speaker, David Rutley: In a spirit of co-operation I suggest but although we do not have a word for entrepreneur, that for a change the hon. Gentleman leaves Croydon— we on the Government Benches understand the meaning [HON.MEMBERS: “ It is Corby.”] Wherever it may be of enterprise, which is literally the joint seizure of —beginning with a C. The hon. Gentleman should opportunity for mutual advantage. The Bill sets out come up to Macclesfield and see what we are doing with how the Government will encourage it. apprenticeships and our local college to encourage young Enterprise is voluntary, and therefore it carries for people to get into work. It is about human endeavour suppliers involved in business the element, and excitement, and getting on with the job, not moaning and groaning of risk that consumers for the service or product may as the Opposition are doing. 99 Finance (No. 2) Bill15 APRIL 2013 Finance (No. 2) Bill 100

[David Rutley] that will be delivered by the Government, such as the widely welcomed—at least on the Government Benches— The Forum of Private Business speak of the Chancellor employment allowance. being “spot-on” with his “basic common sense” decision Not just small businesses welcome the return to to freeze fuel duty. I hope Opposition Members at least a solidly pro-enterprise, pro-competition, lower tax welcome that. The Association of Convenience Stores environment. The Institute of Directors and the CBI welcomes measures that both welcomed the clear progress in the Chancellor’s “will benefit consumers and reduce some of the pressure on local continual, and continuing, efforts to lower corporation shops.” tax. Clause 4 of the Bill provides for a corporation tax rate of 21% in financial year 2014, which is the lowest in Barbara Keeley (Worsley and Eccles South) (Lab): the G7. Perhaps it is part of Lady Thatcher’s legacy that What would the hon. Gentleman say to the convenience these days clause 4 is something to be celebrated as stores in my constituency who are going to lose £4 million useful to the economy and progressive for growth. from our economy in Salford when the bedroom tax The Chancellor has gone one better. Under clause 6, hits? That is £4 million less that people will have to we will see Britain’s main rate of corporation tax reduced spend in convenience stores and local shops. That is the to just 20% in financial year 2015, the lowest in the G20. real hit. This is a clear, determined agenda to incentivise business activity for jobs and growth. It is precisely that clarity David Rutley: We have to tackle the deficit that faces and determination that gives businesses certainty and this country. We know that welfare payments have confidence that enterprise is worth conducting in the spiralled out of control and we recognise that there is UK, and that, as the Chancellor said, Britain is once huge demand for scarce rooms. We have to address again open for business. those things. I will give the hon. Lady a chance to say what she would do to tackle the welfare budget, but I It is a mark of how vastly over-complicated our tax have heard nothing. Does she want to stand up and tell system has been allowed to become that there are far us what Opposition policy will be? too many opportunities to avoid and even evade taxation, and that very complexity has made a general anti-abuse Barbara Keeley: I will happily respond. We would rule inevitable. Of course, the Government are well actually bring some growth to the economy and get aware that they must take great care that such a rule some of our young people back to work. We would use does not undermine the certainty and confidence in the a levy on bankers, not in the way that the Government tax system that we need. It would be sad if the GAAR propose in the Bill, but to build houses and to get young became an excuse for HMRC to become sloppy when people back to work. We would guarantee work for drawing up future tax rules in the knowledge that, if it young people who have been unemployed for 12 months did not get the desired results, it could always apply the or more. Going back a few years—I do not think the rule. I am sure that the Treasury is determined to avoid hon. Gentleman had been elected at that point—we had such a situation. the future jobs fund in my constituency and in Salford. I am pleased by the Government’s commitment to That gave hundreds of jobs for young people. Then simplifying the tax system at the same time that the there was a future and they had hope; now they have anti-abuse rule is being planned. Fighting complexity nothing. with complexity is not a long-term solution, so I look forward to progress on simplification. It is encouraging, David Rutley: Much as I enjoy going to Salford and and to the Chancellor’s credit, that in just three years the hon. Lady’s constituency, some honesty is required the Government have taken the UK from near the about how growth should be funded in the north-west. I bottom of the KPMG league table of competitive tax am sure Mr Deputy Speaker has a view on that too, but regimes to the top. That is progress, and I applaud it. he cannot express it in the Chamber. Under the previous Ministers should also be praised for not only explicitly Government, in the 10-year period to 2010, 100,000 jobs recognising that there is yet more to be done, but setting were created in the public sector in the north-west. a path for getting that done, not least by increasing the During the same period, there was a net reduction of personal allowance to £9,440 this tax year, with the 25,000 jobs in the private sector. That is completely clear target of hitting £10,000 next year. unsustainable. What we are trying to do in the north-west The Bill includes a significant commitment under and throughout the whole economy is to have a more schedule 14 to research and development credits, even sustainable approach to job creation, which has led to for those companies with no corporation tax liability. the creation of more than 1 million jobs in the private The Chancellor’s decision to increase to 10% the rate of sector. That is a far better record than anything from credit for above-the-line R and D, as well as the new Labour when it was in power. £700 million annual patent box, will help to tackle under-investment in knowledge-based industries. That Julie Hilling: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? is important for the life sciences sector, which is critical to Macclesfield’s local economy and vital for our national David Rutley: No, I have given way enough. We have competitiveness. Those measures are in addition to the all enjoyed the debate, but I shall now finish my speech. tenfold two-year increase in the annual investment allowance In Macclesfield, we have one of the highest rates of for qualifying investments in plant and machinery from self-employment in the UK, and among women, £25,000 to £250,000, which will boost much-needed Macclesfield has the highest rate of self-employment in business capital investment. the north-west. This year, the Budget was above all for The global race is not a sprint, but a marathon, and small businesses and entrepreneurs such as them. The the Government are wise to recognise that it will be Bill is the first step to realising the series of measures easier for businesses to run without hurdles and barriers 101 Finance (No. 2) Bill15 APRIL 2013 Finance (No. 2) Bill 102 in their way. To be blunt, if we want businesses to thrive, the Chancellor with faint praise. If we had pressed him we need to tax them less and minimise the bureaucratic hard enough, I think he would have conceded most of burden. The result of that approach is real sustainable our points. growth and new employment opportunities. This is not The Bill will clearly do nothing to transform our about Thatcherite dogma; it is actually happening and economy. We are in a desperate state—an ongoing it is delivering positive results, such as by enabling recession. The Chancellor says that his Budget is fiscally private sector employment growth of more than 1 million neutral, but when 2.5 million people are unemployed jobs since 2010. That is a great achievement for the and we have low or negative growth, we do not want a Government— fiscally neutral Budget. We should have had an expansionary Budget to promote growth, but of course even a fiscally Andy Sawford: Part-time jobs. neutral Budget could inject growth into the economy by raising taxes and spending more, rather than doing the David Rutley: They are real jobs—not public sector opposite. If taxes on businesses and the wealthy are jobs funded by taxpayers’ money, but ongoing and reduced, they tend to save their money—indeed, they sustainable private sector jobs. put it in tax havens—whereas if ordinary people are given jobs, the first thing they do is to spend their money, Glyn Davies (Montgomeryshire) (Con): I congratulate and that money goes directly back into the economy my hon. Friend on making a positive speech and recognising and starts to generate demand through the multiplier. that we have a coalition Government who are determined The hon. Member for Cities of London and Westminster to clear up the mess made by the previous Government. was right that forecasting is difficult. I remember that in All we hear from Opposition Members is whinging and 1990—I am older than everybody else in the Chamber— whining, and talk of more borrowing and debt, but that when The Sunday Times carried out a survey of forecasting would exacerbate the problems that they created. organisations, it found that the London Business School was bottom of the league, scoring nought out of 10 for David Rutley: I thank my hon. Friend for those comments. its forecasts, although of course that was the forecasting We may be hearing Eeyore noises from Labour Members, body adored by the Conservative Government under but at least we have now had a sense of Tigger. Mrs Thatcher. The best forecasts were by the Cambridge Economic Policy Group, a left-leaning Keynesian group, Frank Dobson: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? which got six out of 10 to come top of the league. The then Government were so annoyed by the Cambridge group that they took away its Government grant because David Rutley: I cannot, because Mr Deputy Speaker they did not like people telling them that they were wrong, is giving me dagger looks, so I need to make progress although they were. and finish my speech—[Interruption.] I know him well and he is not always like that. Demand for the things that people produce is a The Bill meets the ambitions of those who want to crucial factor if an economy is to succeed, because work hard and get on. It cuts taxes and incentivises although Governments can cut taxes for businesses and business to create jobs and economic growth. It is a introduce all sorts of supply-side measures, if no one is plan of action and a signpost giving a clear direction of buying anything, the economy will not grow. An equally the work yet to be done. That work will be done by this crucial factor for sustaining that demand is an appropriate Government, and I give the Bill my full support. exchange rate. Successive Governments have ignored the exchange rate at their peril, but there have been times when the depreciation of our currency has had 8.23 pm dramatic results, and I can cite three examples under a Conservative Government. Following Golden Wednesday Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North) (Lab): I cannot resist and the collapse of the exchange rate mechanism, the commenting on one of the points made by the hon. economy grew strongly after a substantial depreciation. Member for Macclesfield (David Rutley). He suggested By the time that 1997 came along, the Conservatives that businesses are somehow more competitive because were still being condemned for the collapse of the we have a better tax regime, yet our trade deficit is in housing market and the people voted Labour—thank a terrible state, and getting worse. If everything is so goodness for that—yet the Labour Government benefited brilliant, we should be doing better on international from the strong demand generated by that depreciation. trade. In 1979 Mrs Thatcher was praised for her economic policies, but the 1979 Budget, masterminded, if I can Frank Dobson: While my hon. Friend is commenting describe it like that, by Geoffrey Howe, resulted in a on the speech made by the hon. Member for Macclesfield catastrophic collapse in demand. A fifth of manufacturing (David Rutley), was he somewhat taken aback to discover disappeared and unemployment soared to 3 million. It that nurses, doctors, firefighters and police in Macclesfield was only when those policies were reversed that there are apparently not occupying real jobs? was a recovery, and under Nigel Lawson’s watch—I do not necessarily agree with everything he did—the pound Kelvin Hopkins: My right hon. Friend makes a good depreciated by over 30%. Again, the economy grew point: when we go to a hospital, we find that no one is strongly and unemployment came down. there, because those in such jobs are not real people. Going back even further into history, in the 1931 Indeed, I might add Members of Parliament to that list. crisis, a Labour Government mistakenly tried to sustain The hon. Member for Cities of London and Westminster sterling on the gold standard, and tried to keep its (Mark Field) was desperately trying to be positive about parity up. The Government fell apart, and effectively the Budget, but in the process he effectively damned a Conservative Government with a nominally Labour 103 Finance (No. 2) Bill15 APRIL 2013 Finance (No. 2) Bill 104

[Kelvin Hopkins] to close the tax gap and collect the tax that has been avoided or evaded, perhaps sending a few corrupt bankers Prime Minister came in straight afterwards. The first to prison in the process. That would concentrate their thing they did was take the pound off the gold standard minds, as I said earlier. and depreciate, and the recovery began. That was only We need to begin to spend in areas of high labour part of it; other factors were necessary to sustain recovery intensity. If we can get people back to work quickly by in the 1930s. We had to spend a lot of money, and spending in those sectors—construction and the public towards the end of the ’30s the country built thousands— services, which have been cut by the Government—we indeed, millions—of houses, and that was how we can bring down unemployment. People pay tax when recovered. That is what we ought to do now. they are in jobs, they do not claim benefits, and the In other countries, Germany built arms and autobahns; economy begins to recover. At the same time, we can in America, there was the new deal—spending money build millions of houses that we need, particularly local on all sorts of public works, which created the demand authority houses, and we can provide all the nurses we in the economy that brought about recovery. It was not need in hospitals. Hospitals are under stress because of fiddling around with tax rates and supply-side measures. a lack of staff on the wards. We can develop other areas That did not work then, and it will not work now. The too: local authority services, children’s services, and exchange rate is therefore absolutely crucial, and the social services for the elderly, all of which are under exchange rate at this time is too high. Part of our stress and are things on which we should spend to recovery should depend on a significant depreciation. generate more employment. We generate employment An erudite and informed book by my friend, John directly by spending money on areas with high labour Mills, has been written about this, and I have quoted intensity. from it in the Chamber. It makes a detailed case for There is another great advantage of spending money such measures. in such areas. As my hon. Friend the Member for The trade statistics are disastrous, and some of us Swansea West (Geraint Davies), who has left the Chamber, have been worried about manufacturing for a long time. said, the rich do not spend money: they put it in banks Our manufacturing sector is about half the size of the and tax havens. But ordinary people, especially if they German manufacturing sector as a proportion of our have been unemployed, spend every single penny of economy, which is disastrous. We should be a similar their money on supporting their families, dealing with economy to Germany in many ways. Historically, we their debts and so on. They spend their money. They have been very similar in all sorts of ways, but our have what the economists call a high marginal propensity manufacturing has collapsed. That was partly because to consume. We should give as much money as possible in 1997, when Labour came to office, there was at the to those who have that high marginal propensity to same time a substantial appreciation of the pound, consume, not to those who stuff it in banks and foreign which began to damage manufacturing. We were sustained tax havens. That would help to regenerate the economy. by an asset price bubble, which carried on, and thank Another great thing about public services and goodness, we had a relatively strong economy for some construction is that they put demand into the domestic time. However, manufacturing did not do well, because economy, not into the foreign economy. If I were given of the relatively strong pound. It was only the crisis of extra cash, which I do not need—I think I should pay a 2008, when there was a significant depreciation, that bit more tax—what would I do? I would have another saved us. Had we been stuck in the euro, we would be foreign holiday. I might buy another case of French like Spain now—it would be absolutely disastrous—so wine. That does not help our economy at all. But if we must applaud my right hon. Friend the Member for construction workers have extra cash, they go out and Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath (Mr Brown) for keeping spend it in the shops on food, their homes and their us out of the euro, despite pressure from the then Prime family. They spend it in the domestic economy. They do Minister. I was one of those who supported my right not, as far as I know, buy large quantities of French hon. Friend very strongly at the time. wine or have fancy foreign holidays, especially when they are just coming out of unemployment. They would Jonathan Edwards: I agree with a number of the hon. spend their money in the domestic economy. Gentleman’s points. The Government talk a good game The great thing about construction is that it has a low about rebalancing the economy geographically and import content. Most of what is used in construction sectorally, and about an export-led recovery, but they comes from the domestic economy. Again, the demand will not achieve those objectives unless they tackle the goes into the domestic economy so the spending by exchange rate. construction workers in their new jobs becomes someone else’s income within the domestic economy. We get the Kelvin Hopkins: Indeed. We have to use all the weapons multiplier effect of one person’s spending becoming and measures of macro-economic policy to make sure another person’s income going around in a big circle that we recover. Fiddling around with supply-side measures and the economy is regenerated. is no doubt the sort of thing that the London Business That is what we need—pure Keynesian reflation, but School talked about in 1990, but it will not solve our we have other measures to deal with that. If it necessitates problems. some serious tax increases, so be it. The majority of the The macro-economic measures that we must take population have said in opinion polls, I understand, include, first, tackling the exchange rate. Secondly, we that they would prefer tax hikes to spending cuts. That must inject demand through additional public spending, is absolutely right. We are frightened of saying that we and we can pay for that in various ways without necessarily should have higher taxes. Francois Hollande in France increasing the deficit. We could raise taxes on the rich decided to introduce a significantly higher tax rate for a very substantially. For example, we could begin seriously substantial proportion of the population. Some people 105 Finance (No. 2) Bill15 APRIL 2013 Finance (No. 2) Bill 106 will squeal about it and no doubt the right-wing media time, 33%—one in three of us—experience at least one in Britain would squeal about it, but there should be a period on a low income in a four-year period, and 11% bit more tax, even on MPs such as myself. I have of people are on a low income for more than half of suggested that the first tax rise should be the 50% rate those four years. not at £150,000, but at £60,000, so that I would pay a In 2012, 1.6 million people were claiming jobseeker’s little more tax. I am talking about me as well as about allowance at any one time and 4.8 million had claimed other people. It is easy for us to make changes that it at least once in the previous two years. Those figures affect other people, not ourselves. show that the Government’s desperate efforts to categorise Such a change could be made, if need be, but in the people as skivers or strivers are a travesty of the truth. short term we do not need to do that. We need to collect Some 2.5 million people, including 1 million young the taxes that should be paid and which are the subject people, are not shirkers or skivers; they are people who of tax avoidance and tax evasion. We need a radical need the Government to take action to create jobs. But economic strategy, including all the components that I there was no mention in the Chancellor’s Budget speech have suggested, to get us out of the mess we are in—and of what he would do and there has been no action; he we are in a mess. In his Budget speech, the Chancellor simply hopes that something will happen. looked like a frightened man. He looked very worried. What do we get from the Government parties? We get Clearly, his strategy is not working. He does not know a tax cut for millionaires, paid for by the poor. What what to do without doing a complete U-turn and adopting excuse have they given for cutting tax for millionaires? a completely different strategy—the kind of strategy They say that the millionaires were not paying it. If only that I am talking about—which would mean political we could all get a tax cut just because we did not want humiliation for him. He should worry less about political to pay tax. The Government failed to tell people that humiliation than about doing the right thing by the they do not actually know how much money the 50% country. tax rate would raise, because in the first year people 8.37 pm brought forward their income and this year people will delay it, but HMRC has said that it could raise £1 billion. Julie Hilling (Bolton West) (Lab): It has felt like a If people are avoiding paying tax, surely we need to shut very long four weeks since the Chancellor delivered the down the avoidance schemes, not cut the tax rate in the Budget, not least because of the terrible tragedy of the hope that they will stop using the schemes now that death of Jade Lomas-Anderson by a dog attack in my they have found them. It is a shame that the Government constituency, so when I came to write my speech today, have not shown the same concern for people earning I had to wrack my brains to remember what the Budget £41,000, who, without any pay rise, will now find themselves was all about. My overwhelming memory is of the in the 40% tax bracket. Hundreds of thousands of Chancellor sitting on the Front Bench looking like a hard-pressed families will now be paying more tax, little boy lost, with no idea what to do about the without a thought from the Government. flatlining economy, no idea what to do to stop a triple-dip recession, what to do about the loss of our triple A There were one or two promises of jam tomorrow, status, or what to do about the level of borrowing, and such as help with child care in two years’ time, a no idea how to balance the books. So he delivered a single-tier pension in 2016 and capped care costs in Budget that did none of those things, sitting on his 2016. I was interested to read Age UK’s briefing after hands, hoping that things will just happen. the Budget. It welcomed the earlier implementation of the care costs cap and the higher upper means-tested Of course, things are just happening. Unemployment threshold from April 2016, but it said that that would in my constituency, Bolton West, is up. One in 10 people do nothing to help the 800,000 older people who need in Greater Manchester skip meals so that other family help with everyday tasks but receive no formal state members can eat. Nationally, homelessness and rough support. Since the Government came to power, £700 million sleeping are up by a third. Shelter says that every in real terms has been cut from social care funding. 15 minutes another family is made homeless. The economy may be flatlining, but people’s income and spending are Age UK also stated: not. The OBR has said that in 2015 people will be worse “The Chancellor may have confused”— off than they were in 2010. Wages are £1,200 lower than people— in May 2010. This year a family with two children “in his speech by referring to raising ‘the threshold of the means and one earner earning £20,000 a year will be at least test on residential care from just over £23,000 to £118,000’. He £381 worse off, and next year will be £600 worse off. was in fact referring to the upper means test threshold and older Inflation, of course, is still running at 2.8%. Behind people will have to make contributions based on a sliding scale those figures are real people having a desperately hard towards the cost of their social care if they have assets between time—people who are losing their homes, having to the two amounts.” choose between heating and eating and relying on food It went on to say that the Budget offered no proposals banks to feed themselves and their children. to improve pensions for current pensioners or to reduce Tinkering at the edges will not solve the problem, pensioner poverty, which currently stands at 1.7 million and neither will blaming the poor for the situation they people. It was also disappointed that the Government find themselves in. According to the Joseph Rowntree are not doing nearly enough to help tens of thousands Foundation, 6.1 million people living in poverty are in of older people whose income, health and well-being working households, 6.4 million people lack the paid are being affected by the cold weather. work they want and 1.4 million part-time workers want full-time work, the highest figure in 20 years, and 100,000 Barbara Keeley: My hon. Friend is making some of the so-called new jobs pay no wages whatsoever. The great points about social care. Before she moves on, churn of people in poverty or out of work is substantial. would she like to comment on the fact that, according While 18% of people are on a low income at any one to Carers UK, 1 million people in this country have 107 Finance (No. 2) Bill15 APRIL 2013 Finance (No. 2) Bill 108

[Barbara Keeley] Why do the Government not get on and build homes? House building would do more for the economy than given up work or cut the hours they work because of any of the gimmicks that they announced in their their caring responsibilities, which can have a real impact so-called Budget. Even their grandly announced increase on the economy? She has laid out that social care has in infrastructure spending of £2.5 billion does nothing been cut and that that means a real struggle for many to restore the cut of £7.7 billion to infrastructure spending older people, with 800,000 people not even having enough that they have made over the past three years. Let us care, but it is also a real hit for the economy. Some hope that they make progress this time by building carers might still be struggling to keep employed, but something rather than making announcements that never does she agree that, as services disappear, life is getting seem to come to fruition. much harder for them, too. The people of Bolton West are struggling. Many are more than struggling; they are finding it hard to survive Julie Hilling: I absolutely agree. On Saturday, I met a day to day. The Government blame them and are hellbent couple; the husband was the carer, looking after his on making the situation worse. They say that they have wife. They, of course, are about to be hit by the bedroom to cut the welfare budget but neglect to say that the tax as well. He said to me on the street, “I’d love to be majority of that budget is made up of pensions and working. I gave up my job to look after my wife.” If he in-work benefits. That does not fit the picture that they had not done that, the cost to the economy of residential try to portray of the skivers who are ruining the economy. care would have been far higher than the benefits that They forget to say that jobseeker’s allowance accounts that couple are getting. We have to do much more for for less than 5% of the budget and to tell us that cutting carers rather than keeping on punishing them as the benefit not only forces people to food banks but harms Government seem to. the economy. They forget to tell us that the private rented sector is far more costly than social housing. I go back to Age UK’s response to the Budget. It had They will do nothing to introduce fair rents and nothing much more to say, but on the question of whether the to curb the cost of private rented accommodation—they Chancellor had delivered for older people, its answer simply cap benefits in the hope that that might just seemed to be a resounding no. bring down those rents. The Government did reduce tax on beer by 1p, which, I am no economist, but even I know that if we cut of course, is welcome for the pub industry, although it jobs and benefits, we get into a downward spiral of probably would have preferred action on the tie, which more business failure, more people out of work and less the Government appear to have shelved. The Government’s money in the economy—on and on downwards. The increase in VAT actually put 5p on a pint, and I hope only way to reverse that spiral is to invest in jobs and it will take a long time for beer drinkers to sup the pay a living wage, to build houses for people to live in, 300-odd pints before they get their free one. and to take action to rebuild our economy. Instead, It is also good that the Government cancelled the what do we get? A double-dip—thank heavens for the planned rise in fuel duty, but again the VAT increase Olympics, because otherwise it would have been a triple- wiped out any benefit that that may bring. I get annoyed dip—recession, a doubling of debt, and a deficit that is when Government Members talk about how much they not reducing. Instead of blaming the poor and giving a have “saved” the motorist, given that fuel has gone up tax cut to millionaires, this Government—instead of by at least 10% on their watch. They also ignore the sitting on their hands—should take action and not give truth that the previous Labour Government cancelled us the non-Budget that they have given us this time. or postponed planned fuel duty rises on 13 occasions, depending on the cost of fuel at the time. They also 8.50 pm cancelled any rises at the height of the global financial crash—note that it was a “global” financial crash, not Andy Sawford (Corby) (Lab/Co-op): Members have one made in Downing street where recessions now been addressing two questions in this debate: first, appear to be made. where we find ourselves and why; and, secondly, what we should do about it. In 2008, 63 consecutive quarters However, tinkering at the edges will not give my of economic growth in this country came to an end with constituents a job or increase their incomes. The the onset of a global recession that started in America Government made great claims about their proposals and spread quickly across the world. The Conservatives to help people buy a home and the Prime Minister and their supporters at the Daily Mail like to blame the claimed last year that their NewBuy scheme would previous Labour Government for the global crash. Was assist 100,000 people to buy their own homes. What it Labour that was selling the sub-prime mortgages in happened? Instead of 100,000 people, just 1,500 people America? Of course not. benefited. The response to that unprecedented crisis was to What about this year’s proposals? Instead of welcoming take very significant action, first to arrest it and then them, experts believe that they will simply lead to house to bring some relative stability. Crucially, the previous price inflation. The Government cannot answer whether Government chose to invest in our economy to keep people will be able to use the scheme to buy a second businesses growing and to keep people in work. home. Someone in social housing with a so-called spare room will pay the bedroom tax, but the state will help Jonathan Edwards: Does the hon. Gentleman someone who wants a spare house to buy one—not a acknowledge that economic performance prior to the cheap one either, but one costing up to £600,000. I do crash was based on unsustainable personal debt bubbles not see too many people on the minimum wage being and asset price bubbles, with personal debt in the UK able to service that sort of loan, even with the paltry equivalent to 100% of gross value added—far higher increase announced today. than in any other modern democracy? 109 Finance (No. 2) Bill15 APRIL 2013 Finance (No. 2) Bill 110

Andy Sawford: The previous Labour Government’s Pamela Nash: My hon. Friend may know that we had record of 63 consecutive quarters of growth is absolutely a similar problem in my area, north Lanarkshire, with unarguable. Of course, lessons must be learned by Members our Tata Steel site and public sector projects, so the steel in all parts of the House, including those in my own was bought from abroad. party, about the economy at the time, and I will go on to say a little more about that. Andy Sawford: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The alternative to investing in our economy to keep The story of the decision to close the steelworks in businesses going and to keep people in work was to Corby in 1980 has now come full circle and been shown go back to the experiences of the recessions in the to be short-sighted, given that the steel is now coming early 1980s and early 1990s. Twice, 3 million people from Port Talbot. Some of Tata’s steel is now coming were unemployed, with the country being told that from abroad, because it is so difficult for it to compete unemployment was a price worth paying. My own in this country. I called for measures in the Budget—I family know that it was not. They were impacted when spoke about this in a recent Adjournment debate—to the steelworks at Corby closed in 1980 and 10,000 people support the steel industry in the UK in order to mitigate were put on the dole. People from communities such as the impact of high energy prices around the world. The mine, where the films “Brassed Off” and “Billy Elliot” contrast between this country and others is stark and seem more like documentaries, know the effects of instructive of this Government’s approach. Germany, unemployment and know that it is a personal tragedy where the economy is growing—it now has more than for families and communities and is never a price 3% growth—has a £5 billion mitigation package for worth paying. This year alone, 126 more people in my energy intensive companies, while this country has a constituency are claiming employment and support £250 million mitigation package and we are not even allowance. clear about its details. Let us not forget that the Tories supported the measures that we took in the recession—the same Tories who had Stephen Doughty (Cardiff South and Penarth) (Lab/ warned against more regulation of the banks. Now they Co-op): My hon. Friend led a strong Adjournment want to rewrite history. They are convincing people that debate recently and I was proud to join him in it. Does our investment and the borrowing that underpinned it he not find it extraordinary that the Business Secretary was more like a credit card debt than a mortgage. One admitted in the New Statesman in March that of those is short term, bad debt and irresponsible; “the fiscal consolidation achieved through reduced capital spending the other is about investing in our future. It is about the has had economic consequences”? decisions that responsible businesses make to borrow to The Government’s lack of coherence is extraordinary: invest—the decisions that responsible Governments all one side is arguing, like us, for increased infrastructure around the world, and the UK Government, made in spending, while the others are doing little about it. the depths of that last recession.

To win an election, the Prime Minister claimed Andy Sawford: My hon. Friend is absolutely right that he would “balance the books” by 2015. In 2010 he and I will say more later about capital spending in this told the CBI that his Government had a plan that country. would secure the credit rating. So what has happened— what did they do? They cancelled the future jobs fund, It was not just Tata Steel that shed jobs in my which was really helping to get people back to work constituency; Argos also did so and Aquascutum closed. in my constituency. I know that was happening in Those companies were affected because nobody had Northamptonshire because I was close to that work. any confidence and nobody was spending. That happened They stopped the Building Schools for the Future project, because the Government chose—they made a deliberate scrapping plans for 715 schools to have improvements, political choice—to talk our economy down. It was a including Lodge Park in my own constituency. That political strategy without any real regard for the damaging affected not only the students and their parents and effects it would have on our economy. When they got families, and future opportunities to develop skills in hold of the levers of power, they revealed their real the town, but the people who were going to build the purpose: an ideological attack on the state and on the new unit at the school. The children are now in mobile poorest in our society. classrooms, which I am ashamed to see in one of the The accumulative impact of the Government’s Budgets, wealthiest countries in the world. including this one, will have an effect on individuals. The Institute for Fiscal Studies tells us that the average This Government took all the life and confidence out family will be £891 a year worse off, but that figure tells of an economy that was growing when they inherited it only part of the story. The other part is how the cuts to from the previous Labour Government. They stopped services will impact on all residents, particularly those housing developments such as Priors Hall in my who most rely on public services. Buses have been cut in constituency, on which a lot of our economic future rested. my constituency, the ambulance station in Corby is due Tata Steel laid off people in my constituency in 2011, to close and children’s services, particularly for those and when I asked why I was told not only that it was with special educational needs and their families, have about operating in a challenging global environment been decimated. Respite care has been lost and there are and about energy prices, but that all of the tubes from fewer police and police community support officers Corby went into infrastructure projects around the than when this Government came to office, and there is country which had been hugely affected by the stopping a real threat of cuts to my local hospital. The huge of road-building programmes and Building Schools for impact of those cuts to services on families means that the Future. they are worse off. 111 Finance (No. 2) Bill15 APRIL 2013 Finance (No. 2) Bill 112

[Andy Sawford] They are talking about people who are trying desperately to find work and whose situation has been made worse, The Government’s policies have impacted on those not better, by this Government. The Tories do not who most needed their help—the children plunged into understand the lives of those people. They do not poverty and the disabled people hit by the bedroom tax understand the margins of the labour market or the and the pernicious Atos reviews that this Government margins that many of the poorest in our society live on. have failed to intervene in and stop. Those out of work They understand the marginal impact of their millionaires’ and unemployed in my constituency have been stigmatised tax cut, which is about £100,000—after all, many of by this Government and left desperately chasing the few them will get it—but they do not understand the marginal vacancies that exist. impact of their policies on people who have very little to The Government say that there are more people in live on. Fourteen pounds may be half a bottle of claret work, but that is not true in my constituency. Moreover, to the Chancellor, but for people in my constituency, it what sorts of jobs are being created? They are part-time, means choices about food, heating, fuel and new shoes low-paid jobs for underemployed people in my constituency for the kids. —fragile employment for people working through agencies The Government’s Budget was a chance to get back on zero-hour contracts and on the margins of the on track after three wasted years in which the UK went labour market, there to be exploited. And the Government back into recession and lost its credit rating. The best say that that is okay. that the Chancellor could do was to say that he hoped that we would not have another quarter of negative Mr Russell Brown (Dumfries and Galloway) (Lab): In growth. He has his fingers crossed that he does not the last couple of weeks, I received an answer from the become the triple-dip Chancellor. Borrowing is going Cabinet Office on the private sector jobs that have been up not just this year, but next year and the year after. created. The Government now talk about 1.25 million We are now told that there will be deeper cuts to private sector jobs and for a long time spoke about services and the living standards of people in this 1 million. Is my hon. Friend surprised to learn that, in country. While George and his friends get a tax cut, my fact, between June 2010 and September 2012, the figure constituents are told that things will get worse. Since the is only 750,000? Chancellor’s spending review in 2010, the UK has been 18th out of the G20 countries in terms of growth. It is Andy Sawford: I thank my hon. Friend for bringing worse than the USA, Germany, France and Turkey, but the real figures to the House. He is right that the the Government refuse to change course and recognise Government are grossly exaggerating the total number that we will get on track only if we get our economy of private sector jobs that have been created and, crucially, growing. the nature of those jobs. I was incredibly disappointed that in the Finance Bill the Government rejected our proposals to use the 4G Mel Stride (Central Devon) (Con): The hon. Gentleman receipts to fund house building, for a proper tax on is right to raise the huge problem of unemployment bankers’ bonuses to fund a jobs guarantee for young under all Governments. Is he aware that in his constituency, people and to bring forward infrastructure investment. between 2005 and 2010—that is, under the last Government Only 14% of the 576 projects in the Government’s —the number of jobseeker’s allowance claimants rose national infrastructure plan have started. by 103%, whereas the number has risen by just 8% for In their first three years, the Government spent the duration of this Government? £12.8 billion less on infrastructure than the previous Government had planned to spend. The Chancellor has Andy Sawford: If the hon. Gentleman is being honest, been told by the International Monetary Fund, the he knows that the figures that he is quoting reflect the CBI, Sir John Armitt, some of his Back Benchers, and impact of a huge global economic crash in 2008, which Lord Heseltine that the Government should boost the had a big impact on my constituency, not least because economy with greater infrastructure spending. They it is a manufacturing constituency. [Interruption.] The make announcements such as that about the A14—part Economic Secretary is suggesting that because the figures of which runs through my constituency—which is now go from 2005 to 2010, they reflect the Government’s not set to start until 2018. The electrification of east record across the whole period. Government Members midlands trains to Corby was announced with great fail to say that the economy was growing for much of fanfare. What will fund it? It is the same amount of that time. We all acknowledge that a global crash happened money in the next Parliament that the Government cut in 2008 and that that caused unemployment. The critical from what we would have spent on infrastructure in this thing is what we do about it. Parliament to upgrade our railways. In the previous Government’s plan for 2012-13, we Pamela Nash: Is the key point not that unemployment were due to spend £48.4 billion this year on infrastructure. in this country is now higher than when the Government This Government say they will spend £41.7 billion on took office? infrastructure. We were planning to halve the deficit during this Parliament, but this Government said that Andy Sawford: My hon. Friend is right. Of course, they wanted to go further and eliminate the structural unemployment is also higher in Corby. My constituents deficit. What is the effect of that? They are spending will think that Government Members have a cheek to £13 billion less on infrastructure—precisely what we raise those figures in the way they have today. need to get our economy growing—and £13 billion My constituents will be appalled by the comments of more on social security. It all sounds familiar to people the hon. Member for Macclesfield (David Rutley) and in my constituency who remember that when Margaret others, who have told them to stop whinging and moaning. Thatcher, the architect of this kind of trickle-down 113 Finance (No. 2) Bill15 APRIL 2013 Finance (No. 2) Bill 114

Reaganomics, came to office, 2 million people were on private and Government consumption to make up a out-of-work benefits. When she left office, 6 million larger share of GDP than it forecast in December. The people were on out-of-work benefits and we see it all pound is a fifth lower in value than in 2008, and exports again. The rich are getting richer, the poor poorer, and are down by 7%. That is the scale of the failure over many are paying the price of economic and social which this Government have presided . failure. Meanwhile, in countries such as America, which The Government have not only presided over that should be instructive to the Government if only they failure, but the Bill fails the even greater test of rebalancing would raise their sights, the stimulus has been maintained the economy more in favour of skilled service and and there has been growth of more than 4%. manufacturing output. It also fails to recast the welfare What do I want now? If the Government will not state around pro-employment and growth-friendly policies listen to my hon. Friends as they present the way such as extending child care provision or a jobs guarantee forward for our economy nationally, I want action for the long-term jobless. That is badly needed in Scotland, locally.The south east midlands local enterprise partnership where the employment rate is 3.2% below its pre-crisis bid in my constituency is focused on housing, and at peak of 2007, and 1.6% below the rate between October last money from the Government’s Get Britain Building 2008 and September 2009. It is estimated that a further fund has gone to meet some of the infrastructure gap, 850,000 jobs need to be created in the UK to match the particularly as the council, and others, have had to employment rate of 2008. renegotiate section 106 agreements, which became too The Bill does little to address the growing crisis of expensive for developers to move forward. After three falling living standards, which are faced by millions of years, some of that money has just begun to trickle to people across the country. The median wage is some my constituency.If the Government support the SEMLEP £3,200 a year lower than it was in 2009. Real wages will bid, there is a real opportunity to substantially reduce fall more quickly this year than the OBR predicted just the gap in budgets for infrastructure, which we need five months ago and will be stagnant next year. Business now that we are renegotiating the section 106 agreements. investment is forecast to be 1.5% lower on average than We are not asking for additional money; we are asking the December 2012 OBR forecast, despite the Exchequer for flexibility such as an increase in the borrowing cap. Secretary lauding the effect of the corporation tax I want help for local firms—I mentioned Tata Steel proposals earlier in the debate. and I have invited the Minister to come and help—and The truth is that the Bill is less than the sum of its I want targeted help for young unemployed people in parts, and even the OBR does not believe that its overall my constituency. The City Minister, the right hon. impact will be an increase in UK growth this year, next Member for Tunbridge Wells (Greg Clark), for whom year or any year to the end of its current forecast I have a great deal of time, has shown that, relative to period. The new US Treasury Secretary last week his colleagues across Government, he is willing to take recommended that eurozone countries should ease action and listen to local areas. He has taken action in fiscal policy to boost demand if they can. That call cities around the UK to help fund social innovation. I should resound in the UK Treasury too. The Obama would like the Government to talk to people in Corby Administration tackles wage stagnation and declining about how we can help young people in the most living standards, so we should not put up with the difficult place in the country in which to get back to defeatism we have heard from the Government and, this work. morning, from the Secretary of State for Business, I hope that the Government will listen and stop Innovation and Skills. telling my constituents to stop whinging. They must stop stigmatising those most affected by their wasted Before developing those points, let me address the three years, and stop trying to divide people at a time individual clauses and schedules that deserve some degree when we need the country to come together with a of welcome—overall, the Bill is a deep disappointment Government who are backing our workers and businesses to Scotland and the UK. I welcome the fact that the to get Britain growing again. Treasury has listened to the strong campaign launched by the city of Glasgow council, Members of the House representing Glasgow constituencies, and the organisers 9.8 pm of the 2014 Commonwealth games. Clause 9 provides Mr William Bain (Glasgow North East) (Lab): The that Glasgow’s Commonwealth games will have the Bill is a weak Finance Bill that matches the current same taxation treatment as the Olympic games in London depressed state of the UK economy. It fails the test of and other major sporting occasions held in the UK. promoting increased demand now for cash-strapped That concession will mean that the organisers can attract households. It does not promote additional demand for the very best athletes from the Commonwealth to Britain’s retail and services sectors, comprising three- participate, and make the games the sporting and economic quarters of our economic output, and neither does it success for Scotland and the UK that they will undoubtedly sufficiently boost output in construction by adopting be. Procurement contracts already decided and in the more immediate measures to increase the supply of process of being awarded are likely to benefit the economy housing—or any new infrastructure investment—now, in Scotland to the tune of £350 million. rather than having to wait until 2015. The above-the-line R and D tax credits are strengthened The Bill fails to reverse the impact of previous Finance by clause 34 and schedule 14, which is welcome, but it is Acts from this Parliament on the incomes of ordinary revealing that UK R and D expenditure rates are still people, with the cumulative impact in Scotland of the way below those of our international trading partners. Government’s prior measures on pay, tax and benefits According to the World Bank, the UK’s 2011 R and D being the removal of £1,488 a year by 2015 in the expenditure, at 1.79% of GDP, and Scotland’s, at 1.56% spending power of the average household. That is at a of GDP, are way below the most recent OECD average time when the Office for Budget Responsibility is expecting of 2.44% and the 2011 EU average of 2.03%. We spend 115 Finance (No. 2) Bill15 APRIL 2013 Finance (No. 2) Bill 116

[Mr William Bain] Lakoff when he said that framing an argument in the lived experiences of others is critical. One part of the less than half the share of GDP that Finland or Sweden coalition seemingly wants to turn neighbour against spend on R and D. That is a particular problem in neighbour, and shift their focus away from the skyrocketing Scotland, where business R and D spending is only wealth of the super-rich, or from the role that the 0.56% of national income, which is half that of the Government should legitimately fulfil in ensuring the pathetic UK total. The Scottish Parliament could use conditions for greater equality in society, which is now powers in that area of policy for the benefit of Scottish seen in studies by the IMF as critical to lasting economic business and the Scottish people. I also give a guarded growth in any democracy. But the recent study by welcome to the provisions on tax relief for television YouGov and Cambridge university shows that this production and video games development in clause 35 campaign of vilification of welfare recipients is not and schedules 15 and 16, which will provide some boost having the desired outcome for the Chancellor, because to these industries in Glasgow, Dundee, and other parts it found that people in the UK were more likely to of Scotland. empathise with the suffering being inflicted on the poorest by these most regressive welfare cuts than voters On living standards, the Bill will do nothing to counter in Germany, France or the US. We need facts to drive the regressive effects of the Welfare Benefits Up-rating this debate, not simply assertion from the Treasury Act 2013 or previous Finance Acts, which have devastated Bench or the peddling of prejudice. The constituents I household incomes among the working poor, who receive meet, who struggle with low paid, part-time work in nearly 21% of the entire welfare budget. The poorest a weak jobs market, are being forced on to housing four deciles of the population in Scotland were hit three benefit because of high rental costs and declining real and a half times harder than the wealthiest two deciles wages. That, and the fact that we have 2.5 million people by the introduction of the 1% benefit and tax credits officially unemployed but more than 6 million people cap last Monday. This measure alone will take £47 million desperately seeking full-time work, are the reasons why out of the Glasgow economy every year, and will cost the benefits bill remains stubbornly high. working-age adults in the city an average of £114 a year. Overall, 55,700 working-age households in Glasgow According to the OECD only last week, the UK is will lose on average £109 a year through the cumulative spending 5.9% of GDP on cash benefits, but we spent cuts to tax credits made during this Parliament, and more in 1980—6.4% of GDP. In comparison with other nearly 16,000 Glaswegians will lose on average £24 a major countries, the UK is neither a particularly large week because of the Government’s wicked and iniquitous nor low spender on welfare. Only three of 19 major bedroom tax. OECD states spent less than the UK on cash benefits in 2009 in the depths of the downturn. By cutting tax credits, which sustained family living standards through financial crisis—with the UK spending We need to recast the debate on the welfare state, a the joint third highest share of GDP on family benefits debate that should have been recast in the Bill, in three in 2009—the Government will further reduce economic main areas: full employment, higher pay and stronger demand. The effects on the Glasgow economy alone family services. Simply to restore the employment rate will be to take away £269 million in demand a year, or to its pre-crisis levels, we need to create 850,000 additional £647 from the average household in the city. In terms of jobs now. To get to a situation of reducing structural clause 1, four times as much will be taken away by unemployment to 3%, we need active labour market higher VAT during this Parliament from the poorest policies, such as the jobs guarantee policy being promoted people than will be handed back through raising the by Opposition Members, to help the long-term jobless—a personal tax allowance, three quarters of the benefit of plan that put Sweden back to work in the 1990s, at the which will go to people in the upper half of the income same time as cutting its deficit too. A jobs guarantee, scale. With the introduction of universal credit, two paid for by restricting pensions tax relief for higher rate thirds of any benefit from a higher personal tax allowance taxpayers, would help 600 long-term jobless people in will be lost through deductions in credit, which will my constituency who have been out of work for two be assessed on the basis of net income, not gross. The years or more to get the right to employment now. It further squeeze on real wages in 2013, down by a would also begin to boost tax receipts, which are forecast further £200 on average over the course of the year, will by the OBR to be £55.2 billion lower between now and cost ordinary families on average four times as much as the end of its forecast period since its December projections, the Government will hand back through the increase in with £2.8 billion of that shortfall directly attributable to personal allowance to £10,000 from next year. the Budget that the Bill seeks to enact. It is only by increasing the levels of participation in the jobs market The Government have been guilty of another offence that we will be able to generate the growth and the tax in the preparation of the Bill. They have attempted to revenues required to restore our public finances. conduct a debate on welfare by arguing that a majority of benefit recipients are scroungers or layabouts, in a The key to achieving that is to raise the number of way that is deeply irresponsible, divisive, and corrosive women in employment. The biggest barrier to becoming of the social solidarity that exists in Glasgow, Scotland economically active that as many as 1 million women and communities the length and breadth of the United face is the poor availability of affordable child care. Kingdom. Some psychologists, such as Cass Sunstein, Shifting resources into providing households with more have referred to this phenomenon as an availability extensive child care or early years education at an cascade, whereby a simple idea takes root and goes affordable cost should be a priority for a pro-growth viral, quickly becoming the new received wisdom. One and pro-equality welfare reform and finance Bill. We wonders whether the Chancellor had that at the heart of know that child care costs take up as much as a third his thinking when he began his campaign against the of families’ after-tax income in the UK, compared poor. Others may be reminded of the work of George with just 9% in Denmark. In 2009, the UK, under the 117 Finance (No. 2) Bill15 APRIL 2013 Finance (No. 2) Bill 118 previous Government, was spending the joint third where it takes the form of, “If we were only independent highest amounts in the OECD as a share of GDP in and we waved our magic independence wand, everything terms of cash benefits to families, but the Nordic countries would be wonderful,” but to get it here is astonishing. were spending much more on supporting child care. The other surreal aspect of today’s debate, which That is where policy on welfare will need to change. would astonish anyone listening who cannot see the On pay, nearly a third of my constituents earn less Chamber, is that we have heard from a grand total of than the level for a living wage, leading nearly 10,000 three Government Back Benchers prepared to speak up households to need subsidies through the tax credit and for their own Government’s Budget. They were not so housing benefit systems to reach any kind of an acceptable shy about coming forward last week to recall what were standard of living. The median wage is £3,200 lower in to them the glory days of Lady Thatcher’s Government. real terms now than it was in 2009. Welcome though the They were all very keen to come down here especially to announcement today on the increase of the national talk about it. Many of my constituents thought we minimum wage in October by 12p to £6.31 an hour is, should have talked about that today, and perhaps we that will represent the fourth successive year of a real-terms should have, since Government Back Benchers clearly fall in the level of the national minimum wage. It will be did not think it worth debating the Finance Bill. Much returning to levels it was last at in real terms in 2004, effort and money could probably have been saved. and comes at a time when the coalition appears severely I was not one of those who came last week, because I divided in its commitment to the national minimum spent most of the recess talking to my constituents. If wage. According to a study published by the Resolution this were the Government’s first Budget, not their fourth, Foundation this morning, the top 1% in our society are we would be better placed to believe the words they earning on average £60 a hour, taking home at least keep using. We were told in 2010 that this would work—that £123,000 a year on a 40-hour working week. Someone we had a terrible financial crisis and that we all had to on the minimum wage would need to work 24 hours a tighten our belts and get through it together, but that it day for 830 days in order to match the annual earnings would be worth it. Just how long do we have to wait? of a person in the wealthiest 1% of our society. The These Budgets and these Budget debates and debates failure to deal with that surging inequality under this on the Finance Bill are turning into groundhog day. The Government means that the Finance Bill has to be Government say all the same things and, I have to opposed tonight. admit, they will no doubt say that Opposition Members In response to this growing crisis of low pay, the Bill all say the same things, but that is because the debate could have considered giving the Low Pay Commission has not moved on. On this, the Government’s fourth a wider remit to consider an affordable wage, sector by Budget, we are indeed saying the same things. Perhaps sector, bringing the living wage into those parts of the that is why Government Back Benchers did not feel it economy where it will work. The benefit would have worth coming—because they know perfectly well that been a boost to demand and reduced staff turnover. there is no point in saying the same things because the Our focus has to be on welfare and fiscal policies that Government’s approach is not working. reduce joblessness and inequality, not a politics of division peddled by the Chancellor and pitched at the very worst The Government’s answer to many of the criticisms sentiments of human nature. As the Social Market of their policies—particularly their policies to reduce Foundation reported just last week, cutting in-work tax credits and benefits—is that people can get around benefits again and again impedes the operation of the those cuts by working more hours. In fact, they even automatic stabilisers, which is something the Chancellor defend a lot of their measures by saying that they will promised he would not do in his early months in office. put a rod into people’s backs and get them out there working those extra hours. The assumption seems to be This should have been a Finance Bill that properly not just that unemployment is, as they allege, a lifestyle taxed the bonuses and profits of the banks, instead of choice, but that under-employment is apparently a lifestyle perpetuating the nearly £2 billion windfall they have choice too and that, really, people have to get up and go received under this Government through corporation out there, and everything will be fine. tax cuts. It should have been the Finance Bill that reversed the millionaires’ tax cut, which is handing My constituent Joe—one of the many people I talked 643 bank employees a tax cut of £54,000 a year, while to in the recent recess—is affected by the bedroom tax 5.1 million working-age people are struggling with a because he was housed by the council in a two-bedroom 1% cap on in-work social security. It should have kick- house. It was not his choice; that is where he was given a started growth and increased demand, but it has instead house. He went to his supermarket employer to ask cemented the reputation of this Government as the whether it would increase the 15 hours a week he works no-growth Government, setting a course for a lost in his job to help to pay the extra amount. His employer decade in the British economy. There is another way, said no. That might have been partly because, at 15 hours and Opposition Members will not rest until we have put a week at the minimum wage, he is nicely underneath it with conviction to the British people at the general the threshold for paying national insurance. Doubtless election that this country so badly needs. his employer prefers to have another part-time employee at that level. However, even if his employer offered him more hours, at whose expense would that be? Would it 9.27 pm mean that another employee got fewer hours or, if Joe Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): The hon. was given full-time work, that somebody else would not Member for Macclesfield (David Rutley), who is no have a job at all? Unless the supermarket wants to longer in his place, will be rather disappointed, because employ people to stand around doing nothing, one has I cannot share his view that we have the best of all to presume that it has calibrated its work force according possible worlds. Perhaps his name is really Dr Pangloss. to the work that needs to be done. It is not a charity. His I hear an awful lot of Panglossian politics in Scotland, employer is not there to give him a few extra hours so 119 Finance (No. 2) Bill15 APRIL 2013 Finance (No. 2) Bill 120

[Sheila Gilmore] six hours each night, yet he took in only £55 a night, from which he would have to take off his costs. She that he can pay his bedroom tax. It needs only the workers reckoned that people were not spending because they it needs. It is therefore a myth to assume that people did not have sufficient income, either because they had such as Joe just have to get out there and everything will lost their jobs or because they were on shorter hours. be fine. That sums up exactly what is wrong with this That is what low demand means. It has a ripple effect Government’s economic policy.Austerity reduces demand. through a local economy, and people like that taxi Indeed, it has reduced demand all over Europe, which is driver who are working and who want to earn more one reason why we are not coming out of this recession cannot do so. He cannot make people take his taxi if through exports—one of the promises made to us in they do not want to. 2010—because everybody is in the same boat. As Joe’s current employer will not give him the extra Ben Gummer (Ipswich) (Con): Will the hon. Lady hours, he could, I suppose, find out whether there is give way? another job out there. Perhaps he should see who else is hiring for his type of work in the city. I would stress Sheila Gilmore: I will not give way to the hon. Gentleman, that, compared with many other areas—such as that because he has not been here through all these hours or represented by my hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow taken part in this important debate. North East (Mr Bain)—Edinburgh does not have high We have heard a lot about extra jobs being created in unemployment. In fact, the unemployment rate in my the economy. The Economic Secretary, who I understand constituency is only 4.8%, which in a lot of people’s is going to respond to the debate, tweeted during the terms would be very low. I thought, “I’ll look at the recess that job creation in the three years of this Government Government’s great new innovation,” which is a website was running higher than during 10 years of the Labour called Universal Jobmatch. I do not know whether any Government by a factor of 2:1. Those figures just are Member present has looked at Universal Jobmatch—I not true. They seem to have been plucked from a work have, on several occasions—but I put in “shop assistant, of fiction. People are being told over and over again Edinburgh area” to see what would come out the other that that is what is happening, yet their own personal end. If I had been Joe, things would have looked quite experience is very different. Joe cannot get extra hours hopeful at first, because there appeared to be four pages in his job, and if he looked on Universal Jobmatch, of jobs. There were 25 on each page—I counted—so I which is where people are told to go to find jobs, he thought, “Well that’s 100 jobs. That’s not bad.” would find only six jobs in his field in his city. The numbers simply do not add up. In fact, there turned out to be 76 job entries, because the last page had only one entry, so things were not We know that some of the so-called jobs are unpaid quite as healthy as I thought, but when I looked, I saw jobs, and that some are jobs that have been translated that 57 of those 76 entries were for a firm offering jobs from the public sector to the private sector. The real taking out catalogues and trying to sell things door to world is one of no growth. All the commentators have door—the archetypal job that people often have to take clearly stated that this Budget will not create more during a recession. In fact, we can read all about that growth, as has the Office for Budget Responsibility, the from the 1930s, which is where we are again—it is not organisation that we were told would be totally independent the 1980s; in fact, it is the 1930s. Most of those 57 entries and correct. A Conservative Member even said earlier were not even for jobs in Edinburgh, and in my view that he no longer believed in it. Actually, it is telling the they were not proper jobs. Maybe Joe should see whether truth. he can make the extra hours by selling whatever it is he would have to sell. It is absolutely extraordinary, however, 9.39 pm that 57 of the 76 job vacancies advertised in the Edinburgh Geraint Davies (Swansea West) (Lab/Co-op): As you area—which, by the way, stretches to Fife and to Falkirk— know, Mr Speaker, I took the time to pay my tribute to were what most of us would probably describe as non-jobs. Baroness Thatcher last week. I asked whether she had Of the others, only six were actually in the city. If Joe lived up to her own terms of reference and brought were to apply for a job just outside the city, he would harmony where there was discord and hope where there have to take on board the fact that it would cost him was despair. I came to the conclusion that she had not, money to get there, and that that might negate all or and that she had created a more divided and unequal part of any extra income he might earn. So there were Britain. Given the contents of the latest Budget, I fear six jobs in retail in Edinburgh, a city in which, we are that that is the kind of Britain we are now hurtling told, unemployment is really not too bad and we should towards again. not worry too much about the state of the economy. A man who came to my surgery on Friday told me That is not a growing economy. It is not a healthy that he had £20 a week to spend after paying his utility economy. It is, however, the reality for Joe and many bills and bus fares. At that rate of disposable income, he others like him. could take 10,000 years to get to the alleged cost of I also spoke yesterday to a constituent who clearly Margaret Thatcher’s funeral. When the empty bedroom understood how economics should work. She told me tax hits, he will be down to £2 a day, so he would have to that she and her husband had already lost £85 a month keep going for 15,000 years. In the Budget, the very in tax credits; their income had gone down. Her husband poorest are being squeezed hardest to give some money is a self-employed taxi driver, and she told me that to the squeezed middle to encourage them to vote because people were pulling in their horns, spending Conservative, while millionaires are being given tax less and having fewer nights out, he was getting less breaks when the top 10% in Britain have seen their business. His earnings were dropping. He was out driving average income go up by 11% over the last two years on Monday and Tuesday nights last week, for five or alone, simply through the machinery of the marketplace. 121 Finance (No. 2) Bill15 APRIL 2013 Finance (No. 2) Bill 122

There were a few bright spots in the Budget. There house would cost 50% more, so housing benefit will go were the mortgage deposit schemes, but according to up again. A lot of these measures are counter-productive people in the financial world, there is a real risk that and destructive, but that particular one encourages they will generate the sort of sub-prime debt and people to have more children, even if they were not irresponsible lending that banks are not supposed to be going to, to fill up the rooms. Meanwhile, the overall engaged in if we are not to encounter a problem, as we benefit cap encourages families to break up so that there did in 2008. There was the 1p beer give-away. There was are two units that can come up to the £400 threshold. rejoicing in Swansea, because outside one pub, a sign The policy has not been thought out, and we are seeing said, “Buy 299 pints of beer and get one free.” People an awful return to a Dickensian view of the worthy and were very excited about that. However, the general unworthy poor, the shirkers and the workers, and the situation is that we have no growth, as people have strivers and the skivers. mentioned. The problem is the debt to GDP ratio. Debt We need to refocus on growth, capacity, exports and as a proportion of the value of the economy was 55% in jobs. Jobs and growth are the only things that are going 2010, and it will be 85% in 2015. There are two ways of to pull us back on the right track to balance the books sorting that out: to increase GDP—the size of the and make Britain strong again. We want a Britain that economy—as Labour did in the 11 years from 1997 to cares and a future that works—a one nation strong and 2008 when it went up by about 40%; and/or to attack united, not a weak nation divided by the Conservatives. the debt. The total focus is on attacking the debt. In 2010, when the Chancellor announced that he was cutting 9.45 pm half a million jobs, what happened? People, particularly Catherine McKinnell (Newcastle upon Tyne North) in the public service, stopped spending. The savings rate (Lab): We have had a surprisingly good debate despite went up, consumer demand went down, growth was what was, frankly, a disappointing and lacklustre Budget. flattened, so debt as a proportion of GDP is rising, and I use the word “surprisingly”, because the lacklustre more and more people are doing less work. We hear nature of the Budget was no more evident than in the about the extra million jobs, but they are producing no opening speech made by the Exchequer Secretary to overall extra output, so average productivity is down. the Treasury. We need to invest. People make a big joke about that. Hon. Members on both sides of the House have They say, “You’ve got to borrow to pay off your loans,” powerfully put the case for securing growth in our but there is a difference between investing in productive economy, and I especially want to commend several of capability—in skills, infrastructure and marketing and the contributions made by Labour Members. My hon. in super-connectivity; I mentioned earlier that Swansea Friend the Member for Islwyn (Chris Evans) made a had put in a bid for super-connected city status—which powerful speech about aspiration that included a poignant would help the economy to grow, and simply spending reminder of the words of Harold Wilson that it does and borrowing to pay people to do nothing and keep not matter what the rate of employment is because to a them on the dole. That was the old problem for the person who is unemployed, that rate is 100%. Tories pre-1997 and we are going back to that situation. My hon. Friend the Member for Middlesbrough In other countries, there is enormous investment in South and East Cleveland (Tom Blenkinsop) made a research and development, particularly in emerging characteristically forceful and insightful speech about economies such as Brazil, China and India. When we the impact of the Chancellor’s failing plan on economic study the behaviour of multinational companies, we see development in the north-east, which is a region close that they are drawn to R and D clusters, not just to to my heart. He reflected on the double-dip, double-debt ever-decreasing levels of corporation tax. Obviously and double-downgraded Chancellor. that is part of the criteria, but reducing corporation tax from 21% to 20% and reducing the yield by 5% does not My right hon. Friend the Member for Holborn and make much sense. The money would be better spent on St Pancras (Frank Dobson) reflected on the banks super-connectivity for all our smaller cities, including simply not paying their fair share, while my hon. Friend Swansea. In Swansea, there is massive investment by the Member for Luton North (Kelvin Hopkins) gave a the European Investment Bank in a second campus, colourful insight into the Bill’s historical context. My which is creating an R and D cluster that is attracting hon. Friend the Member for Bolton West (Julie Hilling) the involvement of companies such as BP, Tata and reflected on her memory of Budget day and a Chancellor Boots. That will create real international global value. who simply looked lost as to what to do about his flatling economy and failing plan. Aside from that, the focus has been on clobbering the poor. If money is cut for people who are already poor, My hon. Friend the Member for Corby (Andy Sawford) growth will be cut overall. If cuts affect better-off people made a passionate speech about the real impact of the who are saving, they are not investing their earnings in Chancellor’s failure. The amounts involved under the the local economy either. bedroom tax might be worth just half a bottle of claret The bedroom tax is a cruel inefficiency. Housing to the Chancellor, but to the people affected, they make benefit has doubled in the last 10 years, but 70% of the the difference between heating and eating. increase was caused by private sector rent growth. People My hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow North East are being put into the private sector because not enough (Mr Bain), like other hon. Members, talked insightfully council and social housing is being built. In Wales, about the Chancellor’s campaign against the poor and 29,000 families are affected, but there are only 400 empty the divisive nature of his economic policies. My hon. single-bedroom units of accommodation, so there is Friend the Member for Edinburgh East (Sheila Gilmore), nowhere for them to go. Two thirds of the people affected with her insightful wit, put Government Members to are disabled. In Swansea, moving someone from a three- shame for their failure even to show up today to defend bedroom council house to a two-bedroom private sector their Chancellor’s Budget. We have just heard my hon. 123 Finance (No. 2) Bill15 APRIL 2013 Finance (No. 2) Bill 124

[Catherine McKinnell] blames factors beyond his control, but only three G20 countries have grown more slowly than the UK in the Friend the Member for Swansea West (Geraint Davies) same period. reflecting on the divisive nature of the Chancellor’s The independent OBR has halved its predictions for failing plan. 2013, anticipating growth of just 0.6% this year, compared We heard good speeches from the few Government with the 1.2% forecast in December, a mere four months Members who bothered to attend the debate—[HON. ago. The most recently published figures suggest that MEMBERS: “Three.”] I am reminded that we heard three industrial production in February was down 2.2% on speeches from Government Members, and I was surprised the year before, while the UK’s trade deficit has widened by how few of them turned out to support their Chancellor’s to £9.4 billion following a worrying 4.7% fall in exports Bill. The Exchequer Secretary claimed in his lacklustre to non-EU countries. Indeed, over the past two and a speech that the Bill will inject energy into our economy, half years, lack of confidence created by the Chancellor’s but it has not injected any energy into Government failing plan has seen business investment fall by £3 billion, Back Benchers, so it is even less likely to inject any compared with the OBR’s forecast of a £24 billion rise. energy into our bumbling economy that is staggering Of the G20 nations, only Italy and Saudi Arabia have under the weight of the Chancellor’s complacency. experienced a sharper fall in investment in that period. As a consequence of the Chancellor’s economic failure, The emptiness of the Government Benches has been Government borrowing has risen, not fallen, with the stark. For most of the time, we have seen only the coalition set to borrow £245 billion more than the Minister, his Parliamentary Private Secretary and a forecast in autumn 2010. [Interruption.] I am astounded token Liberal Democrat. Are Government Members that Ministers shout that we would be borrowing more; too ashamed to defend their downgraded Chancellor? they are borrowing more. Even the Chief Secretary to the Treasury has not shown up today. The Chancellor’s promise to balance the books by 2015 will not be met, and the national debt will not fall It is a shame that the hon. Member for Cities of until 2017-18 at the earliest, which has resulted in the London and Westminster (Mark Field) is not in the downgrading of Britain’s triple A credit rating by Moody’s. Chamber because he made a compelling speech in More recently, Fitch has put the UK on negative watch—the which even he lamented, to use his words, the Chancellor’s very cover that the Chancellor used for his accelerated “sleight of hand” in manoeuvring to bring his borrowing spending cuts in 2010. What does that economic failure down to just under £121 billion. That represents a rate mean for ordinary people up and down the country? of deficit reduction of not 1%, nor even 0.1%; at that Who is paying the price for the downgraded Chancellor’s rate, it would take 1,000 years to reduce the deficit. He economic plan, which lies in tatters? The most recent acknowledged that debt will not fall in this Parliament, figures, published on Budget day, show that unemployment so the Chancellor should at least focus on the long has risen again, and the trends behind the employment term, instead of quick-fix gimmicks. That was sound figures are increasingly worrying. Long-term unemployment advice. remains far too high, and the risks have become dangerously The hon. Member for Redcar (Ian Swales) defended entrenched while youth and female unemployment is the Government’s failing plan, and suggested that a up again. VAT cut would simply benefit the well-off. Has he even Ministers regularly claim—and Government Members noticed the Chancellor’s tax giveaway to millionaires? have done so again this afternoon—that the coalition The hon. Member for Macclesfield (David Rutley) proudly has helped to create more than 1 million private sector declared that the Chancellor’s plan was a continuation jobs, but about 200,000 of those were created as a result of Thatcher’s legacy, and told people to cheer up and of the reclassification of further education and sixth-form stop moaning. He should try telling that to the 2.5 million colleges in the private sector. Half the jobs that have people who are unemployed. been created since 2010 are part time, and almost 1.4 million people who want full-time work can only find part-time Deep down—perhaps it is evident from their poor work. People who are in work have found that their attendance—even Government Members know that the wages have simply not kept pace with inflation. There Chancellor’s Budget failed to deliver what is needed to is also the deeply worrying phenomenon of falling get us out of this economic mess. Let us consider the productivity, with more people apparently producing situation facing the Chancellor as he composed his less. Is it any wonder that we have seen a disturbing rise Budget last month. What were the key economic indicators in so-called zero-hours contracts, with recent media to which any genuinely in-touch Chancellor would want reports suggesting that almost a quarter of larger employers urgently to respond? Before we consider the current are recruiting staff in that way? economic situation and this year’s Budget, let me take the House back briefly to the Chancellor’s first Budget—the This is the reality for many people in this country—not June 2010 so-called emergency Budget—which, according for the Chancellor’s millionaire pals, but for the millions to him, was necessary to deal decisively with the country’s of ordinary people in this country who are facing the record debts and produce a credible plan to deal with reality of unemployment and, for those in work, squeezed the record deficit. Right hon. and hon. Members may living standards, under-employment and increasing recall that the Chancellor used that emergency Budget insecurity. The truly startling but unsurprising reality, speech to predict that the UK economy would grow by confirmed by the OBR, is that people will be worse off 1.2% in 2010, 2.8% in 2012, and 2.9% in 2013. He was in 2015 than they were when this Government came to dreaming. As a result of his failure, we have had a power. double-dip recession and the economy is stagnating, What was the Chancellor’s response to this dire situation with just 0.8% growth since the 2010 spending review, on 20 March? A package of measures genuinely and compared with 5.3% forecast at the time. He consistently urgently to kick-start our flatlining economy, boost 125 Finance (No. 2) Bill15 APRIL 2013 Finance (No. 2) Bill 126 confidence, stimulate investment and create jobs? No. A in VAT, which the Liberal Democrats campaigned against recognition that his plan has completely and demonstrably so vociferously before it was announced in June 2010. failed? Again, wrong. What this country urgently needed The straight fact is that the dire economic situation in was a Budget with the X factor. Instead, we have a which we find ourselves is of the Chancellor’s making one-direction Chancellor who clearly believes that it is and that of the coalition Government, but the brunt is impossible to admit that he got it wrong and to change being borne by millions of ordinary people and local course. We got a more of the same Budget from a more businesses— of the same Chancellor, who would rather continue down the same path no matter what long-term damage 10 pm it does to our economy and to local communities than Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing come clean with the British public. Order No. 41A(3)), Of course, there were some welcome measures. The That, at this day’s sitting, Standing Order No. 41A (Deferred Opposition have consistently called for a tax break for divisions) shall not apply to the Motion in the name of small firms taking on new workers and the Chancellor Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer relating to the Finance (No. 2) is now set to introduce a scheme. Let us hope that it has Bill (Carry-Over).—(Anne Milton.) a better success rate than his previous policy which, at Question agreed to. the last count, has created 70,000 jobs, which is to be Question again proposed, That the Bill be now read a welcomed, but which is just a little shy of the original Second time. prediction of 800,000. On tax avoidance, the Government are consulting on how to clamp down on abusive payroll Catherine McKinnell: The dire economic situation services based in tax havens, as well as confirming their demanded an urgent response from the Chancellor. intention to strengthen the tax disclosure provisions Indeed, the director general of the British Chambers of introduced back in 2004 by the Labour Government. Commerce, John Longworth, said: Again, those are both areas where the Opposition have “We are at an unprecedented moment in our economic history, been calling for urgent action for some time. and the government should be doing everything in its power to Despite all the tough talk on tax avoidance, we continue get the economy moving. Many of the Chancellor’s measures are to get a series of mixed messages from the coalition and positive but may come too late, particularly for smaller and a lack of real action. We repeatedly hear the Chancellor medium-sized companies. We need urgency, scale and delivery today.” and the Prime Minister claiming to be leading on international tax avoidance action at the G8, yet days We agree, but what we got from the Chancellor and ahead of the meeting the Exchequer Secretary boasted what we have before us this evening is a bit of tinkering that the UK has moved ahead of Ireland, the Netherlands around the edges and more of the same. It is just not and Switzerland in “tax competitiveness”. I wholeheartedly good enough and Britain deserves better. That is why agree with the sentiments expressed by the hon. Member the Opposition will vote against this inadequate Budget for The Cotswolds (Geoffrey Clifton-Brown), who is from an inadequate Chancellor who is increasingly out not in his place at present. He rightly pointed out that of touch and totally out of his depth. the UK needs to be careful of promising competitive tax rates if companies get away with not even paying 10.1 pm them. He also rightly pointed out that we need to The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Sajid Javid): analyse what impact tax avoidance has on developing In debating the Finance Bill and the economy, one is countries. We will introduce amendments to that effect. reminded of the late noble Baroness Thatcher. As my Perhaps the most mixed message of all is the coalition’s hon. Friend the Member for Macclesfield (David Rutley) incredible decision, announced in last year’s omnishambles said, let us never forget that she rescued the country of a Budget and confirmed in this year’s Budget document, from a permanent sense of decline and restored economic to give some of the wealthiest people in this country an strength and prosperity. She was our greatest peacetime average £100,000 tax cut this month. A Chancellor who Prime Minister. May she rest in peace. claims that he finds tax avoidance “morally repugnant” We have had a lively and wide-ranging debate, with is determined to carry on with his game of “Who wants particularly thoughtful contributions from my hon. Friends to bung a millionaire?”, reducing the 50p rate of income the Members for Cities of London and Westminster tax because the “behavioural response” was “larger (Mark Field), for Redcar (Ian Swales) and for Macclesfield. than expected”. No doubt he will have phoned a few The best I can say about the contributions we heard friends last weekend to remind them of his good news. from the Opposition Benches is that we heard a lot of This means, in effect, that top earners have been so nifty warm and fluffy talk about motherhood and apple pie at shifting their income to minimise their tax liability but not a single idea on how to rescue our economy that this Government, who talk tough on tax avoidance, from the mess the Labour party created. This Government are rewarding them by cutting the rate. Liberal Democrat inherited a shocking legacy. The country will never colleagues will be telling themselves that this indefensible forget the consequences of 13 years of Labour government: decision does not matter and that everything is okay the largest deficit in the G20; the deepest recession since because of the much-trumpeted increase to the personal the second world war; and the world’s largest banking allowance. But they have not quite owned up to the fact bail-out. We have taken action to cut the deficit, stimulate that families on average will be £891 worse off in this the economy and create a fairer and more efficient tax tax year, and cuts to tax credits and benefits have been system. The Bill continues along that path. introduced since 2010. Let me focus first on growth and competitiveness. Indeed, the small rise in the personal allowance is The Bill builds on previous Bills by introducing a hugely outweighed by the cuts to tax credits and child range of measures demonstrating the Government’s benefit, the bedroom tax, the granny tax and the increase commitment to supporting growth and enterprise. Against 127 Finance (No. 2) Bill15 APRIL 2013 Finance (No. 2) Bill 128

[Sajid Javid] that that has contributed this year to the biggest single investment in North sea oil and gas since they were the background of external challenges, such as the discovered? continuing crisis in the eurozone, it is vital that the UK tax system attracts investment to this country and does Sajid Javid: My right hon. Friend makes an excellent everything possible to ensure that UK businesses can point. I am convinced that there will be further significant compete in the global economy. The Government have investment in that important industry because of the already significantly reduced the tax burden on business. measures in the Bill. In 2013, corporation tax will be 23%, significantly lower I turn to fairness, which is at the heart of the Bill. The than the 28% inherited from the previous Government. Bill helps families with the cost of living while making Since we embarked on those reforms, we have seen a sure that the best off in our society pay their fair share. number of high-profile businesses returning to the UK The increase in the personal allowance in clause 2, or coming here for the first time, including WPP,Lancashire, mentioned by my hon. Friend the Member for Redcar Aon, Rowan and Seadrill. But we want to go further. and others, will set the value at £9,440 for April this The additional reductions set out in clauses 4 and 6 year, an increase of £1,335—the largest ever cash increase. mean that the corporation tax rate will reach 21% in It will save a typical basic-rate taxpayer £267 in cash April 2014 and just 20% in April 2015, the lowest rate in terms and it is a tax cut for 24 million people. That is the G20, and lower than any comparable EU member a major step towards the Government’s commitment to state. raise the personal allowance to £10,000 by the end of But competitiveness is about more than just the rate this Parliament. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of corporation tax. That is why the Bill also includes announced in the Budget that that goal will be reached measures to give targeted support to the innovative next year, a whole year ahead of schedule. sectors that will drive growth in the 21st century. Clause Taken with previous increases in the personal allowance, 34 delivers an above-the-line tax credit for large companies’ the Government have taken 2.7 million people out of R and D expenditure, with an increased rate of support income tax altogether, providing real help for low and of 10%. That will provide a more visible and certain middle earners and rewarding work by enabling workers relief and greater cash flow support to the wide range to keep a greater share of what they earn. of companies engaging in groundbreaking research in The Government also recognise the rising cost of fuel the UK. and the pressure that that puts on the finances of Clause 35 legislates to bring in new tax reliefs for the households and businesses. That is why we have decided UK’s world-leading creative industries, including animation to cancel the increase in fuel duty planned for September and high-end TV. That will be among the most effective 2013. Clause 177 will freeze fuel duty at current levels, reliefs anywhere in the world. maintaining the longest freeze in fuel duty for 20 years. Under the Government, average pump prices are 13p The Bill also includes measures to support small and per litre lower than if we had implemented the plans medium-sized businesses, which are the bedrock of our that we inherited from the previous Government. economy—points that were made very well by my hon. Friends the Members for Macclesfield and for Cities of When ordinary households are experiencing real pressure London and Westminster (Mark Field). Clause 7 introduces on their incomes, it is particularly important that tax a two-year increase to the annual investment allowance reliefs are well targeted and cannot be used without that has been in place since January. That will make limit by those on the highest incomes to reduce tax bills. it easier for firms to bring forward capital investment Clause 16 legislates for a new cap on certain unlimited in plant and machinery, helping support businesses to tax reliefs from this April to curtail excessive use of grow and invest. those reliefs. The cap will be set at £50,000 or 25% of the relevant person’s income, whichever is the greater, Clause 56 implements an extension of the successful ensuring that the reliefs cannot be exploited unfairly. capital gains tax holiday for the seed enterprise investment The cost of pensions tax relief is rising and has doubled scheme, to support investment in new and early-stage in a decade since 2001. This Finance Bill therefore firms to help give them the support they need to grow. legislates to reduce pensions tax relief lifetime and Clause 63 enhances the tax advantages available under annual allowances to £1.25 million and £40,000 respectively the enterprise management incentive, helping smaller, to limit the amount of relief available to the top 2% of higher-risk companies to recruit and retain high-calibre pension savers. employees. Low corporation taxes, support for innovation and help for small businesses—this Finance Bill sends Fairness is also about making sure that everyone the clearest possible signal that Britain is open for business. plays by the same rules. The vast majority who pay their taxes will, rightly, not tolerate non-compliant individuals We are also taking action to support the UK’s oil and and businesses not paying the tax that they owe, and gas industry. Clauses 77 to 90 support a new contractual this Government agree. To that end, the Bill includes approach to provide certainty over decommissioning a major package of measures to crack down on tax relief on the UK continental shelf. The Government avoidance by a small minority who refuse to pay their will sign contracts this year allowing the sector to fair share. Clauses 203 to 212 and schedule 41 legislate unlock billions of pounds of additional investment, for the UK’s first general anti-abuse rule, or GAAR. helping to create thousands of new jobs in Scotland and This is one of the most significant changes to UK tax beyond. law. It will have a strong deterrent effect on those concocting abusive tax avoidance schemes or considering Sir Malcolm Bruce (Gordon) (LD): My hon. Friend using them, and where they persist it will give Her is making an important point about the Government’s Majesty’s Revenue and Customs an effective new tool assistance to the oil and gas industry.Does he acknowledge to tackle these schemes. 129 Finance (No. 2) Bill15 APRIL 2013 Finance (No. 2) Bill 130

Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) Blunt, Mr Crispin Freeman, George (LD): Let me say to my hon. Friend and to those on the Boles, Nick Freer, Mike Treasury Bench that his announcement about a general Bone, Mr Peter Fuller, Richard anti-tax avoidance provision is hugely welcome, particularly Bottomley, Sir Peter Garnier, Sir Edward in London, where people have seen companies get away Bradley, Karen Garnier, Mark with not paying taxes for many years—something that Brady, Mr Graham Gauke, Mr David Brake, rh Tom Gibb, Mr Nick no previous Government have adequately dealt with. It Bray, Angie Gilbert, Stephen is very welcome and we look forward to it becoming law Brazier, Mr Julian Gillan, rh Mrs Cheryl as soon as possible. Bridgen, Andrew Glen, John Brine, Steve Goldsmith, Zac Sajid Javid: I welcome my right hon. Friend’s support Brokenshire, James Goodwill, Mr Robert for the measure. Brooke, Annette Gove, rh Michael This Finance Bill includes measures to close 15 loopholes Bruce, Fiona Graham, Richard that have been used to avoid tax. Nine of these provisions Bruce, rh Sir Malcolm Grant, Mrs Helen have immediate effect from Budget day, and one—on Buckland, Mr Robert Gray, Mr James Burns, Conor Grayling, rh Chris tackling stamp duty avoidance—is backdated to the Burns, rh Mr Simon Green, rh Damian previous Budget, following the Chancellor’s clear warning Burrowes, Mr David Greening, rh Justine in 2012. This demonstrates the Government’s continuing Burstow, rh Paul Griffiths, Andrew commitment to fast, effective and targeted action to Burt, Lorely Gummer, Ben tackle avoidance. In addition, we are strengthening the Byles, Dan Gyimah, Mr Sam successful disclosure of the tax avoidance schemes regime Cable, rh Vince Halfon, Robert to increase the information that promoters of tax avoidance Cairns, Alun Hammond, rh Mr Philip schemes have to provide about the users of their schemes. Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Hammond, Stephen Together with the GAAR, these measures will increase Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Hancock, Matthew tax revenues by almost £l billion by 2017-18, as well as Carmichael, Neil Hands, Greg protecting future revenues. In addition, the Government Carswell, Mr Douglas Harper, Mr Mark are investing almost £1 billion in HMRC’s compliance Cash, Mr William Harrington, Richard activities in order to raise additional revenues of £22 billion Chishti, Rehman Harris, Rebecca per annum by the end of 2014-15. This represents Clappison, Mr James Hart, Simon Clark, rh Greg Harvey, Sir Nick £9 billion more in compliance revenues—a 70% per cent Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan increase since 2010-11. Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Hayes, rh Mr John This Finance Bill introduces a package of measures Coffey, Dr Thérèse Heald, Oliver to ensure that owners of high-value properties cannot Collins, Damian Heath, Mr David avoid paying their fair share of tax by placing their Colvile, Oliver Hemming, John property in a corporate envelope. From April, residential Cox, Mr Geoffrey Henderson, Gordon properties held by certain non-natural persons that are Crabb, Stephen Herbert, rh Nick worth more than £2 million will be subject to a new Crockart, Mike Hinds, Damian annual tax on enveloped dwellings. The Bill also introduces Crouch, Tracey Hoban, Mr Mark Hollingbery, George a new capital gains tax charge on these non-natural Davey, rh Mr Edward Davies, David T. C. Hollobone, Mr Philip persons disposing of such high-value properties from Holloway, Mr Adam April 2013. (Monmouth) Davies, Glyn Hopkins, Kris Allow me, Mr Speaker, to draw my remarks to a Davies, Philip Horwood, Martin Howarth, Sir Gerald close. [HON.MEMBERS: “Hear, hear!”] I thought that Davis, rh Mr David Howell, John that would bring a cheer. Finance Bill 2013 is a Bill for de Bois, Nick Hughes, rh Simon growth and fairness. It encourages investment, it supports Dinenage, Caroline Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy innovation and entrepreneurs, it provides real help to Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Huppert, Dr Julian families and working people, it tackles avoidance, and it Dorrell, rh Mr Stephen asks those who are better off to pay more. I commend Hurd, Mr Nick Dorries, Nadine Jackson, Mr Stewart it to the House. Doyle-Price, Jackie James, Margot Question put, That the Bill be now read a Second time. Drax, Richard Javid, Sajid Duddridge, James Jenkin, Mr Bernard The House divided: Ayes 321, Noes 249. Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Johnson, Gareth Division No. 201] [10.13 pm Dunne, Mr Philip Jones, Andrew Ellis, Michael Jones, rh Mr David AYES Ellison, Jane Jones, Mr Marcus Adams, Nigel Barker, rh Gregory Elphicke, Charlie Kawczynski, Daniel Afriyie, Adam Barwell, Gavin Eustice, George Kelly, Chris Aldous, Peter Bebb, Guto Evans, Graham Kirby, Simon Alexander, rh Danny Beith, rh Sir Alan Evans, Jonathan Knight, rh Mr Greg Andrew, Stuart Bellingham, Mr Henry Evennett, Mr David Kwarteng, Kwasi Arbuthnot, rh Mr James Benyon, Richard Fabricant, Michael Laing, Mrs Eleanor Bacon, Mr Richard Beresford, Sir Paul Fallon, rh Michael Lamb, Norman Baker, Norman Berry, Jake Featherstone, Lynne Lancaster, Mark Baker, Steve Bingham, Andrew Field, Mark Lansley, rh Mr Andrew Baldry, Sir Tony Binley, Mr Brian Foster, rh Mr Don Latham, Pauline Baldwin, Harriett Birtwistle, Gordon Fox,rhDrLiam Laws, rh Mr David Barclay, Stephen Blackman, Bob Francois, rh Mr Mark Leadsom, Andrea 131 Finance (No. 2) Bill15 APRIL 2013 Finance (No. 2) Bill 132

Lee, Jessica Pugh, John Whittingdale, Mr John Wright, Jeremy Lee, Dr Phillip Raab, Mr Dominic Wiggin, Bill Wright, Simon Leech, Mr John Randall, rh Mr John Willetts, rh Mr David Yeo, Mr Tim Leslie, Charlotte Reckless, Mark Williams, Roger Young, rh Sir George Letwin, rh Mr Oliver Redwood, rh Mr John Williams, Stephen Zahawi, Nadhim Lewis, Brandon Rees-Mogg, Jacob Williamson, Gavin Tellers for the Ayes: Lewis, Dr Julian Reevell, Simon Wilson, Mr Rob Mark Hunter and Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Reid, Mr Alan Wollaston, Dr Sarah Joseph Johnson Lidington, rh Mr David Rifkind, rh Sir Malcolm Lilley, rh Mr Peter Robathan, rh Mr Andrew Lloyd, Stephen Robertson, rh Hugh NOES Lopresti, Jack Robertson, Mr Laurence Abbott, Ms Diane Denham, rh Mr John Lord, Jonathan Rosindell, Andrew Abrahams, Debbie Dobbin, Jim Loughton, Tim Rudd, Amber Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Dobson, rh Frank Luff, Peter Ruffley, Mr David Alexander, rh Mr Douglas Docherty, Thomas Lumley, Karen Russell, Sir Bob Ali, Rushanara Dodds, rh Mr Nigel Macleod, Mary Rutley, David Allen, Mr Graham Donaldson, rh Mr Jeffrey M. Main, Mrs Anne Sanders, Mr Adrian Anderson, Mr David Donohoe, Mr Brian H. Maude, rh Mr Francis Sandys, Laura Ashworth, Jonathan Doran, Mr Frank May, rh Mrs Theresa Scott, Mr Lee Austin, Ian Doughty, Stephen Maynard, Paul Selous, Andrew Bailey, Mr Adrian Dowd, Jim McCartney, Jason Shapps, rh Grant Bain, Mr William Doyle, Gemma McCartney, Karl Sharma, Alok Banks, Gordon Dromey, Jack McIntosh, Miss Anne Shelbrooke, Alec Barron, rh Mr Kevin Dugher, Michael McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Shepherd, Sir Richard Bayley, Hugh Durkan, Mark Simpson, Mr Keith McPartland, Stephen Beckett, rh Margaret Eagle, Ms Angela Skidmore, Chris McVey, Esther Begg, Dame Anne Eagle, Maria Smith, Miss Chloe Benn, rh Hilary Edwards, Jonathan Menzies, Mark Smith, Henry Benton, Mr Joe Efford, Clive Mercer, Patrick Smith, Julian Berger, Luciana Ellman, Mrs Louise Metcalfe, Stephen Smith, Sir Robert Betts, Mr Clive Engel, Natascha Miller, rh Maria Soames, rh Nicholas Blackman-Woods, Roberta Esterson, Bill Mills, Nigel Soubry, Anna Blears, rh Hazel Evans, Chris Milton, Anne Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline Blenkinsop, Tom Farrelly, Paul Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Spencer, Mr Mark Blomfield, Paul Field, rh Mr Frank Moore, rh Michael Stephenson, Andrew Blunkett, rh Mr David Fitzpatrick, Jim Mordaunt, Penny Stevenson, John Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben Flello, Robert Morgan, Nicky Stewart, Bob Brennan, Kevin Flint, rh Caroline Morris, Anne Marie Stewart, Iain Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Flynn, Paul Morris, David Stewart, Rory Brown, Mr Russell Fovargue, Yvonne Morris, James Streeter, Mr Gary Bryant, Chris Francis, Dr Hywel Mosley, Stephen Stride, Mel Buck, Ms Karen Galloway, George Mowat, David Stunell, rh Andrew Burden, Richard Gapes, Mike Mulholland, Greg Sturdy, Julian Campbell, Mr Alan Gardiner, Barry Mundell, rh David Swales, Ian Campbell, Mr Ronnie Gilmore, Sheila Munt, Tessa Swayne, rh Mr Desmond Caton, Martin Glass, Pat Swinson, Jo Murray, Sheryll Champion, Sarah Glindon, Mrs Mary Syms, Mr Robert Godsiff, Mr Roger Murrison, Dr Andrew Chapman, Jenny Tapsell, rh Sir Peter Goggins, rh Paul Neill, Robert Clark, Katy Teather, Sarah Goodman, Helen Newmark, Mr Brooks Clarke, rh Mr Tom Thornton, Mike Greatrex, Tom Newton, Sarah Clwyd, rh Ann Timpson, Mr Edward Green, Kate Nokes, Caroline Tomlinson, Justin Coaker, Vernon Greenwood, Lilian Nuttall, Mr David Tredinnick, David Coffey, Ann Griffith, Nia O’Brien, Mr Stephen Turner, Mr Andrew Connarty, Michael Gwynne, Andrew Offord, Dr Matthew Tyrie, Mr Andrew Cooper, Rosie Hamilton, Mr David Ollerenshaw, Eric Uppal, Paul Cooper, rh Yvette Hamilton, Fabian Osborne, rh Mr George Vaizey, Mr Edward Corbyn, Jeremy Hanson, rh Mr David Ottaway, Richard Vara, Mr Shailesh Creagh, Mary Harman, rh Ms Harriet Paice, rh Sir James Vickers, Martin Creasy, Stella Harris, Mr Tom Parish, Neil Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Cruddas, Jon Havard, Mr Dai Patel, Priti Walker, Mr Charles Cryer, John Healey, rh John Pawsey, Mark Walker, Mr Robin Cunningham, Alex Hendrick, Mark Penning, Mike Wallace, Mr Ben Cunningham, Mr Jim Hepburn, Mr Stephen Penrose, John Ward, Mr David Cunningham, Sir Tony Hillier, Meg Percy, Andrew Watkinson, Dame Angela Curran, Margaret Hilling, Julie Phillips, Stephen Weatherley, Mike Dakin, Nic Hodge, rh Margaret Pickles, rh Mr Eric Webb, Steve Danczuk, Simon Hodgson, Mrs Sharon Pincher, Christopher Wharton, James David, Wayne Hoey, Kate Poulter, Dr Daniel Wheeler, Heather Davidson, Mr Ian Hopkins, Kelvin Prisk, Mr Mark White, Chris Davies, Geraint Hosie, Stewart Pritchard, Mark Whittaker, Craig De Piero, Gloria Howarth, rh Mr George 133 Finance (No. 2) Bill15 APRIL 2013 Finance (No. 2) Bill 134

Hunt, Tristram Osborne, Sandra FINANCE (NO.2) BILL (PROGRAMME) Irranca-Davies, Huw Owen, Albert Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing Jackson, Glenda Pearce, Teresa Jamieson, Cathy Perkins, Toby Order No. 83A(7)). Jarvis, Dan Pound, Stephen That the following provisions shall apply to the Finance Johnson, rh Alan Powell, Lucy (No. 2) Bill: Johnson, Diana Qureshi, Yasmin Committal Jones, Graham Raynsford, rh Mr Nick 1. The following shall be committed to a Committee of the Jones, Helen Reed, Mr Jamie whole House— Jones, Mr Kevan Reed, Steve (a) Clauses 1, 3, 16, 183, 184 and 200 to 212; Jones, Susan Elan Reynolds, Emma Joyce, Eric Riordan, Mrs Linda (b) Schedules 3 and 41; Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald Ritchie, Ms Margaret (c) any new Clauses, and any new Schedules, first appearing Keeley, Barbara Robertson, Angus on the Order Paper not later than Tuesday 16 April 2013 and Kendall, Liz Robertson, John relating to tax measures concerning housing; and Khan, rh Sadiq Robinson, Mr Geoffrey (d) any new Clauses, and any new Schedules, relating to value Lammy, rh Mr David Rotheram, Steve added tax or the bank levy or air passenger duty or the subject Lavery, Ian Roy, Mr Frank matter of Clauses 1 and 16 and Schedule 3 or the subject matter Lazarowicz, Mark Roy, Lindsay of Clause 3 or the subject matter of Clauses 203 to 212 and Leslie, Chris Ruane, Chris Schedule 41. Lewis, Mr Ivan Ruddock, rh Dame Joan 2. The remainder of the Bill shall be committed to a Public Bill Llwyd, rh Mr Elfyn Sarwar, Anas Committee. Long, Naomi Sawford, Andy Proceedings in Committee Love, Mr Andrew Seabeck, Alison Lucas, Caroline Sharma, Mr Virendra 3.–(1) Proceedings in Committee of the whole House shall be Lucas, Ian Sheerman, Mr Barry completed in two days. MacNeil, Mr Angus Brendan Sheridan, Jim (2) Those proceedings shall be taken on each of those days as Mactaggart, Fiona Shuker, Gavin shown in the first column of the following table and in the order Mahmood, Mr Khalid Skinner, Mr Dennis so shown. Mahmood, Shabana Slaughter, Mr Andy (3) Each part of the proceedings shall (so far as not previously Malhotra, Seema Smith, rh Mr Andrew concluded) be brought to a conclusion at the time specified in Mann, John Smith, Nick relation to it in the second column of the Table. Marsden, Mr Gordon Smith, Owen (4) Standing Order No. 83B (programming committees) shall McCabe, Steve Spellar, rh Mr John not apply to proceedings in Committee of the whole House. McCann, Mr Michael Stringer, Graham McCarthy, Kerry Stuart, Ms Gisela TABLE McClymont, Gregg Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry Proceedings Time for conclusion of proceedings McCrea, Dr William Tami, Mark McDonagh, Siobhain Thomas, Mr Gareth First day McDonald, Andy Thornberry, Emily New Clauses and new Two hours after the McDonnell, John Trickett, Jon Schedules relating to tax commencement of McFadden, rh Mr Pat Twigg, Derek measures concerning housing. proceedings on the Bill. McGovern, Alison Twigg, Stephen New Clauses and new Four and a half hours after McGovern, Jim Umunna, Mr Chuka Schedules relating to the bank the commencement of McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Vaz, rh Keith levy; Clauses 200 to 202. proceedings on the Bill. McKechin, Ann Vaz, Valerie New Clauses and new Seven hours after the McKenzie, Mr Iain Walley, Joan Schedules relating to the commencement of McKinnell, Catherine Watson, Mr Tom subject matter of Clauses 203 proceedings on the Bill. Meacher, rh Mr Michael Watts, Mr Dave to 212 and Schedule 41; Mearns, Ian Weir, Mr Mike Clauses 203 to 212; Miller, Andrew Whiteford, Dr Eilidh Schedule 41. Mitchell, Austin Whitehead, Dr Alan Second day Moon, Mrs Madeleine Williams, Hywel Morden, Jessica Williamson, Chris New Clauses and new Two hours after the Schedules relating to the commencement of Morrice, Graeme (Livingston) Wilson, Phil subject matter of Clauses 1 proceedings on the Bill. Morris, Grahame M. Winnick, Mr David (Easington) and 16 and Schedule 3; Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Clauses 1 and 16; Schedule 3. Mudie, Mr George Wishart, Pete Munn, Meg New Clauses and new Four and a half hours after Woodcock, John Schedules relating to value the commencement of Murphy, rh Mr Jim Woodward, rh Mr Shaun Murphy, rh Paul added tax or the subject proceedings on the Bill. Wright, David matter of Clause 3; Clause 3. Murray, Ian Wright, Mr Iain Nandy, Lisa New Clauses and new Six and a half hours after the Nash, Pamela Tellers for the Noes: Schedules relating to air commencement of O’Donnell, Fiona Lyn Brown and passenger duty; Clauses 183 proceedings on the Bill. Onwurah, Chi Heidi Alexander and 184.

Question accordingly agreed to. 4.–(1) Proceedings in the Public Bill Committee shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion on Bill read a Second time. Thursday 20 June 2013. (2) The Public Bill Committee shall have leave to sit twice on the first day on which it meets. 135 Finance (No. 2) Bill15 APRIL 2013 Finance (No. 2) Bill 136

5. When the provisions of the Bill considered, respectively, by No. 118 (Delegated Legislation Committees) in respect of which the Committee of the whole House and by the Public Bill notice has been given that the instrument be approved.—(Anne Committee have been reported to the House, the Bill shall be Milton.) proceeded with as if it had been reported as a whole to the House from the Public Bill Committee. Consideration and Third Reading 6. Proceedings on Consideration and on Third Reading shall SECTION 5 OF THE EUROPEAN be completed in two days. COMMUNITIES (AMENDMENT) ACT 1993 7. Standing Order No. 83B (Programming committees) shall Motion made, not apply to proceedings on Consideration and Third Reading. —(Anne Milton.) That, for the purposes of its approval under section 5 of the European Communities (Amendment) Act 1993, the Government’s Question agreed to. assessment as set out in the Budget Report shall be treated as if it were an instrument subject to the provisions of Standing Order No. 118 (Delegated Legislation Committees).—(Anne Milton.) FINANCE (NO. 2) BILL (CARRY-OVER) Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing Order No. 80B(1)(a)), Hon. Members: Object. That if, at the conclusion of this Session of Parliament, proceedings on the Finance (No. 2) Bill have not been completed, they shall be resumed in the next Session.—(Anne Milton.) Question agreed to. SITTINGS OF THE HOUSE Motion made, CHILDREN AND FAMILIES BILL That, on Wednesday 17 April— (PROGRAMME) (NO. 2) (1) the House shall meet at 2.30 pm and the moment of Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing interruption shall be at 10.00 pm; Order No. 83A(7)), (2) notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order No. 21 That the Order of 25 February 2013 (Children and Families (Time for taking questions), no questions shall be taken other Bill (Programme)) be varied as follows: than questions which are in the Speaker’s opinion of an urgent In paragraph 2 of the Order (conclusion of proceedings in character and relate either to matters of public importance or to Public Bill Committee) for ‘Tuesday 23 April 2013’ substitute the arrangement of business; ‘Thursday 25 April 2013’.—(Anne Milton.) (3) the sitting in Westminster Hall shall begin at 2.30 pm and Question agreed to. continue for up to four and a half hours; and (4) in calculating the period of four and a half hours in FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO INDUSTRY paragraph (3) no account shall be taken of any period during which the sitting in Westminster Hall may be suspended owing to Ordered, a division being called in the House or in a committee of the That the Motion in the name of Secretary Vince Cable relating whole House.—(Anne Milton.) to Financial Assistance to Industry shall be treated as if it related to an instrument subject to the provisions of Standing Order Hon. Members: Object. 137 15 APRIL 2013 Community Pharmacies 138

Community Pharmacies which advises patients on the therapeutic use of newly prescribed medicines. Evidence already exists that shows Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House that 31% of those who make use of this new medicines do now adjourn.—(Anne Milton.) service adhere more fully to prescribed medicines, minimising waste and increasing their effectiveness. Mr Speaker: Perhaps after waiting a moment for a suitably attentive and perhaps even respectful audience, Smoking cessation is one of the supreme achievements the hon. Member for Ealing North (Stephen Pound) of the community pharmacists in my part of the world, can rise from his seat to offer the House the benefit of and Usha and Dilip Shah have not only improved his eloquence. quality of life by their efforts, but actually saved lives, as theirs is one of the most successful smoking cessation 10.31 pm services offered. As one who had his last gasper in February 2006, I can speak of the effectiveness of this Stephen Pound: I am extremely grateful, Mr Speaker, service from a position of breathless authority. for your generosity and for the way in which you slowed There are more than 20 different services cited by the down through the gears. It is greatly appreciated. I am health and social care information centre, including strangely gratified to see such a well attended House the monitoring of anti-coagulant medicines, minor ailment tonight, and delighted on behalf of both myself and the schemes and supplementary prescribing services, but Minister that all our colleagues will be staying here countless additional services are available, from flu vaccine rather than miss a word of this Adjournment debate. provision to travel clinics. In the case of C.K. Nathwani, There are many reasons why a humble, insignificant the Ravenor pharmacist, a mobility clinic supplies Back Bencher should raise an item on the Adjournment. wheelchairs and dispenses walking frames and commodes, One can seek the ventilation of an issue; one can seek all in a friendly and familiar environment close to the the investigation of an issue. One can seek adumbration patients’ homes and with no queuing up. or agitation, and possibly even instigation. In my case, it is with some trepidation that I approach a subject that is originally to do with celebration, but that then moves Oliver Colvile (Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport) into the dark world of prognostication and, in the case (Con): I recognise that the hon. Gentleman is saying of the Minister, implication. that pharmacists do an incredibly good job, and I agree, but does he agree that we should seek to decriminalise There has been a quiet but dramatic and extraordinary any dispensing errors that pharmacists might make? revolution in the world of the community pharmacist. They can go to prison for such errors, but GPs are merely The traditional model of the dispensing chemist is struck off. as outdated as the mediaeval apothecary. I urge all right hon. and hon. Members to visit the new world of the community pharmacist, which will exist in their Stephen Pound: Not for the first time, the hon. Gentleman constituencies as surely as it does in mine. raises an extraordinarily interesting point. I will discuss later the issue of the level playing field for pharmacists. It would be invidious to mention individuals in the Far be it from me to suggest that he might wish to seek context of the miracle that is occurring in north-west his own Adjournment debate on that subject as it is one London, but if I were so tempted, the names of Nilesh of great significance, but I do not disagree with the Morjaria of the Church pharmacy, of Mahendra Gokani points that he makes. I look to the Minister for a similar of Mandeville road and of C.K. Nathwani of the statement. Ravenor pharmacy would feature strongly, as would Usha and Dilip Shah of the Alpha pharmacy in Northolt. The Minister will conclude that I have certainly ventilated It was at a visit to that estimable emporium, kindly the approbation and celebration I referred to earlier, but facilitated by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in the all is not well—all is not sweetness and light in the person of the passionate Charles Willis, once an ornament well-lit and warm world of the community pharmacy. I of this House, that the full range of services now hope that the Minister and I can agree that the community available from what we once called our “local chemist” pharmacist is the third pillar of the NHS and, just as became apparent. general practice and hospital care defined the early days The Minister will be well aware that the core role of of the NHS and were labelled as the two great pillars the pharmacist—the dispensing of medicines—has grown on which the new creation stood, the changing role of from 556 million medicines in 2002 to 885 million the community pharmacist can come to define a third medicines in 2011, an increase of 56%. I will return to pillar. the current figures. The patient or the customer will find The cruel tyranny of time prevents me from fully the community pharmacist offering services such as detailing this proposition, but I refer the Minister and home delivery of medicines and medicines use reviews, the House to the excellent 2013 UCL school of pharmacy which ensure that patients gain optimal use from prescribed lecture “From making medicines to optimising health”, medicines—2.4 million people took advantage of such given by the chief executive of the Pharmaceutical a review in the last year and the outcomes were staggering. Services Negotiating Committee, Sue Sharpe. Dr Sharpe Forty per cent. of asthma sufferers showed better asthma identifies the intentions of the 2008 White Paper “Pharmacy management and 55% of patients with chronic obstructive in England”, while rightly deducing that even in the pulmonary disease demonstrated a reduction in symptoms short time since then the nature of the community following a medicines use review. pharmacist has changed over and over again. She should The consequential reduction in emergency visits to also be credited with allowing me to remind the House accident and emergency departments will bring a warm of the marvellous quote from Auden to which she refers glow to the Minister’s heart and to the hearts of his in her lecture: Treasury colleagues, as will the new medicine service, “Health is the state about which medicine has nothing to say”. 139 Community Pharmacies15 APRIL 2013 Community Pharmacies 140

[Stephen Pound] “there is still some way to go before our reforms are in place. This transition period is an opportunity for pharmacy to make its At one level, the picture is one of rosy growth and presence felt.” rude good health. Diversification in over the counter I profoundly hope that the transition period does not sales has increased the profitability of the pharmacist, follow distant historical, if not to say Trotskyist, precedent and a new form of health care and preventive medicine and aspire to a state of permanent revolution. I sincerely has emerged almost without notice and certainly without hope that the Government can allow the community fanfare. The NHS is so effusively documented at every pharmacists to do what they do best. level that I am sure I could find the evidence of my birth At the present time the playing field is not level, in the first week of the NHS in Hammersmith in July but opportunities there are aplenty. One of the five 1948, when I was one of the first of what Aneurin domains in the NHS outcomes framework—I have to Bevan identified as “bundles for Britain’s future”—I say, Mr Speaker, that the Minister is a good and decent like to think that he looked down on me swinging in my and honourable man, and I have had the pleasure of his white-painted metal bassinet in Queen Charlotte’s hospital company and his acquaintance for many years. I cannot and identified me as a class warrior of the future, believe that he would ever talk about the “five domains although I would sadly disappoint him in that area. The of the NHS outcomes framework.” There are those fact that I am still alive, however, is a credit to the NHS. around us who do and it is to them that we must give In such a system, it is extraordinary that there is a real credit tonight, but let them come out with this peculiar, paucity of documentation relating to the range of services strangulated syntax. I hope that the Minister will reply and extent of outcomes of community pharmacy. in honest, Norfolk talk. Hopefully, this will not remain uncorrected, but I freely admit to my concerns about the place of the community The NHS outcomes framework refers directly to the pharmacist in the new NHS structures. I very much quality of life for people with long-term conditions, and hope that the Minister will allow me to share these this is an excellent opportunity for the community concerns with him tonight, and also allow me to look in pharmacy, in addition to other qualified health care gentle supplication to him for some positive suggestions. practitioners, to deliver a key aspect of the Government’s new health care system in England. The pharmacist, as The Minister is all too well aware that the Health and is so obvious when one comes to think of it, may often Social Care Act 2012 empowers clinical commissioning be the first person to spot a development in a patient’s groups, led by GPs, and health and wellbeing boards to condition. An early identification can be therapeutically play the key role in shaping local health care services. priceless. It is often the community pharmacist who I contend that commissioning public services on a notes that someone has not come in for their medication localised basis may lead to variations in availability, or, when they are delivering to their home, that the quality and outcomes. I realise that we have discussed person does not open the door, is looking more tired this at length, and I do not want to rehash the arguments and pale, or occasionally has something more dramatic that wracked the House during the passage of the such as a nosebleed. This early identification is absolutely Health and Social Care Act 2012, but one way in which priceless, and this is where the role of the community this apparent deficit could be addressed is through pharmacist has changed beyond almost all recognition. pharmacy representation. There is currently no pharmacy I am seriously worried that such best practice, as representation on health and wellbeing boards. Such recommended by Earl Howe, is threatened by the impact representation could be a catalyst for constructive change of changing priorities as commissioners change. in primary care. Even the pharmaceutical needs assessments drawn up by the health and wellbeing boards may lack The funding passed to CCGs and local authorities is any input from pharmacists. already being used to commission services from community pharmacies, so that for every new service there is a very The sheer complexity of the arrangements under real possibility that an existing one will be ended. Local which the new commissioning arrangements operate authorities will, quite rightly, look to address their own can be a barrier to the provision of services. I am priorities. I referred earlier to the additional pharmacy-led indebted to Benjamin Wheatley of Boots for confirmation services in England and the huge growth in recent years, that individual contracts now require pharmacy contractors but 2012 actually saw a decrease of 5%. It is reasonable to invoice either local authorities or clinical commissioning to assume that the transition period between commissioners groups via the NHS shared business services. I have to in 2013 and 2014 will see that decline continue. It must say that my head aches when I try to contemplate the be recorded that any diversion from existing services mechanism whereby one invoices through all these various will have an immediate effect on patients. If there is one groups and all the choices concerned. I am all in favour thing we can all agree on, it is how the community of choice, but sometimes it is ridiculous. In cases such pharmacist has earned the trust of patients and the as this, we are actually preventing good people from patient community. It has been so remarkable and doing good work. The effect of this additional work beneficial that it cannot be threatened. If there is one load can be catastrophic. thing that patients in long-term care plans in particular I do not often praise, without reservation, coalition are terrified of, it is a change in the structure that could Ministers, with the obvious exception of the hon. affect their medication and the ability of a community Gentleman who adorns the Dispatch Box this evening, pharmacist to provide for their needs. but I pray in evidence the words of the noble Lord, the The General Pharmaceutical Council is the regulator Earl Howe, speaking at the pharmacy business awards of pharmacists, and as such pharmacists are not required dinner in 2011—what a night that was—when he said: to register with Monitor or even the Care Quality “The Government sees pharmacy as integral to every aspect of Commission. This lack of a registration number actually our plans to modernise the NHS.” inhibits many pharmacists from applying to provide He went on to say: services under the “any qualified provider” scheme. I do 141 Community Pharmacies15 APRIL 2013 Community Pharmacies 142 not know why, but they cannot register. I have tried for community pharmacies. He talked about integrated myself to operate the system for registering online. If care. They can play a central role in an integrated someone wishes to provide a service, they have to give service for patients, particularly those with the long-term, their registration number, and if they are not entitled to chronic conditions he referred to, so I am completely at be allocated a number, the whole process stops. I hope one with him on that. that this small but significant and far-reaching improvement Today, more NHS community pharmacies than ever is one that, yet again, can be laid at the Minister’s feet, offer health care treatment and healthy lifestyle advice with the gratitude of the people, and that we can be and support in England. As I think the hon. Gentleman delighted by another Lamb amendment. said, they dispensed 885 million prescription items last Allied with the codification of a requirement for year—up 56% from 10 years ago, with nine in every community pharmacist representation within NHS England 10 items prescribed. Pharmacies are also readily accessible. and the resuscitation of the roles previously identified Research has shown that 99% of people can get to a in SHAs and PCTs, a new model of integrated health pharmacy with relative ease, especially in more deprived care could relieve pressure on general practice, provide communities, perhaps including parts of his constituency. local and accessible services, manage long-term conditions Because of that, many people use their local pharmacy and deliver healthy living advice. In my part of the team as the first port of call for all sorts of health world, we have a huge number of singlehanded GP problems, both minor and major. Indeed, that might be practices. They are typically elderly men—occasionally the first point at which a serious condition is identified. women, but usually men—operating in terraced houses. For that reason, pharmacies are incredibly important. It is most unlikely that they can be sacked—I am not For example, many pharmacies now offer services that altogether sure they should be sacked—but they need a help patients to get the best from their medicines or complementary service, because the singlehanded GP provide support for patients with long-term conditions model is simply not appropriate to the dizzying variety such as asthma who are starting a new medicine. of illnesses and conditions that apply particularly in However, this goes beyond mere statistics. A graph or the urban environment at this the beginning of the chart cannot represent the relief of an elderly person 21st century. I would like to see a synergy between who gets help with a niggling cold or cough, the comfort community pharmacists and general practitioners working that a pharmacist can provide a young mother worried together to the benefit of all patients. about her child’s health or the benefits that people with Above all, pharmacies can work with the new health diabetes or heart disease get from good lifestyle advice. bodies, GPs and other health care professions to support This is all because people trust the community pharmacist. a modernised, caring health care system that delivers That trust is a vital commodity that should be very high standards of patient care. The Minister blanched much valued. As the hon. Gentleman said, community earlier when I referred to him as a good and decent pharmacies help people to live healthier day-to-day man. I meant that sincerely. I think that everyone in the lives. I know he saw that for himself when he visited a House holds the Minister in the same esteem. He is a pharmacy in his constituency recently. Indeed, I visited good and decent man, and I hope that he will consider a pharmacy in my constituency in Sheringham recently. some, if not all, of the points I have raised tonight and For a photo opportunity, I had a blood pressure test agree with me that a fair following wind from the done on my arm. It came out that I had high blood Government would be greeted with delight and relief by pressure, so I was immediately referred to my GP. It our greatly valued community pharmacists and would happens that my blood pressure is all right, but that go a long way towards ensuring a happy, hale and kind of reminder or shock to the system—in this case hearty nation and safeguarding our future. experienced by me—is of enormous value to many I have received three messages from parliamentary people, and he was right to highlight that. colleagues inquiring whether this debate is a tribute to The pharmacy that the hon. Gentleman visited has, that distinguished former chemist, the late Baroness like many others, helped thousands of people to quit Thatcher. She achieved a great deal in the world of smoking. He talked about his own experience. I am not chemistry, and certainly as a woman she was an sure whether he got help from a pharmacy, but I remember extraordinary achiever, but community pharmacists perform as his next-door neighbour over in Norman Shaw North great miracles every day. Let us hope that the Minister is that he used to smoke like a chimney and he has now as convinced of their good will and good work as I am stopped. That is an admirable achievement. Nearly and that tonight he will put his shoulder to that wheel three quarters of all pharmacies in England gave out and advance the cause of integrated health care and the quit kits last year, many as part of the Stoptober role of the community pharmacist. campaign, which was an enormous success. 10.48 pm Our pharmacies show how they can be proactive, not The Minister of State, Department of Health (Norman reactive places, genuinely improving people’s health and Lamb): I congratulate the hon. Member for Ealing well-being on a daily basis, so I welcome the endorsement North (Stephen Pound) not only on securing this debate that the hon. Gentleman gave to the pharmacy’s history on community pharmacies, but on entertaining us. At of good service. Demand for health care will increase. the end of a long day, it has been appreciated by the An increasing population, with people living longer and gathering before me, small though it might be. I can needing more treatment, means that we must harness assure him that I am not often found talking about every available resource to meet those needs. We want to domains and the outcomes framework. He and I are at see pharmacy’s contribution flourish in the future, very one on that subject. He talked about the quiet revolution much as a central part of local health provision. he has witnessed in his constituency and the several fine Only a fortnight ago, far-reaching changes to transform pharmacies there. They do incredibly valuable work, commissioning health care in England came into effect. and I can assure him absolutely that I see a critical role Clinicians, not managers, are now in the driving seat. 143 Community Pharmacies15 APRIL 2013 Community Pharmacies 144

[Norman Lamb] what is suitable for their communities. If every single profession were represented on every single board, that The NHS Commissioning Board—now NHS England— would make for bloated and top-heavy organisations, has responsibility for commissioning all NHS primary which is exactly the opposite of what we want to achieve. care services, including pharmaceutical services. We However, CCGs have a duty to get advice from a broad expect NHS England to involve clinical commissioning range of health experts. CCGs can involve pharmacy, groups where appropriate, because they know the needs and I would expect that involvement to be commonplace, of their local populations best. To meet those needs, given the extent to which pharmacies are involved CCGs are free to commission further services over and in people’s care. I am sure that the existing local above what NHS England commissions. If they want pharmaceutical committees and the new local pharmacy to, and if it is appropriate, CCGs can commission those networks will be more than willing to offer advice and services from pharmacies. Local authorities now have support to commissioners. I hope that they will do so, the powers and funding to commission public health and that they will make the case to the commissioners services, such as stopping smoking or sexual health that they can improve care. services, and are free to commission from pharmacies. The second big concern involves the potential for That provides an enormous opportunity to pharmacies. pharmacy-led care to stop. I understand that concern—it There is an increase in the public health budget this year is natural at a time of transition and significant change—but and next. It is important for pharmacies to get stuck in I do not share the apprehension. I see a potentially and make their case to local authorities about the greater role for pharmacies, if they can make their case service they can provide—accessible to all, on the high effectively. NHS England is legally required to commission street and trusted, as we have agreed. pharmaceutical services that meet health care needs. It These are far-reaching and necessary developments. bases that on the assessments of pharmaceutical needs It is therefore important that new commissioners are for which the health and wellbeing boards are now fully aware of pharmacy’s potential. That is why the responsible. As I said, pharmacy’s reputation is well pharmacy and public health forum, chaired by Professor established. Commissioners are not going to stop effective Richard Parish, has been working on how pharmacy and proven pharmacy services overnight. I can reassure can best enhance its role in public health, with more the hon. Gentleman that, as CCGs have no power research into pharmacy’s contribution. under the Health and Social Care Act 2012 to commission Our goal is to allow the new commissioning arrangements pharmaceutical services, they cannot cut or decommission to make people healthier. The hon. Gentleman referred those services either. to integrated care, which I also mentioned earlier. The Will some things change? Yes, of course they will. We Government intend to focus on trying to achieve an would not have embarked on our reforms of the NHS if integrated care model across the country, moving away there had been no need for change. For example, local from the fragmented nature of health care delivery authorities have already taken over responsibility for towards a much more integrated model, and pharmacies public health services such as smoking cessation services. can play an absolutely central role in that approach. Pharmacy absolutely has its place in the new NHS. Not Pharmacy has an excellent reputation when it comes to only that, but in my view it must surely grow to meet the integration. I know that pharmacies have a track record increasing needs of our communities. The reformed of providing quality services that people value, and that commissioning environment provides new opportunities patients and consumers hold pharmacy in high regard, for pharmacies. If they remain passive and do not seek so all commissioners should recognise the potential of to make their case, they will suffer, but if they go out community pharmacies. It is also clear that the relationship and make the case for the central role that they can play, should work the other way, too. Just as commissioners for their accessibility and for the trust that the community support pharmacies, pharmacies should also be ready has in them, they will be able to thrive and prosper, to support commissioners by making available their particularly given the focus on a new integrated care professional experience and specialist clinical expertise. model. They can demonstrate how they can improve Pharmacies should make the case to commissioners as health and improve people’s well-being. to why they should consider the role of community The third big concern is that CCGs’ commissioning pharmacies. decisions will be unduly influenced by people with a The hon. Gentleman referred to community pharmacy’s vested interest in securing contracts and cutting pharmacies concerns about the new commissioning arrangements, out of the equation. The Department’s view is that this and I hope that I can address some of those concerns is unlikely to happen. The idea that members of CCGs and reassure him. The first big concern involves the will secure all the profitable and lucrative services for availability of senior pharmacy expertise and pharmacy’s themselves is a pretty negative view, and one that I do role in commissioning. I want to assure the hon. Gentleman not share, but of course we have to be vigilant. that the chief pharmaceutical officer for England is We will not allow a situation to develop where profits already part of the senior management team at NHS come before patient care or patient choice. That would England. NHS England is looking at how its regional and be in direct contradiction to the founding principles of area teams can make use of appropriate pharmaceutical the NHS, and it must not happen. We have put robust advice. governance arrangements in place and guidance was The hon. Gentleman also pointed out that some issued last year to all CCGs. Registers of interests must pharmacists are concerned that they are not represented be maintained and available for public scrutiny. Members on CCGs. We deliberately did not prescribe set lists of and employees must declare any conflict or potential other health professionals who should be on CCGs’ conflict in relation to a decision to be made by the governing bodies. CCGs must be free to decide that for group, and there are effective sanctions if those principles themselves, because it is they, not us, who know exactly are breached. In addition, the General Medical Council 145 Community Pharmacies15 APRIL 2013 Community Pharmacies 146 published updated guidance for doctors last month. and pharmacists to work closer together, not in opposition. It comes into effect a week from today, on 22 April. It There will be new opportunities for better and more includes a section on doctors’ financial and commercial flexible pharmaceutical care arrangements that are both arrangements and conflicts of interest. The GMC has relevant and accessible to local people. Underpinning provided supplementary guidance explaining how doctors these will be effective governance— can put those principles into practice. I conclude by thanking the hon. Gentleman once again for the opportunity to discuss the crucial role of 11.1 pm community pharmacies in the new health and care House adjourned without Question put (Standing Order system. The new arrangements will allow commissioners No. 9(7)).

1WS Written Ministerial Statements15 APRIL 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 2WS

The Government accept the recommendations on the Written Ministerial adult and youth rates, and on the accommodation offset, but have concluded that the apprentice rate should Statements be increased by 3p to £2.68 from 1 October 2013. Government’s response to individual recommendations in Monday 15 April 2013 the Low Pay Commission’s 2013 report National Minimum Wage Rates We recommend that the adult rate of the national BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS minimum wage be increased by 1.9%, or 12p, to £6.31 an hour, from 1 October 2013. We recommend an increase of 1.0% in the youth Insolvency Proceedings (EU Regulation) development rate to £5.03 an hour and in the 16 to 17-year-old rate to £3.72 an hour from 1 October 2013. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, We recommend that the accommodation offset be Innovation and Skills (Jo Swinson): The UK has opted increased by 1.9%, to £4.91 a day, from 1 October 2013. in to the proposal for a regulation of the European ACCEPT Parliament and of the Council amending Council We recommend that the apprentice rate should remain Regulation (EC) No. 1346/2000 on insolvency proceedings at £2.65 an hour from 1 October 2013. (“the existing regulation”). The proposal meets the criteria set out in the coalition REJECT agreement with regard to EU justice and home affairs The Government share the commission’s concern measures. In particular, the Government consider that about non-compliance with the apprentice minimum it is in the UK’s interest to opt in to the proposal wage and we are clear that employers must pay their because it will be of general benefit to creditors and staff at least the minimum wage. However, we believe businesses in the UK and EU. that it is important to maintain the relative position of The decision to opt in was unanimously supported by the apprentice rate compared to benefits and the youth stakeholders who responded to a call for evidence during rates to preserve the attractiveness of apprenticeships February 2013. I intend to publish the responses received for young people. The Government have concluded later today. therefore that a 1% increase in the apprentice rate would be appropriate. This is in line with the recommended I believe the proposed amendments to the insolvency increases in the youth rates; evidence in the commission’s regulation will benefit UK businesses affected by insolvency report shows that the majority of apprentices paid on in the EU. The proposals support business rescue by and just above the apprentice rate are young people. It is expanding the scope of the regulation to restructuring also the planned level of public sector pay and benefit and pre-insolvency proceedings. Bankruptcy tourism increases. We consider that the modest level of this will be tackled through new rules on determining jurisdiction increase would not have significant adverse effects on and increased transparency for creditors. In addition, employment or training for apprentices. In conjunction the proposals include new rules on publication of insolvency with this, we are putting in place a package of measures information via free online registers across the EU, in to improve compliance, including focused communications line with our digital by default strategy. and targeted enforcement by HM Revenue & Customs. The Government will now participate fully in negotiations on the draft text of the amended regulation. Accommodation Offset We recommend that the accommodation offset should remain the only permitted benefit-in-kind that can count National Minimum Wage towards payment of the national minimum wage and there should be only one rate. It should apply irrespective of whether the worker has a choice over taking the The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and accommodation. Skills (Vince Cable): The Low Pay Commission’s 2013 report and recommendations to the Government are ACCEPT being published today, alongside the Government’s response. Salaried-hours Workers The Low Pay Commission’s 2013 report We recommend that the regulations for salaried-hours The main recommendations put forward by the Low workers continue to be required in all their essentials. In Pay Commission concern the rates of the national order to make it as simple and easy as possible to minimum wage. The commission has recommended achieve national minimum wage compliance the that the adult hourly rate of the national minimum Government should adapt their guidance to include wage should increase from £6.19 to £6.31. The commission examples and an online means of determining what has recommended increasing the development rate, which payment is required. covers workers aged 18 to 20, from £4.98 to £5.03 and ACCEPT increasing the rate for 16 to 17-year-olds from £3.68 to £3.72. It recommends that the apprentice rate should Compliance remain at £2.65. It recommended that these changes We recommend that the Government should combine take place in October 2013. a communications campaign and a targeted enforcement The commission has also recommended that the initiative to ensure that the apprentice rate is known to accommodation offset increases from the current £4.82 to employers and apprentices, and that infringers are caught, £4.91 in October 2013. punished, and wherever appropriate, named. 3WS Written Ministerial Statements15 APRIL 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 4WS

ACCEPT As I previously outlined, the Republic of Cyprus The Government believe that this recommendation should requested a programme of financial assistance from its be viewed alongside the apprentice rate recommendation. fellow members of the eurozone and the International The Government accept this recommendation and in Monetary Fund. On 25 March 2013, the Eurogroup fact goes further than is proposed. There will be a multi- reached an agreement on Cyprus, which included the faceted push on non-compliance in this area. resolution of Cyprus Popular (Laiki) Bank and the We recommend that contracts issued by public bodies restructuring of Bank of Cyprus, imposing losses on which commission the provision of social care should senior unsecured creditors and some uninsured deposits, contain a clause requiring at least the national minimum including in the case of Bank of Cyprus the exchange of wage to be paid, just as they may require compliance some deposits over ¤100,000 for equity stakes in the with other aspects of the law, such as health and safety bank. legislation. The Government should take responsibility Britain is not part of the eurozone and was not party for bringing this about. to the negotiations. There is no contribution from the NOTE United Kingdom through the European financial The Government fully agree with the commission’s stabilisation mechanism (EFSM) or bilaterally. aim of reducing non-compliance in this sector. However, The Eurogroup agreement welcomes a contribution we believe there are more effective ways to achieve this. by the IMF to the programme, but no formal proposal The Department of Health and the Department for has yet been put forward to the IMF’s executive board. Communities and Local Government are working together The UK will assess and vote on any programme put to to develop tougher measures to deter non-compliance the IMF’s executive board on the basis of its own as well as support to improve compliance. merits, as it has always done. UK support for the IMF The Low Pay Commission’s report has been presented does not add to our debt or deficit, and no one who has to Parliament today (Command Paper number 8565). provided money to the IMF has ever lost that money. Council for Science and Technology (Triennial Review) The financial envelope agreed by the Eurogroup is ¤10 billion, which will cover bonds coming to maturity, The Minister for Universities and Science (Mr David deficit financing and the recapitalisation of the other Willetts): The coalition Government made a commitment domestic banks. The Greek branches of Hellenic, Bank to review public bodies, with the aim of increasing of Cyprus and Laiki were sold to Greek banks as part accountability for actions carried out on behalf of the of the deal. There will be no contribution from the state. The triennial review of the Council for Science programme to the recapitalisation of Bank of Cyprus. and Technology is one of the Department of Business, This will instead be funded by using existing debt Innovation and Skills (BIS) reviews of non-departmental holders and some uninsured deposits. Cyprus Popular public bodies (NDPBs) scheduled to commence during (Laiki) Bank has been put into resolution and split into the third year of the programme (2013-14). The review a “good” bank, which has been transferred to Bank of will commence in April 2013. This is not a review of the Cyprus, and a “bad” bank which will be wound down. policy relating to science and technology, to which the Cyprus is an important and longstanding ally of the Government remain committed. UK and a member of the Commonwealth. Therefore, The review will be conducted as set out in Cabinet while not part of the eurozone negotiations, HM Office guidance, in two stages. Government immediately offered to make available technical The first stage will: assistance to the Government of Cyprus during what Identify and examine the key functions of the Council for Science was a very difficult period for them, which they accepted. and Technology and assess the requirement for these to continue; This included a team of UK officials going to Cyprus to If continuing, then assess delivery options and where the provide this assistance first hand. The Government of conclusion is that a particular function is still needed, examine Cyprus have since conveyed their appreciation for this how this function might best be delivered, including a cost and assistance which they found to be very helpful. Officials benefits analysis where appropriate; have since returned to the UK. If one of these options is continuing delivery through the Council for Science and Technology then make an assessment In addition, my officials also worked with the Cypriot against the Government’s “three tests”: technical function; political authorities to develop a solution for deposits held in the impartiality; need for independence from Ministers. UK branch of Cyprus Popular Bank. There was very If the outcome of stage 1 is that delivery should continue close and effective co-operation between the Treasury, through the Council for Science and Technology then the second the Bank of England and its new regulatory arm the stage of the project will be to ensure that it is operating in line Prudential Regulation Authority, and the Financial Conduct with the recognised principles of good corporate governance, Authority. This reflects the working of the new regulatory using the Cabinet Office “comply or explain” standard approach. system that came into legal existence during the When completed the report of the review will be management of the crisis in Cyprus. placed in the Libraries of both Houses. On 1 April, Cyprus Popular Bank reached an agreement with Bank of Cyprus UK to transfer all customer TREASURY deposits in their UK branch to the UK subsidiary of Cyprus Bank of Cyprus. This included some 15,000 accounts with approximately £270 million of deposits. The transfer The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Greg Clark): was accompanied by matching cash assets. I previously committed to keeping the House up to date The transfer agreement between Bank of Cyprus UK on the events in Cyprus as the situation developed, in and Cyprus Popular Bank was given effect by a transfer particular the structure of the final bailout package, decree made under Cypriot law. It was subsequently and the implications for the UK. approved by the Prudential Regulation Authority and 5WS Written Ministerial Statements15 APRIL 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 6WS the Financial Conduct Authority under our new regulatory COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT system. HM Treasury officials assisted in discussions with the Cypriot authorities and also provided some assistance in the legal processes around the transfer. Work of the Department (Easter Recess) Unlike Bank of Cyprus UK, which is a UK supervised subsidiary, Cyprus Popular Bank UK operated here as a branch of its Cypriot parent company. Under EU law, The Secretary of State for Communities and Local primary responsibility for the supervision and resolution Government (Mr Eric Pickles): I would like to update of Cyprus Popular Bank UK therefore rested with the hon. Members on the main items of business undertaken Cypriot authorities. Had the transfer not been agreed, by my Department since the House of Commons rose the deposits in the UK branch of Cyprus Popular Bank on 26 March. would have been included in the Cypriot bank restructuring Abolishing regional planning with all of the uncertainty that this would have brought Planning and house building works best when it is with it. That will not now be the case. locally led and people have more control in shaping and The deposits are now with Bank of Cyprus UK, deciding on development in the places they live. The last which will continue to operate as a UK subsidiary, Administration’s top-down approach of imposing regional regulated and supervised by the Prudential Regulation strategies, based on artificial government regions, coincided Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority. All with the lowest peacetime levels of house building since eligible deposits, including those transferred from Cyprus the 1920s. Popular Bank, will now benefit from the coverage of The coalition Government announced their decision the UK’s financial services compensation scheme up to to revoke the final three regional strategies for the west £85,000. midlands, north-west and south-west through a written This has all been achieved without any material recourse statement on 27 March, Official Report, House of Lords, to public funds. column 109. This means we have now delivered the More widely, state benefit payments to accounts in coalition agreement to abolish these unpopular and Cyprus, which were previously on hold while the banks counter-productive regional strategies giving every in Cyprus remained closed, have resumed following community more control over local planning. their reopening. We are determined to help put communities back As was previously stated, those who have been sent to into the driving seat of local development and local Cyprus to serve our military or our Government, and plans agreed by communities and councils are now at their families, will be protected in full from losses on the heart of determining where homes should go. Already, their personal deposits. Ministers from the Ministry of 500 communities across the country are backing Defence will keep the House updated on this issue. neighbourhood plans for their area, showing that people welcome development when they are given the opportunity The Government continue to monitor the situation in to be involved and shape it in the best way for the local Cyprus closely. area. Tackling unauthorised development We are determined to ensure fair play in the planning system and to tackle intentional unauthorised development. CABINET OFFICE On 29 March, my Department confirmed that restrictions will be lifted on the use of temporary stop notices, enabling councils to act immediately and safeguard Transparency and Open Data their local area from caravans being placed on unauthorised sites. The associated secondary legislation has been laid before the House. The Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster Individuals who have gone to the effort of buying General (Mr Francis Maude): Today I am publishing a land are quite capable of applying for planning permission, statement of progress made by Departments against and it is only right that planning permission should be their open data strategies and performance against the secured before development is undertaken. It is not fair public data principles for the period quarter 3 2012-13, that some people try and sidestep the planning system, October to December 2012. which is why we have already given local councils stronger This is the second statement of its kind and it aims to powers to deal with retrospective or vexatious applications. provide an ongoing narrative of departmental progress But we are going further and, subject to parliamentary in the open data agenda and bring to light issues that ratification, are giving councils greater freedom to take are facing Departments in releasing and enabling the swift and effective enforcement action against unauthorised release of open data. The report aims to highlight, caravans backed up with the potential for heavy fines. through the release of datasets and work being carried Helping aspiring self-builders out on the domestic and international fronts, that the On 28 March, my Department announced a Government are continuously expanding their ability comprehensive range of measures designed to help people both to release and update the most accessible open and aspiring to build their own homes to get their projects reusable data, and their capacity and capability to produce off the ground. Currently, only those planning to use datasets that will realise the most economic and social the new powers under the community right to build benefits. have access to a dedicated fund, to build up their The full report is available on www.data.gov.uk and development proposals and submit a community right has been placed in the Library of the House. to build order. To ensure anyone has access to this 7WS Written Ministerial Statements15 APRIL 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 8WS financial support regardless of the route they take for Clamping down on criminal landlords and housing planning permission, we are expanding the scheme to fraud enable all community groups, including self-builders, We want to ensure fair play in taxpayer-funded social the ability to access £14 million of available support housing and to crack down on rogue landlords who funding to help them initiate their local projects, even if cash in on renting out homes to illegal immigrants. On they do not plan to use the community right to build. 27 March, my Department gave a £790,000 funding This is in addition to the £30 million custom build boost to four London boroughs to further support fund, over half of which has already been earmarked to ongoing efforts to tackle criminal landlords who trap support 15 different projects across England. My vulnerable tenants in so-called “beds in sheds”. Department has also confirmed that locality will work So-called “beds in sheds”are often rented to immigrants, with the National Self Build Association, the UK including some with no right to be in the UK, at Cohousing Network, the National Community Land extortionate rates. Over the past year locally-led efforts, Trust Network, Self-help Housing and the Confederation backed with Government cash, have led to councils of Co-operative Housing to encourage more local projects. working more closely with the police and Home Office On 15 April, we published a consultation paper on immigration law enforcement to flush out these rogue further reforms to the last Administration’s community landlords, and to get a better sense of the scale of the infrastructure levy. The changes will make the levy problem. fairer, faster, more certain and more transparent. The On 3 April, 2013 my Department announced £9.5 million consultation includes a proposal for a new exemption for 62 councils to help them to combat social housing for self-build homes. This will cover new homes built or fraud and ensure homes go to those who truly need commissioned by individuals, families or groups of them. Social housing fraud can cost the taxpayer individuals for their own use and that will be owner £900 million a year and we are giving councils more occupied. This delivers on the commitment given by the powers to take action. Due to come into force this Minister for Housing in May 2013 and will make an summer, the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013 enormous difference to people looking to build their will mean perpetrators could face a fine and a custodial own home. sentence of up to two years, while councils will be able Safeguarding community assets to recover the proceeds of sub-letting social homes. Localism is about giving power back to communities, Helping the disabled live independent lives as they know best what their local needs are. Communities, On 28 March, my Department confirmed £180 million and voluntary and charity groups are now taking action of disabled facilities grant for 2013-14 to help councils to use the new rights we have created through the new fund the adaptations disabled people need to live community right to bid in the Localism Act to help save independently in their own home. The grant can be used local shops, pubs, libraries, and parks, influence how for adaptations that provide better freedom of movement planning decisions are made and how local public services into and around the home or to provide essential facilities run. I was delighted to see that the residents of Nunhead helping people stay in their homes if their circumstances had successfully used the community right to bid to change, providing the support that disabled or vulnerable save their local pub the Ivy House from closure. people need to live independently and comfortably, We want to see more communities using the community whether they are homeowners, social tenants or living rights to save their treasured assets and I would like to in rented accommodation. draw hon. Members’ attention to my Department’s Tackling the digital divide support for the Campaign for Real Ale’s community People who live in council and housing association pubs month which launched on 1 April and is calling on homes currently make up over a quarter of people who people to list their local pub as an asset of community do not use the internet. On 4 April, my Department value. alongside the Department for Work and Pensions Boosting coastal communities announced £400,000 of funding for innovative programmes to provide low-cost internet access and improve tenants’ Following huge success last year, on 3 April my motivation to go online. Successful bidding landlords Department opened applications for a second round of will have to match Government funding with their own coastal communities funding. The funds available have money, pound for pound, therefore doubling the total been increased by over £4.1 million to £27.8 million so pot to £800,000. more communities can win awards to boost their economic development. The fund for the projects is raised from Providing a safety net for the homelessness the Crown Estate’s marine assets and reinvested in This country has one of the strongest safety nets coastal areas. against homelessness in the world, backed with £470 million In 2012, 26 projects in England from Scarborough to Government funding. It is vital this continues to protect Swanage, and from Torbay to Tyneside, received funding the most vulnerable in society. On 9 April, my Department to develop their areas, helping to create and safeguard launched a £1.7 million gold standard scheme helping 5,000 jobs, 1,400 training places, 400 volunteering councils across the country learn from each other to opportunities and support 250 new business start-ups. deliver the best possible service, and ensuring that those The money was also used for a variety of projects facing the threat of losing their home get the support including rejuvenating heritage areas and leisure facilities they need. as well as helping businesses embrace digital technology The peer-led scheme will provide a host of free training and promote innovation. The projects also attracted and support to enable councils to reach gold standard additional funding from public and private co-sponsors status, a benchmark of their achievements and work to of over £16 million. support people and guard against homelessness. The 9WS Written Ministerial Statements15 APRIL 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 10WS first 10 councils to receive gold standard status will then Abolishing taxpayer-funded pensions for councillors offer advice and a critical eye to other councils looking In the written statement of 19 December 2012, Official to achieve the same. Report, column 105WS, we announced proposals to Supporting fiscal decentralisation abolish taxpayer-funded pensions for councillors. We stated that Ministers in this Government take a At the beginning of April, the new system of local fundamentally different view to the last Administration. government finance began. The local funding settlement We do not believe that taxpayer-funded pensions are used to be the end game, but this year it is just the justified. Councillors are volunteers undertaking public starting point. Councils can earn more of their keep service; they are not and should not be employees of the through rate retention by bringing businesses and jobs council dependent on the municipal payroll. in to their area. This could deliver an estimated extra £10 billion to the wider economy by 2020. The new On 10 April, as required by statute, we published a homes bonus and the localisation of council tax benefit formal consultation paper. A range of options are outlined also provide strong incentives for councils to promote for comment. The Government’s preferred option is the local economic growth and to support local firms and abolition of such taxpayers-funded pensions. Having local jobs. reflected on feedback since the original announcement, this preferred option would include the abolition for Freezing council tax councillors, elected mayors and the London Mayor and Assembly. This would avoid a “two-tier” system in local This Government are determined to back people who authorities. work hard by supporting residents through much needed cost of living assistance. Official statistics published on Stopping propaganda on the rates 27 March confirmed that the average band D council In March 2011, reflecting a coalition agreement pledge, tax level for 2013-14 has changed by a mere 0.8%, which we introduced an updated local government publicity is equivalent to a real terms’ cut of 2.3%. Our three-year code, to tackle the growing practice of “town hall council tax freeze deal has been worth a 9.7% real terms pravdas” and similar dubious propaganda at public reduction to taxpayers’ cost of living. This is in stark expense. contrast to under the last Administration when council It has become clear that some councils are disregarding tax bills more than doubled. this code, intentionally seeking to undermine local From this April, council tax payers can also now newspapers and publishing political propaganda at request to pay their 2013 bills over 12 months rather taxpayers’ expense. On 8 April, my Department published than 10, helping people balance their monthly budgets, a consultation on proposals to legislate strengthening and meaning taxpayers’ money says in their bank accounts these council publicity rules. Localism and robust local for longer. democracy requires a strong, vibrant and independent local press which are essential in holding local councils The Greater London Authority reduced its council to account. It also needs a level playing field to prevent tax precept across London by some 1.2% in 2013-14, an incumbent council abusing taxpayers’money to suppress entitling it to a council tax freeze grant. The authority’s legitimate scrutiny. precept has fallen from £310 a year on band D bills in Saving taxpayers’ money from shared services 2008-09 to £303 in 2013-14. This is a significant cut in real terms. On 4 April, we announced that we will be moving into shared central London headquarters at 2 Marsham In its calculation of unadjusted relevant basic amount street alongside the Home Office. Marsham street was of council tax, there was a technical administrative previously the home of my Department’s predecessor, error by the Greater London Authority.The circumstances the Department of the Environment. are unique to the Greater London Authority and arise from the City of London having its own police force The current costs of running Eland House are £20 million and not contributing to the cost of the Metropolitan per annum and the move will save my Department police force. For a relatively small number of residents £8 million a year. We believe in making sure taxpayers in the City of London, the increase in the unadjusted get value for money. By sharing services and streamlining amount was not offset by a substantial reduction in the our property portfolio this move will allow us to continue costs of the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime. The the best practice that we have recommended to local position in respect of council tax payments across Greater government. London remains as set out in council budgets, precepts Flying the flag and the bills dispatched to residents. As part of my ongoing programme of championing A technical direction has been issued today under flag flying, during recess my Department flew the NATO section 52ZR of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 flag to mark the anniversary of the North Atlantic to resolve this issue this year. This does not affect the treaty. Last year, we amended national planning rules to overall level of council tax set by the Greater London make it easier to fly flags, including local and military Authority, nor does it affect the validity of council tax flags. Previously, the NATO flag could not be easily bills or the collection of council tax by billing authorities flown without paying for a planning permit from the in London. In issuing this direction, we also intend to local council. amend the Greater London Authority Act to ensure Following the sad announcement of the death of that any such future recalculations would comply with Baroness Thatcher, it was particularly apt that both the the 1992 Act. Nevertheless the Greater London Authority’s United Kingdom’s Union flag and the NATO flag flew unadjusted council tax position for 2013-14 will be side by side at half mast. NATO has kept the peace in taken into account when proposing council tax excessiveness western Europe since World War II and protected us principles for 2014-15. from oppressive totalitarianism. As championed by 11WS Written Ministerial Statements15 APRIL 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 12WS

Margaret Thatcher, transatlantic co-operation and NATO’s Since the fire we have held meetings with the company, nuclear shield continue to defend the liberties and freedoms the union representatives of the work force and other that we take for granted today. key stakeholders as well as Members of Parliament. Copies of the associated documents and press releases Officials have continued to be in daily contact with the have been placed in the Library of the House. company and have co-ordinated the cross-Government response including the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS), BIS West Midlands, Shareholder Executive, Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Coal Authority, DEFENCE Insolvency Service redundancy payments service, HM Treasury and Jobcentre Plus. Review Board for Government Contracts The fire below ground at Daw Mill appears to have subsided as a result of the mitigation measures agreed by UKCOL and HSE, but large areas of the mine The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence remain polluted by toxic and flammable gases. UKCOL (Mr Philip Dunne): My predecessor, the hon. Member continues to review closure options in consultation with for Mid Worcestershire (Peter Luff), announced updated the Coal Authority and HSE. HSE also continue to Government profit formula (GPF) allowances to the assure me there is no danger to the general public. House on 25 April 2012, Official Report, column 38WS, in line with recommendations made by the independent Our priority has to be the employees of Daw Mill Review Board for Government Contracts. These rates colliery and the continuing viability of UKCOL’s business are used by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) when and its other employees. I understand from UKCOL pricing new single source contracts and amendments. that of the 570 employees at Daw Mill around 100 are The MOD has continued to consult industry on being redeployed at their other sites and they continue recommendations made in October 2011 by Lord Currie to look at other redeployment opportunities. The remaining of Marylebone following his independent review of staff in redundancy consultation at Daw Mill have been single source pricing and, pending the outcome, the supported by a fully co-ordinated locally-led response review board has been asked to maintain the existing from Jobcentre Plus, BIS West Midlands, North arrangements. Warwickshire borough council and other local partners. The work on new single source pricing regulations This includes the full deployment of the Jobcentre Plus (SSPRs) and the replacement of the review board with rapid response service. a more empowered public body, the Single Source A key part of this response was an employee-focused Regulations Office (SSRO) is proceeding well and we event held in Arley on 22 March 2013, which nearly currently plan that these will be fully implemented in 200 members of the Daw Mill work force attended. This 2014-15. In the meantime the MOD will be seeking to gave them access to a range of advice and information negotiate new SSPR terms into selected high-value single services on their entitlements and options as well as source contracts during 2013-14. information about alternative employment opportunities. One aspect of the existing regime that Lord Currie Tofollow up the event, employees will receive an information recommended should be retained is the methodology sheet providing details of support available at both behind the Government profit formula as far as the local and national level. In addition an information calculation of the baseline profit rate and capital servicing sheet is being prepared for local businesses informing allowances are concerned. Accordingly, the review board them of support available should they be impacted by has recently completed its 2013 general review and has the closure of Daw Mill. I would like to commend all recommended revised GPF allowances. The Government the local partners for their joined-up approach in supporting have accepted the board’s recommendations and the the work force and local community, and particularly in updated allowances have been agreed with industry, to organising the 22 March 2013 event which I know was be implemented on new single source work from 1 April welcomed by the mining unions and UKCOL. A similar 2013. A copy of the review board’s 2013 general review event is being planned in Nottinghamshire in the coming report is being placed in the Library of the House, weeks. along with a copy of its 2012 annual report detailing the The continuing uncertainty in relation to redundancy running costs of the review board. payments due to 30 members of the Daw Mill work force who took voluntary redundancy at the end of 2012 has been of concern to many Members. I am now ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE able to confirm that we have ensured that this cohort will receive their full statutory redundancy entitlement from the redundancy payments service. Closure of Daw Mill Colliery Other Government-related support includes: the Coal Authority has agreed flexibility on certain payments by The Minister of State, Department of Energy and UKGOL related to their subsidence security obligations; Climate Change (Michael Fallon): I want to update the BIS West Midlands has been able to help the company House on developments. On 11 March 2013, Official secure a rebate on their business rates from North Report, column 2WS, John Hayes, former Minister for Warwickshire borough council and other measures are Energy and Climate Change made a statement regarding being taken to facilitate a way forward for the company UK Coal Operations Limited’s (UKCOL) announcement following the loss of revenue from Daw Mill. I should on the closure of their deep mine at Daw Mill in also acknowledge the support that the company has Warwickshire following the serious fire which broke out received from its customers, suppliers and insurers through on 22 February 2013. this challenging period. 13WS Written Ministerial Statements15 APRIL 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 14WS

Through this co-ordinated approach I am determined On 9 April Asda reported to the Food Standards to continue to do what we can to help the company to Agency a positive test for the presence of very low levels continue to operate within the legal framework and of bute in its 340 gram tins of smart price corned beef. state aid rules, to help its employees, and to minimise This product was tested by Asda as part of the industry the impact on the north Warwickshire economy. testing programme and found to be positive for horse DNA above 1% and was withdrawn from Asda’s shelves on 8 March 2013. As with all products that tested positive for horse DNA over 1%, it was tested for bute, ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS as required by the Food Standards Agency. Bute was present at a level of four parts per billion—4ppb. This level is close to the limits of laboratory detection so a Horsemeat Fraud very low level of bute has been found in this product. Since the horsemeat investigation began in January 2013, this is the only meat product that has tested The Minister of State, Department for Environment, positive for bute. Asda has recalled the product. Food and Rural Affairs (Mr David Heath): I would like The chief medical officer has previously stated that to update the House on developments since the Secretary horsemeat containing phenylbutazone at very low levels of State’s written ministerial statement on 26 March presents a very low risk to human health. In the UK 2013, Official Report, column 90WS, on the latest results horse carcasses must have a negative bute test before from the testing of beef products for the presence of they are allowed to enter the food chain. The Food horsemeat and on plans for reviewing lessons learned. Standards Agency is currently investigating this specific On 9 April, the Food Standards Agency published issue and will take action as necessary. It also notified further test results from the first two phases of the the European Commission on 10 April about this positive UK-wide authenticity survey of beef products on sale test result for bute via the rapid alert system for food at a range of retail and catering outlets. These samples and feed. were collected by local authorities and were tested for On 10 April, the Netherlands food and consumer both horse and pig DNA by public analysts. Results for product safety authority (NVWA) recalled 50,000 tonnes four of the remaining five samples which had been in of meat sold as beef across Europe over a two-year dispute have been confirmed. Two samples were found period that may contain horsemeat. The Netherlands to contain horse DNA at the 1% reporting limit. Neither food and consumer product safety authority said 370 product was found to contain the veterinary drug different companies around europe and 132 more in the phenylbutazone (known as “bute”) or pig DNA. The Netherlands were affected by the recall because they two other disputed samples, which did not contain bought meat from a Dutch trading company. The FSA horse DNA, were confirmed as being below 1% pig have been informed by the Dutch authorities that a DNA and neither product was labelled as halal or small number of UK businesses may have received kosher. This leaves results from one disputed sample products from the trading company that operates under still to be reported from the further independent analysis. the names of Willy Selten and Wiljo. As the NVWA was Therefore, from these latest results, out of a total unable to say with certainty whether all of the customers of 362 samples taken from the first two phases of the had been identified, the authority took the unusual step UK-wide local authority survey, 354 were clear of both of publishing Selten and Wiljo’s names. FSA are following horse and pig DNA at the 1% reporting limit. Four up with these businesses as a matter of urgency. samples have been confirmed as testing positive for At a European level, we are continuing to work horse DNA over 1% and three samples contained pig closely with the Commission and other member states, DNA over the 1% reporting limit. All these products sharing information via the rapid alert system for food were withdrawn from sale following receipt of the first and feed. The Commission have recently drawn up a test results and named on the Food Standards Agency five-point action plan including specific measures on website. the following: fighting food fraud, testing programme, These results are in addition to the results of 5,430 horse passports, official controls and origin labelling. A industry tests reported to the House on 4 March 2013, copy of this plan has been placed in the Libraries of Official Report, column 54WS, which indicated that both Houses. This five-point plan was discussed at an over 99% of processed beef products found no horse EU working group meeting of experts on 10 April DNA at or above 1%. The findings of phases 1 and 2 of which was a useful exchange of views in advance of the local authority survey are consistent with those further discussions at official level later this week. We from the tests carried out by the food industry. The have submitted UK data on our own testing programmes results confirm that adulteration of beef products with to the Commission. We expect the Commission to horse or pork meat has been limited to a relatively small publish a summary of tests conducted by all member number of products. states on 16 April. The food industry has agreed to continue to provide At its open meeting on 17 April, the board of the data on their ongoing tests for horse DNA in processed Food Standards Agency will consider a recommendation beef products, with identification of individual products that it commissions an external review of its response to testing positive above the 1% reporting limit. Future incidents of the adulteration of processed beef products reports on industry testing in the UK will be published with horse and pig meat and DNA. Such a review quarterly, and the Food Standards Agency will publish would be expected to make recommendations to the the next results in early June. It will continue to report June board meeting on the relevant capacity and capabilities individual products testing positive above the 1% reporting of the FSA and any actions that should be taken to limit as soon as they are confirmed by the food industry. maintain or build them. 15WS Written Ministerial Statements15 APRIL 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 16WS

With the Secretary of State for Health’s agreement, The primary criterion for inclusion as a country of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will announce concern is the gravity of the human rights situation in a strategic review of the incident and its implications for the country, including both the severity of particular the food chain and regulatory framework on behalf of abuses and the range of human rights affected. The other our Departments shortly. This will be wide ranging, to criteria then considered are: whether a deterioration or restore and maintain consumer confidence in the food improvement in the human rights situation in the country chain and consider the responsibilities of food businesses, would have a wider impact in the region; whether the and practice throughout the wider food chain, including: human rights situation in the country has an impact on audit, testing, food authenticity, food safety and health wider UK interests; and the level of UK activity and issues. It will advise us of vulnerabilities within the food engagement in that country. chain and its regulatory framework that might be exploited FCO geographical directors, drawing on input from for other fraudulent activity. The review will also consider our embassies and high commissions and taking account any wider implications of the Food Standards Agency of evidence from other expert sources such as the UN review’s findings. and civil society, assessed all the countries in their I reiterate that food fraud is completely unacceptable. regions against this newly revised set of criteria. Ministers Consumers must have confidence in the food they buy then made the final decision on the list of countries of and have every right to expect that food is correctly concern to be included in the report. As a result of this described. UK investigations on this issue continue with analysis, we retained 27 of the 28 countries highlighted the City of London police acting as the co-ordinating in 2011, dropping only Chad. police authority. It is also right that any weaknesses in I also decided that we should retain case studies, our food system and the controls it is subject to are which we introduced last year as a way to report on identified and dealt with. I will continue to keep the countries that do not meet the overall threshold for a House informed. country of concern, but whose human rights performance we judge to be on a changing trajectory. While many case studies focus on countries on a negative trajectory, FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE in others we want to highlight a particular thematic issue. These countries remain subject to in-year monitoring Annual Human Rights and Democracy Report 2012 and reporting. These changes to our reporting system underline the The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Government’s determination to ensure that the report Affairs (Mr William Hague): I have today laid before continues to remain relevant and timely. I hope that the House a copy of the 2012 Foreign and Commonwealth 2013 will conclude with our successful re-election to the Office report on human rights and democracy (CM 8593). Human Rights Council so the UK can continue to play The report comprehensively assesses the global human a leading role in this important institution. rights situation in 2012 and provides information about You can read the report at www.hrdreport.fco.gov.uk. some important developments in early 2013. It sets out what the Government are doing through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to promote human rights and democratic values around the world, in three principal Non-lethal Equipment for Syrian Opposition areas: it documents how we are seeking to exert a positive influence in a range of countries where we have serious concerns about the human rights situation; it The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth assesses progress on a number of thematic issues that Affairs (Mr William Hague): I informed the House on cut across geographical boundaries; and it reports on 6 March 2013, Official Report, column 961, that I areas where we believe we have seen positive developments intended to provide additional non-lethal equipment to over the last year. the Syrian opposition in order to help save lives. I have We have made some changes to the format of the today laid a departmental minute containing details of report itself this year, including the introduction of new that gift. chapters. As our topical theme for the 2012 report we The gift includes: have chosen “promoting and protecting human rights five 4x4 vehicles with ballistic protection and 20 sets of body through the UN”. We believe that the UN’s Human armour to the Syrian opposition National Coalition’s assistance Rights Council is coming of age and that its universal co-ordination unit; periodic review process has already developed into a three 25-tonne trucks, one 20-tonne truck, four 12-tonne valuable mechanism for holding countries accountable trucks, six 4x4 SUVs, five pick-ups, one recovery vehicle and for their human rights record. The theme is also timely four forklifts to ensure that the assistance co-ordination unit as the UK is standing for re-election to the Human has the means to deliver assistance in the quantities necessary Rights Council later this year. We have also introduced to have an impact on the suffering in Syria; and a new chapter on our human rights and democracy three advanced civil resilience kits for regional hubs and 22 programme and added a section on the preventing basic civil resilience kits for other local councils; 107 generators; sexual violence initiative which I launched last year. 130 solar powered batteries; hundreds of radios, water For this year’s report, we decided to review the criteria purification kits and rubbish collection kits; as well as basic we use for deciding which countries are of most human administrative equipment—laptops, VSATs and printers. This equipment will support local administrative councils, through rights concern to the UK. We drew on feedback from the National Coalition, to extricate the injured from the the Foreign Affairs Committee and consulted with the rubble in the aftermath of a mortar attack and to provide Foreign Secretary’s advisory group on human rights in clean water and refuse management equipment to prevent coming up with a revised list of criteria. the spread of disease. 17WS Written Ministerial Statements15 APRIL 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 18WS

Making the gift was a matter of special urgency I welcomed South Korea’s measured approach to the because of the appalling and deteriorating situation on situation and confirmed that the UK will continue to the ground and the urgent need to help the Syrian support our allies in the region. opposition deliver support to civilians. Owing to the In this call I stressed the importance of not responding Easter recess, this gift was notified to the Committee of to North Korean rhetoric. Our assessment remains that Public Accounts to consider on Parliament’s behalf. I there has been no immediate increased risk or danger to also wrote to the Chairs of the Foreign Affairs Committee, those living in or travelling to either North or South Defence Committee and Committee on Arms Export Korea. We judge there is no immediate need to either Controls to inform them of this process. As no objections change the level of our travel advice or draw down were received, we have now proceeded with the embassy staff, although we are keeping this under constant arrangements to make these gifts. review and making regular factual updates to our travel advice. The UK played a leading role in work to agree a North Korea co-ordinated and unified response by EU member states to the 10 April deadline set by North Korea for embassies to notify them of what assistance they would require The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth should they wish to be evacuated from North Korea. Affairs (Mr William Hague): I would like to update the We made sure that the EU took this opportunity to House on recent developments on the Korean peninsula remind North Korea of its international obligations on and the action the Government are taking in response. proliferation. From our discussions with other Governments I am concerned by North Korea’s development of we do not believe any foreign embassy in Pyongyang is nuclear weapons and missile technology, and more recently currently planning to close. by its frenetic and bellicose rhetoric. I am also concerned Our message to North Korea is clear. It has a choice, by the danger of miscalculation by the North Korean between constructive engagement with the international regime. The international response to this must be clear, community, or further international action and isolation. united and calm. The choice it is taking now will lead it to be a broken UN Security Council Resolution 2094, adopted on country, isolated from the rest of the world. 7 March in response to the nuclear test on 12 February, was agreed by consensus. This is a strong signal of the JUSTICE international community’s unity and resolve. The measures in this resolution provide the international community Improving the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime with the enhanced means to tackle North Korea’s illicit (Consultation) proliferation. In addition, the resolution makes clear that the UN Security Council would take “further The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice significant measures” in the event of another North (Mrs Helen Grant): On 29 March, the Government Korean launch or nuclear test. launched the “Improving the Code of Practice for Victims G8 Foreign Ministers also discussed the international of Crime” consultation. response to North Korea at our meeting last week. This The Government want to do all they can to ensure resulted in a clear joint statement that included the right services and support is in place to help victims condemnation in the strongest possible terms of North through what is often a sensitive, worrying and emotional Korea’s continued development of its nuclear and ballistic time. Last year we published our response to the “Getting programmes, and we urged North Korea to engage in it right for victims and witnesses” consultation in which credible and authentic multilateral talks on denuclearisation. we made a commitment to revise the current code of Foreign Ministers all agreed that North Korea must practice for victims of crime (“victims’ code”). address these and other issues and co-operate fully with The victims’ code sets out the services to be provided all relevant UN mechanisms. We made clear our support in England and Wales by criminal justice agencies to to the UNSCR commitment to take further significant enable victims to receive the support they need. The measures in the event of a further launch or nuclear test current code is written with criminal justice agencies by North Korea. in mind, rather than victims. The revised code is set out The statement of the G8 Foreign Ministers also in a more user-friendly style structured around the expressed concern over the systematic and widespread criminal justice process. This enhances victims’ human rights violations in North Korea. This echoed understanding of the process, with victims’ entitlements the agreement in the UN Human Rights Council on clearly set out at each stage. 21 March to establish a Commission of Inquiry on Every victim will be entitled to a minimum level of human rights abuses in North Korea. The fact that this service under the revised code. We have also outlined an inquiry was agreed without a vote again demonstrates enhanced service in the revised code for three categories the strong international consensus that North Korea of victim most in need: victims of the most serious cannot and should not continue on its current course. crime, the most persistently targeted and vulnerable or We are working to ensure all states fully implement intimidated victims. This approach will help victims to the latest UN Security Council resolution and have get the right support at the right time. It also provides been speaking to international partners about the greater flexibility to allow agencies to tailor services importance of this. The UK is not a member of the according to individual need. six-party talks, but we will remain in close touch with There is a new section of entitlements dedicated to the US, South Korea, China, Russia and Japan on their victims under the age of 18 which is easy for children, approach towards North Korea. I have also spoken to young people, parents and guardians to understand. the South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byun-se, where The code will also for the first time include: 19WS Written Ministerial Statements15 APRIL 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 20WS

The victim personal statement, which gives victims an However, against a backdrop of continuing pressure opportunity to describe the wider effects of the crime upon on public finances, we need to continue to bear down on them, and thus give them a louder voice in the criminal the cost of legal aid to ensure we are getting the best justice system; deal for the taxpayer and that the system commands the A separate section for businesses who will be able to submit confidence of the public. These new proposals aim to an “impact statement” to explain how a crime has affected them; do so in ways that ensure limited public resources are Information on restorative justice for victims of adult offenders. targeted at those cases which justify it and those people A clear and transparent complaints process to provide quick who need it, drive greater efficiency in the provider and thorough responses to victims. market and for the Legal Aid Agency, and support our A copy of the draft victims’ code will be deposited in wider efforts to transform the justice system. the Libraries of both Houses. Further information on While the earlier reforms have done much to ensure the consultation can be found on the Ministry of Justice that taxpayer funding is targeted at those who most website at: www.justice.gov.uk. need it, there remain some anomalies which we believe undermine the credibility of the scheme and of the Review of Cautions wider justice system. We do not, for example, believe it is right for the taxpayer to fund the Crown Court defence of those who can afford to pay, for civil cases The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice that lack merit, for weak judicial review cases, or for (Chris Grayling): The Secretary of State for Justice, matters which are not of sufficient priority to justify together with the Home Secretary and the Attorney- public money and which can be resolved through non-legal General, launched on 3 April 2013 a review of simple channels. We are also clear that someone should have a cautions. This will examine the way in which simple strong connection with the UK in order to benefit from cautions are currently used, and consider the need for civil legal aid. any changes to policy or practice to ensure that there is The primary focus of our proposals is in relation to transparency, accountability and public confidence in crime, where we are still spending over £l billion a year. the use of simple cautions as a disposal. We are proposing to introduce a model of competitive The review will include (but not necessarily be restricted tendering, initially in criminal legal aid work only and to) the examination of: over a longer period in civil and family services. Our existing guidance and practice relating to the use of simple preferred approach is to introduce competition for the cautions; full range of litigation services (except very-high-costs the question of whether there are some offence types for cases (crime)) and magistrates court representation. For which the use of simple cautions is generally inappropriate—and if so, what procedures should be adopted; criminal advocacy, we propose to restructure the Crown the multiple use of cautions; Court advocacy fee scheme in ways that should help the need for increased scrutiny of, and accountability for, the encourage efficient working and the prompt resolution use of a caution in any given case, or the general approach of cases, consistent with our overall objectives for the adopted in a police force area to the use of cautions as a criminal justice system, and to reduce the use of multiple disposal; and counsel. We are also proposing to reduce fees paid in the impact on individuals of accepting a caution—taking very-high-cost cases (crime), which are the small number into account the recent case of T v. Chief Constable of Greater of cases that attract a disproportionately high level of Manchester and others. spend. The overall effect on advocates will be to rebalance While I do not intend to conduct a formal public the fee income so those at the top take the greatest consultation, officials will work widely and closely with reduction, while those earning the lowest fees may the main criminal justice bodies, (police, prosecutors, actually see a small increase. We also propose limited the magistracy and judiciary), as well as the wider legal reform to civil legal aid and experts’ fees to ensure they community and those voluntary and third sector are fair and consistent with those paid for similar work, organisations with an interest in the criminal justice represent better value for money and reflect efficiencies system. within the justice system. The review will report to criminal justice Ministers by We estimate that the proposals set out in this consultation the end of May 2013 and any Government proposals would, if implemented, deliver savings of some £220 million stemming from consideration of this will be brought per annum in 2018-19. forward in due course.

Legal Aid TRANSPORT The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice (Chris Grayling): On 9 April I published the consultation Cycle Safety Funding paper “Transforming Legal Aid: Delivering a More Credible and Efficient System”, copies of which have been placed in the Library and are available in the Vote The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport Office and Printed Paper Office. (Norman Baker): On 4 April 2013 I announced the We have already implemented a programme of reforms 78 schemes to be offered support under the cycle safety to legal aid comprising reductions in fees paid to criminal fund. The total value of the schemes is £40 million of and civil legal aid service providers and changes to civil which the DFT will contribute approximately £20 million. legal aid scope and eligibility. Those reforms should The funding from the Department for Transport deliver savings of some £320 million per annum in comes from £15 million of capital funding announced 2014-15. in June 2012 and £5 million announced in November 21WS Written Ministerial Statements15 APRIL 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 22WS

2012. This forms part of the £107 million of additional WALES cycling infrastructure investment announced by DFT in 2012. This is in addition to the £600 million being Corrections to Parliamentary Written Questions: invested in the local sustainable transport fund. The Domestic Visits majority of the 96 LSTF schemes include measures to make cycling easier and safer. Last year the Department also launched a Think! campaign to encourage cyclists The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales and motorists to look out for each other on the road. (Stephen Crabb): Since submitting my answer to the The money will be made available to improve the hon. Member for Newport East (Jessica Morden) on design and layout of roads at 78 locations across the 25 March, Official Report, column 928W, it has become country, with all schemes due for completion within apparent that not all of the visits made by the Wales the next 12 months. The schemes will target those Office ministerial team were correctly attributed. I would routes and junctions where real improvements can be like to apologise to the House and submit the following made to both cyclist safety and the perceptions of revised information. safety for cyclists, which can be a real barrier to travel The correct answer to parliamentary question 148808, choice. 18 March, Official Report, column 406W is as follows: The schemes are a mixture of improvements including Since our appointments, my noble Friend the the reallocation of road space, significant simplification Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales, Baroness of road layouts, changes in priority, changes in junction Randerson, has undertaken 18 official engagements in layouts, designs that lower vehicle speeds, changes to Wales, and I have undertaken 14. In this instance “official crossings and the provision of bypasses. engagements” have been interpreted as visits undertaken To help ensure that the best schemes are funded, the in Wales. Department has been supported by a panel of experts The correct answer to parliamentary question 148821, co-ordinated by the transport charity Sustrans, including 19 March, Official Report, columns 668-669W is as representatives of CTC, British Cycling, Cycle Nation, follows: Campaign to Protect Rural England and Transport for Since our appointments the Secretary of State for London. Wales, my right hon. Friend the Member for Clwyd All schemes will commence once co-funders have West (Mr Jones), the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of confirmed they wish to accept the DFT grant offer. State, my noble Friend Baroness Randerson, and I have, A complete list of schemes offered funding has been between us, visited the following parliamentary made available on the DFT website. constituencies in Wales:

Executive Agencies (Business Plans 2013-14) Constituency Visits

Aberavon 1 The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport Aberconwy 3 (Stephen Hammond): I am pleased to announce that all Alyn and Deeside 5 of the Department for Transport’s Executive agencies Arfon 1 published their annual business plans on the 3 April. Cardiff Central1 15 The Highways Agency (HA), the Driving Standards Cardiff South and Penarth 3 Agency (DSA), the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency Cardiff West 2 (DVLA), the Vehicle Certification Agency (VGA), the Carmarthen East and Dinefwr 1 Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) and the Carmarthen West and South 1 Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) business plans Pembrokeshire are now available electronically on agency websites and Clwyd West 2 copies have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. Islwyn 1 The business plans set out the agencies’ budgets, key Monmouthshire 1 priorities, activities and performance measures for 2013-14. Service users and members of the public will be able to Newport East 2 assess how the agencies have performed against the Newport West 6 delivery of their business plans through their annual Preseli Pembrokeshire 1 reports that will be published next year. Rhondda 1 The Department also published on the same day the Swansea West 1 first performance specification for the strategic road Vale of Clwyd 1 network which sets out five outcomes and underlying Vale of Glamorgan 4 key performance deliverables for this network for the Wrexham 1 period 2013-15. This meets a key recommendation made Ynys Mon 3 by Alan Cook in his review of the strategic road network 1 This now excludes departmental meetings in Cardiff and outlines the Government’s commitment to improve The correct answer to parliamentary question 149913, the future efficiency and reliability of Highways Agency 25 March, Official Report, column 928W is as follows: roads. This is about establishing a more transparent and The Wales Office ministerial team and I meet with robust system for monitoring the performance of the numerous stakeholders across Wales, and in London; to Highways Agency leading to a more effective strategic enhance the economic prospects of Wales; to guard the road network for all road users. The Highways Agency’s constitutional settlement and to further the interests latest business plan sets out the activities which will ofthe people of Wales. Details of all the organisations contribute towards the delivering of this performance my ministerial colleagues and I meet are regularly published specification. on the Wales Office website. 23WS Written Ministerial Statements15 APRIL 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 24WS

Pursuant to my answers of 18 and 19 March 2013, Secretary Parliamentary Official Report, columns 406W and 668W respectively, of State Parliamentary Under-Secretary the split in these visits, and the locations they were for Wales Under-Secretary of State for undertaken in, between the Secretary of State for Wales, (David of State for Wales Wales (Baroness my right hon. Friend the Member for Clwyd West Constituency Jones) (Stephen Crabb) Randerson) (Mr Jones), the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Carmarthen —1— for Wales, my noble Friend Baroness Randerson, and I West and are shown in the following table: South Pembrokeshire Secretary Parliamentary Clwyd 2—— of State Parliamentary Under-Secretary West for Wales Under-Secretary of State for Islwyn 1 — — (David of State for Wales Wales (Baroness Monmouthshire — 1 — Constituency Jones) (Stephen Crabb) Randerson) Newport 1— 1 East Aberavon 1 — — Newport 132 Aberconwy 3 — — West Preseli —1— Alyn and 5—— Pembrokeshire Deeside Rhondda — — 1 Arfon 1 — — Swansea —— 1 West Cardiff 429 Central 2 Vale of 1—— Clwyd Cardiff —21Vale of —31 South and Glamorgan Penarth Wrexham 1 — — Cardiff —— 2Ynys Mon 3 — — West Note: This table shows the number of separate occasions these locations Carmarthen —1— have been visited East and 2 This now excludes departmental meetings in Cardiff Dinefwr 1W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 2W

Mr Simon Burns: The Government expects, in line Written Answers to with its terms of reference, that the Airports Commission will take account of environmental factors including air Questions quality and EU air quality limits when reaching its recommendation. Monday 15 April 2013 Aviation: Northern Ireland

WALES Dr McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he will announce details of an aviation Disclosure of Information strategy for Northern Ireland. [150950]

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales Mr Simon Burns: On 22 March the Government how many civil servants in his Department have been published its Aviation Policy Framework (APF). The subject to non-disclosure agreements in each year since APF outlines in Chapter 5 which areas of Aviation are 2010. [150043] reserved to Westminster and which are devolved to Stephen Crabb: None. Northern Ireland. It was developed with input from the Devolved Administrations and outlines a strategy to benefit the whole of the United Kingdom including Northern Ireland. SCOTLAND The Government has also recently responded to the Disclosure of Information Northern Ireland Affairs Committee’s “An air transport strategy for Northern Ireland Report” copies can be Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for found in the House Library or online. The Government Scotland how many civil servants in his Department has no plans to develop a further aviation strategy that have been subject to non-disclosure agreements in each is unique to Northern Ireland at this time. year since 2010. [150040] David Mundell: No civil servants in the Scotland Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency: Cumbria Office have been subject to a non-disclosure agreement since 2010. John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many people are employed by the Property Development Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency in Cumbria; and what proportion of such people are paid at or above Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for the living wage. [150493] Scotland what discussions he has had with the Office of Fair Trading on the use of land maintenance Stephen Hammond: The Driver and Vehicle Licensing companies by property developers to reserve land for Agency employs 10 members of staff in Cumbria. All future developments in Scotland. [150936] Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency staff are paid David Mundell: Scotland Office officials have regular above the living wage. discussions with the Office of Fair Trading on issues relating to Scotland. East Coast Railway Line

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for TRANSPORT Transport by what means funding for the planned upgrade for the east coast main line will be delivered. A1: Nottinghamshire [151015] John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects construction work on the Mr Simon Burns: Funding for the 2014-19 upgrade of the east coast main line will be delivered through the Elkesley bridge over the A1 to begin. [150717] Office of Rail Regulation approving a £240 million Stephen Hammond: The contract for the A1 Elkesley increase in the value of Network Rail’s regulatory access Junctions Improvement works on the Elkesley bridge base. Network Rail may then borrow up to this amount over the A1 is programmed to be awarded later this to fund the upgrade works. year. This will mean work is expected to start on site at the turn of the 2013-14 calendar year. This scheme will East Coast Railway Line: Franchises take around 18 months to complete and progress will be posted on the Highways Agency website. John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Aviation: Air Pollution Transport what consideration he has given to improvements in train services from London to Retford Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for in planning the franchising of the East Coast Mainline. Transport with reference to section 3.54 of the Aviation [150716] Policy Framework, whether the Airports Commission will assess the potential effect on (a) air quality and Mr Simon Burns: In developing the proposition for (b) EU air quality limits of each option for meeting the future East Coast franchise the Department for the UK’s international connectivity needs. [150654] Transport will consider both the current rail market 3W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 4W and also potential growth and the benefits this growth Mr Simon Burns: We are considering the format, could deliver to rail passengers across the franchise, content and timing of the forthcoming HS2 property including Retford. compensation consultation and will provide further information in due course. Mr David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to ensure that the (a) Mrs Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for bidding process for the east coast main line franchise Transport what proportion of his Department’s total will not encounter similar problems to those budget will be taken up by expenditure on High Speed experienced during the west coast main line bidding 2 (HS2) and HS2 rolling stock in each year from process and (b) the selected private sector operator will 2013-14 to 2020-21. [150995] be able to deliver the service without public sector Mr Simon Burns: The proportion of the Department intervention. [150979] for Transport’s total budget taken up by High Speed 2 for the next two years is set out in the following table: Mr Simon Burns: The Department for Transport has learnt lessons from the problems with the InterCity 2013-14 2014-15 West Coast franchise competition, from the Laidlaw inquiry into lessons learned from the cancellation of the HS2 total (£000) 366,947 442,510 InterCity West Coast competition and from the Brown DFT total (£000) 13,645,008 13,440,692 Review into Rail Franchising. Proportion of DFT 2.69 3.29 The Department set out the actions it is taking in expenditure on HS2 (%) response to the Laidlaw inquiry, this can be found at: Departmental budgets have not been agreed beyond https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/response-to-the- this period. report-of-the-laidlaw-inquiry Mrs Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Electric Vehicles Transport what the estimated costs are for the rolling stock for High Speed 2 for (a) Phase 1 and (b) Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Phase 2. [150996] Transport what position the Government will adopt at the Council of the European Union on the mandatory Mr Simon Burns: Based upon current assumptions, installation of acoustic vehicle alerting systems on the capital cost estimate for the rolling stock for Phase 1 quiet hybrid and electric vehicles. [150649] is £3 billion at 2011 prices, including contingency. The capital cost estimate for the full network (Phases 1 and Norman Baker: During the early discussions in the 2) is £8.15 billion at 2011 prices, including contingency. Council Working Group, the Government supported Intercity Express Programme the Commission’s proposal to allow vehicle manufacturers to voluntarily install acoustic vehicle alerting systems Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for on electric and hybrid electric vehicles. Some member Transport by what means funding for the intercity states are requesting this to be a mandatory requirement express programme trains for service on the east coast and I am considering currently whether to revise our main line will be delivered. [151014] negotiating approach in the light of these developments. Mr Simon Burns: Agility Trains is ultimately responsible High Speed 2 Railway Line for the financing strategy of both the IEP great western and east coast transactions. Agility Trains appointed a Mrs Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for structuring bank group to deliver financial close for the Transport what the estimated cost of re-running the great western element in July 2012. consultation compensation is for High Speed 2 Railways following the loss by the Department of the Judicial Review. [150659] Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with transport Mr Simon Burns: We are considering how a future authorities for the Northern, Transpennine and consultation on compensation should work in light of services in the Midlands on devolving responsibility for this one particular aspect of the judgment. At this stage the provision of rail services in these areas. [151017] it is not possible to say what the cost of re-consultation will be. Mr Simon Burns: In discussions with Ministers, the integrated transport authorities have indicated their Mrs Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for support for devolution and have signalled their intention Transport (1) when the new consultation on High to come forward with a proposition. Officials are in Speed 2 (HS2) compensation on the Birmingham to detailed discussion with passenger transport executives London route will commence; and whether it will be and local authorities as propositions are being developed. co-ordinated with the consultation on the newly Railways: Industrial Disputes announced Y route of HS2; [150660] (2) if he will list the differences between the John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for consultation on compensation on the High Speed 2 Transport pursuant to the answer of 18 March 2013, London to Birmingham route and the new Official Report, column 457W, on railways: industrial consultation that the Department will be running disputes, how much was paid by his Department as following the adverse Judicial Review judgment against compensation for loss of revenue during industrial his Department. [150661] disputes in 2006-07. [150475] 5W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 6W

Norman Baker: As my Answer of 18 March explained, ROCs the amount concerned is commercially confidential as it relates to a single payment to a single operator. Biomass-derived technology type 2010-11 2011-12 I can however inform the hon. Member that the Anaerobic digestion 226,925 384,549 amount concerned was less than £250,000. Advanced gasification 127 3,033 Co-firing of biomass 1,312,629 1,437,359 Shipping: Registration Co-firing of energy crops 30,156 60,106 Dedicated biomass 1,969,982 2,665,250 Dedicated biomass with CHP 1,114,872 1,324,867 Dr Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for Dedicated energy crops 60,988 33,132 Transport what progress he has made on establishing a Dedicated energy crops with CHP — 8,175 timetable for ratification of the Maritime Labour Electricity generated from sewage gas 105,628 98,704 Convention; and if he will make a statement. [150557] (where another fuel has also been used) Standard gasification 775 396 Stephen Hammond: The UK will proceed with ratification Unspecified — 90 of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 once the Landfill gas 4,993,618 5,003,236 necessary changes to legislation have been made, with a Sewage gas 510,415 566,426 view to achieving this before 20 August 2013. Total biomass-derived 10,326,115 11,585,323 Total for all renewable technologies 24,884,608 34,753,771 Dr Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the effect £ million on the Government’s one-in, one-out regulation rule Value of ROCs (based on average ROC 530 490 on the ratification of the Maritime Labour value of £51.34 in 2010-11 and £42.27 Convention. [150851] in 2011-12) The likely cost in 2013-14 of the Renewables Obligation Stephen Hammond: The implementation of the Maritime across all technologies is £2.6 billion in 2013-14 prices, Labour Convention, 2006 is outside the scope of the based on the number of ROCs required of suppliers one-in, one-out (now one-in, two-out) which applies and the value of those ROCs. We expect biomass-derived only to domestic legislation. generating stations to claim a similar proportion of total ROCs as in previous years.

Electricity ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Biofuels for Energy and Climate Change what steps he is taking to reduce electricity demand. [150969] Guy Opperman: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change (1) what tonnage of Gregory Barker: A number of Government policies domestic biomass was used for energy generation in such as Green Deal and the new domestic Energy (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012; and what estimate his Company Obligation are already aimed at reducing Department has made of the likely tonnage in 2013; energy use. Following an assessment, first published in [151071] July 2012, as to whether further Government action 1 (2) what the total amount of taxpayer-funded was required , a consultation on additional options to subsidy was on the tonnage of domestic biomass used encourage permanent reductions in electricity use was in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012; and what estimate published in November 2012: his Department has made of the likely level of subsidy https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/options-to- in 2013. [151072] encourage-permanent-reductions-in-electricity-use-electricity- demand-reduction Gregory Barker: Biomass-derived fuels can come in a This consultation closed on 31 January and analysis variety of forms such as liquid, solid and gaseous form, of responses is currently under way. A response to that but support through the RO is not measured in tonnes consultation setting out the way forward for the electricity of domestic biomass versus imported biomass. It is demand reduction project will be published in due therefore not possible to provide comprehensive data in course. this format. 1https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/ file/66561/7075-electricity-demand-reduction_consultation- Ofgem collects specific sustainability information from on-optio.pdf generators claiming subsidy, including on the origin of the feedstock. See: Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State http://www.ofgem.gov.uk/Sustainability/Environment/ for Energy and Climate Change by how much his RenewablObl/FuelledStations/ro-sustainability/Pages/ Department’s current policies are expected to reduce index.aspx electricity demand (a) by 2018 and (b) by 2030. The following table describes the amount of ROCs [150970] biomass-derived generating stations received in the RO over the last two reporting years (including domestically- Gregory Barker: The DECC Energy and Emissions produced and imported), based on the Ofgem RO Annual Projections published in October 2012 provided Reports: information1 on electricity demand in the absence of 7W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 8W any Government policies and also demand taking into Fuel Poverty account the impact of Government policies. Based on these projections, the Department’s policies are expected Dr McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy to reduce electricity demand by 59 TWh in 2018 and by and Climate Change what proportion of household 68 TWh in 2030. income was spent on fuel in (a) England and (b) 1 https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/attachment_data/ Northern Ireland in each of the last three years. file/65719/6665-annex-c-final-energy-demand.xls [150918]

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Gregory Barker: Data on weekly expenditure on fuel for Energy and Climate Change what assessment his is available from the Living Costs and Food Survey, run Department has made on the potential for reducing by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Data from electricity demand (a) by 2018 and (b) by 2030. this survey covers a three year period, such that the last [150971] three sets of figures represent an average of the 2007-09, 2008-10 and 2009-11 periods. By dividing the average Gregory Barker: Analysis undertaken with McKinsey weekly spend on gas, electricity and other fuels by the in November 2012 suggested that there could be the average weekly gross income, we can estimate the proportion potential for up to 36 TWh of reduction in electricity of gross income that households in England and Northern use in 2020, and up to 92 TWh in 2030 (equivalent to Ireland spend on fuel. The results from this are presented around a 25% reduction) across domestic, industrial in the following table: and commercial sectors. The analysis provides a snapshot of 2020 and 2030, therefore a specific figure for 2018 is Percentage not available. This analysis is being refined in light of 2007-09 2008-10 2009-11 responses to consultation and an external peer review, (a) England 2.7 2.8 3.0 and any changes to the analysis will be published as (b) Northern Ireland 4.1 4.5 4.9 part of the Government response to our consultation on further options for permanently reducing electricity demand. Dr McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change when a Minister in his Department last met with the Northern Ireland Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Assembly to discuss fuel poverty. [150954] for Energy and Climate Change what consideration he has given to postponing (a) the Capacity Auction and Gregory Barker: Ministers in the Department have (b) making capacity payments until the potential room not met with members of the Northern Ireland Assembly for reducing electricity demand has been exhausted. to discuss fuel poverty, which is a devolved issue. [150972] Officials in DECC regularly liaise with officials in the Department for Social Development to discuss fuel Gregory Barker: Given the potential risks to security poverty issues. of supply, the Government is minded to run the first capacity auction in 2014, for delivery in 2018-19. Natural Gas The Capacity Market is intended to be technology neutral and to reflect the contribution that all forms of Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy capacity—including demand side response—can make and Climate Change what research has been conducted to security of electricity supply. The Capacity Market or commissioned by his Department into the recovery will play an important role in incentivising active demand of natural gas from seabed frozen methane hydrates. side response, and we are putting in place specific [151079] arrangements to enable the effective participation of demand side response in the mechanism. Michael Fallon: I have been asked to reply on behalf On electricity demand reduction a consultation was of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. launched in November 2012 and closed on 31 January I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him 2013. This included a number of policy options, one of by the Minister of State, Department of Energy and which was inclusion of EDR in the Capacity Market. Climate Change, my right hon. Friend the Member for The responses to the Electricity Demand Reduction South Holland and The Deepings (Mr Hayes) on 19 March consultation are currently being analysed and a Government 2013, Official Report, column 591W. Response will be issued in due course, setting out what part, if any, EDR might play in the Capacity Market. Natural Gas: Yorkshire and the Humber

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Andrew Percy: To ask the Secretary of State for for Energy and Climate Change if he will bring forward Energy and Climate Change how many and what legislative proposals to introduce an electricity demand proportion of homes in (a) Brigg and Goole reduction incentive. [150973] constituency and (b) Yorkshire and the Humber do not have access to the gas network. [151042] Gregory Barker: A consultation on various options to encourage permanent reductions in electricity use Gregory Barker: The exact number of households off was published in November 2012 and closed on 31 January. the gas grid is not held centrally. We are currently analysing the responses to that consultation Estimates have been produced based on information and a Government Response will be published setting held from two administrative sources; these are the out a decision on the way forward in due course. Gemserv database on the location of electricity meters, 9W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 10W and data from xoserve and independent gas transporters www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/statistics/energy_stats/ on the location of gas meters. Subtracting the number regional/electricity/electricity.aspx of gas meters from the number of electricity meters www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/statistics/energy_stats/ produces a broad estimate of the number of off grid regional/gas/gas.aspx properties. The following table shows, for 2011, the number of domestic electricity meter points, the number of gas However some households can have more than one meter points where consumption was less than 73,200 electricity meter associated with their property (for kWh, and the difference between the two figures, which instance, a supply for communal facilities such as stairwell forms an estimate of the number of households off the lighting or a lift). Additionally, the standard gas industry gas grid for each local authority within Yorkshire and definition of domestic use uses a consumption threshold, the Humber. with any consumer using less than 73,200 kWh of gas per year being classed as a domestic user; it is estimated The number of installed meters by parliamentary that—Great Britain wide—this definition allocates around constituency level is not currently available, and as such 2 million small business users as domestic. Furthermore this analysis cannot be produced at this level. However, a small number of meters (less than one third of 1%) do the Brigg and Goole constituency comprises of a not have sufficient information associated with them to combination of parts of the local authorities of East be able to allocate them to a specific area. Riding and North Lincolnshire local authorities. The estimated combined number of households off the gas The underlying data on the number of gas and electricity grid in East Riding and North Lincolnshire is 33,200; in meters in each local authority is available on the Yorkshire and the Humber as a whole the estimated Departments website at: number is 248,000.

Number of domestic Estimated number Estimated electricity of households off percentage of meters Number of domestic the gas grid households off the ONS code LAU1 code LAU1 area (thousand) gas meters (thousand) (thousand) gas grid

00CC UKE3101 Barnsley 106.0 100.9 5.1 4.8 00CX UKE4100 Bradford 210.1 194.9 15.2 7.2 00CY UKE4301 Calderdale 93.8 87.0 6.8 7.2 36UB UKE2201 Craven 26.4 20.5 5.8 22.1 00CE UKE3102 Doncaster 130.8 124.1 6.6 5.1 00FB UKE1200 East Riding of Yorkshire 151.1 126.1 25.1 16.6 36UC UKE2202 Hambleton 39.5 23.7 15.7 39.9 36UD UKE2203 Harrogate 70.2 56.4 13.9 19.7 00FA UKE1100 Kingston upon Hull, City of 118.6 109.9 8.7 7.4 00CZ UKE4302 Kirklees 180.4 171.6 8.9 4.9 00DA UKE4200 Leeds 339.8 300.3 39.5 11.6 00FC UKE1301 North East Lincolnshire 71.8 68.6 3.2 4.5 00FD UKE1302 North Lincolnshire 73.2 65.1 8.1 11.0 36UE UKE2204 Richmondshire 22.8 12.2 10.6 46.7 00CF UKE3103 Rotherham 113.6 109.1 4.5 4.0 36UF UKE2205 Ryedale 24.5 12.9 11.6 47.5 36UG UKE2206 Scarborough 57.4 45.8 11.6 20.2 36UH UKE2207 Selby 36.4 26.0 10.4 28.5 00CG UKE3200 Sheffield 236.5 219.5 17.1 7.2 00DB UKE4303 Wakefield 148.0 138.3 9.7 6.6 00FF UKE2100 York 87.4 77.5 9.9 11.3 Total Yorkshire and the Humber 2,338.2 2,090.2 248.0 10.6

Nuclear Power Stations aid implications. In order to maintain effective working relationships with the Commission it would be inappropriate Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy to provide detail on a fast moving and ongoing process. and Climate Change how many state aids notifications State aid decisions by the Commission are made public. in respect of the nuclear new build programme the Government has (a) submitted to date and (b) plans Radiation: Emergency Services to submit to the European Commission; what the scope is of each such notification; and what the Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Government’s timetable is for the Commission to make and Climate Change if he will list for each civil licensed its final decision in each case. [151076] (a) nuclear power plant and (b) nuclear fuel cycle installation in the UK which of the emergency services Michael Fallon: I have been asked to reply on behalf responder organisations from the (i) fire brigade, (ii) of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. police, (iii) ambulance service and (iv) local authorities The Government is working with the European have been pre-registered locally in respect of Commission to ensure that our policies are compliant requirements under Regulation 14 of the Radiation with state aid rules, where we consider these have state (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) 11W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 12W

Regulations 2001 to pre-train those personnel who the rule of law, particularly in those countries affected would have to carry out their duties in a radioactive by the Arab Spring. For example in Egypt in January I environment in the event of a radiological emergency conveyed our concerns about the protection of minorities, at a licensed nuclear site; and what details of including Christians, to a range of political and civil pre-registration emergency services are required to society figures. communicate to the Office for Nuclear Regulation. Through the Arab Partnership, the Government’s [151025] strategic programme of support for fundamental, long-term positive change in the middle east and North Africa, we Mr Hayes: Where an emergency plan prepared in are working to strengthen the local institutions which accordance with the Radiation (Emergency Preparedness will help the people of the region to build more open and Public Information) Regulations 2001 (REPPIR) and inclusive societies. Such societies offer citizens the suggests an employee might receive an ″emergency best chance to exercise their human rights fully, and to exposure″ to radiation, each employer must provide build long-term prosperity and security. those employees with appropriate radiation protection training. Hence, under REPPIR, employers must ensure British India Ocean Territory such employees are provided with information and instruction on the risks to health created by exposure to ionising radiation and the precautions which should be Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for taken. An ″emergency exposure″, as defined in REPPIR, Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what fishing and is an exposure to ionising radiation of intervention marine protection patrols have been undertaken in the personnel which may be necessary to put emergency British India Ocean Territories in the last year; how plans into effect. many vessels in breach of licences have been apprehended as a result of such proposals; and what Records of any local pre-registration by the fire brigade, violations have been discovered. [150985] police, ambulance service and local authorities are kept by these individual organisations at the local level and are not held centrally by the Department of Energy and Mark Simmonds: The British Indian Ocean Territory Climate Change (DECC). patrol vessel, the Pacific Marlin, was at sea for 310 days between January 2012 and January 2013. The vessel Emergency services are not required under REPPIR multitasks, but fisheries protection was the principal to communicate details of pre-registration of training task. to the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR). However, REPPIR Reg 14 (2) requires the licensed nuclear site No fishing licences were issued and therefore no operator to notify to the Office for Nuclear Regulation breaches of licences were possible. of the emergency exposure levels which the operator Three Sri Lankan fishing vessels were apprehended has determined for intervention personnel on site in the and successfully prosecuted in the last year up to 25 event of a radiation emergency. This information is March 2013. There were three violations relating to contained within the on-site and off-site emergency fishing in the fishing waters of BIOT without a licence plans prepared under REPPIR, which are submitted to contrary the Fisheries (Conservation and Management) ONR. These plans, where appropriate, include a list of Ordinance 2007; three violations relating to possession the emergency exposure dose levels for the emergency of prohibited fishing gear, namely wire trace lines; and services. one violation relating to possession of prohibited fishing gear, namely a harpoon. One yacht was found without a valid mooring permit. FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE Burma Africa and Middle East Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what has received on the conditions and treatment of assessment he has made of the recent report by Open Rohingya refugees in Thailand. [150427] Doors UK which concluded that persecution of Christians is increasing in Africa and the Middle East. Mr Swire: On 15 March, the UN Refugee Agency [150521] (UNHCR) released a statement highlighting its concern about the treatment of Rohingya by the Thai authorities. Alistair Burt: I share Open Doors’ concerns about This year the UNHCR estimates that 7,000 Rohingya those who are persecuted around the world because of have made the dangerous journey across the bay of their religion or belief. The British Government condemns Bengal to various destinations. all violence and discrimination against individuals or Since January, the UNHCR estimates that more than groups because of their religion, regardless of the country 1,800 boat arrivals—the vast majority Rohingya from or faith concerned. We also seek to act on the Rakhine State—have been accepted on Thai soil and representations made by advocacy organisations, including have been provided with assistance in shelters and Open Doors, with whom my officials are in regular immigration detention facilities mainly in the south. contact. The UNHCR has welcomed the Thai Government’s The report by Open Doors raised concerns about a decision to provide them with six months of temporary major exodus of Christians from the middle east. We protection while solutions are sought. It has requested regularly stress to governments the importance of respecting that the Government investigate the claims of mistreatment universal human rights, including religious rights and by the Thai navy. 13W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 14W

On 8 March, our ambassador to Bangkok raised with Mr Swire: We are extremely concerned by the recent a senior Thai Minister the need to provide full access to violence in Meiktila which spread to other parts of health services for all migrants in need, including the Burma. We are particularly concerned about the way in Rohingya. We continue to lobby the Thai authorities, which the violence seemed to target Muslim communities. calling for an open and transparent investigation into The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign the navy’s treatment of the boat off Phang Nga province and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member and to treat Rohingya in line with international for North East Bedfordshire (Alistair Burt), issued a humanitarian standards. statement on behalf of the British Government on 21 March, calling on all parties to end the violence Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for immediately and urging the Burmese Government to Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he take all necessary action to protect civilians and to work has received on allegations that the Thai navy sold with communities to tackle the hostility behind the Rohingya refugees travelling by boat to human attacks. traffickers. [150454] We are encouraged that the violence has since ceased. I welcomed the statement by President Thein Sein on Mr Swire: The British Government has received no 28 March, which called for accountability and freedom specific reports alleging that the Thai navy has sold of religion, stated his readiness to maintain public order Rohingya refugees to human traffickers. In January and protect all of the different communities in Burma, 2013 we received reports that a number of military and to work for reconciliation between communities. officers attached to Thailand’s Internal Security Operation Command were investigated for their role in relation to Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for people smuggling of Rohingya through Thailand and Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions on to Malaysia. During the investigation, two senior he has had with the Government of Burma to address army officials were suspended from their posts. the recent communal violence in that country; and if he We continue to lobby the Thai Government to ensure will make a statement. [151057] that they adhere to international protocols governing the treatment of refugees by offering protection and Mr Swire: Our ambassador to Rangoon called on assistance to those who land on their shores. Alongside senior members of the Burmese Government on 22 March other partners and civil society organisations, we are to urge the Government to protect civilians and ensure also pressing them to ensure full access to detained security in Meiktila and the other towns affected by the Rohingya refugees by the International Organisation of recent violence in central Burma. He also met with a Migration and the UN High Commission for Refugees. senior Buddhist leader, the Sitagu Sayadaw, and welcomed his public calls for monks to prevent violence. He has Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for also discussed the violence with Aung San Suu Kyi. Our Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he ambassador was the first diplomat to visit Meiktila in has received of the treatment of Rohingya prisoners in the wake of the violence, which he did on 25 March, to Buthidaung Prison in Burma following recent see the situation there. allegations of torture and abuse. [150459] Senior officials in London have raised our concerns Mr Swire: We have regular discussions with the UN with the Burmese Government, including Burma’s Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights Situation in ambassador to London. Burma, Tomas Ojea Quintana. These meetings cover We remain in close contact with members of the the full range of human rights issues in Burma, including Muslim community in Burma, our counterparts in the issue of political prisoners. Rangoon’s diplomatic community, and with others in Mr Quintana’s report on 6 March highlighted concerns the international community including the EU and UN. about the practice of torture in places of detention in We call upon all of Burma’s political and civil society Burma. It set out allegations that Muslim prisoners leaders to speak up for peace. detained in Buthidaung prison in Rakhine State after last June and October’s violence had been tortured and Central African Republic beaten to death. Beyond the Quintana report, our officials in Rangoon have sought to clarify the veracity of allegations Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign of torture in Buthidaung prison and believe that in and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has some cases these allegations are credible. made of the security situation in the Central African On 7 March, our ambassador discussed the plight of Republic. [151021] Rohingya prisoners in Buthidaung jail with the Burmese Minister for Border Affairs. On 20 March, an EU-sponsored Mark Simmonds: I am greatly concerned about reports resolution at the Human Rights Council called for the of violence and looting in Bangui, the capital of the Burmese Government to sign the International Convention Central African Republic (CAR); about water, food against Torture. The UK has lobbied steadily about this and power shortages; and the difficulties humanitarian and we will continue to press the Burmese Government agencies are facing in accessing those affected. I am also to implement the Convention. concerned about reports of human rights violations across the country. UK officials have been working Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for closely with French colleagues in Bangui and Paris to Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment ensure the safety of British nationals. he has made of recent communal violence in the I condemn Seleka’s unconstitutional takeover of power Burmese city of Meikhtila; and if he will make a in CAR. HMG is working with partners in the UN, EU statement. [151056] and elsewhere, to ensure that the international community’s 15W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 16W response supports long-term democracy, stability and Mark Simmonds: We consistently raise human rights, security in CAR. This should include a return, where development and security issues in Ethiopia’s Ogaden possible, to the principles of the 11 January Libreville region with all levels of the Ethiopian Government, Agreement. including earlier this year in separate meetings with the Minister of Defence, the National Security Adviser and Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign the President of the Somali Region. and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with his international counterparts on the security Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for situation in the Central African Republic. [151022] Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what support his Department is providing to the government of Somalia Mark Simmonds: I condemn Seleka’s unconstitutional in respect of security issues in the Ogaden region. takeover of power in CAR. We are working with partners [150354] in the UN, EU and elsewhere, to ensure that the Mark Simmonds: The security situation in the Ogaden international community’s response supports long-term region of Ethiopia remains of concern. We continue to democracy, stability and security in CAR. This should monitor reported incidents of violence and clashes in include a return, where possible, to the principles of the the region. While security sector reform remains an 11 January Libreville Agreement. integral part of the British Government’s strategy for Somalia and a key deliverable for the 7 May Somalia Colombia Conference in London, the focus of that approach rests within Somalia’s borders. As such, we currently offer no Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for direct support to the Federal Government of Somalia Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is with respect to the Ogaden region of Ethiopia and have taking to encourage the peace process in Colombia. no plans to do so. [150642] Human Rights Mr Swire: We are strongly supportive of President Santos’ decision to enter into peace negotiations with Pamela Nash: To ask the Secretary of State for the FARC. It brings hope of sustainable peace for all Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many Colombians after decades of conflict. officials in his Department work full-time on human rights policy. [149682] We have provided political support and have shared some of the lessons learnt from the Northern Ireland Alistair Burt: We do not hold information centrally experience. The Prime Minister has made it clear that on the number of positions devoted exclusively to human we stand ready to provide further support, if asked by rights work. In 2012, we estimated that we had the the Colombian Government. We are in regular contact equivalent of approximately 240 full-time employees with the Colombian authorities; they are well aware of working on human rights in the UK and overseas. We our readiness to help. do not believe the number has changed significantly since then. This number includes 29 full time and one Eritrea part time permanent staff plus two contracted human rights advisers within the human rights and democracy Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for department in London. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what human Human rights are integral to our foreign policy. All rights’ issues have been raised by the UK with (a) the our embassies and high commissions have a responsibility Government of Eritrea and (b) human rights and civil to monitor and promote human rights. The amount of liberty groups in that country. [150983] staff resource devoted to human rights across the FCO network varies over time because these responsibilities Mark Simmonds: We raise our concerns about human are carried out by different members of staff, at different rights with the Eritrean Government at every opportunity, levels of seniority, in response to developments. For bilaterally and with EU partners. Issues raised include most staff, this work is normally part of a broader role. arbitrary and inhumane detention, lack of religious More information on the FCO’s human rights priorities freedom, freedom of the media and freedom of expression and resources can be found in the FCO’s 2011 Human and assembly. Rights and Democracy Report available at: Civil society in Eritrea remains tightly controlled. www.gov.uk/government/policies/promoting-human-rights- There are no independent human rights or civil liberty internationally groups currently operating in Eritrea. Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials in London meet regularly Iran with representatives of the Eritrean diaspora, civil society and human rights organisations to discuss human rights Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of in Eritrea. State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the government of Iran on the imprisonment of Pastor Fashid Malayeri. Ethiopia [150430] Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Alistair Burt: The UK does not have direct contact Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent with the Government of Iran, but UK Ministers have discussions he has had with the government of repeatedly and publicly expressed the UK’s serious Ethiopia on human rights, poverty and living concern at the persecution of religious minorities in conditions in the Ogaden region. [150353] Iran, including the unjustified arrest and imprisonment 17W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 18W of Christian pastors; and called on Iran to release those Alistair Burt: Officials from our embassy in Baghdad being detained for their beliefs including Pastor Fashid met United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq officials Malayeri. The UK also continues to support the work in the afternoon following the attacks. We continue to of the UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in raise questions concerning Camp Liberty with the UN Iran, whose most recent report to the UN’s Human and the Government of Iraq as appropriate. Rights Council highlights the unacceptable treatment of Christians. Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign received of claims made by the Iranian Quds Force that and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he they intend to attack Camp Liberty. [149857] has made to the Government of Iran on the imprisonment of individuals based on religion. [150452] Alistair Burt: We have received no reports that the Iranian Quds Force intend to attack Camp Liberty. Alistair Burt: The UK does not have direct contact with the Government of Iran but the British Government has repeatedly and publicly expressed our serious concern Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign at the persecution of religious minorities in Iran, including and Commonwealth Affairs what his assessment is of the unjustified arrest and imprisonment of Christians the security situation in Baghdad. [150419] and the Bahai; and called on Iran to release those being detained for their beliefs. The UK also continues to Alistair Burt: The security situation in Baghdad remains support the work of the UN Special Rapporteur on very dangerous, with attacks against the Iraqi security Iran, whose most recent report to the UN’s Human forces, Government employees and civilians on a daily Rights Council highlights the unacceptable treatment basis. There are regular, high-profile attacks against of religious minorities in Iran. Government locations and large gatherings of civilians. Our Travel Advice advises against all but essential travel Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign to most of Iraq, including Baghdad. and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the imprisonment rate of individuals based on Israel their religion in Iran. [150453] Mr George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State Alistair Burt: Iran’s human rights record is appalling: for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent and its treatment of religious minorities, in particular discussions he has had with the Israeli Government the imprisonment of individuals for their beliefs, is about night-time arrests of children. [149692] particularly shocking. According to the latest report of UN Special Rapporteur, 110 Baha’is are currently detained Alistair Burt: We have raised with the Israeli authorities for exercising their faith, with around a further 400 at our concerns about the treatment of Palestinian child other stages in the judicial process. The report also detainees, including the issue of night-time arrests, on a notes that least 13 Protestant Christians are currently in number of occasions. During his visit to Israel in November detention centres across Iran, and that more than 300 2012, the Attorney-General, my right hon. and learned Christians have been arrested since June 2010. Furthermore, Friend the Member for Beaconsfield (Mr Grieve) discussed as of November 2012, 12 Gonabadi Dervishes are the issue with his Israeli counterpart, Yehuda Weinstein, reportedly in custody, as well as the leader of the and other senior interlocutors. Mr Weinstein agreed to Yarsan religious minority. further talks between Israeli and British legal experts on the subject. In addition, Foreign and Commonwealth Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Office officials discussed this with a senior Israeli legal and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment has his delegation in London on 31 January. Department made of the effect of recent decisions by the European Court of Justice on the sanctions regime Mr George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State against Iran. [150933] for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with Israeli authorities about Alistair Burt: The UK., and its EU partners, continue recording of police interviews with children. [149694] to believe that robust and principled measures must be taken against entities and individuals providing support Alistair Burt: During his visit to Israel in November to Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missiles programmes. We 2012 the Attorney-General, my right hon. and learned firmly believe that there remains a case to answer in the Friend the Member for Beaconsfield (Mr Grieve) raised EU General Court cases concerning Banks Mellat and the issue of audio-visual recording of interviews with Saderat. We welcome, and support, the unanimous Palestinian children held in Israeli military detention, decision of the EU member states to appeal in those as recommended in an independent report by British cases. Asset freezes against these, and all other entities legal experts, with the Israeli Attorney-General Yehuda designated under the EU Iran sanctions regime, remain Weinstein and other senior interlocuters. Mr Weinstein in place. agreed to further talks between Israeli and British legal Iraq experts on the subject. This followed previous discussions between our embassy in Tel Aviv and the Israeli authorities Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign on this and other recommendations made in the June and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his 2012 report. Department has made to the United Nations Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials discussed Assistance Mission for Iraq following the attacks on the recommendations and progress on this issue with a Camp Liberty in February 2013. [149856] senior Israeli legal delegation on 31 January 2013. The 19W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 20W delegation reported that recording of police interviews support Morocco in the implementation of the with Palestinian children was being introduced in some recommendations and continue to raise our concerns cases. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials with the Moroccan authorities on human rights issues urged that this practice be made uniform and be formalised through our existing frank and open dialogue. into Israeli policy and law. Nature Conservation: Crime Mr George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to ensure that Palestinian children are not Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions blindfolded or hooded on arrest. [149695] he has had with the Secretary of State for the Alistair Burt: We have raised with the Israeli authorities Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on possible our concerns about the treatment of Palestinian child security threats caused by terrorists and other criminal detainees, including the issues of hooding and shackling, organisations participating in international wildlife on a number of occasions. We consider such practices crime. [149962] to be wrong. During his visit to Israel in November 2012, the Attorney-General, my right hon. and learned Alistair Burt: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Friend the Member for Beaconsfield (Mr Grieve) discussed Commonwealth Affairs, the right hon. Member for our concerns with his Israeli counterpart, YehudaWeinstein, Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), has not discussed this and other senior interlocutors. Mr Weinstein agreed to specific issue recently with the Secretary of State for further talks between Israeli and British legal experts on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the right hon. the subject. In addition, Foreign and Commonwealth Member for North Shropshire (Mr Paterson). Office officials discussed these with a senior Israeli legal delegation in London on 31 January. North Africa Kosovo Stephen Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for Stephen Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent Department is taking with the governments of (a) assessment he has made of progress in establishing the Egypt, (b) Libya and (c) Tunisia to assist with the rule of law in northern Kosovo. [149918] return of misappropriated state assets. [149920]

Mr Lidington: Strengthening the rule of law remains Alistair Burt: Of the Arab Spring countries, the UK one of the many outstanding challenges in northern does not hold any frozen state assets for either Egypt or Kosovo. We encourage all parties to work with the EU Tunisia. Rule of Law Mission (EULEX), including by allowing EULEX to transport Kosovo customs officials by land The majority of the Libyan assets frozen in the UK to the two northern border gates to implement the are for state-owned entities. We remain engaged with Kosovo-Serbia agreement on Integrated Border the new Libyan Government in order to ensure the asset Management. Following a series of grenade attacks, freeze against these, and other state-owned entities, is EULEX has doubled its joint patrols with the Kosovo kept under regular review to ensure they are returned as police in Mitrovica North, leading to a marked decrease swiftly as possible but in full accordance with international in such attacks. We continue to give full support to the conditions and the completion of legal process by the Serbia-Kosovo political dialogue facilitated by Baroness countries concerned. Ashton which should lead to the early dismantling of Serbia’s illegal security and judicial structures in northern Overseas Trade: Minerals Kosovo. Morocco Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for has taken to ensure that UK companies only trade in Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will raise conflict-free minerals. [150868] with the Moroccan authorities the recommendations of the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture that the Mark Simmonds: The Foreign and Commonwealth Moroccan government reconsiders the jurisdiction of Office (FCO) works closely with UK companies, the military court over civilians in the case of the particularly in the diamond, gold and jewellery sectors, 23 Saharawi men detained at Salé Prison 1 and to encourage trade in conflict-free minerals. The FCO undertake that civilians will not be sentenced by has assisted in the development of guidance, by the military courts, initiate impartial, effective UK-based World Gold Council and the Organisation investigations to ascertain exactly what occurred and for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), determine what responsibility should be borne by for companies in the gold and minerals sectors, in members of the police and security forces, and order to help British companies undertake due diligence investigate all allegations of torture and ill-treatment. checks on their supply chains to ensure that the minerals [150599] arid gold they purchase do not fund conflict. Under the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, the Government Alistair Burt: We welcome the report of Mr Juan Diamond Office, based in the FCO, works closely with Mendez, the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, and UK Border Agency and Customs to monitor trade and Morocco’s openness in allowing him to visit, which inspect diamond shipments in order to reduce the risk indicates a genuine political will to address a continued that rough diamonds linked to conflict are entering improvement in human rights. We will encourage and the UK. 21W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 22W

Palestinians officials in (a) his Department and (b) its non- departmental public bodies in bonuses and other Mr George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State payments in addition to salary in each of the last five for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he years; how many officials received such payments; and is planning to take against UK directors of G4S over what the monetary value was of the 20 largest the alleged illegal transfer of Palestinian prisoners to payments made in each year. [148026] Israeli prisons. [149691] Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Alistair Burt: I refer the right hon. Member to my (FCO) has two types of non-consolidated, variable answer of 7 March 2013, Official Report, column 1191W. performance pay schemes, both of which are focused on Mr George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State rewarding high levels of performance. These types of for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports payment are an integral element of the reward package he has received on the suspension of family visits to for staff, have to be re-earned each year and do not add Gazan prisoners held in Israeli jails; and if he will to future pay bill costs (e.g. pensions). make a statement. [149693] Performance-related payments (PRP) are an established part of the civil service pay model. The FCO uses PRP Alistair Burt: Our officials from the consulate general to motivate and reward its staff. Making PRP part of in Jerusalem received a report on 18 March from the an annual award contingent on performance maximises International Committee of the Red Cross saying that value for money and control of the pay bill because the Israel has suspended family visits to prisoners from payments are non-pensionable and have to be re-earned Gaza for three weeks for Jewish holidays. every year. The FCO policies on PRP are within the Our officials in Tel Aviv have raised the issue of guidelines set by HMT and Cabinet Office. family visits for Palestinian prisoners with the Israeli authorities and, following the Palestinian prisoners’ The in-year performance award scheme is devolved hunger strike, family visits have been reinstated. We to directorates to allow them to recognise outstanding continue to press the Israeli authorities to treat prisoners achievement either by an individual or team. Awards in accordance with international and Israeli law. are only payable to staff in grades below the senior civil service. Pay Details of payments of PRP and other payments Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign made to staff by the FCO are shown in the following and Commonwealth Affairs how much was paid to table.

Total amount paid Highest 20 payments FCO Purpose 2011-12 (£) Number of recipients 2011-12 (£) Number

Non-consolidated year Non-consolidated performance 6,191,430 3,938 13,500 11,250 9 11 end performance pay pay is focused on rewarding high levels of performance. It is an integral element of the reward package for staff, has to be re-earned each year and does not add to future pay bill costs.

Devolved in-year The in-year performance 696,975 1,434 2,063 2,000 1,650 1,500 1411224311 performance awards award scheme is devolved to 1,250 1,200 1,100 1,050 directorates within the FCO to 1,030 1,000 allow them to recognise outstanding achievement either by an individual or team. Awards are only payable to staff in grades below the senior civil service.

FCO Bonus Scheme Paid as a one off non- 260,000 68 5,000 20 consolidated payment to staff who achieve relevant, externally validated qualifications. These payments replace the previous system of with salary monthly allowances and reward a wider range of qualifications than before and are a driver to promote professionalism and excellence across the office.

The FCO has changed the way it records its management For years prior to 2010-11, I refer my hon. Friend to information to include organisational partners in my answer of 19 November 2010, Official Report, column Government in the overall figures. As a result, this 1010W,and the answer given by the former Parliamentary information is not comparable with previously released Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth figures. 23W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 24W

Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for North West Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) Norfolk (Mr Bellingham), on 18 January 2012, Official 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 Report, column 880W. Total value of 14,000 0 15,483 20,250 n/a For details of allowances and other payments in payments (£) addition to salary for 2011-12, I refer my hon. Friend to my answer on allowances and subsidies given today. Number of 1022n/a employees Details of bonuses and other payments paid to staff receiving payments employed by the FCO’s non-departmental public bodies are as follows: Top 20 14,000 0 15,483 20,250 n/a payments total British Council value (£) 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 n/a = Not available. Total value of 1,192,045 1,750,992 1,504,051 1,369,974 1,513,182 payments (£) For SCS, WFD makes performance-related payments Number of 1,189 1,244 1,011 871 982 employees in line with the FCO scheme. receiving Wilton Park payments 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 Top 20 76,996 130,588 169,818 181,899 216,659 payments total Total value of 61,000 59,000 66,000 73,000 82,000 value (£) payments (£) Number of 59 58 65 67 63 employees receiving payments Foreign Compensation Commission Top 20 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a payments total There is no bonus scheme in place. The Ministry of value (£) Justice sets down rules reimbursing part-time heads of n/a = Not available. tribunals for travel expenses. Average rail costs range between £35 and £45 per week over 10 months. (Entitlement to first-class travel has never been taken up to reduce Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign costs.) The aggregate monetary value of the 20 largest and Commonwealth Affairs what allowances and payments would be under £900. subsidies in addition to salary were available to officials FCO services in (a) his Department and (b) its non-departmental 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 public bodies in each of the last five years; and what Total value of n/a 1,241,879 1,161,797 1,236,147 1,377,737 the monetary value was of such payments and payments (£) allowances in each such year. [148045] Number of n/a 783 839 826 793 employees receiving payments Alistair Burt: Diplomatic service staff in the Foreign Top 20 n/a 104,000 98,425 80,900 87,550 and Commonwealth Office (FCO) have a global mobility payments total value (£) obligation, and will typically spend over half of their n/a = Not available. careers outside of the UK, moving country every few Great Britain: China Centre years. The FCO pays allowances to staff serving overseas 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 to compensate for the extra costs incurred through moving frequently and living overseas. Total value of 0 750 4,950 13,520 16,415 payments (£) UK-based staff serving overseas are paid allowances Number of 01156 employees to compensate them for the additional cost of maintaining receiving a standard of living comparable to the UK, called a payments Cost of Living Addition, and for the range of additional Top 20 0 750 4,950 6,600 8,000 costs resulting from frequent changes of job, location payments total value (£) and environment paid as Diplomatic Service Allowance. Staff who work in dangerous and challenging environments Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission (MACC) are paid a Hardship Allowance, while staff who visit 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 dangerous and challenging environments can claim Total value of 00000Hazardous Conditions Allowance. The Continuity of payments (£) Education Allowance enables children to continue their Number of 00000schooling at UK boarding schools while their parents employees take up overseas postings, often in places where suitable receiving payments schooling may not be available. Top 20 00000 payments total In the UK most allowances are job related and represent value (£) compensation for working additional or unsociable hours or for taking additional responsibilities such as deputising for more senior officers. The MACC does not employ any staff and the commissioners are unpaid public appointees. Details of allowances are as follows: 25W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 26W

Allowance Purpose Total Amount Paid 2011-12 (£)

DSCA (Diplomatic Service Diplomatic Service Allowance (DSA) paid to Diplomatic Service staff at 20,612,354 Allowance) all overseas Posts according to grade and family status to compensate for the range of additional costs that result from the career-long disruption caused by frequent changes of location, and any indirect representational expenses. Spouse pension compensation paid to Diplomatic Service staff in recognition of their contractual commitment to serve anywhere in the UK or overseas. It recognises the impact this has on the spouse’s ability to follow a career and to contribute to a UK pension scheme. Paid monthly to married accompanied staff or those accompanied by an established partner provided they meet criteria. Hardship Paid to staff at qualifying Posts to compensate for the additional costs of maintaining quality of life. Based on a location ranking scoring system prepared by ECA International who gathers data from expatriate and independent sources on such factors as climate, pollution, health, isolation, security and social tension. Cost of Living Addition Paid to compensate staff for the additional cost of maintaining a standard 17,145,375 (CoLA) of living comparable with that in the UK while living and working overseas. CoLA rates vary by country and family circumstances. They are calculated for the FCO by an independent commercial company, ECA International, who provide similar advice to a range of international firms and multinationals. Continuity of Education The FCO meets the school fee costs of children who accompany their 15,448,371 Allowance parents overseas where there is no suitable English language-based education system. Where staff cannot have their children with them, or prefer for them to remain at school in the UK to provide stability and continuity of education, the FCO contributes towards the cost of standard term fees for children at boarding school, up to a ceiling amount. CEA ceilings are reviewed annually Market Forces Allowance This allows the FCO to offer competitive market salaries to secure 74,283 externally qualified candidates for specialist posts. Retention and Recruitment This allows the FCO to solve intractable recruitment problems or to 142,044 Allowance secure externally qualified candidates for posts. Decisions to award this allowance must be supported by a strong business case. Private Office Allowance Paid to staff substantively appointed to a post in a Private Office of a 133,566 Minister or the PUS in lieu of overtime. Management Reviewers/ Paid in lieu of overtime when staff travel overseas to perform reviews/ 71,336 Internal Audit allowance audits. London Location Paid to attract bidders for London based jobs. 7,530,325 Allowance Diplomatic Service Diplomatic Service staff have a global mobility obligation which involves 26,796 Purchasing Allowance a number of sustained periods living and working overseas during a career. They can be at a disadvantage when finding accommodation at home because of their frequent overseas jobs. DSPA is paid as compensation for above-average mortgage interests payments. Diplomatic Service Rent DS staff have a global mobility obligation which involves a number of 19,093 Allowance sustained periods living and working overseas during a career. They can be at a disadvantage when finding accommodation at home because of their frequent overseas jobs. This allowance is paid to staff who rent furnished accommodation on taking up a substantive home posting after substantive service overseas. Shift Disturbance Paid to staff who work shifts as their normal pattern of work. There are 171,274 Allowance two different patterns of shift work: Standard Shift System: Shifts worked as part of a regular five day working week Rostered Shift System: Days off/Days on, encompassing a seven day week. Unsocial Hours Payment Paid to staff whose rostered shift is over 7 days and includes weekends/ 380,011 nights on a regular basis. Deputising Allowance Paid to staff when they undertake the full duties of an absent member of 70,217 staff. Hazardous Conditions Paid to compensate staff for short visits to posts falling within Security 200,440 Allowance Strategy Unit Category Alpha for terrorism. On call allowance Paid if staff who have a specific roster commitment to be continuously 373,404 and immediately available on-call outside office hours. Excess Fares Allowance Paid to staff when their job is moved to a new location in the UK to cover 42,009.03 the additional cost of their travel to the new location. This is paid instead of any relocation allowance. Transfer Grant A lump sum payment intended to cover a range of incidental expenditure 4,790,639 associated with being posted overseas (e.g. replacing household items, buying extra luggage). It is paid for each posting lasting 12 months or more, e.g. a move from the UK to a Post overseas, a relocation to the UK at the end of a posting overseas, and a move from one overseas Post to another. 27W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 28W

Allowance Purpose Total Amount Paid 2011-12 (£)

Travel Package An accountable allowance paid to staff and qualifying dependants for 17,279,083 transfer and leave paid journeys during substantive overseas postings of 12 months or more. Based on fare paid journey entitlements which are valued twice a year. Total package value varies according to location, duration of posting, and family status and may include Additional Journeys based on economy class travel to a Designated Leave Centre, depending on location hardship rating. Staff have flexibility in how and where they travel during a posting provided it is within the ceiling of the value of their travel package.

The FCO has changed the way it records its management Excess Fares Taxable information to include organisational partners in Hazardous Conditions Allowance Government in the overall figures. As a result, this Individual Recruitment Premium information is not comparable with previously released Location Allowance figures. Market Forces Allowance In addition, the FCO also makes payments to staff to reimburse them for reasonable and actual costs incurred On Call in the course of their duties. Overseas Allowances Some allowances are currently under review as part Provided Transport Deduction of Civil Service Reform. As part of its commitment to Retention Payment continuously ensuring value for money, the FCO regularly Retention Premium reviews the allowances we pay to staff. RRA For years prior to 2010-11 I refer my hon. Friend to my answer of 18 November 2010, Official Report, column Shift Disturbance Allowance 903W and the answer given by the former Parliamentary Short Tour Allowance Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Substitution Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for North West Supervisory Allowance Norfolk (Mr Bellingham), on 18 January 2012, Official Unsocial Hours Allowance Report, column 880W. As part of the Government’s Transparency Agenda, Allowance (£) we also aim to publish this data as far as we are able at: www.data.gov.uk 2008-09 n/a 2009-10 4,365,546 Details of allowances paid to staff employed by the FCO’s non-departmental public bodies are as follows: 2010-11 4,045,071 2011-12 4,191,556 British Council 2012-13 3,924,413 London Market Allowance n/a = not available. Responsibility Allowance Great Britain—China Centre Finance Allowance Number of allowances Total value (£) On-Call Allowance 2012-13 1 3,252 Frequent Traveller Allowance 2011-12 1 3,252 Shift Allowance 2010-11 1 3,252 Home working/Utilities Allowance 2009-10 1 3,252 Expatriate/Mobility Allowance 2008-09 1 3,252 Location Allowance Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission Cost of Living Allowance Allowance Continuity of Education Allowance 2008-09 0 Allowance 2009-10 0 2010-11 0 2008-09 8,536,521 2011-12 0 2009-10 9,490,706 2012-13 0 2010-11 8,466,854 2011-12 7,992,246 The MACC does not employ any staff and the 2012-13 7,431,703 Commissioners are unpaid public appointees. Westminster Foundation for Democracy Foreign Compensation Commission Allowance None other than the Chairman’s rail travel expenses 2008-09 0 which in any year would be less than £1,700. 2009-10 0 FCO Services 2010-11 0 2011-12 0 Deputising Allowance 2012-13 0 Driving Messengers 29W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 30W

WFD do not provide any allowances or subsidies to Alistair Burt: I refer my hon. Friend to my answer of any member of staff. 8 November 2010, Official Report, column 86W, for the Wilton Park costs of absences for 2008-09 and 2009-10. Allowance The number of days lost to sick absence in each of the last five years and the nominal salary cost to the 2008-09 0 Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) of days lost 2009-10 0 through sickness in each of these years is broken down 2010-11 0 as follows: 2011-12 0 2012-13 0 2010-11 2011-12

Number of days lost to 19,423 18,884 sick absence1 Sergei Magnitsky Costs for absences2 (£) 2,450,211 2,364,843 1 This data will differ from previously published information because Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for we have revised the methodology used to calculate headcount, to Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has bring our reporting into line with Cabinet Office and Office for National Statistics guidelines. taken to impose visa bans and asset freezes on Russian 2 government officials referred to in the Resolution of Estimated costs only. the House of 7 March 2012 on human rights abuses Non-departmental public bodies and the death of Sergei Magnitsky. [150843] FCO Services Mr Lidington: The House’s resolution of 7 March 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2012, Official Report, columns 928-51, is based on a Number 4,420 3,783 4,882 4,714 4,555 principle that the Government shares: to defend human working days rights and condemn those who abuse them. The Under- lost to sickness Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Estimated cost n/a 958,278 1,001,351 1,011,346 1,005,713 Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for North East of absence (£) Bedfordshire (Alistair Burt), said during the debate on n/a = Not available 7 March 2012 that we would look at the situation after British Council the passage of the US Act and see if lessons could be 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 learned. We have now done so. We do not believe there Number 8,387 8,502 5,324 3,169 3,640 is evidence to suggest that the new legislation has brought working days any closer, or is likely to bring any closer, the outcome lost to sickness that we all want—justice for Sergei Magnitsky and his Estimated cost 1,120,020 1,051,961 816,700 431,235 432,649 family. Worryingly, the Russian authorities have closed of absence (£) the investigation into Magnitsky’s death without any results, and are trying him posthumously for fraud Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) which is generally only considered permissible when 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 carried out to exonerate a wrongfully convicted person Number 28 34 43.5 39 56 or provide justice for family members of victims—neither working days of which is applicable in this circumstance. lost to sickness We have long been clear that where there is credible Estimated cost 00000 of absence (£) evidence the UK immigration rules already include Note: provision for those who abuse human rights to be Nil (0) cost each year, WFD does not pay for sickness cover and denied entry to the UK. This was also set out in the staff work the additional hours necessary to cover the work. 2011 Foreign and Commonwealth Office Human Rights Great Britain China Centre and Democracy Report. 2008-13 We continue to raise this case at the highest levels; the Number working days lost to 179.5 Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth sickness Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond Estimated cost of absence (£) 27,229 (Yorks) (Mr Hague), raised it with Foreign Minister Lavrov during talks in London in March, as did I when Wilton Park I met Deputy Foreign Minister Titov in Moscow in 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 February. We will continue to reiterate the importance Number 637 480.5 621.5 491 495 of bringing the case to a thorough and transparent working days conclusion. lost to sickness Estimated cost n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a of absence (£) Sick Leave n/a = Not available The Foreign Compensation Commission and Marshall Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Aid Commemoration Commission do not employ any and Commonwealth Affairs how many days (a) his staff and therefore have no sick absences to record. Department and (b) each of its non-departmental public bodies has lost to staff sickness in each of the Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign last five years; and what estimate he has made of the and Commonwealth Affairs how many officials in (a) cost of such absence in each year. [147988] his Department and (b) each of its non-departmental 31W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 32W public bodies have had (i) fewer than five days, (ii) five British Council has been unable to provide detailed to 10 days, (iii) 10 to 15 days, (iv) 15 to 20 days, (v) 20 sickness data as the contractor holding the data is to 25 days, (vi) 25 to 50 days, (vii) 50 to 75 days, (viii) 75 undertaking a major data migration programme. to 100 days, (ix) 100 to 150 days, (x) 150 to 200 days, FCO Services (xi) more than 200 days, (xii) more than three months, Sick days 2012-13 2011-12 2010-11 2009-10 2008-09 (xiii) more than six months and (xiv) more than one year on paid sick leave (A) consecutively and (B) in (i) fewer than 362 391 448 409 416 5days total in each of the last five years. [148007] (ii) 5-10 days 58 75 88 79 77 (iii) 11-15 days 31 27 31 36 37 Alistair Burt: Since November 2010, we have refined (iv) 16-20 days 11 14 13 12 12 the calculation on average staff costs, which enable the (v) 21-25 days 6 10 17 16 16 Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to better (vi) 26-50 days 16 19 24 10 13 reflect the cost per day of absences. For the absences in (vii)1-75days108672 2012-13, these will be published in the forthcoming (viii) 75-100 42621 FCO annual report. days I refer my hon. Friend to my answer of 1 November (ix) 100-150 53221 2010, Official Report, column 572W, for the number of days absences for 2008-09 and 2009-10. (x) 150-200 12000 days The number of staff who have taken sick absence in (xi) more than 11010 each of the last five years is as follows: 200 days (xii) more than 95953 Sick days 2010-11 2011-12 three months (xiii) more 44111 (i) fewer than five days 1,044 1,073 than six (ii) five to 10 days 359 305 months (iii) 10 to 15 days 99 115 (xiv) more 00000 than one year (iv) 15 to 20 days 57 48 (v)20to25days 25 25 (vi) 25 to 50 days 67 58 Westminster Foundation for Democracy (vii) 50 to 75 days 19 23 Sick days 2012-13 2011-12 2010-11 2009-10 2008-09 (viii) 75 to 100 days 20 13 (i) fewer than 14 16 11 7 8 (ix) 100 to 150 days 13 15 5days (x) 150 to 200 days 5 8 (ii) 5-10 days 3 1130 (xi) more than 200 days 10 8 (iii) 11-15 days 0 0100 Grand total of staff who 1,718 1,691 (iv)16-20days00000 have taken sick absence (v)21-25days00000 (vi)26-50days00000 The total number of days lost to sick absence includes (vii)1-75days00000 short and long term absences, certified and uncertified (viii) 75-100 00000 absences. days Prior to financial year 2010-11, FCO recorded sick (ix) 100-150 00000 absences for the FCO, FCO Services, some FCO staff days (x) 150-200 00000 on loan and non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs), days and therefore it is not possible to make a direct comparison (xi) more than 00000 between the figures prior to the financial year 2010-11. 200 days To provide these figures for prior years now would incur (xii) more than 00000 disproportionate costs. The figures are for FCO UK three months based staff only. Locally employed staff figures are not (xiii) more 00000 than six held centrally. months The FCO has robust measures in place to monitor (xiv) more 00000 sick absence. Our absence rate has reduced and we than one year continue to have a lower than average AWDL compared to the civil service as a whole. All long-term absences Great Britain—China Centre are actively managed by our health and welfare team, Sick days 2008-13 working alongside staff, their line managers, occupational (i) fewer than 5 days 0 health and disability support teams. The FCO also (ii) 5-10 days 9 offers staff access to an Employee Assistance programme (iii) 11-15 days 0 under a DEFRA-sponsored cross government framework. (iv) 16-20 days 0 We report sick absence to the FCO Board and to the (v) 21-25 days 0 Cabinet Office. The total number of working days lost (vi) 26-50 days 0 through short- and long-term sick absence, certified (vii) 1-75 days 1 and uncertified for the financial years 2010-11 and (viii) 75-100 days 1 2011-12, is published in the FCO annual departmental (ix) 100-150 days 0 report (HC59) (x) 150-200 days 0 Non-departmental public bodies NDPBs (xi) more than 200 days 0 (xii) more than three months 0 British Council 33W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 34W

Great Britain—China Centre Alistair Burt: The situation in Syria continues to Sick days 2008-13 deteriorate, inflicting a heavy cost on the country’s (xiii) more than six months 0 population, including its minority groups. Like others (xiv) more than one year 0 in the region, Syrians demand that their rights to liberty, dignity and to choose freely their leaders be recognized. We regularly meet representatives and members of minority Wilton Park groups and we continue to encourage the Syrian National Sick days 2012-13 2011-12 2010-11 2009-10 2008-09 Coalition to reassure all Syrians that they are working (i) fewer than 43 43 37 46 47 towards a Syria which is democratic, inclusive, 5days representative, respectful of its ethnic and religious (ii) 5-10 days 18 16 13 10 15 minorities and which adheres to international human (iii) 11-15 628125rights conventions. We remain resolute in our support days of the Syrian people’s demands for a peaceful and (iv) 16-20 21130 days democratic transition to a more open society, one that (v)21-25days02212respects the rights of all its citizens, Allawite or Sunni, (vi) 26-50 21421Christian or Kurd. days (vii)1-75days23310Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for (viii) 75-100 00001Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the days answer of 25 March 2013, Official Report, columns (ix) 100-150 00002912-13W, on Syria, what assessment he has made of the days dangers of al-Qaeda-related groups in the middle east (x) 150-200 00000 days using captured chemical weapons for terrorist attacks (xi) more 00000against the UK and the US. [150668] than 200 days (xii) more 22212Alistair Burt: The vulnerability of Syria’s chemical than three weapons stocks is very difficult to assess as I made clear months in my answer on 25 March 2013, Official Report, columns (xiii) more 00001 than six 912-13W,however, we remain extremely concerned. The months Syrian regime is legally obliged under UN Security (xiv) more 00000Council resolution 1540 to keep its chemical weapons than one year secure and we have continued to stress the need to fulfil this obligation. As I noted on 25 March, some expertise, The Foreign Compensation Commission and Marshall as well as access to appropriate delivery systems, is Aid Commemoration Commission do not employ any needed to handle and exploit chemical weapons. I cannot staff and therefore have no sick absences to record. speculate on whether al-Qaeda-related groups have such Syria capability, but we continue to monitor the situation very closely. Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Tourism: Northern Ireland Government has taken to help ensure that there is no use of chemical weapons in Syria. [150418] Mr Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to Alistair Burt: The British Government has repeatedly promote Northern Ireland as part of the GREAT made clear, both publically and in private, that the use campaign. [150129] of chemical weapons would be a horrific crime. We have warned President Assad’s regime that the use of these Mr Swire: The GREAT campaign showcases the best weapons would lead to a serious response from the of what the United Kingdom has to offer to encourage international community. Those who order the use of the world to visit, study and do business here. It is chemical weapons, and those who use them, will be held designed to make the most of the economic opportunities to account. We have also made this point to the opposition. presented by 2012 and focuses on trade, inward investment, We continue to work closely with our international tourism and attracting international students to all partners, including the US, to monitor developments parts of the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland. related to Syria’s chemical weapons and welcome the The campaign is active in 86 countries around the world UN Secretary-General’s decision to initiate an investigation and draws together the national promotion efforts of into the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria. To UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), VisitBritain, the prevent the proliferation of Syria’s chemical weapons British Council and the Foreign and Commonwealth we have secured EU sanctions against goods and equipment Office. that could be used as part of a chemical weapon programme and Syria-specific controls within the Australia Group UKTI works closely with Invest Northern Ireland to to prevent the transfer of chemical weapons-related ensure Northern Ireland is a beneficiary from leads and goods. interest generated by the GREAT campaign, and the Minister of State for Trade and Investment, my noble Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State Friend Lord Green of Hurstpierpoint, has visited Northern for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Ireland on several occasions, most recently last October. Department has taken to protect followers of the VisitBritain’s GREAT marketing programme uses images Christian faith subject to persecution in the conflict in of Northern Ireland, for example of the Giant’s Causeway, Syria. [150520] in their overseas advertising. 35W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 36W

The British Council also promotes UK educational Mrs Villiers: I have regular meetings with Northern excellence globally through their ’Education is GREAT’ Ireland Executive Ministers to discuss these matters. campaign. All schools and education institutions from The Prime Minister and I met the First Minister and across Northern Ireland are an integral component of Deputy First Minister on 26 March when we discussed the UK’s educational offer. an economic package for Northern Ireland which would help stimulate growth in the private sector, to be pursued in parallel with continuing work on the possible devolution of corporation tax. NORTHERN IRELAND I shall continue these discussions with the Executive Aviation in the coming weeks.

Dr McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Overtime Northern Ireland if she will make representations to Virgin Airlines requesting that they commence flights from Belfast International airport to London Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Heathrow. [150259] Northern Ireland what estimate she has made of the total cost of overtime payments in each pay grade in Mrs Villiers: While this is a commercial matter for the her Department. [150237] airline concerned, I shall nevertheless pass on the hon. Member’s representations when I next meet Virgin Airlines. Mrs Villiers: The Northern Ireland Office keeps all staff costs, including overtime under regular review. Corporation Tax Overtime is only used to carry out specific work which cannot be done in normal working hours and must be Dr McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for authorised in advance by managers. No estimate has Northern Ireland what recent steps she has taken to been made by pay grade for the total cost of overtime further the case for the devolution of corporation tax payments. to the Northern Ireland Assembly. [150272] Presbyterian Mutual Society Mrs Villiers: The Prime Minister and I recently met the First and deputy First Minister to discuss next steps on the potential devolution of corporation tax powers. Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for I will continue to work closely with my ministerial Northern Ireland what assessment she has made of the colleagues on this proposal. findings of the Northern Ireland Ombudsman’s report on the management and administration of the Dr McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Presbyterian Mutual Society; and if she will make a Northern Ireland when she last met the Chancellor of statement. [150616] the Exchequer to discuss the devolution of corporation tax to the Northern Ireland Assembly. [150273] Mrs Villiers: The Government has worked closely with the Northern Ireland Executive to fund a package Mrs Villiers: I met the Chancellor of the Exchequer, of assistance to address the needs of investors in the my right hon. Friend the Member for Tatton (Mr Osborne), Presbyterian Mutual Society. in March to discuss the potential devolution of corporation The Assembly Ombudsman for Northern Ireland tax powers to the Northern Ireland Assembly. I will investigates complaints of injustice on behalf of continue to work closely with the Chancellor as we take complainants who believe they have suffered forward further work on this important issue. maladministration by Northern Ireland Executive Devolution departments and public bodies that are the responsibility of Northern Ireland Ministers. Dr McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for As the Ombudsman’s report in respect of the Northern Ireland when she last met the First Minister Presbyterian Mutual Society relates to a transferred of Northern Ireland; and what issues were discussed. matter it would not be appropriate for me to offer any [150271] assessment or to comment upon it.

Mrs Villiers: I last met the First Minister and Deputy Security First Minister on the 26 March 2013 with the Prime Minister. The meeting discussed next steps on the potential for devolving corporation tax powers and wider measures Mr Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for to boost growth in Northern Ireland and promote a Northern Ireland what discussions she has had with the shared society that can maximise its economic potential. Northern Ireland Executive on the level of resources available to the security forces in 2013. [147274] Economic Growth Mrs Villiers: I meet regularly with both the Minister Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for for Justice and the Chief Constable on a wide range of Northern Ireland what discussions she has had with the policing issues including discussions on resourcing. The Northern Ireland Executive on measures to stimulate provision by this Government of an additional £200 million growth in the private sector in Northern Ireland; and if funding to the PSNI is a clear demonstration of our she will make a statement. [150004] commitment to supporting the police. 37W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 38W

Security invited by the Northern Ireland Minister for Trade and Investment to accompany her on a trade mission to the Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Gulf States in February 2012 when he was Minister of Northern Ireland what recent assessment she has made State at the Northern Ireland Office. of the security situation in Northern Ireland; and if she In my regular meetings with Executive Ministers I will make a statement. [150829] have made clear my willingness to work closely with them to support trade and investment. Mrs Villiers: While the threat level in Northern Ireland remains at Severe, progress has been made. Excellent co-operation between the PSNI and its partners has put terrorist groups under strain. HOME DEPARTMENT This Government remains fully committed to supporting Alcoholic Drinks: Prices the Northern Ireland Executive in building safer communities free from fear and intimidation. Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Unemployment Home Department what representations she has received from (a) individuals and (b) organisations on Ms Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for a minimum unit price on alcohol. [150417] Northern Ireland when she will next discuss the latest unemployment figures for Northern Ireland with Damian Green: Home Office Ministers and officials Ministers in the Northern Ireland Executive; and if she have had meetings with a wide variety of organisations will make a statement. [149743] and individuals in the public and private sectors as part of the public consultation on the Government’s alcohol Mike Penning: The Secretary of State for Northern strategy. The consultation closed on 6 February. We are Ireland, my right hon. Friend the Member for Chipping currently analysing the responses we have received to Barnet (Mrs Villiers), and I have ongoing meetings with the consultation and will publish a response shortly. Northern Ireland Executive Ministers and regularly discuss economic matters, including how we can tackle Borders: Personal Records unemployment in Northern Ireland. The Prime Minister discussed with the First and Deputy First Ministers on Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for the 26 March the work of the joint ministerial working Home Department how much has been spent on the group on rebalancing the Northern Ireland economy e-Borders programme to date; and how much she and how best to boost jobs and growth. estimates will be spent on the project in the next five The Government’s efforts to reduce the largest structural years. [150422] deficit in UK peacetime history and deliver sustainable economic recovery—all underpinned by the latest measures Mr Harper: The total spend from 1 April 2007 to announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, my 31 March 2013 on the e-Borders programme is £475 right hon. Friend the Member for Tatton (Mr Osborne), million (please note that the spend for the month of in the Budget—remain the best way to help people find March 2013 is estimated). employment. The Home Office is not currently able to confirm the Visits Abroad future spend on the e-Borders programme but will be able to do this once the binding arbitration following Mr Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for the termination of the contract with Raytheon Systems Northern Ireland how many overseas visits have been Ltd is complete. made by Ministers of her Department to support trade and investment in each year since 2010. [150325] Deportation Mrs Villiers: Though the Northern Ireland Executive Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the carries the principal responsibility on trade and investment Home Department what the average cost is of each promotion visits, we take the opportunity of each overseas attempt to remove from the UK an individual who no visit to promote Northern Ireland as a destination for longer has permission to remain. [150352] trade and investment. This has also been the practice of our predecessors. Mr Harper: In financial year 2011-12, the average On my trip to the United States in March, I met the cost to the UK Border Agency of each removal was senior HBO executives responsible for bringing production £3,281. This has been calculated by dividing the total of the series ‘Game of Thrones’ to Northern Ireland cost of our removal activity by the volume of removals and discussed their plans for future series there. I also in that financial year. The cost of unsuccessful attempts raised the subject of trade and investment with senior at removal is absorbed within this average cost. figures in New York’s Irish American community, and Domestic Violence: Martial Arts with senior members of the United States Administration and Congress. Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Trade and investment is also a regular item for discussion Home Department if she will assess the effect on when I meet Irish Ministers during my visits to Dublin. incidences of violence against women of the practice of My right hon. Friend the Member for North Shropshire mixed martial arts. [150982] (Mr Paterson), when Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, sought to undertake trade and investment activity Damian Green: There are no plans to assess the effect during his trips to the United States. My right hon. on incidences of violence against women of the practice Friend the Member for East Devon (Mr Swire) was of mixed martial arts. 39W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 40W

Edinburgh Airport: Immigration Controls Table 2: Tier 2 intra-company transfer ‘postal’ applications decided based on length of time taken to reach decision, January 2010 to December 2012

Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for the Dispatch 0to6 6to12 12-plus Home Department how many times the UK Border year months months months Total Force target for queuing times for (a) EEA and (b) non-EEA passengers at Edinburgh Airport were 2010 5,635 * * 5,640 breached in (i) October 2012, (ii) November 2012, (iii) 2011 5,165 * * 5,170 December 2012 and (iv) January 2013. [146411] 2012 6,300 25 5 6,330 Mr Harper [holding answer 5 March 2013]: During October, November and December 2012 and in January Total 17,100 30 10 17,140 2013, queues exceeding service standards occurred on Notes: the following number of occasions: 1. All figures quoted have been derived from management information and are therefore provisional and subject to change. This information has not been Edinburgh airport quality assured under National Statistics protocols. Number of queues exceeding Number of queue 2. Figures relate to main applicants only. service standards measurements taken 3. Figures relate to postal applications in table 2, and to premium applications EEA Non EEA EEA Non EEA submitted at UKBA Public Enquiry Offices (PEO) in table 3. 4. All figures relate to tier 2 intra-company transfer applications decided and 2012 dispatched between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2012. 5. Time taken to reach decision based on the number of calendar days from October 0 0 325 243 application raised (i.e. received) date to decision dispatch date. 0 to 6 months November 1 0 297 244 based on 0 to 182 days; 6 to 12 months based on 183 to 365 days; and 12-plus months based on more than 365 days. Figures relate to completed applications December 0 0 344 294 only. 6. Figures rounded to the nearest 5 (‘—’ = 0, ‘*’ = 1 or 2) and may not sum to the totals shown because of independent rounding. 2013 7. Data generated on 14 March 2013. January 0 0 321 279 Table 3: Tier 2 intra-company transfer ‘premium’ applications decided based on Note: length of time taken to reach decision, January 2010 to December 2012 Figures quoted are management information only which have been subject to internal quality checks and may be subject to change. Dispatch 0to6 6to12 12-plus year months months months Total I also refer you to the published statistics on the clearance of passengers, at the national level: 2010 1,205 — — 1,205 2011 1,615 * — 1,615 http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/ aboutus/clearance-of-passengers/ 2012 2,625 — * 2,625 Total 5,440 * * 5,445 Notes: Entry Clearances 1. All figures quoted have been derived from management information and are therefore provisional and subject to change. This information has not been quality assured under National Statistics protocols. Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for the 2. Figures relate to main applicants only. 3. Figures relate to postal applications in table 2, and to premium applications Home Department what the average waiting time for submitted at UKBA Public Enquiry Offices (PEO) in table 3. tier 2 (intra-company transfer) applications was in (a) 4. All figures relate to tier 2 intra-company transfer applications decided and 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012; and how many such dispatched between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2012. 5. Time taken to reach decision based on the number of calendar days from applicants waited more than (i) six and (ii) 12 months application raised (i.e. received) date to decision dispatch date. 0 to 6 months for a decision on their application. [148726] based on 0 to 182 days; 6 to 12 months based on 183 to 365 days; and 12-plus months based on more than 365 days. Figures relate to completed applications only. Mr Harper [holding answer 18 March 2013]: The 6. Figures rounded to the nearest 5 (‘—’ = 0, ‘*’ = 1 or 2) and may not sum to the figures requested are provided in the following tables totals shown because of independent rounding. and have been separated into postal applications and 7. Data generated on 14 March 2013. premium (in person) applications. Table 4: Tier 2 intra-company transfer postal applications decided within published customer service standard targets, January 2010 to December 2012 Table 1: Tier 2 intra-company transfer application average waiting times, January 2010 to December 2012 Published service standard (Percentage Applications decided Average processing time (calendar days) of applications within within service standard Dispatch year Postal applications Premium applications Dispatch year four weeks) (Percentage)

2010 34 2 January to March 2010 75 97 2011 42 2 April 2010 to March 75 99 2012 54 3 2011 Notes: April 2011 to March 75 93 1. All figures quoted have been derived from management information and are 2012 therefore provisional and subject to change. This information has not been April 2012 to 90 69 quality assured under National Statistics protocols. December 2012 2. Figures relate to main applicants only. Notes: 3. Figures relate to postal applications and to premium applications submitted 1. All figures quoted have been derived from management information and are at UKBA public enquiry offices (PEOs). therefore provisional and subject to change. This information has not been 4. All figures relate to tier 2 intra-company transfer applications decided and quality assured under National Statistics protocols. dispatched between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2012. 2. Figures relate to main applicants only. 5. Processing time is based on the average number of calendar days from 3. Figures relate to postal applications only. application raised (i.e. received) date to decision dispatch date. Figures relate to 4. All figures relate to tier 2 intra-company transfer applications decided and completed applications only. dispatched between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2012. 6. Data generated on 14 March 2013. 5. Time taken to reach decision based on the number of calendar days from 7. Premium Service is a service at our public enquiry offices for applicants in the application raised (i.e. received) date to decision dispatch date. UK who want to submit their application in person and receive a decision on 6. Data generated on 14 March 2013. the same day. 41W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 42W

Entry Clearances: Business The day-to-day functioning of the NRM is monitored by a multi-agency official oversight group chaired by Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Office, which includes representatives from the Home Department if she will assess the clarity and local authorities, the devolved Administrations, the intelligibility of the questions asked on the UK Border Association of Chief Police Officers and non-governmental Agency business visitor visa application form organisations with a direct involvement in the NRM. published in December 2012. [150548] This includes those involved in protecting child victims of trafficking, namely the National Society for the Mr Harper: The Government supports economic growth Prevention of Cruelty to Children and Barnardos. by delivering an effective visa service which processed over 360,000 applications for business visit visas in Illegal Immigrants: Yorkshire and the Humber 2012. The application form for a business visit visa application Andrew Percy: To ask the Secretary of State for the was reviewed and updated in December 2012. The Home Department how many raids on (a) home majority of the questions on the application form are addresses and (b) workplaces the UK Border Agency there to gather background information (personal details— has conducted in (i) Brigg and Goole constituency and including where the applicant lives and with whom, (ii) Yorkshire and the Humber in the last 12 months. what their income is, what they do for a living, details of [149950] previous travel and so forth). These are the same questions that are asked of all visit visa applicants. The questions Mr Harper [holding answer 25 March 2013]: The UK towards the end of the form are tailored to the specific Border Agency does not collate information centrally application category, and so these forms ask who the on the number of home and workplace enforcement applicant is coming to the UK to see/do business with, visits specifically by constituency or at county level. who is funding the trip, where the applicant will stay Information is available relating to activity at a regional and so forth. level for the North East. This information can be split Since the form was updated, the UK Border Agency between visits made to residential venues and visits has processed over 50,000 business visa applications made to non-residential venues. worldwide, and has issued over 90% of them. Records indicate that within the North East1 area Currently, around 95% of applicants apply through between January and December 2012, the UK Border the Agency’s online application system. We are working Agency carried out 1,020 enforcement visits to residential to improve the online application process for all visa venues. In the same period the UK Border Agency also application categories (including business visit visa carried out 755 visits to non-residential venues. applications) to make it a more intuitive and customer All figures quoted have been derived from management friendly web application, including better signposting information and are therefore provisional and subject to the right visa application category and improved help to change. This information has not been quality assured text (which will be available in a number of key languages). under National Statistics protocols. 1 The “North East” for this purpose is defined by the local Entry Clearances: Middle East immigration teams which operate from within it, consisting of Durham, Northumbria, Teesside, Tyne Tees, Humberside, North Mark Reckless: To ask the Secretary of State for the Yorkshire, South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire. Home Department if she will list visit visa requirements for nationals of the United Arab Immigration Emirates and Qatar. [151037] Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Mr Harper: The requirements for those applying for Home Department what checks are made to determine a visa as a visitor are set out in paragraphs 40-56Z and that the UK is a country of residence for non-EU 75A-75M of the Immigration Rules. These requirements nationals. [150652] vary depending on the specific type of visitor visa being sought and apply equally to nationals of all countries Mr Harper: Immigration or residence status determines applying in this capacity. a non-EEA migrant’s eligibility to apply for work, Human Trafficking: Children benefits and certain public services in the UK. Employers, Government Departments and local authorities conduct entitlement and right to work checks under a range of Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for the legislation regulating access. The Government is introducing Home Department how her Department monitors and biometric residence permits to non-EEA nationals granted evaluates the functioning of the National Referral permission to stay in the UK for more than six months Mechanism for child victims of trafficking; and what to make these checks more effective. plans she has to report on its findings. [150484]

Mr Harper: The Inter-departmental Ministerial Group Immigration: EU Nationals (IDMG) oversees UK human trafficking activity including the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) and in its Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the role as a National Rapporteur equivalent mechanism in Home Department what checks are in place to accordance with the EU directive on trafficking the determine whether an EU national has met the criteria IDMG considers emerging trends in NRM data at for permanent residence in the UK and that such regular IDMG meetings. people remain legally a permanent resident. [150711] 43W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 44W

Mr Harper: Strict checks are in place to ensure that and the Home Office Board have been asked to produce those EU nationals who apply for a document confirming a new plan for a modernised IT system to support a right of permanent residence meet the requirements immigration caseworking. set out in the Regulations, including checks on whether the EU national has continuously exercised free movement Mobile Phones rights. A document confirming a right of permanent residence may also be revoked where there is evidence that an EU national has ceased to have such a right or Mr Havard: To ask the Secretary of State for the the Secretary of State considers that their removal is Home Department which company holds the largest justified on grounds of public policy, public security or contract to provide mobile telephony services to the public health. Criminal Records Bureau; how much is paid each year under that contract; how many individual devices are covered by the contract; when the contract was Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the awarded; and when and how the contract will next be Home Department how many EU nationals have reviewed. [148225] acquired the right to permanent residence in the UK in each of the last five years. [150712] James Brokenshire: Vodafone was awarded the contract to provide mobile telephony services to the Home Office Mr Harper: Statistics on the total number of EU on 30 June 2011. The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) nationals who have acquired the right to permanent were provided with mobile telephony services under residence are not available. The available information is that contract. Quarterly meetings are held with Vodafone of those that have applied for documents certifying to review its performance. The contract is due to expire their permanent residence in the UK. Some may have on 29 June 2015. chosen not to apply for such documentation. From 1 December 2012, the functions previously Documents issued undertaken by the CRB and Independent Safeguarding Number Authority (ISA) have been carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Since December 2012, the 2007 3,915 contract has covered the DBS. 2008 1,718 2009 5,993 There were 83 individual devices held on the CRB account. From January 2012 to December 2012, £8,499.74 2010 9,409 was paid on the contract. This covers 11 months under 2011 11,679 the CRB account and one month under the DBS account. The latest Home Office immigration statistics on grants and refusals of applications for residence National Crime Agency: Northern Ireland documentation from both EEA nationals and non-EEA family members are published in the release Immigration Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Statistics, which is available at: Home Department what discussions she plans to have http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/science-research- on the National Crime Agency with (a) the Secretary statistics/research-statistics/immigration-asylum-research/ of State for Northern Ireland, (b) the Justice Secretary immigration-q4-2012/ in Northern Ireland and (c) political parties in A copy of the latest release, ’Immigration Statistics Northern Ireland; and if she will make a statement. October - December’ has been placed in the House [150828] Library. Damian Green: The Secretary of State for the Home Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Department, my right hon. Friend the Member for Home Department how many EU nationals have lost Maidenhead (Mrs May), Home Office Ministers and the right to permanent residence in the UK after living officials have regular exchanges to support discussions outside the UK for over two consecutive years in each on the National Crime Agency in Northern Ireland. We of the last five years. [150713] remain committed to delivering a UK-wide crime fighting agency focused on tackling serious, organised and complex crime. Mr Harper: Data on the revocation of permanent residence cards is not broken down by reason for revocation. Plants Immigration: ICT Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much her Department has Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for the spent on indoor and outdoor plants and trees since her Home Department what estimate her Department has appointment. [139945] made of the cost of a modernised IT system for the immigration system. [150930] James Brokenshire: A limited amount of planting is provided through the 2002 PFI contract in some of the Mr Harper: As the Secretary of State for the Home internal and external shared areas of our headquarters Department, my right hon. Friend the Member for building, the costs of which are not charged separately. Maidenhead (Mrs May), announced in her statement to Elsewhere on the Department’s estate, figures on plants the House on 26 March 2013, Official Report, columns and trees costs are not held centrally and could be 1500-1510, the Permanent Secretary of the Home Office obtained only at disproportionate cost. 45W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 46W

Police and Crime Commissioners Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what categories of criminal Sir Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for the evidence the Government holds on individuals Home Department if she will publish the names, job currently subject to terrorism prevention and titles and salaries of all deputies, assistants and investigation measures. [150657] advisers appointed by police and crime commissioners James Brokenshire: For operational reasons, I cannot in each policy authority area. [150560] comment on individual cases. Damian Green: The Police Reform and Social Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for the Responsibility Act 2011, requires that police and crime Home Department what recent discussions she has had commissioners (PCCs) appoint a chief executive and with the Director of Public Prosecutions on the chief financial officer. It is for PCCs to determine what prosecution of individuals currently subject to further staff they require to support them in their terrorism prevention and investigation measures. duties. The Act also requires each PCC to publish the [150658] number of staff that they employ, along with an James Brokenshire: Home Office Ministers have regular organisational chart showing the structure of the staff meetings with ministerial colleagues and others as part and the job title, responsibilities and salary of those of the process of policy development and delivery. As earning above £58,200. was the case with previous Administrations, it is not the Police Patrolling Government’s practice to provide details of all such meetings. Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for the Theft: Dogs Home Department pursuant to the answer of 1 March Gareth Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the 2013, Official Report, column 709W, on Police Home Department how many cases of dog theft have Patrolling: Birmingham, if she will take steps to collect been recorded in (a) Dartford constituency, (b) Kent data on the amount of time that police officers spend and (c) the UK in each of the last three years. [150870] on street patrols in the most recent period for which figures are available. [150637] Damian Green: It is not possible to identify offences of dog theft from the police recorded crime statistics, Damian Green: The Home Office has no plans to and this information is not held centrally by the Home collect data on the average amount of time spent by Office. officers on street patrols. UK Border Agency Sexual Offences: North Yorkshire Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for the 25 February 2013, Official Report, column 156W, on Home Department when she expects to open a sexual premium service appointments: Liverpool, how many assault and rape centre in North Yorkshire; and if she premium service appointments were missed at each will make a statement. [150460] office in 2012; and what steps are being taken to stop the abuse of this system. [146478] Damian Green: Commissioning of sexual assault referral Mr Harper: The figures requested are not available centres (SARCs) is a locally determined issue. However, through published statistics; however, some local data North Yorkshire police have advised that the local are available. There are no figures available in Croydon, SARC facility will open on 1 May 2013. Sheffield and Solihull for the whole of 2012. Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures Where the Home Office identifies abuse of the appointment booking system, the facility is withdrawn from those involved. A non-refundable appointment Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for the booking fee and payment at the time of booking was Home Department what steps need to be taken before introduced on 8 April 2013 to prevent abuse of the individuals currently subject to terrorism prevention system. and investigation measures can be prosecuted in a criminal trial. [150656] Premium service appointments at public enquiry offices (PEOs) available and unattended in 2012 Public Total Missed Percentage of James Brokenshire: Section 10 of the Terrorism enquiry appointments appointments total Prevention and Investigation Measures (“TPIM”) Act 2011 office (number) (number) appointments (%) includes a specific requirement for the prospect of prosecution to be reviewed both before the TPIM notice Belfast 1,460 207 14.2 Cardiff 5,158 895 17.4 is imposed and during its lifetime, so that TPIM notices 1 1 1 are only used for those individuals that we cannot Croydon — — — prosecute for terrorism offences or, in the case of foreign Glasgow 5,408 772 14.3 nationals, deport at present. Liverpool 15,124 3,109 20.6 Sheffield 1— 1— 1— The process for bringing charges against an individual Solihull 1— 1— 1— subject to a TPIM notice is, whether for terrorism-related 1 Not available. activity, for alleged breaches of the measures in the Notes: notice terrorism or for other criminal activity, managed 1. The figures quoted (where available) have been derived from local management information and are therefore provisional and subject to change. This information by the police and the Crown Prosecution Service and is has not been quality assured under National Statistics protocols. the same as for any other individual. 2. Data generated on 12 and 13 March 2013. 47W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 48W

Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for the These data are disaggregated by quarter and work Home Department pursuant to the answer of 25 stream and cover the period from April 2010 to December February 2013, Official Report, column 156W, on UK 2012. The latest figures are available from the Library of Border Agency, how many people failed to attend the the House and from the UK Border Agency website at: UK Border Agency offices for premium service http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/ appointments in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012; and aboutus/percentage-of-migration/ what estimate her Department has made of the cost of The next quarterly statistics covering the period January such lost appointments. [147012] to March 2013 will be published on 23 May 2013. Mr Harper: The figures requested are not available Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for the through published statistics; however, some local data is Home Department pursuant to her statement of available. There are no figures available in Solihull. 26 March 2013, Official Report, columns 1500-10, on Croydon, Sheffield and Belfast have limited data. UK Border Agency, what the procedure will be for Premium service appointments at all public enquiry offices (PEOs) available responding to hon. Members on constituency and unattended in 2010, 2011 and 2012 immigration cases. [150931] 2010 2011 2012 Public % % % Mr Harper: Hon. Members should continue to contact enquiry of of of their regional MP Account Manager or the dedicated office Total Missed total Total Missed total Total Missed total MPs’ Enquiry Line. These teams can deal with enquiries Belfast 541 n/a n/a 1,348 n/a n/a 1,460 207 14.2 by telephone or email and will often offer a faster Cardiff 4,774 626 13.1 4,760 944 19.8 5,158 895 17.4 service than a formal reply. Croydon41,487 6,742 16.3 62,986 8,249 13.1 n/a n/a n/a Alternatively, hon. Members may write (via Government Glasgow 7,640 840 11 9,620 700 7.3 5,408 772 14.3 Mail Service) to MPs’ Liaison Unit, Lunar House, Liverpool 9,995 1,431 14.3 12,200 1,440 11.8 15,124 3,109 20.6 40 Wellesley Road, Croydon, Surrey, CR9 2BY or (by Sheffield 11,454 1,879 16.4 8,568 1,245 14.5 n/a n/a n/a Royal Mail) to MPs’ Liaison Unit, PO Box 1586, Lunar Solihull n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a House, 40 Wellesley Road, Croydon, Surrey, CR9 2BY. n/a = information not available. Notes: UK Border Agency: Northern Ireland 1. The figures quoted (where available) have been derived from local management information and are therefore provisional and subject to change. This information Dr McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for the has not been quality assured under the National Statistics protocols. Home Department (1) how the UK Border Agency 2. Data generated on 12 and 13 March 2013. performed against its published service standards in Information relating to the cost of missed appointments Northern Ireland in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012; is not specifically recorded. It is not possible to estimate the cost of missed appointments over this period with [150952] any degree of accuracy. (2) how the UK Border Agency in Northern Ireland Notes: performed compared with the rest of the United 1. Appointment data is not available for all offices. Kingdom in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012. [150953] 2. An application to extend leave to remain is a mandatory Mr Harper: The UK Border Agency publishes figures requirement and, as such, an application must be made either by on its performance against migration service standards post or in person. As a result, although income may not be realised on a specific day the application would generally be on a quarterly basis as part of its commitment to submitted at a later date and the income subsequently earned. transparency.Although these figures are not disaggregated 3. It has long been the practice in public enquiry offices to by constituent countries within the United Kingdom, overbook appointments beyond actual capacity to compensate they are divided by quarter and by work stream, and for customers who fail to attend. As a result although appointments cover the period from April 2010 to December 2012. may be missed this does not necessarily equate to actual income The latest figures are available from the Agency’s website lost. link and the following tables: Mr Ward: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/ Department (1) whether the UK Border Agency has aboutus/percentage-of-migration/ transferred staff from other areas of the agency for the Table 1: In-Country Applications—Postal Service Standards purposes of tackling the backlog of migration cases; 2010-12 2012-13 and what the effect has been on the level of Family 65% in 4 weeks1 65% in 4 weeks1 performance in affected areas; [150293] Visiting the UK 65% in 4 week1 80% in 4 weeks1 (2) whether the visa processing times for each area of Employment 75% in 4 weeks1 90% in 4 weeks1 temporary migration were within service standard in Study 75% in 4 weeks1 85% in 4 weeks1 the most recent period for which figures are available. Permanent Residence 95% in 6 months1 99% in 6 months1 [150294] European Casework, 95% in 6 months1 99% in 6 months1 ECAA and Bulgaria Mr Harper: The UK Border Agency transferred staff and Romania from other areas of the agency to work on the temporary Casework migration cases backlog. This measure, in addition to Accession 95% in 4 weeks 99% in 4 weeks the recruitment of additional staff, resulted in an increased British Citizenship 95% in 6 months 99% in 6 months level of performance across all backlog areas. Staff Sponsor Licensing 65% in 4 weeks 80% in 4 weeks were not transferred from other frontline delivery roles 1 Premium Service Standard is 95% on same day. but from back office roles, allowing for a short-term Table 2: Overseas Service Standards staffing dip in these areas without significant performance %/weeks drops. The UK Border Agency published figures on its Non-settlement visas 90% in 3 weeks performance against migration service standards on a Settlement visas 95% in 12 weeks quarterly basis as part of its commitment to transparency. 49W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 50W

Table 3: Percentage of migration applications decided within published standards, April to September 2010 Quarter 1 2010-11 Quarter 2 2010-11 % of Applications No. of applications % of Applications No. of applications decided within decided within Total number of decided within decided within Total number of Service Standard Service Standard applications decided Service Standard Service Standard applications decided

Family and Visiting 66 15,832 24,157 59 14,060 23,675 the UK Employment 87 19,220 21,980 86 20,297 23,472 Study 73 21,564 29,484 83 23,498 28,254 Permanent 91 30,880 34,075 87 31,431 36,083 Residence European Casework, 93 15,934 17,089 79 27,132 34,139 ECAA and Bulgaria and Romania Casework Accession 99 66,352 66,767 98 77,292 78,787 British Citizenship 99 51,765 52,429 99 55,998 56,658 Sponsor Licensing 82 2,823 3,447 58 1,819 3,135 Non-settlement visas 92 668,296 724,092 96 719,577 752,223 Settlement visas 89 16,395 18,493 88 17,258 19,667 Overall total 92 909,061 992,013 94 988,362 1,056,093 Notes: 1. In-Country figures include postal and premium applications. 2. All data extracted on 5 November 2012, representing Casework Database as at 4 November 2012. 3. All figures quoted are management information which have been subject to internal quality assurance checks. However, the numbers may differ from figures published as National Statistics in the Home Office Control of Immigration statistical publications as they are drawn from different snapshots of the UK Border Agency database. Table 4: Percentage of migration applications decided within published standards, October 2010 to March 2011 Quarter 3 2010-11 Quarter 4 2010-11 % of Applications No. of applications % of Applications No. of applications decided within decided within Total number of decided within decided within Total number of Service Standard Service Standard applications decided Service Standard Service Standard applications decided

Family and Visiting 57 15,313 27,080 58 16,551 28,592 the UK Employment 56 11,729 21,062 76 27,064 35,686 Study 79 40,003 50,805 86 34,743 40,631 Permanent 78 26,821 34,255 89 32,962 37,038 Residence European Casework, 98 28,734 29,424 97 38,812 40,068 ECAA and Bulgaria and Romania Casework Accession 98 72,684 74,402 98 56,013 56,866 British Citizenship 99 44,493 44,983 99 50,905 51,615 Sponsor Licensing 74 2,153 2,892 81 2,142 2,653 Non-settlement visas 97 465,744 481,373 96 486,117 507,064 Settlement visas 94 20,748 22,183 93 21,196 22,798 Overall total 92 728,422 788,459 93 766,505 823,011 Notes: 1. In-Country figures include postal and premium applications. 2. All data extracted on 5 November 2012, representing Casework Database as at 4 November 2012. 3. All figures quoted are management information which have been subject to internal quality assurance checks. However, the numbers may differ from figures published as National Statistics in the Home Office Control of Immigration statistical publications as they are drawn from different snapshots of the UK Border Agency database. Table 5: Percentage of migration applications decided within published standards, April to September 2011 Quarter 1 2011-12 Quarter 2 2011-12 % of Applications No. of applications % of Applications No. of applications decided within decided within Total number of decided within decided within Total number of Service Standard Service Standard applications decided Service Standard Service Standard applications decided

Family and Visiting 72 10,514 14,654 70 10,834 15,519 the UK Employment 72 15,955 22,140 81 19,660 24,239 Study 91 22,747 24,992 78 15,782 20,163 Permanent 90 27,596 30,503 92 29,388 31,907 Residence European Casework, 98 32,486 33,203 98 34,069 34,624 ECAA and Bulgaria and Romania Casework Accession — ————— British Citizenship 98 41,629 42,384 98 49,105 49,930 Sponsor Licensing 74 1,584 2,133 79 1,889 2,392 Non-settlement visas 89 703,469 790,053 90 670,153 745,536 Settlement visas 91 13,445 14,694 89 18,626 21,032 51W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 52W

Table 5: Percentage of migration applications decided within published standards, April to September 2011 Quarter 1 2011-12 Quarter 2 2011-12 % of Applications No. of applications % of Applications No. of applications decided within decided within Total number of decided within decided within Total number of Service Standard Service Standard applications decided Service Standard Service Standard applications decided

Overall total 89 869,425 974,756 90 849,506 945,342 Notes: 1. In-Country figures include postal and premium applications. 2. All data extracted on 5 November 2012, representing Casework Database as at 4 November 2012. 3. All figures quoted are management information which have been subject to internal quality assurance checks. However, the numbers may differ from figures published as National Statistics in the Home Office Control of Immigration statistical publications as they are drawn from different snapshots of the UK Border Agency database. Table 6: Percentage of migration applications decided within published standards, October 2011 to March 2012 Quarter 3 2011-12 Quarter 4 2011-12 % of Applications No. of applications % of Applications No. of applications decided within decided within Total number of decided within decided within Total number of Service Standard Service Standard applications decided Service Standard Service Standard applications decided

Family and Visiting 69 10,476 15,132 61 8,158 13,311 the UK Employment 83 20,494 24,668 86 25,484 29,796 Study 77 33,785 43,755 67 17,037 25,309 Permanent 91 26,738 29,401 91 24,655 27,158 Residence European Casework, 99 35,118 35,506 98 31,247 32,026 ECAA and Bulgaria and Romania Casework Accession — ————— British Citizenship 98 42,396 43,139 97 47,439 48,708 Sponsor Licensing 84 1,835 2,182 80 1,209 1,518 Non-settlement visas 94 403,407 427,845 97 467,696 483,374 Settlement visas 89 13,847 15,530 92 14,348 15,600 Overall total 92 588,096 637,158 94 637,273 676,800 Notes: 1. In-Country figures include postal and premium applications. 2. All data extracted on 5 November 2012, representing Casework Database as at 4 November 2012. 3. All figures quoted are management information which have been subject to internal quality assurance checks. However, the numbers may differ from figures published as National Statistics in the Home Office Control of Immigration statistical publications as they are drawn from different snapshots of the UK Border Agency database. Table 7: percentage of migration applications decided within published standards, April to September 2012 Quarter 1 2012-13 Quarter 2 2012-13 % of Applications No. of applications % of Applications No. of applications decided within decided within Total number of decided within decided within Total number of Service Standard Service Standard applications decided Service Standard Service Standard applications decided

Family 42 4,462 10,528 34 3,166 9,323 Visiting the UK 37 107 288 44 146 335 Employment 37 8,831 23,818 41 13,110 32,327 Study 29 4,596 16,057 21 3,805 17,741 Permanent 84 20,997 25,072 89 21,588 24,197 Residence European Casework, 98 23,605 24,187 90 24,573 27,297 ECAA and Bulgaria and Romania Casework British Citizenship 97 45,272 46,830 98 54,040 55,149 Sponsor Licensing 41 309 761 62 885 1,433 Non-settlement visas 94 719,092 746,403 92 668,824 724,984 Settlement visas 90 13,346 14,902 70 11,149 15,855 Overall total 92 840,617 908,846 88 801,286 908,641 Notes: 1. In-Country figures include postal and premium applications. 2. All data extracted on 5 November 2012, representing Casework Database as at 4 November 2012. 3. All figures quoted are management information which have been subject to internal quality assurance checks. However, the numbers may differ from figures published as National Statistics in the Home Office Control of Immigration statistical publications as they are drawn from different snapshots of the UK Border Agency database. Table 8: Percentage of migration applications decided within published standards, October to December 2012 Quarter 3 2012-13 % of Applications decided within No. of applications decided within Service Standard Service Standard Total number of applications decided

Family 25 3,098 12,259 Visiting the UK 44 185 418 Employment 60 11,780 19,663 Study 24 8,784 36,057 53W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 54W

Table 8: Percentage of migration applications decided within published standards, October to December 2012 Quarter 3 2012-13 % of Applications decided within No. of applications decided within Service Standard Service Standard Total number of applications decided

Permanent Residence 87 23,798 27,407 European Casework, ECAA and 82 24,961 30,518 Bulgaria and Romania Casework British Citizenship 98 52,249 53,269 Sponsor Licensing 88 4,288 4,879 Non-settlement visas 94 455,166 486,056 Settlement visas 53 9,620 18,113 Overall total 86 593,929 688,639 Notes: 1. In-Country figures include postal and premium applications. 2. All data extracted on 5 November 2012, representing Casework Database as at 4 November 2012. 3. All figures quoted are management information which have been subject to internal quality assurance checks. However, the numbers may differ from figures published as National Statistics in the Home Office Control of Immigration statistical publications as they are drawn from different snapshots of the UK Border Agency database.

Vetting 146412, 146413 and 146414 tabled on 28 February for answer on 5 March 2013 and question 145587 tabled Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for the on 26 February for answer on 1 March 2013; and for Home Department when she plans to publish the full what reasons each of these questions was not answered regulations accompanying changes to Criminal on the day named. [149525] Records Bureau requirements. [150666] Mr Harper [holding answer 25 March 2013]: Parliamentary questions 146405, 146412, 146413, and James Brokenshire: On 1 December 2012, the Disclosure 145587 were answered on 26 March 2013. Parliamentary and Barring Service (DBS) replaced the Criminal Records question 146414 was answered on 10 April 2013 and Bureau (CRB) and the Independent Safeguarding Authority 146411 answered on 15 April 2013. I apologise for the (ISA). The DBS performs the functions previously carried delay in providing a response. out by the ISA and CRB. The draft statutory instruments relevant to the proposed changes to what must be disclosed by the Disclosure DEFENCE and Barring Service in response to an application for a criminal record certificate or an enhanced criminal record Trident certificate were laid before Parliament on 26 March 2013. 18. Bob Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Violence Against Women and Girls Ministerial Group Defence what plans he has for the future of the UK’s Trident-based nuclear deterrent. [150746] Stella Creasy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the last meeting of the Mr Philip Hammond: The Government’s policy is Violence Against Women and Girls Inter-Ministerial that the Vanguard class submarines will be replaced in Group was held; who attended that meeting; and what the late 2020s by a new class of successor strategic items were on the agenda. [150552] missile submarines carrying the Trident missile, subject to a main gate investment approval in 2016. Damian Green: The Violence against Women and Middle East Girls Inter-Ministerial Group is chaired by the Secretary of State for the Home Department and meets on a 21. Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for quarterly basis. The last meeting took place on 6 February Defence what recent assessment he has made of the 2013 and discussed perpetrators of domestic violence defence situation in the middle east. [150750] and progress update on the cross Government Action Plan. Dr Murrison: The security situation in the middle The following Departments were represented: east remains fragile, as populations continue to demand greater political, social and economic freedom. In particular, Home Office the conflict in Syria is deteriorating but we are pursuing Department of Health efforts to deliver a political solution. The UK also Ministry of Justice remains concerned over Iran’s nuclear programme and Department for Work and Pensions is committed to a twin track approach of pressure Attorney-General Office through sanctions and engagement through multilateral The Welsh Assembly Government negotiations to achieve a diplomatic solution to Tehran’s Department for International Development nuclear ambitions. But, as with Syria, no options have been removed from the table. Ministry of Defence Afghanistan Written Questions: Government Responses 22. Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for the Defence what progress his Department has made on Home Department when she intends to answer named calculating the costs of withdrawal from Afghanistan. day written parliamentary questions 146405, 146411, [150751] 55W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 56W

Mr Robathan: We continue to work on identifying the Armed Forces: Northern Ireland most cost-effective solution for the redeployment of both military personnel and equipment, considered Dr McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for alongside operational priority and security. We expect Defence how many people from Northern Ireland have estimated costs to be produced in the summer. We want joined HM armed forces in each of the last three years. to continue to take advantage of the investment we have [150948] made in these operations, as a result of which, our troops have never been better equipped. We will be Mr Francois: I refer the hon. Member to the answer discussing carefully with the Treasury and National given by the Minister for the Armed Forces, my right Audit Office how we maximise the continuing return on hon. Friend the Member for South Leicestershire this investment. (Mr Robathan), on 6 March 2013, Official Report, column 1096W, to the hon. Member for Kilmarnock Defence Expenditure and Loudon (Cathy Jamieson). Armed Forces: Schools 23. Mr Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent representations he has received on Pamela Nash: To ask the Secretary of State for defence expenditure. [150752] Defence how many visits the armed forces made to (a) state secondary schools, (b) independent schools and Mr Philip Hammond: I receive regular representations (c) colleges in (i) Scotland, (ii) Wales, (iii) England and about defence expenditure, both orally and in writing, (iv) Northern Ireland in 2011-12. [150468] from a range of interested parties, including hon. Members, Mr Francois: This information is not held in the other Governments, industry and the public and of format requested, but the number of visits in 2011-12, course, not least, from my hon. Friend himself. broken down by service and UK country is shown in the following table: Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent representations he has received on Number of visits defence expenditure. [150736] by the Royal Number of visits Number of visits by Country Navy by the Army the Royal Air Force Mr Philip Hammond: I refer my hon. Friend to the Scotland 304 491 416 answer I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Wales 146 476 91 Member for Basildon and Billericay (Mr Baron). England 1,821 4,534 2,094 Northern 188 153 110 Ireland Air Force: Military Bases These visits can comprise presentations, citizenship talks, meetings with staff, participation in career events, Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for practice interviews and activities with the students. Activities Defence (1) pursuant to the written ministerial with students can comprise science and maths challenges, statement of 25 March 2013, on defence estate and other indoor or outdoor exercises. rationalisation, which three Typhoon squadrons will be based at RAF Lossiemouth; and how many (a) regular The armed forces do not visit schools for recruitment and (b) reserve squadrons of Lightning II will be purposes and would only ever visit a school after being invited by a teacher to support school activities. Similar based at RAF Marham; [150593] contributions to schools are made by the police, fire, (2) pursuant to the written ministerial statement of ambulance and other emergency services. The armed 25 March 2013, defence estate rationalisation update, forces get numerous requests from schools each year how many (a) regular and (b) reserve squadrons of and the three services take these opportunities to explain Lightning II will be based at RAF Marham in each to children their role to protect the nation and pass on year from 2018 to 2025; and what the planned out of valuable skills such as leadership, teamwork and citizenship. service date for each squadron of Tornado GR4 is. [151047] Pamela Nash: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many visits the armed forces made to (a) Mr Robathan: I refer the hon. Member to the statement state secondary schools, (b) independent schools and I made on 25 March 2013, Official Report, column (c) colleges in each (i) local authority area and (ii) 65WS. In which, I said that, No. 1 (Fighter) Squadron parliamentary constituency in 2011-12. [150469] and No. 6 Squadron currently based at RAF Leuchars which provide the Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) Mr Francois: I refer the hon. Member to the answer (Interceptor) North role will relocate to RAF Lossiemouth. given by the Minister for the Armed Forces, my right A decision on the third Typhoon squadron to be based hon. Friend the right hon. Member for South Leicestershire at RAF Lossiemouth has not yet been taken. (Mr Robathan), on 6 March 2013, Official Report, column 1096W, to the hon. Member for Kilmarnock The Ministry of Defence will now commence detailed and Loudoun (Cathy Jamieson). planning to ascertain the most effective Lightning II Squadron lay-down at RAF Marham. There are no Armed Forces: Young Offenders plans to form Reserve Lightning II Squadrons. The outcome of this work and details on the planned out of Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for service date for each Tornado GR4 Squadron will be Defence with reference to the report published in The taken in due course. Lancet, Violent offending by UK military personnel 57W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 58W deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan: a data linkage http://defenceintranet.diif.r.mil.uk/libraries/corporate/ cohort study, 16 March 2013, what assessment he has Ministry%20of%20Defence/20130121.1/2084_ made of the increased risks of violent offending by MOD%20Annual%20Report%20and%20Accounts%202011- 2012.pdf young armed forces’ personnel. [151054]

Mr Francois: In the light of concerns expressed about Depleted Uranium the proportion of ex-military personnel in the criminal justice system, the King’s Centre for Military Health Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Research carried out a study, which surveyed over 13,000 Defence pursuant to the answer of 12 March 2013, personnel, into violent offending among military personnel, Official Report, column 161W, on depleted uranium, the results of which were reported in The Lancet in how many locations with depleted uranium (DU) March 2013. contaminations were surveyed as part of his The study found that 11.0% of males within the Department’s DU environmental monitoring service population had committed an offence of programme in Iraq; what the nature was of the targets interpersonal violence, compared to 8.7% of the UK surveyed; and which of his Department’s reports show male civilian population. It is also noted that from that presence of DU is at levels too low to have any those surveyed 20.6% of males within the service population detectable health impact on civilians in Iraq. [149892] under the age of 30 years committed violent offences compared to 6.7% of males under the age of 30 in the Mr Robathan [holding answer 25 March 2013]: More general population. The paper found that while deployment than 12 locations, combat equipment and the surrounding to Iraq and Afghanistan was not in itself a significant environment, were surveyed as part of the Department’s factor linked to violent offending, there was a correlation assessment of DU in Iraq. among personnel who had served in a combat role or The following reports cover a summary of the Iraq who had developed post-deployment mental health survey and risks more generally.The findings are consistent problems such as alcohol misuse, anger and post-traumatic with scientific consensus that the presence of DU is at stress disorder. Other significant factors included pre-existing levels too low to have any detectable health impact: risk factors such as younger age and pre-military offences TA-6 Radiation Protection of the Public and the Environment, of a similar nature. The study’s authors have recommended Radiological Assessment of Depleted Uranium Impact Locations further evidence-based research into the potential utility in Iraq, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory Environmental of violence-reduction interventions among those returning Sciences Department, 2006 from deployment in order to help detect mental health Depleted Uranium Munitions Contamination Risks, Defence issues and thus reduce the risk of violent offending. Science and Technology Laboratory Environmental Sciences Ministry of Defence policy makes it clear that the Department and Institute of Naval Medicine, 2009 armed forces will not tolerate violence of this nature. Copies of these reports will be placed in the Library Service personnel who experience violence and service of the House. family members who are victims of violence have a wide range of sources of help and information, and are Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence actively encouraged to use them. These include single whether the public will be informed in advance of service welfare providers, unit welfare officers, families CHARM3 test fires at the Dundrennan Range. federations and help-lines. [150934]

Assets Mr Dunne: Advance notice of planned firings of any munitions at the Dundrennan range is routinely provided on a weekly basis to the local police, coastguard, Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for harbourmaster, library, farmers and to members of the Defence what the most recent estimate is of the net public who have requested such information. book value of each major item of (a) single use military equipment, (b) transport equipment, (c) The only planned Challenger Armament 3 (CHARM3) plant and machinery, (d) information technology and firings in the next few years relate to the Life Extension (e) land and buildings. [148322] Programme (LEP) for the propellant charge. A suitable trial site for the LEP has not yet been selected. I refer Mr Dunne: This information is not held centrally and the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 4 March 2013, could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Official Report, column 846W, and reiterate that the planned CHARM3 LEP does not involve the firing of depleted uranium. Defence Estates

Gemma Doyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Freedom of Information Defence what assessment he has made of the proportion in cash terms of the budget for defence Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence estates and bases that is annually written off, which is when he expects to respond to Freedom of Information not directly attributable to fraud, corruption or theft. request MM/JH/20/12/2012 submitted by the hon. [150967] Member for Bridgend; and if he will make a statement. [150456] Mr Francois: Losses on the Ministry of Defence (MOD) estate over £250,000 are included (with others) Mr Francois: An investigation by officials found no in the MOD’s Annual Accounts (Section 25) and can be record of the Freedom of Information request having found at: been received within the Ministry of Defence. 59W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 60W

However, an FOI has now been received and I expect Mr Francois: The Queen’s Regulations (QRs) for the officials to provide a response within the statutory 20 Royal Navy are available online and can be found at the working day time scale for responding, no later than following website: 25 April 2013. http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/sitecore/content/home/news- Gurkhas: Pensions and-events/reference-library/naval-publications QRs for the Army are not available on an open Gareth Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for website. However, for those who can access the ArmyNet Defence how many Gurkhas in the UK have had some website they may be read online. The RAF QRs are not of their pre-1997 service years deducted from their yet online but that is under consideration. All QRs are pension through the transfer of their pension benefits available for purchase through the Stationery Office from the Gurkha Pension Scheme to the Armed Forces online shop. Pension Scheme; and what the average number of years MOD Ashchurch service deducted is. [150957] Mr Francois: The information requested is not centrally Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of held within the Compensation and Pensions System State for Defence what recent discussions he has had and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. with private companies operating at Ashchurch HMS Tireless following his issuing a closure notice; and if he will make a statement. [150721] Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his answer of 4 March 2013, Official Mr Dunne: Ministry of Defence officials (MOD) Report, column 846W, on HMS Tireless, on what date have regular meetings with the private companies which Ministers in his Department were informed of occupy space at Ministry of Defence Ashchurch. The problems with the nuclear reactor cooling system on private companies are being kept informed that the HMS Tireless; whether the incident was categorised as MOD continues to consider the future of the site. an abnormal event with the potential to challenge a nuclear safety system; and whether any of the Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of submarine’s crew members were exposed to additional, State for Defence what recent estimate he has made of unexpected doses of radiation as a result of the the number of (a) permanent and (b) agency staff incident. [151077] employed at MOD Ashchurch, employed (i) directly by his Department and (ii) by other organisations. Mr Dunne: The very small coolant leak, which was [150724] wholly contained within HMS Tireless’ sealed reactor compartment, was not categorised as an abnormal event Mr Dunne: In March 2013 there were 294 permanent with the potential to challenge a nuclear safety system Ministry of Defence (MOD) staff, including 126 military because the operating philosophy, design and safety personnel and 78 agency staff employed at MOD justification for the reactor plant allows for safe management Ashchurch. A further 45 personnel were employed by in such cases. MOD contractors. No members of the crew were exposed to additional A number of commercial companies lease office space or unexpected doses of radiation. As soon as the facts at MOD Ashchurch and in March 2013 these companies related to the incident had been established and assessed employed a total of 244 personnel on site. by the relevant Ministry of Defence authorities, Ministers were notified on 5 February 2013. QinetiQ: Pensions Information Officers Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 25 February 2013, Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Official Report, column 30W, on QinetiQ: pensions, Defence how many press officers there were in his whether he expects to be able to sign off the pension [150486] Department in March (a) 2010 and (b) 2013. costs before the end of the financial year. [150646] Mr Francois: In March 2010 the total number of Mr Dunne: Discussions between the Ministry of Defence press office posts in the central Ministry of Defence and QinetiQ on the proposed changes to pension press office organisation was 35. As of March 2013, the arrangements are ongoing. It was not possible to resolve figure is 23. The current total is made up of the Head of all the issues before the end of financial year 2012-13. News, 18 posts for press officers specialising in every aspect of Defence, a military officer for each of the Radiation: Emergency Services armed forces and a press officer on deployment to Afghanistan. As the authorised channel of communication Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with the news media, the press office responds to enquiries if he will list for each of (a) AWE Aldermaston, (b) from the national media and provides presentational AWE Burghfield, (c) RN Base Coulport, (d) RN advice to Ministers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. bases at Faslane, Rosyth and Plymouth Devonport Military Law respectively and (e) Z-berths for emergency docking of nuclear powered submarines in the UK, which of the Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for emergency service respondee organisations from the (i) Defence for what reasons Queen’s Regulations are not fire brigade, (ii) police, (iii) ambulance service, (iv) local available online; and if he will publish these online. authorities and (v) contractors working for any of the [151053] emergency services operators have been pre-registered 61W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 62W locally in respect of requirements under Regulation 14 of around £493 million. Further investigation into these of the Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public contracts has revealed that only 27 of them are, in fact, Information) Regulations 2001 to pre-train those still open, with a total value of around £452 million. personnel who would have to carry out their duties in a radioactive environment in the event of a radiological Shown in the following table is a list which includes emergency at a licensed nuclear site; and what details of those let by MOD trading funds, but does not include pre-registration emergency services are required to pan-Government enabling contracts, government communicate to the Office for Nuclear Regulation. procurement card payments or miscellaneous transactions. [151024] I am withholding the details of seven contracts as their disclosure would or would be likely to prejudice Mr Dunne: The Radiation (Emergency Preparedness the capability, effectiveness or security of the armed and Public Information) Regulations 2001 (REPPIR) forces, require the preparation of emergency plans for sites where a radiation emergency could arise from working Contract Current contract with ionising radiation. On-site emergency plans have number Contract title (purpose) end date been produced by site operators for all Defence nuclear licensed and authorised sites; off-site emergency plans LSBU5/ Procurement of Warrior push switch 18 April 2013 are the responsibility of the relevant local authorities. 0045 CSA/4006 Support contract for ships data 30 June 2013 Where any employee may, as a result of such emergencies, distribution system, test equipment and be exposed to radiation that exceeds normal dose limits, ships data interface system Regulation 14 of REPPIR requires the relevant employer TDLC/ Provision of spares and repairs for Link 15 August 2013 to make certain provisions, including the provision of 00124 11 Datalink Process Systems information, instruction and equipment. DS&TE/ Post design services, procurement, 30 September 019/B modifications, repair and calibration of 2013 Relevant employers may include local emergency services, fuel system test sets, kits and parts for local authority personnel, or contractors operating on Tornado, Harrier, Chinook and other their behalf. The Ministry of Defence does not hold aircraft platforms records of other relevant employers’ compliance with FWS3E/ Repair/refurbish and provision of spares 31 October 2013 Regulation 14 of REPPIR, which is a matter for the 0263 for Automatic Upper Air Sounding employers themselves and the Office for Nuclear Regulation. System AVCOMMl/ Provision of repair of Sonar Location 1 October 2013 Rescue Services: Helicopters 5862 Beacons SHORAD/ Distribution Unit (PDM2) Modification 31 December 0069 Kits for Radar Type 997 2013 Sir Alan Beith: To ask the Secretary of State for AVCOMM1/5871 Demand Order Supply of Electrical 31 December Defence when he expects the Ministry of Defence Spares 2013 police investigation into the SAR helicopter contract SMC42C/ Repair of 5G test equipment, test cables, 31 December bidding process begun in 2011 to be completed; and if 1026 module assemblies and 5CZ amplifiers 2013 he will make a statement. [150861] CSIS/00075 The Supply of Engineering Services and 31 March 2014 Systems Mr Dunne: I wrote to the right hon. Member on 10 MRA4/ The Provision of a Sonobuoy Capability 31 July 2014 April 2013. 00123 for Sonobuoys and Off Board Acoustic Sources Select Committee Oral Evidence CBTSYST/ Contract for the repair of Ultra 22 August 2014 10077 Electronics LRUS (Systems Optronics Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for and Hull and Auto) Defence whether it is the practice of (a) the Minister MES/20607 In service support of Astute Main Static 18 October 2015 Converters Emergency Propulsion concerned and (b) officials of his Department to check Motor & Diesel Generator Local uncorrected transcripts for accuracy following Control Panels ministerial appearances before parliamentary select LXCOMM/ Sea Owl HIPPAG (High Pressure Pure 31 December committees. [150610] 0064 Air Generators) Support (repairs and 2015 spares) Mr Robathan: Yes, as was the case under previous ADATS/297 Contractor Logistic Support for 31 December Audiosoft PC2000 & PC2016 Multi- 2015 Governments. Channel Voice Recorders and Reproducers Ultra Electronics ISMCOM/ Weapon Interface Equipment Capability 31 December 70331 Sustainment/Support (including 2015 Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for submarine weapon interconnector sub- Defence pursuant to the answer of 13 March 2013, systems) Official Report, column 789W, on Ultra Electronics, ACCSCAD/ Contractor Logistic Support to the Air 31 July 2016 what the purpose is of each contract held between 01237 Defence Systems Integrator Ultra Electronics Holdings plc and his Department; UWS4C/ Mine Disposal System 30 September 0150 2016 and when each such contract will expire. [150956] SANSC1/ LITENING III Main Phase 30 September 04059 2027 Mr Dunne: I refer the hon. Member to the answers I IDSTLX Provision of spares in support of 1— gave on 12 March 2013, Official Report, column 163W, 1000073537 Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and 21 March 2013, Official Report, column 789W, in Nuclear Team Open until final invoices which I stated that the Ministry of Defence (MOD) submitted holds 44 contracts with the company, with a total value 1 Open until final invoices submitted. 63W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 64W

PRIME MINISTER The latest data on the social background of applicants Domestic Visits to full-time undergraduate courses in the UK were published by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Pamela Nash: To ask the Prime Minister what the Service (UCAS) in January and are available at: cost to the public purse of the PM Direct events has http://www.ucas.com/about_us/media_enquiries/ been in each of the last two years. [150580] media_releases/2013/2013janapprates The figures show that, as at the main UCAS deadline The Prime Minister: Since my appointment as Prime of 15 January, the application rate of 18-year-olds from Minister I have held a series of public meetings which England living in disadvantaged areas reached a record provide members of the public with an opportunity to high in 2013. raise local, regional or national issues with me directly. Each PM Direct event has been arranged in accordance Members: Correspondence with ministerial and civil service guidelines. Costs have been minimised as far as possible. The cost of any Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Deputy Prime security provided by the police is a matter for the Minister when he intends to reply to the letter to him relevant police force. In 2011 there were eight PM dated 13 February 2013 from the hon. Member for Direct events at a cost of £22,913. In 2012 there were Newcastle upon Tyne North, on reductions to local nine PM Direct events at a cost of £30,376. government funding and arts venues in Newcastle. [150366] WOMEN AND EQUALITIES The Deputy Prime Minister: I replied to the hon. Equality Act 2010 Member on 27 March 2013. Mr Thomas: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities for what reasons section 36 of the Equalities Act 2010 has not yet been enforced. [150968] ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS Mrs Grant: On 15 May 2012, the Secretary of State Agricultural Wages Board for the Home Department, my right hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May), announced, as the outcome of the Red Tape Challenge spotlight on Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for equality law, a number of provisions which the Government Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many cases intended to delay or repeal because of concerns regarding of non-compliance with the Agricultural Wages Board an unnecessary or disproportionate burden on business. have been (a) detected, (b) investigated, (c) As such, the Government has decided to delay the prosecuted and (d) brought forward by the provisions at sections 36(1)(d), (5) and (6) and schedule Gangmasters Licensing Authority in each of the last 4, paragraphs 5-7, of the Equality Act 2010. Other five years; and what the name was of the individuals provisions within section 36 of the Act, namely s.36 and companies involved. [148973] (1)(a)(b)(c), (2), (3), (4), (7) and (8) have been commenced. Mr Heath: The Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) does not have powers to prosecute businesses DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER that fail to pay their workers the correct agricultural minimum wage (AMW). However, failure to pay the British Constitution correct rate of the AMW could result in the revocation of an existing licence or the refusal of a new licence Mr Bone: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what application as it would be a breach of the GLA’s new constitutional reforms he will bring forward in this Licensing Standards. Parliament. [150448] GLA records, set out in the following table, indicate Miss Chloe Smith: I refer the hon. Member to the that there are 25 companies that have had their gangmaster reply given to the hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull licence revoked in the last five years where failure to East (Karl Turner) on 26 March 2013, Official Report, comply with the Licensing Standard requiring compliance Column 1451 by my right hon. Friend the Deputy with AMW legislation was a factor in the licensing Prime Minister. decision. Higher Education: Admissions A further four companies were refused a licence on grounds which included failure to comply with AMW Pamela Nash: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister legislation; however, the GLA does not publish details what assessment he has made of the effect on social of businesses whose licence applications are refused. mobility of changes in the (a) number of funded Although these businesses have been unable to demonstrate places available in universities in Scotland and (b) that they meet the GLA Licensing Standards, they are university applications made through UCAS since May not active in the regulated sectors at the time they apply 2010. [149788] for a new licence. Therefore, the GLA does not consider it to be in the public interest to make this information Mr Willetts: I have been asked to reply on behalf of available on their public registers. the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. Businesses that are refused a licence or whose licence Higher education in Scotland is a devolved matter, is revoked may reapply at a future date and will be and questions about funded places at Scottish universities issued with a GLA licence if they show they comply are a matter for the Scottish Government. with the Licensing Standards. 65W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 66W

farmers with red diesel in their tractors to help grit and Company Date licence revoked clear snow from public roads to help communities Muirfield Recruitment Ltd 9 August 2012 during the bad weather. More broadly we are supporting L A Union Ltd 3 May 2012 farmers by cutting unnecessary red tape, opening up AS Rodgers (Kirton) Ltd 27 February 2012 new food export markets and fighting for reform of the Star Work Force Ltd 1 December 2011 common agricultural policy. J Mann Contractors Ltd 30 November 2011 BM Recruitment Services 30 September 2011 Agriculture: South West (Midlands) Ltd Rai n Dhanda Ltd 12 August 2011 Lauras Gang 20 June 2011 Mel Stride: To ask the Secretary of State for J P Services 8 April 2011 Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many single R P Employment Agency Ltd 24 March 2011 farm payments were processed by the Rural Payments C.A. Moore 21 March 2011 Agency in (a) Devon and (b) Cornwall in the last 12 G L Labour 9 February2011 months for which figures are available; and how many Rania Farm Services Ltd 22 December 2010 such payments were paid within (i) one month, (ii) one JR & JD Smith 5 November 2009 and three months, (iii) three and six months and (iv) A.S.A.P. (SW) Ltd 8 July 2009 more than six months of the payment due date. Saphire Trading Ltd 6 May 2009 [148171] Infinity HR Ltd 17 November 2008 Dial-A-Worker Ltd 22 October 2008 Mr Heath: Payments for the single farm payment are Gateway Recruitment Services 14 August 2008 payable from 1 December of the application year to the Newtex Ltd 31 July 2008 30 June of the following year; there is no specific EMP Solutions Ltd 14 July 2008 payment date. ASAP Recruitment (UK) Ltd 24 June 2008 For the 2011 scheme year, the RPA processed just Timberland Homes Ltd 6 May 2008 under 14,000 SPS claims for customers with a business Tony Housley 24 April 2008 address registered in Devon or Cornwall. The following Vilnius Recruitment Ltd 12 March 2008 table breaks down the payments by county.

Agriculture: Snow and Ice Payment period Devon Cornwall One month (within December 8,080 4,330 Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for 2011) Less than three months (between 840 270 Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what January-February 2012) representations he has received from farmers regarding Three to six months (between 285 110 the recent weather; what assessment he has made of the March-May 2012) effect of the adverse weather on the rural economy and More than six months (in or after 60 25 farm incomes; if he will take any emergency measures June 2012) to assist farmers in 2013; and if he will make a statement. [151050] It should be noted that this information relates to the current registered business address and does not directly Mr Heath: I have placed a copy of the latest assessment relate to land in Devon and Cornwall. The numbers in made of farm incomes, for the year ending February the table have been rounded to the nearest five. 2013, in the Library of the House. These forecasts are based on the information available Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency in mid-January 2013 for prices, animal populations, marketings, crop areas and yield. Actual farm incomes Mr Havard: To ask the Secretary of State for for this period will be available at the end of October Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which company 2013. holds the largest contract to provide mobile telephony The forecasts show that incomes are expected to fall services to the Animal Health and Veterinary for most farm types compared with the previous year. Laboratories Agency; how much was paid under that This is largely due to the extremely wet weather in 2012 contract since it was awarded; how many individual and the poor growing and grazing season. The falls in devices are covered by the contract; when the contract income are also more pronounced as incomes were was awarded; and when and by what means the relatively high in 2010-11. The impact of the more contract will next be reviewed. [148527] recent adverse weather on farm incomes will not be reflected in these figures but will come through in the Mr Heath: Vodafone holds the largest contract to 2013-14 farm income forecasts published next January. provide mobile telephony services to the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA). It started The continued bad weather in 2013 has been a severe on 7 March 2011 and covers 1139 devices. blow. During these exceptional circumstances farmers will be allowed to bury or burn animals on farm land. AHVLA has spent the following since the contract We have also asked the National Fallen Stock Company began: to consider reduced costs for multiple collections of stock from the same farm. £ The Government has also recently relaxed rules on 2011-12 125,141 driver hours to allow extra time for essential deliveries 2012-13 1167,225 of animal feed to get through to farms and permitted 1 Latest data—up to and including 28 February 2013. 67W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 68W

The current contract was put in place through the European legislation. Accordingly the UK has been Government Procurement Service framework arrangement supporting the work of European Medicines Agency’s and expires on 30 March 2015. We would expect the Committee for Medicinal Products for Veterinary Use same approach to be taken to procuring a replacement (CVMP) on antibiotic resistance. In particular, we have contract at that time. contributed to the Europe wide adoption of Summaries of Product Characteristics, to include label warnings Antibiotics relating to resistance for existing fluoroquinolones and 3rd and 4th generation cephalosporin products used in Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for veterinary medicine. We will continue to influence this Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps his debate on labelling and permitted uses as it progresses. Department is taking to reduce the over-prescription of veterinary antibiotics. [150457] The EU legislation on veterinary medicines is currently under revision and the UK along with other member Mr Heath: All veterinary medicinal products containing states and the Commission are examining the available antibiotics in the UK are available only on prescription evidence to establish whether there is a need for additional by a veterinary surgeon, who in turn is only permitted controls on antibiotics used in animals, in particular to prescribe to animals under their care. Supply of those which are critically important for human health. veterinary medicinal products without a prescription is However, the Government considers that any controls illegal in the UK and is in breach of the Veterinary placed on the use of veterinary antimicrobials must be Medicines Regulations. Such offences are dealt with proportionate and based on scientific evidence in order robustly, and when appropriate the Veterinary Medicines to minimise the possibility of a negative impact on Directorate (VMD) will seek to take legal action through animal welfare. the courts. Beef: Horse Meat The Government takes the issue of antimicrobial resistance very seriously and the routine use of antibiotics Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State to prevent disease is not regarded as a responsible use of for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what (a) these medicines. However, the Government recognises steps he is taking to reassure consumers across the UK that the availability of veterinary medicines, including and (b) discussions he has had with Ministers in the antibiotics, is essential to ensure the health and welfare devolved Administrations concerning the detection of of food-producing animals in the UK. It is down to the horsemeat in the food chain. [142601] professional judgment of the veterinary surgeon whether an animal or a particular group of farmed animals Mr Heath: The Secretary of State for Environment, requires treatment with an antibiotic. Food and Rural Affairs, the right hon. Member for The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) North Shropshire (Mr Paterson), is working closely regulates the veterinary profession, undertaking the with his counterparts across Europe to ensure that the statutory responsibilities set out in the Veterinary Surgeons current unacceptable situation with horsemeat cannot Act 1966. All veterinary surgeons are required to comply happen again. This includes a three-month programme with the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct, which of DNA testing of beef products across the EU covering specifically states that veterinary surgeons must use domestic and imported products, the first results to be antibiotics responsibly in order to minimise resistance published on 15 April. Meat products across the EU development. will be DNA tested for horsemeat. In addition, both The Government works closely with the veterinary domestic and imported horsemeat will be tested for profession and with the farming industry to promote bute. The current paperwork-based system will be replaced the responsible use of antimicrobials in farmed animals. by a programme of testing real products. The Government has published a Code of Practice on Secondly, the Secretary of State agreed to a new the Responsible Use of Medicines on the Farm and a intelligence system so that information about the current leaflet on antimicrobials, which are available from the investigations can be shared immediately. This will enable Veterinary Medicines Directorate’s website. The Responsible other member states to act straight away if they have Use of Medicines in Agriculture (RUMA) Alliance has any suspicions that food businesses are not playing by produced guidance on responsible use of antibiotics for the rules. Member states also agreed to use Europol to different livestock sectors all of which can be found on co-ordinate law enforcement efforts. Thirdly, because of the RUMA website also, the British Veterinary Association the urgency with which we have to deal with what is (BVA)and the British Small Animal Veterinary Association clearly an international issue, we agreed that the European (BSAVA) have both published information to guide Commission’s report and recommendations on labelling prescribing. the origin of all processed meat should be accelerated Antibiotic use for growth promotion was banned in and published as soon as possible. The Secretary of the EU in 2006. At one time very small doses of some State expects that this will provide consumers with antibiotics were allowed to be added prophylactically to clearer and more reliable information on where meat animal feed because they improved the growth rates of products come from. The Secretary of State made a some farm animals. With the emergence of concerns statement to this effect on 13 February. He had a about antibiotic resistance in both human and veterinary meeting with representatives from the devolved medicines and, in particular, the impact of resistance on Administrations in advance of this meeting on 13 February the ability to treat humans, this application of antibiotics and an update meeting with them on 15 February. was banned. Devolved Administrations were also invited to the The UK is working with other EU member states to meeting with industry representatives on 18 January. ensure that antibiotics, including those considered critically Richard Lochhead and Alun Davies were present with important for human health, are used responsibly within Alex Attwood available by teleconferencing. 69W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 70W

Bees Richard Benyon: The DEFRA-led review group, which includes representatives from the angling community, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the Food Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State and Environment Research Agency, the Environment for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent Agency, Natural England and the Centre for Environment, steps he has taken to protect and encourage the UK’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, is finalising its work bee population. [148413] and will report to me shortly. I will consider the group’s recommendations fully before deciding on a way forward. Mr Heath: In 2009, DEFRA and the Welsh Government launched the Healthy Bees Plan which is aimed at Bovine Tuberculosis improving and protecting the health of honey bees over the next 10 years. In addition, following a review of the current honey bee pest and disease control policies, Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for DEFRA and the Welsh Government recently consulted Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what criteria stakeholders on the proposals emerging from the review. he will use to assess the effectiveness of the badger cull Nearly 200 responses were received and these are being pilots; [148823] considered to help inform development of future policy. (2) what threshold of effectiveness he has for the two In addition, DEFRA is providing £2.5 million over pilot areas to determine whether his badger control five years (from 2010-11) towards the £10 million Insect programme should proceed beyond those pilots; and Pollinators Initiative which is being jointly funded with when he anticipates that the next cull areas will the Scottish Government, Biotechnology and Biological commence; [148824] Sciences Research Council, Natural Environment Research (3) what methods of culling other than shooting will Council and the Wellcome Trust. Two projects will be deployed in the two pilot badger cull areas. [148825] specifically focus on honey bees and six will benefit both honey bees and bumblebees. Results are expected Mr Heath: The effectiveness monitoring will test the to become available in 2014. assumption that controlled shooting is an effective method of badger removal, in terms of being able to remove at DEFRA also provides £100,000 per year for honey least 70% of the starting population in the area, over bee research including work on control and risk the course of a six week cull. A summary of the management of honey bee pests and diseases. monitoring protocol can be found on the DEFRA ‘Biodiversity 2020’ committed to an increase in the website at: overall extent of priority habitats by at least 200,000 http://www.defra.gov.uk/animal-diseases/a-z/bovine-tb/ hectares and to preventing further human-induced badgers/badger-culling-pilots/ extinctions of known species. Further to this, Natural A panel of independent experts will evaluate the England, under its species recovery programme funds results of the effectiveness monitoring and report to conservation projects to support priority species such as Ministers. Based on this report, together with the outcome bumble bees. For example, the short haired bumble bee, of humaneness and safety monitoring, and other extinct in the UK since the 1980s, is being reintroduced information on the culls, Ministers will then take a from Sweden. decision as soon as practicable on wider roll-out of the Funding is also available to encourage farmers to policy. provide forage and nesting sites for bees. Entry Level The only two culling methods to be permitted are Stewardship (ELS) provides payments for the establishment cage-trapping (followed by shooting) and controlled of nectar flower mixtures. These are intended to provide shooting. The number of badgers culled and the culling a large quantity of nectar from small areas to mimic the method used in each case will be recorded by the nectar-bearing crops that once featured in traditional operators and be part of the licence returns to Natural agricultural systems and to limit the genetic impact on England. native wildflower species from the widespread sowing of commercial seed. Circuses: Animal Welfare Following a recent review of evidence from research, monitoring, and experience of scheme operation, several new ELS options were introduced from 1 January 2013. Sheryll Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for These include a supplement to add wildflowers to buffer Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much the strips and field corners, plus options for legume-rich licensing scheme for wild animals in circuses has cost to and herb-rich swards to provide habitat and food for implement to date. [149401] invertebrates including bees. Higher Level Stewardship also has a wide range of options which benefit bees. Mr Heath: The cost of administering the two licences These include floristically enhanced grass margins and issued to date, and carrying out associated inspections, conservation headlands. have been recovered from the applicants through the licence fee. Birds of Prey Sheryll Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for what reasons Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for no licences have been issued under the licensing scheme Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress he for wild animals in circuses to date. [149402] has made on his Department’s review of Predation by Fish-Eating Birds on Inland Fisheries; and if he will Mr Heath: Two licences were issued to circuses on make a statement. [150439] 13 March 2013. 71W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 72W

Mr Tom Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for with industry and commoning stakeholders have taken Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the Circus place within the CAP reform and common land working Mondao was granted a licence under the Welfare of group, and are expected to continue as the details of the Wild Animals in Travelling Circuses (England) legislation become clearer. Regulations 2012. [150086] Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Heath: Circus Mondao was issued with a licence Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how the concept on 13 March 2013. The licence is due to run for a period of active farms will be applied in England under of 12 months, subject to the circus continuing to common agricultural policy reforms; and if he will demonstrate that it meets the conditions for animal make a statement. [149973] welfare set out in the regulations. Mr Heath: There is no final agreement on the future Common Agricultural Policy CAP within the EU. Agriculture Council has adopted a mandate to start negotiations with the European Parliament Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for and the European Commission shortly. I hope we can Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment reach early agreement with the European Parliament on he has made of the impact on UK farmers of the CAP reform. The sooner we have clarity around the proposed reforms of the common agricultural policy; exact measures in the CAP regulations the sooner we and if he will make a statement. [149970] will be able to make more detailed decisions on how active farming is implemented in England. Mr Heath: There is no final agreement on the future CAP within the EU. Agriculture Council has adopted a Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State mandate to start negotiations with the European Parliament for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether he and the European Commission shortly. I hope we can has made an assessment of the likely effect in the East reach early agreement with the European Parliament on of England agricultural sector of his proposals for the CAP reform. The sooner we have clarity around the greening of the common agricultural policy; and if he exact measures in the CAP regulations, the sooner we will make a statement. [150101] will be able to make a more detailed assessment on the impact of the proposed reforms on UK farmers. Mr Heath: There is no final agreement on the future CAP within the EU. Agriculture Council has adopted a Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for mandate to start negotiations with the European Parliament Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how he expects and the European Commission shortly. I hope we can common agricultural policy reforms to be implemented reach early agreement with the European Parliament on in England in particular as regards the balance between CAP reform. The sooner we have clarity around the pillars; and if he will make a statement. [149971] greening measures in the CAP regulations, the sooner we will be able to make more detailed decisions on CAP Mr Heath: There is no final agreement on the future implementation in England. CAP within the EU. Agriculture Council has adopted a mandate to start negotiations with the European Parliament Convention on International Trade in Endangered and the European Commission shortly. I hope we can Species reach early agreement with the European Parliament on CAP reform. The sooner we have clarity around the exact measures in the CAP regulations the sooner we Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for will be able to make more detailed decisions on CAP Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what implementation in England. representations the Government made at the March 2013 meeting of the Convention on International As for the level of funding in England for pillars 1 Trade: Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna in and 2, we do not have yet a confirmed allocation of UK Bangkok. [150576] CAP receipts, and until we do it is difficult to say what level of funding the UK will receive for delivering our Richard Benyon: The UK delegation to the 16th environment and rural growth programmes. This includes conference of the parties of the convention on international any future decision as to the level of funds transferred trade in endangered species (CITES), which took place from pillar 1 to pillar 2. recently in Bangkok, actively engaged in all aspects of conference business. Representations ranged from Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for promoting UK views during EU negotiations, to chairing Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how the the rhino working group and lobbying in support of common agricultural policy reforms will apply to proposals submitted by the EU, such as the inclusion of grazers on common land and to landlords. [149972] the porbeagle shark on appendix ii of the convention. Mr Heath: There is no final agreement on the future CAP within the EU. Agriculture Council has adopted a Dangerous Dogs mandate to start negotiations with the European Parliament and the European Commission shortly. I hope we can Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State reach early agreement with the European Parliament on for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to CAP reform. Rules on land grazed in common are the written ministerial statement of 6 February 2013, expected to be addressed in implementing regulations Official Report, on tackling irresponsible dog made by the European Commission later this year after ownership, (1) whether he plans to issue guidance on the Council Regulations have been concluded. Discussions the costs of microchipping of dogs; [144903] 73W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 74W

(2) whether he proposes that licensed veterinarians continued or new cover. The Association of British will insert microchips for dogs without charge; [144904] Insurers has recently confirmed this approach when (3) which animal welfare charities offer free giving evidence to the EFRA Committee on flooding microchipping at their facilities. [144905] funding: “...where the insurer can be provided with evidence that supports Mr Heath: I have no plans to issue guidance on the the effectiveness of the measures that have been taken, they want costs of microchipping dogs. The Dogs Trust are making to do the best job they can in assessing the risk that a property brings to them as insurers and they will fully take that into free microchips available to local authorities, housing account. The mechanism in order to achieve that normally will be associations and veterinary surgeries. This will cover one that involves some sort of assessment by a professional of the the cost of the microchip and registration of the dog property, the measures that have been taken and the effectiveness and owner’s details. Free microchipping will also be of those measures against the kind of risk that that property is available at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home’s three exposed to.” centres, all 16 Blue Cross hospitals in England and In 2012, prior to the development of the National Dogs Trust centres. There may well be other organisations Flood Risk Report template, DEFRA commissioned a making such offers. Therefore, the cost of microchipping small survey to find out whether recently-installed property- a dog should be very small particularly when compared level flood measures had helped to reduce insurance to the lifetime cost of buying and caring for a dog. premiums or excesses. In the majority of cases it did not Environment Protection result in lower insurance premiums and excesses, nor increase customer choice of insurance cover, which will be useful to review this following the launch of the Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for template. It is important to note that property-level Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will measures do provide many people with increased peace introduce decarbonisation targets. [150219] of mind. Richard Benyon: Under the carbon budget system Food: Labelling established by the Climate Change Act 2008, this Department is working to cut emissions from agriculture, Ms Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for land use, waste, industrial gases and other sectors. Details Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions are set out in the Government’s Carbon Plan, which is he has had with the EU Commissioner for Agriculture available to view on the GOV.UK website at: on food labelling and food provenance policy issues; and if he will make a statement. [142618] www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-carbon-plan- reducing-greenhouse-gas-emissions--2 Mr Heath: The Secretary of State has not discussed DEFRA has no plans to set decarbonisation targets food labelling and food provenance issues with the EU in its sectors in addition to this work. Commissioner for Agriculture as Commissioner Borg, Floods: Insurance the EU Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy, is the most appropriate contact. The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the right Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for hon. Member for North Shropshire (Mr Paterson) spoke Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether his with Commissioner Borg on 11 February and he attended discussions with representatives of the insurance the meeting with the UK and other affected member industry on flood insurance have included the issue of states on 13 February. At this meeting we reached the work done by local authorities to mitigate flood agreement on a number of key issues in order to ensure risks; and what assessment he has made of whether that the current unacceptable situation with horsemeat such changes and subsequent reduced risks are being cannot happen again. He made a statement detailing taken account of by insurance underwriters in the outcome of that meeting on 13 February. assessing premiums for properties which historically have been at risk from flooding. [149403] Foxes

Richard Benyon: I can confirm that discussions were Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for held with representatives of the insurance industry in Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps he is 2012 on how they can take account of the work done by taking to tackle the problem of urban foxes in inner local authorities to mitigate flood risks, such as through cities. [150902] the installation of measures to properties to reduce flood risk or its impact (referred to as property-level Richard Benyon: There is no evidence that the majority measures). Following these discussions, the Government of urban foxes cause problems. The Government supports has worked with the insurance industry and others, those experiencing problems with individual foxes by such as the National Flood Forum, to develop a Flood providing guidance on how to deal with them on the Risk Report template, which has been available since Natural England website. November 2012. Gamekeepers The insurance industry recognise the Flood Risk Report as a standard approach for presenting the flood Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for risk of a property, provided a professional, suitably Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many qualified, independent surveyor has completed it. It can people have started courses to become gamekeepers in record the change in the level of risk for a property England and Wales in the last five years; how many following the installation of measures. Insurers may have completed a course; and how many such people take into account the information and flood protection have found jobs as gamekeepers on completion. measures when assessing the terms they will offer for [150903] 75W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 76W

Richard Benyon: DEFRA does not hold this information. Japanese Knotweed There is no requirement for gamekeepers, employers of gamekeepers or course providers to report to DEFRA Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for on course participation/completion or employment figures. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent steps he has taken to prevent the spread of invasive Genetically Modified Organisms Japanese knotweed. [148420] Richard Benyon: A controlled release of the highly Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for specialist psyllid “Aphalara itadori” is currently under Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when his way to help control Japanese knotweed. If successful, Department plans to publish the report of the this should restrict its growth, slow its capacity to independent systematic review of published material spread vigorously and enhance the effectiveness of on the environmental and economic effects of GM management effort. crops, undertaken for the Department by SAC Because of its invasive nature, Japanese knotweed is Commercial Ltd; and what the reason is for the time listed on schedule 9 and subject to section 14 of the taken to publish that report. [150179] Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, making it an offence to plant, or cause this species to grow, in the wild. Mr Heath: The review on economic effects has been published by the independent group that specialises in Under cross compliance rules, farmers in receipt of supporting the conduct of systematic reviews, Collaboration the single farm payment are required to take reasonable for Environmental Evidence (CEE). It is available on steps to prevent its spread. the CEE website at: Japanese knotweed is regarded as controlled waste http://www.environmentalevidence.org/SR11002.html and as such its disposal is governed by waste disposal regulations. The environmental review has been accepted for publication in the journal Food and Nutrition Sciences, and should Livestock: Transport appear within the next two months. These reports have taken longer than anticipated to complete because of a Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for lengthy independent peer review process. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when he plans to publish the results of his inquiry into the death of Horse Meat livestock at the port of Ramsgate in September 2012. [145180] Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Heath: I received the report by the Animal Health Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when Ministers and Veterinary Laboratories Agency on their internal were informed that Vestey Foods supplied Sodexo with review of procedures following the regrettable events on horsemeat. [150438] 12 September at Ramsgate in October 2012. At the request of Kent Trading Standards, the prosecuting Mr Heath: Ministers were made aware of the discovery authority, the report was withheld until any possibility of horsemeat in Sodexo products on 22 February and of prejudicing their criminal investigation and any that Sodexo was cooperating fully with the Food Standards subsequent criminal proceedings had passed. I placed Agency (FSA). The FSA was aware of the supply chain the report in the House of Commons Library on Monday as part of its investigations into the incident. As with all 4 March 2013. live investigations it is important that we do not prejudice the process by disclosing information prematurely.Ministers Marine Conservation Zones were notified that the source of the adulterated meat Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for was Vestey Foods on 14 March. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what role the precautionary principle has played in the decisions on Horse Passports the first round of marine conservation zone designations. [150621] Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many (a) Richard Benyon: In identifying Marine Conservation police forces and (b) local authorities applied to his Zones to propose for designation in 2013, we sought to Department to access data held in horse passport strike a balance by being sufficiently sure of a feature’s issuing organisation databases in (A) 2010, (B) 2011, presence, extent and condition, while not setting (C) 2012 and (D) 2013 to date. [148815] unreasonable data requirements given current (and likely future) data availability on seabed characteristics. An Mr Heath: The Department does not hold any records exception has been made for specific features in sites of personal data information requests prior to October identified by the Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies 2012. as being at higher risk. In these circumstances, in accordance Details of personal data information requests from with the precautionary principle, we are proposing October 2012 to 14 March 2013 are recorded as follows: designation of the relevant features even when the data quality would not otherwise be considered sufficient. Local UK police Non-UK authorities forces police forces Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will request 2012 8 0 11 the Natural Capital Committee to make an assessment 2013 15 2 0 of the socio-economic benefits of current and future 1 Garda marine conservation zones. [150622] 77W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 78W

Richard Benyon: The Impact Assessment accompanying Meat Products the consultation on the designation of Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) that launched in December 2012, provides Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for an overview of potential increases in ecosystem services Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment and consequent increases in human welfare, which could he has made of current rules on import and export of be attributed to designation of MCZs. These benefits mechanically-separated meat in the EU. [147418] cannot be readily quantified as the majority are not traded. Further work is taking place to advance the evidence base, including DEFRA-commissioned projects Mr Heath: There are no specific rules in relation to on recreational benefits from MCZs and studies on the import and export of mechanically separated meat. benthic habitats. Mechanically separated meat which has been produced in accordance with EU Regulation (EC) No. 853/2004 The Natural Capital Committee (NCC) terms of may be exported to other member states. It is the reference are aimed at ensuring it focuses on embedding responsibility of the exporting member state to conduct natural capital into decision-making at the strategic the checks on animal and public health and food hygiene. level. There are currently no plans to request the NCC As the UK exports mechanically separated meat it to make an assessment of the socio-economic benefits conducts the necessary checks for compliance. The UK of MCZs. does not routinely detain imports from within the single market. Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for what reasons he has excluded evidence more than 12 years old from Meat: Contamination the process of designating marine conservation zones. [150634] Dr McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent Richard Benyon: Evidence more than 12 years old has discussion he has had with the Northern Ireland not been excluded from the designation process for Executive on contaminated meat. [150852] Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs). Natural England and the Joint Nature Conservation Mr Heath: The Secretary of State for Environment, Committee took account of the age of the evidence Food and Rural Affairs, the right hon. Member for when providing an assessment of the scientific confidence North Shropshire (Mr Paterson), has had regular catch-up in the presence and extent of recommended species and meetings with representatives from the devolved habitats. Where the supporting evidence was more than Administrations since 16 January to discuss the specific 12 years old a lower confidence was assigned to the issue of horse and pig DNA found in meat products. presence and extent of recommended species and habitats. The assessments of scientific confidence contributed to I had a telephone meeting with members of the deciding which sites were suitable for designation in the devolved Administrations on 13 February, which the first tranche of MCZs. Secretary of State followed up on 15 February. Representatives of the devolved Administrations were Marine Protected Areas also present at the Agricultural Council on 25 February. DEFRA and the Food Standards Agencies in England, Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland meet regularly to Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate he discuss issues related to food labelling and provenance, has made of the potential benefit to the UK economy to exchange information and to co-ordinate our work of an ecologically coherent network of marine on common areas of interest. DEFRA, the FSA and protected areas in UK waters. [147623] devolved Administrations have had senior level contact since 16 January. Richard Benyon: The impact assessment accompanying the consultation on the designation of marine conservation zones launched in December 2012 provides an overview Members: Correspondence of potential increases in ecosystem services, described in National Ecosystem Assessment 2011, which can be Mr Tom Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for viewed at: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the http://uknea.unep-wcmc.org/Resources/tabid/82/Default.aspx Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State plans to reply and which could be attributed to designation of MCZs. to the letter of 1 March 2012 from the hon. Member The improvement in these ecosystem services will increase for Glasgow South on the refusal of the Marine human welfare by providing benefits to fish populations, Management Organisation to issue a list of the private key regulating services, nature-based recreational activities owners of fixed quota allocations made to the UK. and various other cultural benefits, including an increase [147906] in satisfaction from knowing that rare and threatened marine habitats and features are being conserved for Richard Benyon: The response to your letter of 1 March current and future generations. 2013 was signed and sent on 25 March 2013. These benefits cannot be readily quantified and the majority are not traded so cannot be easily valued. Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Further work is taking place to advance the evidence Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when he intends base, including a DEFRA commissioned project on the to reply to the letter dated 18 February 2013 from the benefits of benthic habitats as well as National Ecosystem right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with Assessment Follow-on work. regard to Mr Camilo. [150841] 79W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 80W

Richard Benyon: The Under-Secretary of State, my Natural England noble Friend Lord de Mauley, replied to this letter on 29 March 2013. Mark Reckless: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what public National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations funding from the public purse has been made available to Natural England in each year since 2006. [151052]

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Richard Benyon: The table shows the funding provided Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will discuss by the Department to Natural England in each financial with the National Federation of Fishermen’s year since 2006. The table shows the allocations of core Organisations the publication of a full list of its Grant in Aid (GIA) and additional specific project member vessels. [150679] funding. It also provides other public funding, consisting of contributions to projects from the Department of Richard Benyon: I, and my officials, regularly hold Health to the Walking for Health initiative; a contribution meetings with the National Federation of Fishermen’s from the West Midlands Regional Development Agency organisations to discuss various issues. I have always to the Natural Assets project, and the Single Farm encouraged all representative organisations who lobby Payment for Natural England’s land holding. me to be fully transparent with regard to whom they The 2010 spending review settlement resulted in funding represent and will continue to do so. cuts of £44 million across the four year period to 2015.

£ million 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14

Total GIA 223.1 229.0 216.1 214.2 213.4 189.2 176.6 164.6 Other ring-fenced 16.0 16.3 18.5 17.7 8.7 18.4 14.4 19.7 Government funding Total DEFRA funding 239.1 245.3 234.6 231.9 221.1 207.6 191.0 184.3 Other public funding 0.0 0.0 0.8 1.4 2.9 2.1 0.9 0.8 Total 239.1 245.3 235.4 233.3 225.0 209.7 191.9 185.1

Nature Conservation Pesticides

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when his review Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what advice he of the invasive non-native species framework strategy received that informed his decision to oppose the European Commission’s proposed suspension of will take place. [150413] neonicotinoid pesticides. [149369]

Richard Benyon: We anticipate progressing the review Mr Heath: The European Commission has proposed of the invasive non-native species (INNS) framework very significant restrictions on three neonicotinoid active strategy for Great Britain in autumn this year, in line substances (clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam). with governmental commitments to review the 2008 Following careful consideration and guided by advice strategy after five years. This will enable all parties from the independent Advisory Committee on Pesticides, concerned to consider and take into account imminently the Government abstained in a vote on this proposal. expected proposals for an EU INNS legislative instrument. The Government did not take this step because we had closed our mind to taking action. We abstained Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for because the Commission’s proposal was not well thought Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if the through. It is particularly important to respond to risks Government will take steps to promote the in a considered, evidence-based and proportionate manner harmonisation of legislation across the UK relating to and the Commission has not approached the issue in invasive non-native species. [150449] this way. We have urged the Commission to complete the scientific assessment, which should include the latest Richard Benyon: At present invasive non-native species UK research. We also urge the Commission to consider are considered jointly by England, Wales and Scotland the impacts of its action, which may have unintended or under a GB Strategy, which is due to be reviewed later even damaging consequences. We will continue to make this year. Proposals for an EU Directive on the subject this case in Europe. are also expected imminently. Prior to consideration of Mr Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for those two processes it would be premature to take any Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment view on the degree to which legislative measures could he has made of the environmental effect of pest control or should be harmonised. alternatives to neonicotinoids. [149917] However, it should be noted that the devolution settlements gave the different parts of Britain control Mr Heath: We have carried out work to help us to over certain matters to enable them to put in place understand better the likely consequences of possible separate legislation which reflects local needs and regulatory options, including the implications of alternative circumstances. pesticides or pest control measures being used. 81W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 82W

Farmers would respond to the loss of neonicotinoids the Environment Agency, the flood risk authority for by using the available alternative insecticides, which rivers, has recently also been consulted to ensure that include pyrethroids, organophosphates and carbamates. any options that are considered will not increase flood All of these products have been authorised and so can risk from the river to people and property. be used without breaching the requirements for protection The consultation and further work on technical feasibility of human health and the environment set out in the and cost will determine the options that will go forward pesticides legislation. However, each product will have to a final scoping phase. These are broadly categorised its own potential for effects on the environment. in terms of short, medium and long term solutions: the Phytophthora Ramorum latter being up to 50 years. All those options that are selected for further scoping will be discussed with local Mr Russell Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for landowners and occupiers before any site-specific Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment implementation occurs. he has made of the impact of Phytophthora ramorum on UK forests; and if he will make a statement. Julian Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for [150051] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimated Mr Heath: An assessment was carried out in 2011 of cost has been made by Natural England of the (a) the likely impacts of Phytophthora ramorum on the feasibility study and (b) delivery cost to the River economy. The assessment indicated that some reduction Wharfe Restoration Project. [150699] in timber revenue can be expected due to the reduced value of infected timber. However, increased felling Richard Benyon: The allocated budget for the production activity would compensate for this in the short term. No of the draft river restoration plan was £48,000 covering significant impacts on visitor spending were anticipated approximately 7.1 kilometres of the River Wharfe Site while other sites, which remained free from infection, of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a further three were open to visit. The principal impacts, in the longer kilometres of river, impacting on the status of this SSSI term, were assessed as being on carbon sequestration both upstream and downstream of the site. The work and biodiversity, and the wider social and environmental included: the production of habitat and river gravel value of larch for visitor enjoyment and amenity. surveys, identification of options and alternatives to Procurement improve the condition of the SSSI, the preparation of the draft plan and the arrangements for local meetings Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for and consultation. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the The combination of options that best address the monetary value was of contracts awarded by his unfavourable condition of this SSSI will be categorised Department to (a) management consultancies and (b) in terms of short, medium and long term solutions: the IT companies in (i) 2010-11 and (ii) 2011-12; and if he latter being up to 50 years. The short term ones are will make a statement. [135167] likely to have modest costs. Potential longer term solutions will probably require additional and specific capital Richard Benyon: The total value of contracts awarded investment. by core DEFRA to management consultancies and IT Sources of funding for implementation have not yet companies for 2010-11 and 2011 -12 is set out as follows: been agreed and will depend on the scale and timeframe Management consultancies of the actions required and who is best placed to deliver £ them in terms of the private, public or voluntary sector. As an example: some potential sources of funding 2010-11 2,147,953.34 could include Agri-environment schemes or the 2011-12 1,457,563.68 Environment Agency’s Flood and Coastal Risk Information technology companies Management capital and maintenance budget. Some £ activities may also be linked to sources of community based funding, including bids to funds such as the 2010-11 55,178.58 Heritage Lottery Fund, for specific complementary 2011-12 591,707.89 volunteering projects within the plan area. For the purposes of this answer we have used the Cabinet Office definition of consultancy, which is Sharks ″the provision to the management of objective advice relating to strategy, structure, management or operation of an organisation, in pursuit of its purposes and objectives″. Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps his River Wharfe Department is taking to protect the native basking shark population. [148279] Julian Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what timescale has been set by Natural England for the River Wharfe Richard Benyon: The basking shark is fully protected Restoration Project. [150698] in UK waters. Under schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981), which applies out to 12 nautical Richard Benyon: The River Wharfe Restoration Plan miles offshore, the basking shark is protected from gives a number of management options that address the intentional capture, retention or disturbance. In addition current unfavourable condition of the River Wharfe European fisheries legislation prohibits EU vessels from Site of Special Scientific Interest. A period of initial fishing for or retaining basking sharks in EU and local consultation on these options has just closed and non-EU waters. 83W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 84W

Basking sharks also benefit from international protection matters specified in the notification or by extending the under the convention on international trade in endangered boundary (or both), as well as the power to remove all species (CITES) and the convention on migratory species or part of an SSSI notification. (CMS). In 2009 the Public Accounts Committee [34th report, HC244] said that: Sites of Special Scientific Interest ″To make sure that public investment in SSSIs is directed to those sites and locations which offer the best value for money in Mark Reckless: To ask the Secretary of State for conservation and cost terms, Natural England should establish a Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many areas systematic approach to reviewing the designation of existing sites Natural England has determined to be sites of special and to identifying and designating new sites.″ scientific interest in each year since 2006. [151003] Since 2006, Natural England (and English Nature, its predecessor in respect of these duties and powers up to Richard Benyon: Natural England has a duty under 30 September 2006) has notified a total of 21 new section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as SSSIs, 18 amendments to existing SSSIs (including amended) to notify as a site of special scientific interest extensions, removing land from boundaries and varying (SSSI) any land which in its opinion is of special interest the matters specified in the notification), and has wholly by reason of its flora, fauna, geological or physiographical removed the notification from five SSSIs. The following features. Natural England also has powers under sections table presents these, grouped by type of notification, for 28A to 28D to modify existing SSSIs, by varying the each year from 1 January 2006 to 2 April 2013.

Removal of entire New SSSIs Amendments to existing SSSIs SSSIs Total Variation of matters specified in Removal of land from Extensions notifications boundaries

2006 2 1 0 3 0 6 2007 0 0 0 0 0 0 2008 1 1 1 0 0 3 2009 1 0 0 0 0 1 2010 3 4 1 3 4 15 2011 7 1 0 0 0 8 2012 6 2 0 0 1 9 2013 1 1 0 0 0 2 Total 21 10 2 6 5 44

Sugar Total sugar production (refined basis)

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for 2007 1,049 Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much sugar 2008 1,192 of each type was produced in each year since 1990. 2009 1,280 [148518] 2010 995 Mr Heath: The following table shows the total UK 2011 1,315 sugar production (on a refined basis) from sugar beet Note: 2012 figures are not yet available. (in thousand tonnes) each year since 1990. We do not Source: have information on the production of sugar from Agriculture in the United Kingdom. imported sugar cane. http://www.defra.gov.uk/statistics/foodfarm/cross-cutting/auk/ Travel and Subsistence Payments Total sugar production (refined basis)

1990 1,241 Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for 1991 1,220 Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) how many 1992 1,476 chairs in his Department’s arm’s-length bodies are paid 1993 1,436 on the basis that they are exempt from personally 1994 1,262 meeting any tax liability in respect of travel and 1995 1,220 subsistence payments for attending meetings at the 1996 1,477 offices of the arm’s-length body; [141173] 1997 1,592 (2) how many senior officials of his Department’s 1998 1,439 arm’s-length bodies are paid on the basis that they are 1999 1,548 exempt from personally meeting any tax liability in 2000 1,325 respect of travel and subsistence payments for 2001 1,222 attending meetings at the offices of the arm’s-length 2002 1,430 body. [141187] 2003 1,368 2004 1,390 Richard Benyon: A total of two chairs and no senior 2005 1,341 officials from across the Department’s arm’s length 2006 1,157 bodies receive a tax benefit in relation to payments 85W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 86W made for travelling to and from registered workplaces. All water companies have statutory Water Resources These costs are equivalent to the amount actually spent Management Plans, which look ahead at least 25 years on travel and subsistence. and must include an assessment of the greenhouse gas Trees: Diseases emissions for each supply option. Water companies are already joining up sources of supply to build resilience Mr Russell Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for and are strongly encouraged to consider options for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which tree interconnections in their Water Resources Management diseases have been found in UK forests in the last five Plans, alongside other options such as demand years; and if he will make a statement. [150050] management. Water companies are currently preparing plans for public consultation in the spring of 2013. Mr Heath: In the past few years, a number of new There has been no assessment of the potential use of tree and plant pests and pathogens have emerged as renewable energy supplies to power a national water significant risks in the UK. In the last five years the new grid. The large scale infrastructure investment needed diseases that have been detected in forests are: for a national water grid is expensive, and water is also Phytopthora ramorum, which, following earlier findings in heavy, difficult and costly to move. Relatively local rhododendron and in some tree species, was first detected on connections are likely to be the best options, incrementally Japanese larch in 2009 in South West England, and is now present up the west side of Great Britain. building a wider and more integrated network. Phytophthora lateralis was found for the first time in Great Water: Peat Bogs Britain in 2010 at Balloch Castle Country Park in West Dunbartonshire, Scotland. Outbreaks of infection have been Glyn Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for confirmed in Lawson cypress trees (Chamaecypahs lawsoniana) Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment in south west England, Yorkshire, Scotland and Northern Ireland. he has made of the cost of treating particulate and Chalara fraxinea was first detected in October 2012 in mature dissolved organic carbon in water supply systems trees in Norfolk and Suffolk. It has now also been found in Kent, arising from peat-dominated catchments. [149960] Yorkshire and Scotland. There are also a number of other endemic diseases, such as Richard Benyon: The cost of treating particulate and Dothistroma needle blight, which are continuing to expand their dissolved organic carbon in water supply systems is a range and the tree species they affect. matter for water companies. To address these threats, DEFRA, Fera and the Removal of colour from water, which may be caused Forestry Commission working with the devolved by dissolved organic carbon, represents one of the Administrations launched the Tree Health and Plant major operational costs of any treatment plant and can Biosecurity Action Plan in October 2011. The action run into millions of pounds per annum. United Utilities plan sets out an integrated UK-wide approach to dealing is restoring approximately 6,000 hectares of peatland as with serious tree pests and diseases. The Tree Health part of their Sustainable Catchment Management and Plant Biosecurity Expert Taskforce was set up in Programme (SCaMP). United Utilities anticipates saving November 2012 to address the Independent Panel on between £1.2 million and £2.4 million per year in avoided Forestry’s recommendation to speed up delivery of the water treatment costs. Tree Health and Plant Biosecurity Action Plan by additional investment in research on tree and woodland diseases, Glyn Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for resilience and biosecurity controls. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of the potential for wind farm UN Convention on Biological Diversity construction on areas of peatland to cause an increase Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for in particulate and dissolved organic carbon within the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress waters of peat-dominated catchments. [150204] the UK has made towards the commitments it made at Richard Benyon: Planning authorities must ensure the Convention on Biodiversity Conference of the that wind turbines are sited carefully to take into account Parties in Nagoya on ecosystems mapping and various environmental issues, including impacts on water accounting. [150633] quality. There needs to be particular consideration to the environmental impact of siting wind turbines on Richard Benyon: I refer the hon. Member to the peatlands. answer I gave on 26 March 2013, Official Report, column 1054W. There may be potential for wind farm construction on areas of peatland to cause an increase in particulate Water Supply and dissolved organic carbon within the waters of peat- dominated catchments and, where this has been identified Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for as an issue, this would need to be considered alongside Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what other environmental impacts before approving construction. assessment his Department has made on the viability of a national water supply grid; [150451] (2) what assessment his Department has made of the INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT potential use of renewable energy supplies to power a national water grid. [150458] Developing Countries: Armed Conflict Richard Benyon: The Water White Paper set out the Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for challenge of ensuring resilient and sustainable water International Development what engagement her resources in the face of increasing pressure from climate Department has with the Ministry of Defence and the change and population growth. We need to use existing Foreign and Commonwealth Office in determining water resources more efficiently, develop new sources, which countries are considered to be fragile and and build connectivity across the network. conflict affected. [150487] 87W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 88W

Mr Duncan: The decision to classify a particular pregnancies, we will help to prevent 500,000 new HIV country as fragile and conflict affected is made using infections among women, for example by promoting three publicly available indices as laid out in my previous correct and consistent use of male and female condoms answer (150545). The process of identification helps us which reduces risk of HIV infection by 95%. implement the National Security Strategy task of tackling The UK Government will also continue to support the root causes of instability as well as focus effort in efforts to increase access to affordable medicines, including the implementation of the 2010 cross-government strategic anti-retroviral drugs and diagnostics, with a focus on defence and security review. Although not directly involved pregnant women and new-borns. Our support to the in determining the classification of states, MOD and Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the FCO are involved in addressing their needs through will give 37,000 HIV-positive women treatment to prevent the Building Stability Overseas Strategy. HIV transmission to their babies. Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Developing Countries: Nutrition International Development what method her Department uses to designate countries as (a) fragile Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for and (b) conflict affected. [150545] International Development what proportion of her Department’s budget for nutrition was spent on Mr Duncan: DFID identifies countries as fragile or nutritional direct interventions in the latest period for conflict-affected by assessing a wide range of political, which figures are available. [150534] social, economic and security factors. It draws on data from three publicly available indices, the World Bank’s Justine Greening: Under the coalition Government, Country Policy and Institutional Assessment (CPIA), UK annual spend on nutrition has almost doubled the Failed States Index and the Uppsala list of countries from £19.3 million in 2009-10 to £37.5 million in 2011-12. recently affected by conflict. DFID’s plans for future expenditure will reflect the fact that nutrition is a continuing priority. Developing Countries: HIV Infection This spend is coded to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Development Committee Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for Basic Nutrition Input Sector Code. This does not capture International Development what recent discussions she the significant additional UK spend on nutrition-sensitive has had with the Clinton Health Access Initiative, programmes, humanitarian response programmes, or Médicins Sans Frontières and UNICEF regarding their nutrition research. We are working with other donors to roll-out of new technologies to quickly and accurately agree an improved method for tracking all nutrition diagnose and monitor HIV. [150311] spend.

Lynne Featherstone: The UK Government recognises Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for the potential of such new technologies but the Secretary International Development what estimate she has of State has had no direct discussions with the Clinton made of the number of children who will have been Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Médicins Sans Frontières reached by its nutritional programmes by 2015. (MSF) and UNICEF on the issue of roll-out of new [150535] diagnostics for HIV. However, UNITAID, the International Drug Purchase Justine Greening: Between 2011 and 2015 the coalition Facility, has grants with CHAI, MSF and UNICEF to Government has committed to reach 20 million children accelerate the roll-out of HIV diagnostic technologies under five and pregnant women in developing countries and to test their use in specific resource-poor settings, with nutrition interventions. such as rural and remote areas. The UK Government is a contributor to UNITAID and supported these grants Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for at the UNITAID Board. Additionally, we directly fund International Development what plans her Department CHAI to undertake some complementary work on new has for further expenditure on child nutrition HIV diagnostics within our programme to strengthen programmes. [150536] markets for priority health commodities. Further support to the Global Fund for AIDS, TB and Malaria and our Justine Greening: Under the coalition Government, bilateral HIV programmes also involve some support UK annual spend on nutrition has almost doubled for diagnostics roll-out. from £19.3 million in 2009-10 to £37.5 million in 2011-12. DFID’s plans for future expenditure will reflect the fact Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for that nutrition is a continuing priority, including a G8 International Development what steps her Department related event ’Nutrition for Growth’ on 8 June. has taken to reduce the number of instances of mother-to-child transmissions of HIV. [150312] Developing Countries: Sanitation

Lynne Featherstone: The UK Government is wholly Sir Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State committed to the international target to eliminate new for International Development with reference to the HIV infections among children and substantially reduce announcement that was made at the Sanitation and AIDS-related maternal deaths by 2015. We support a Water for All High Level Meeting in Washington in comprehensive approach to the prevention of mother April 2012 that her Department would double its reach to child transmission of HIV, as recommended by the on water and sanitation to 60 million people, what World Health Organisation. In sub-Saharan Africa through steps have been taken to date; and how progress prevention of HIV, and prevention of unintended towards this target will be measured. [150630] 89W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 90W

Lynne Featherstone: DFID aims to meet our Lynne Featherstone: DFID country offices are engaged commitments on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) with EU delegations as part of the EU programming through a range of programmes delivered by our country process. We believe that decisions on priorities are best offices and from central teams. We will announce detailed taken in each country based on local conditions and plans once these have been finalised. Details of our environment. Where water and sanitation is identified current WASH programmes are available on the DFID as a country priority we would encourage the EU website. delegation to respond accordingly. DFID is represented Progress which has been made through our ongoing on the EU Water Experts’ Group and we use this to WASH programmes is detailed in the “DFID Annual encourage the EU to ensure that water and sanitation Report and Accounts 2011-12”. Results from the programmes are delivered in ways that maximise value implementation of more recent commitments will be for money. detailed in the next Annual Report, due in June 2013. Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations she Sir Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State has made to her European counterparts on for International Development with reference to the encouraging the EU to join the Sanitation and Water announcement that was made at the Sanitation and for All Partnership; and if she will make a statement. Water for All High Level Meeting in Washington in [150864] April 2012 that her Department will double its reach on water and sanitation to 60 million people, when the Lynne Featherstone: Sanitation and Water for All Results Challenge Fund will be launched. [150692] (SWA) is an initiative based on partnership principles and DFID encourages all stakeholders to consider their Lynne Featherstone: DFID is currently considering a engagement We encourage European partners to join number of new programme options to ensure we meet SWA, and the Netherlands, Germany and France for our water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) targets; these instance are all active members. We are not actively include a challenge fund type mechanism. making specific representations to other EU countries All programmatic options are required to undergo a to join SWA. This is because it is important that the stringent internal quality assurance process to ensure SWA partners are committed to its objectives and who they meet our requirements on issues such as value for join because they recognise the value and benefit of the money and fiduciary risk management. Once approved, SWA. We consider lobbying countries beyond ensuring details of all live programmes are available on the they are aware of the SWAand its objectives, to undermine DFID website. this fundamental principle of ownership and engagement. The International Water and Sanitation centre recently Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for completed a useful analysis of the potential synergies International Development what was agreed at the between the European Water Initiative (EUWI) and meeting of the EU Water Experts Group in January SWA. The report recommends that 2013 to improve water and sanitation programmes. “Strengthened cooperation is centred around “WASH and Africa”; with key stakeholders being the EUWI, the Africa [150862] Working Group (AWG), AMCOW (including AU/African Union) and SWA”. Lynne Featherstone: The meeting of the EU Water DFID is an active member of the EUWI African Working Experts’ Group provided the opportunity for members Group which will discuss how to take the report to express their concern about the apparent weakening recommendations forward at the next meeting. of EU support to the water sector. Members referred to Disclosure of Information the ’unfinished business’ of the millennium development goals, and the need to reinforce efforts towards universal Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for access to water and sanitation. It was noted that some International Development how many civil servants in countries, in response to the EU policy framework—the her Department have been subject to non-disclosure ’Agenda for Change’ have been developing more agreements in each year since 2010. [150037] concentrated thematic programmes and regional focus, responding to developing country priorities and the Mr Duncan: As a standard practice, in the years 2010 new focus on the ’growth’ agenda. and 2011 DFID made it its default policy to arrange for compromise agreements to be put in place for those The group considered the potential for an EU trust staff who by agreement, left the organisation under fund for improvement of water, sanitation and hygiene standard compensation terms as allowed for under the (WASH), acknowledging that the EU water facility civil service compensation scheme. These agreements with adjustments (in line with the recent ’auditors’ included a confidentiality, or ’non-disclosure’, clause as report) could be considered as a useful EU members’ a matter of course. vehicle for ongoing support for improved WASH. Some participants raised the issue of reinforcing the position From 2010 the following number of departures from of water in the current review of the Joint Africa-EU DFID had been covered by compromise agreements strategy, and indicated that they have the intention to which include a ’non-disclosure’ clause: support this point when it is discussed in Council. Number

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for 2010 11 International Development if she will make water and 2011 7 sanitation a UK priority for EU development 2012 1— programming for the next funding period up to 2020; 2013 to date 1— and if she will make a statement. [150863] 1 Fewer than 5. 91W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 92W

Mali South Africa

Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps her Department International Development what the total level of aid in taking to increase access to food and drinking water from her Department to South Africa is. [149705] for refugees in the northeast of Mali. [150282] Lynne Featherstone: The total allocation of aid from Lynne Featherstone: The UK is currently providing DFID to South Africa in FY 2012-13 is £19 million. support totalling £7.6 million to the 2013 International Committee of the Red Cross Mali/Niger appeal. This Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for aid will provide conflict-affected people in northern International Development how UK aid to South Mali with sufficient clean water to meet their domestic Africa is spent, by category of programme and and livestock needs, as well as providing food assistance expenditure. [149915] to displaced people in north-eastern Mali. The UK is also providing support totalling £4.5 million Lynne Featherstone: UK Aid to South Africa in 2011-12 to the World Food Programme’s emergency operation, and 2012-13 was £19 million. The categories of programme in Mali, which aims to provide food to internally displaced and expenditure are as follows: and conflict-affected people in parts of north-western Mali. Percentage We will continue to monitor the situation closely to 2011-12 2012-13 ensure that needs are being met as effectively and efficiently Promoting growth and jobs 32 9.1 as possible by the international community. Supporting South Africa’s efforts on 11 6 Climate Change Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for Tackling gender based violence and 811 International Development what steps her Department strengthening public sector is taking to support refugee host communities in performance Burkina Faso, Nigeria and Mauritania following the Support to Maternal and Newborn 50 24 Health influx of Malian refugees to those areas. [150284] Support to HIV and Aids 0 50 Total 100 100 Lynne Featherstone: According to the United Nations, over 475,000 people have been displaced by the conflict in Mali, of which over 292,000 have been internally Southern Africa displaced within Mali’s borders, and over 183,000 into neighbouring countries including Burkina Faso, Mauritania Martin Caton: To ask the Secretary of State for and Niger. International Development what assessment her So far this year, Britain has contributed £5 million to Department has made of any link between mining in provide a comprehensive package of support, including southern Africa and infection rates for tuberculosis food, healthcare, protection, education and non-food and HIV; and what steps her Department is taking to items, to over 135,000 refugees in Burkina Faso, Mauritania address rates of those diseases in the region. [150503] and Niger through the UN’s Refugee Agency, UNHCR, and the World Food Programme. This support is also Lynne Featherstone: There is an established link between providing assistance to host communities in these countries. tuberculosis (TB) and mining. The prevalence of Our assistance, both in refugee camps and in the tuberculosis globally in the general population is 128 wider community, will help take the pressure off already cases per 100,000 population. Among miners in South overstretched communities in these countries. Africa, the prevalence of TB is as high as 2,500 per 100,000 population. Infection rates of TB in the mining Overseas Aid population are highly associated with high levels of HIV and silicosis, and the weakened immunity of miners as a result of extreme environmental working conditions. Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for In South Africa, DFID is working with the mining International Development what steps her Department sector, government and civil society and partners to plans to take regarding aid to countries which restrict reduce the burden of HIV and tuberculosis in 4.5 million religious beliefs and practice. [149708] miners. DFID is providing catalytic programme management support to improve the effectiveness and Lynne Featherstone: In July 2011, DFID announced coordination of existing and planned efforts by the tougher rules about when to provide aid directly to mining sector and government to lower the burden of countries’ governments; this involves assessing their these diseases among the mining workforce and their shared commitment to respecting human rights, including communities. freedom of religion and belief. Where we have specific concerns about a government’s Martin Caton: To ask the Secretary of State for failure to protect its citizens rights, for example those of International Development what discussions officials minority faith groups, we raise these at the highest levels in her Department have had with mining industry of the government concerned. We may judge that specific representatives on steps to address tuberculosis and human rights concerns are sufficiently serious to merit a HIV in the gold-mining industry in southern Africa. suspension of our aid to that government. [150504] 93W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 94W

Lynne Featherstone: In South Africa, DFID has engaged drug-free wings in prisons, rolling out a networked IT in a series of discussions led by the mining sector as intelligence system and providing prisons with short-range part of a new initiative on how to reduce the burden of mobile phone blockers which will help prisons prevent HIV and tuberculosis in the mining community. This prisoners using mobile phones, which is often associated partnership, involving government, civil society and with drug supply. development partners, will address the prevention and NOMS is working closely with the Department of treatment of these diseases in 4.5 million miners and Health and service providers to create integrated, recovery their communities in high burden areas in South Africa orientated and outcome focused substance misuse services. including in the gold-mining industry. We are also piloting 11 drug recovery wings focused on Martin Caton: To ask the Secretary of State for abstinence and connecting offenders with services on International Development what assessment her release. Department has made of the effects of tuberculosis in the gold-mining industry in southern Africa on Fireworks: Yorkshire and the Humber achievement of the Millennium Development Goal- related target of halving the tuberculosis death rate by Andrew Percy: To ask the Secretary of State for 2015, compared to 1990, in the African region. [150505] Justice (1) how many fixed penalties were issued Lynne Featherstone: The number of tuberculosis (TB) relating to the misuse of fireworks in (a) Brigg and cases in goldmines is approximately three times higher Goole constituency and (b) Yorkshire and the Humber than that of other mining industries such as coal and in each of the last five years; [151039] platinum. Although TB rates are declining overall including (2) how many prosecutions were brought relating to in the gold mining industry, the high levels of tuberculosis the misuse of fireworks in (a) Brigg and Goole and HIV rates in southern Africa will be a particular constituency and (b) Yorkshire and the Humber in challenge to achieving the millennium development goals each of the last five years. [151040] in the region. Tuberculosis in sub-Saharan Africa has doubled over Jeremy Wright: Data on the number of Penalty Notices the last 20 years and is now almost three times the for Disorder (PNDs) issued in the Yorkshire and global average. South Africa is particularly badly affected Humberside police force area for offences related to with the prevalence of tuberculosis being 948 per 100,000, fireworks and defendants proceeded against at magistrates as against a global average of 128, and prevalence of courts for throwing fireworks, in each year between 2,500 per 100,000 in the South African mining. 2007 and 2011 (latest available) can be viewed in the Telephone Services table. These data are not available at constituency level. Court proceedings data for 2012 are planned for John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for publication in the spring of 2013. International Development which telephone lines are operated by her Department for public enquiries or Defendants given Penalty Notices for Disorder (PNDs) for offences related to the misuse of fireworks and defendants1 proceeded against at magistrates courts other services; what the (a) principal access number for throwing fireworks2, in the Yorkshire and Humberside police force area, in and (b) telephone service provider is for each number; each year between 2007 to 2011 and which such lines (i) are free to the caller and (ii) Area/offence 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 may incur a charge to the caller. [150021] Yorkshire and Mr Duncan: The information is as follows: Humberside PNDs issued: (a) The principle access numbers are: Breach of fireworks 30133 0845 300 4100 (public inquiries—UK only); curfew3 01355 84 3132 (public inquiries—outside UK); Possession of category 4 32221 020 7023 0000 (switch board); firework3 020 7023 0600 (press office); and Possession by a person 148977 under 18 of adult 01355 84 4000 (Abercrombie House). firework3 (b) All numbers are provided by Level 3, a Throwing fireworks 65 42 25 31 50 telecommunication company.

All numbers are chargeable at local rates within the Proceedings at UK, the precise rates depend on the individual local magistrates courts: telephone provider. Throwing fireworks 2 0 2 3 4 1 The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the JUSTICE offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is Drugs: Prisons imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. 2 Explosives Act 1875, S.80: Throwing, casting or firing any fireworks in or Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice into any highway, street, public place etc. what steps his Department is taking to reduce drug use 3 Fireworks Regulations 2004 under s11 of the Fireworks Act 2003. in prisons. [150362] Note: 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 Jeremy Wright: NOMS has a comprehensive range of from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police measures to tackle drugs. These include drug detection forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection dogs, procedures to tackle visitors who seek to smuggle processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. drugs and phones into prisons, and mobile phone detection Source: technology. NOMS is also increasing the number of Justice Statistics Analytical Services within the Ministry of Justice. 95W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 96W

Human Trafficking Figures prior to 1998 are not available as the relevant legislation, Part IV of the Family Law Act 1996, only Michael Connarty: To ask the Secretary of State for came into force from 1 October 1997. Justice if he will consider re-labelling offences as aggravated where human trafficking is involved. Statistics on non-molestation orders for England and [149804] Wales from 2003 are published in the Ministry of Justice in the National Statistics publication “Court Statistics Damian Green: Human trafficking is a serious crime Quarterly”. The most recent edition, up to Quarter 3 and there are specific offences under the Sexual Offences (July to September) 2012, can be found at the following Act 2003 (trafficking for sexual exploitation) and under link: the Asylum and Immigration Act 2004 (for other http://www.justice.gov.uk/statistics/courts-and-sentencing/ exploitation) which carry maximum penalties of 14 years’ judicial-quarterly imprisonment. Victims of trafficking may have been Provisional figures for England and Wales for calendar subjected to other offences such as rape, false imprisonment year 2012 will be published on 28 March 2013, with and assault, which carry maximum penalties up to a life final figures being published at the end of June 2013. sentence. Prosecutors will consider the range of offences depending on the facts of the case and the choice of Prisoners: Per Capita Costs charges should reflect the full extent of the criminality and enable the court to sentence accordingly, including John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for taking into account that the victim was subject to Justice what recent estimate he has made of the average trafficking. annual cost of keeping an offender in (a) an adult We have no plans to change the law. prison, (b) a young offender institution and (c) a Minimum Wage: Prosecutions secure training centre in (i) the public and (ii) the John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for private sector by main budget heading. [147907] Justice how many prosecutions were made against individuals or companies based in (a) Barrow and Jeremy Wright: The National Offender Management Furness constituency and (b) Cumbria for breaches of Service (NOMS) publishes average annual costs per minimum wage legislation in each of the last three prisoner and per prison place at the end of each financial years. [150492] year alongside the Management Information Addendum to the NOMS annual report and accounts. The information Jeremy Wright: The Ministry of Justice court proceedings for average annual costs per prisoner in England and database holds information on defendants proceeded Wales for adult prisons and young offender institutions against, found guilty and sentenced for criminal offences (YOI), split by ages 15 to 21 and 15 to 17, for financial in England and Wales. However, not all offences are year 2011-12 (the latest period for which figures are individually reported within the centrally held data. available) at public and private sector prisons is in the Offences under the National Minimum Wage Act 1998 table. are reported as part of a miscellaneous group of offences The public sector and private sector costs are not which cannot be separately identified from other directly comparable because of differences in accounting prosecutions. treatment and scope of services. Non-molestation Orders Secure training centres Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for The cost of a place in a secure training centre for Justice how many non-molestation orders have been 2012-13 is £178,000. This is the price as at 1 April 2012 (a) requested and (b) granted under Part IV of the and does not include VAT. The Youth Justice Board Family Law Act 1996, to deter someone from causing calculates these costs based upon full occupancy and or threatening violence or molestation to the applicant does not calculate the costs per prisoner. The cost is not or to any children in each year since 1996. [148442] broken down by budget heading as the financial mechanism Jeremy Wright: The following table shows the total aggregates the full cost of the provision into the price non-molestation applications and orders from 1998 to charged to the Youth Justice Board. 2011. Overall average adult prison and youth offender institution Cost per prisoner by adult/YOI and public/private, 2011-12 Non-molestation Non-molestation orders £ applications Prison category Public Private

1998 18,153 19,365 Adult 33,603 33,236 1999 16,908 18,465 YOI (ages 15 to 21) 41,381 n/a 2000 15,734 18,293 YOI (ages 15 to 17) 76,162 77,791 2001 17,590 20,968 2002 17,551 22,053 £ 2003 19,134 25,693 Breakdown by main budget headings 2004 18,026 24,040 Adult YOI 2005 17,811 23,231 Public Public Private 2006 17,535 22,558 (15 to (15 to (15 to 2007 16,955 20,672 Public Private 21) 17) 17) 2008 19,112 21,047 Direct costs 2009 20,649 22,881 Payroll 19,320 5 23,610 46,387 401 2010 18,358 21,194 Non-pay 6,766 32,273 8,144 15,226 79,552 2011 16,135 19,546 Income -2,388 -484 -1,936 -3,024 — 97W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 98W

(2) how many prisoners aged (a) under 18, (b) £ between 18 and 21 and (c) over 21 years have been Breakdown by main budget headings held in HM Prison (i) Cardiff, (ii) Forest Bank, (iii) Adult YOI Northallerton, (iv) Nottingham, (v) Portland, (vi) Public Public Private (15 to (15 to (15 to Preston, (vii) Rochester, (viii) Stoke Heath and (ix) Public Private 21) 17) 17) Swansea in each month since May 2010. [144065]

23,699 31,795 29,819 58,590 79,953 Jeremy Wright: Table 1 details the capacity, population and category status in each month since May 2010 at Allocated and HM Prisons Cardiff, Forest Bank, Northallerton, apportioned costs Nottingham, Portland, Preston, Rochester, Stoke Heath Accommodation 3,308 108 4,082 5,560 — and Swansea. related Table 2 provides the number of prisoners aged 15 to Central costs1 4,959 -304 5,843 10,373 -3,799 17, between 18 and 20 and over 20 at HM Prisons Prisoner Escort 1,638 1,638 1,638 1,638 1,638 Cardiff, Forest Bank, Northallerton, Nottingham, Portland, and Custody Service Preston, Rochester, Stoke Heath and Swansea in each 9,905 1,442 11,563 17,572 -2,161 month since May 2010. Young adults (aged 18 to 21 years old) sentenced to detention in a young offender institution (YOI) are Overall average 33,603 33,236 41,381 76,162 77,791 annual cost detained in YOIs as required by section 98 of the 1 Includes shared services centre, IT, headquarters, restructure costs, etc. Powers of the Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000. Notes: These are normally self-contained but in some 1. The overall average costs comprise the direct local establishment costs of establishments that have a dual designation (designated public and private prisons, increased by an apportionment of relevant costs borne centrally and in the regions by NOMS (as recorded in the addendum to both as a prison and a YOI) young adults are held the National Offender Management Service Agency 2011-12 Annual Report alongside adults. In these cases, the majority of the and Accounts). This involves some estimation. Expenditure which is met by facilities are shared but, regardless of dual or single other Government Departments or directly by the Youth Justice Board, such as expenditure on health and education, is not included. Expenditure designation, young adults detained in YOIs always have recharged to the Youth Justice Board in respect of young people is included. separate sleeping accommodation. 2. The costs represent the total cost per prisoner at each prison where the majority use at the end of the year was as adult prison, YOI (aged 15 to 17) or Governing governors and controllers of contracted YOI (aged 15 to 21). There is no adjustment for prisons holding prisoners of prisons must ensure that approved operational capacity more than one category. at each prison is not normally exceeded other than on 3. A split of the YOI (aged 15 to 21) category to show unit cost information for under-18 juveniles only within those establishments is not available. an exceptional basis to accommodate pressing operational Furthermore, there are no private YOI establishments that house prisoners in need. the aged 15 to 21 category. 4. The public sector and private sector costs are not directly comparable The Government provides safe, decent and secure because of differences in accounting treatment and scope of services. places for all those committed to custody by the courts. 5. Average price per place figures are also calculated by the Youth Justice Board (YJB). These are calculated differently to the figures above, and are Although the tables contain population figures exceeding based on the YJB budget allocations at the beginning of each financial year operational capacity in some cases, all were actually for services in young people’s secure custodial facilities. The YJB prices operating within agreed operational capacity levels. include additional funding for services specific to the juvenile population which are not included in the NOMS’ calculation of YOI costs such as This recording anomaly appears because either central advocacy services (in all under-18 YOIs); Lucy Faithfull Foundation services capacity records had yet to be updated (ie a cell certificate in a number of YOIs for young people who sexually abuse; social worker services; and Youth Offending Team services in private sector YOIs. signed by a Deputy Director of Custody had yet to be received but the prison was operating at the revised Prisons capacity levels) or mis-recording had occurred where those recorded as an authorised absence had not had Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for their records updated to reflect that they had been fully Justice (1) what the (a) capacity, (b) population and discharged from prison and were therefore incorrectly (c) category status was of HM Prison (i) Cardiff, (ii) counted in the overall population. Forest Bank, (iii) Northallerton, (iv) Nottingham, (v) Decisions on the future size of the prison estate will Portland, (vi) Preston, (vii) Rochester, (viii) Stoke reflect the current and projected prison population, Heath and (ix) Swansea in each month since May 2010; including an assessment of the necessary margin to [144064] manage population fluctuations.

Table 1: Population, operational capacity & predominant function since May 2010 Cardiff Forest Bank Northallerton Total Total Predominant Total Total Predominant Total Total Predominant population capacity function population capacity function population capacity function

2010

May 798 824 Local 1,362 1,424 Local 227 242 YOI Jun 805 824 Local 1,348 1,424 Local 232 242 YOI Jul 803 824 Local 1,366 1,424 Local 224 242 YOI Aug 821 824 Local 1,315 1,424 Local 163 242 YOI Sep 831 824 Local 1,329 1,424 Local 178 242 YOI Oct 837 824 Local 1,388 1,424 Local 194 242 YOI Nov 835 824 Local 1,371 1,424 Local 196 242 YOI 99W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 100W

Table 1: Population, operational capacity & predominant function since May 2010 Cardiff Forest Bank Northallerton Total Total Predominant Total Total Predominant Total Total Predominant population capacity function population capacity function population capacity function

Dec 822 824 Local 1,308 1,424 Local 172 242 YOI

2011 Jan 817 824 Local 1,325 1,424 Local 180 252 YOI Feb 820 824 Local 1,367 1,424 Local 171 252 YOI Mar 801 824 Local 1,363 1,394 Local 176 252 YOI Apr 817 824 Local 1,313 1,364 Local 192 252 YOI May 779 804 Local 1,326 1,364 Local 193 252 YOI Jun 798 804 Local 1,309 1,364 Local 189 252 YOI Jul 798 804 Local 1,364 1,364 Local 199 252 YOI Aug 808 804 Local 1,337 1,364 Local 194 252 YOI Sep 818 814 Local 1,345 1,364 Local 232 252 YOI Oct 816 814 Local 1,412 1,440 Local 226 252 YOI Nov 815 814 Local 1,359 1,364 Local 245 252 YOI Dec 812 814 Local 1,318 1,364 Local 233 252 YOI

2012 Jan 813 814 Local 1,362 1,364 Local 239 252 YOI Feb 810 814 Local 1,360 1,364 Local 232 252 YOI Mar 814 814 Local 1,353 1,364 Local 237 252 YOI Apr 805 814 Local 1,313 1,364 Local 233 252 YOI May 807 814 Local 1,316 1,364 Local 239 252 YOI Jun 803 814 Local 1,302 1,364 Local 231 252 YOI Jul 807 814 Local 1,299 1,364 Local 232 252 YOI Aug 807 814 Local 1,331 1,364 Local 232 252 YOI Sep 780 804 Local 1,340 1,364 Local 237 252 YOI Oct 796 804 Local 1,304 1,364 Local 224 252 YOI Nov 779 804 Local 1,294 1,364 Local 233 252 YOI Dec 755 804 Local 1,253 1,364 Local 220 252 YOI

2013 Jan 780 804 Local 1234 1364 Local 188 252 YOI

Nottingham Portland Preston Total Total Predominant Total Total Predominant Total Total Predominant population capacity function population capacity function population capacity function

2010 May 786 825 Local 470 483 YOI 763 842 Local Jun 874 894 Local 466 483 YOI 756 838 Local Jul 1,023 994 Local 461 483 YOI 749 838 Local Aug 1,049 1,060 Local 471 483 YOI 774 838 Local Sep 1,061 1,060 Local 469 483 YOI 751 840 Local Oct 1,058 1,060 Local 478 483 YOI 780 840 Local Nov 1,051 1,060 Local 471 483 YOI 758 840 Local Dec 962 1,060 Local 428 483 YOI 752 840 Local

2011 Jan 1,021 1,060 Local 392 483 YOI 759 840 Local Feb 1,046 1,060 Local 409 483 YOI 782 840 Local Mar 1,034 1,060 Local 445 483 YOI 777 840 Local Apr 1,055 1,060 Local 450 483 YOI 765 840 Local May 1,011 1,060 Local 457 483 YOI 738 842 Local Jun 1,007 1,060 Local 467 483 YOI 737 842 Local Jul 1,030 1,060 Local 462 483 YOI 732 842 Local Aug 1,053 1,060 Local 491 505 YOI 751 842 Local Sep 1,058 1,060 Local 495 505 YOI 749 842 Local Oct 1,051 1,060 Local 489 505 YOI 758 842 Local Nov 1,056 1,060 Local 493 505 YOI 763 842 Local Dec 1,028 1,060 Local 501 505 YOI 729 842 Local 101W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 102W

Nottingham Portland Preston Total Total Predominant Total Total Predominant Total Total Predominant population capacity function population capacity function population capacity function

2012 Jan 1,060 1,060 Local 493 505 YOI 756 842 Local Feb 1,034 1,060 Local 497 505 YOI 754 842 Local Mar 1,041 1,060 Local 486 505 YOI 741 826 Local Apr 1,061 1,060 Local 490 505 YOI 742 842 Local May 1,048 1,060 Local 486 505 YOI 738 842 Local Jun 1,049 1,060 Local 511 530 YOI 714 842 Local Jul 1,033 1,060 Local 507 530 YOI 712 842 Local Aug 1,011 1,060 Local 519 530 YOI 712 842 Local Sep 1,051 1,060 Local 525 530 YOI 718 842 Local Oct 1,004 1,060 Local 501 530 YOI 705 842 Local Nov 972 1,060 Local 481 530 YOI 693 842 Local Dec 935 1,060 Local 471 530 YOI 682 843 Local

2013 Jan 970 1,060 Local 468 530 YOI 712 843 Local

Rochester Stoke Heath Swansea Total Total Predominant Total Total Predominant Total Total Predominant population capacity function population capacity function population capacity function

2010 May 714 724 YOI 592 692 YOI 394 422 Local Jun 722 724 YOI 603 692 YOI 422 428 Local Jul 725 724 YOI 584 692 YOI 417 428 Local Aug 688 724 YOI 602 692 YOI 419 428 Local Sep 695 724 YOI 577 732 YOI 423 428 Local Oct 646 664 YOI 576 750 YOI 392 428 Local Nov 663 664 YOI 538 750 YOI 421 428 Local Dec 615 649 YOI 505 750 YOI 410 428 Local

2011 Jan 638 649 YOI 479 750 YOI 416 428 Local Feb 646 658 YOI 489 750 YOI 419 428 Local Mar 632 658 YOI 464 750 YOI 422 428 Local Apr 620 658 YOI 436 750 YOI 424 428 Local May 551 658 YOI 348 750 YOI 427 435 Local Jun 535 658 YOI 256 750 Cat C 433 435 Local Jul 569 658 YOI 268 750 Cat C 425 435 Local Aug 617 664 YOI 331 750 Cat C 435 435 Local Sep 641 664 YOI 459 750 Cat C 437 445 Local Oct 647 664 YOI 514 750 Cat C 444 445 Local Nov 595 664 YOI 600 750 Cat C 445 445 Local Dec 545 562 YOI 673 750 Cat C 444 445 Local

2012 Jan 556 562 YOI 686 750 Cat C 447 445 Local Feb 543 562 YOI 693 750 Cat C 430 445 Local Mar 546 562 YOI 685 750 Cat C 444 445 Local Apr 542 562 YOI 663 750 Cat C 440 445 Local May 545 610 YOI 663 750 Cat C 438 445 Local Jun 575 658 YOI 623 750 Cat C 434 435 Local Jul 579 658 YOI 637 750 Cat C 436 435 Local Aug 627 658 YOI 615 750 Cat C 439 435 Local Sep 642 658 YOI 641 750 Cat C 423 435 Local Oct 647 658 YOI 634 766 Cat C 443 435 Local Nov 653 658 YOI 644 766 Cat C 437 435 Local Dec 639 658 YOI 625 766 Cat C 406 435 Local

2013 Jan 654 658 YOI 642 766 Cat C 427 435 Local 103W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 104W

Table 2: Population in prison by establishment and age group, May 2010 to December 2012, England and Wales Establishment 15 t o17 years old 18 to 20 years old Adult All

May 2010 Cardiff 0 0 794 794 Forest Bank 0 113 1,248 1,361 Northallerton 0 206 19 225 Nottingham 0 0 780 780 Portland 0 413 62 475 Preston 0 0 781 781 Rochester 0 644 59 703 Stoke Heath 105 464 26 595 Swansea 0 1 402 403 June 2010 Cardiff 0 0 794 794 Forest Bank 0 106 1,238 1,344 Northallerton 0 212 18 230 Nottingham 0 0 898 898 Portland 0 420 48 468 Preston 0 0 753 753 Rochester 0 667 56 723 Stoke Heath 118 452 25 595 Swansea 0 1 420 421 July 2010 Cardiff 0 0 805 805 Forest Bank 0 96 1,260 1,356 Northallerton 0 191 21 212 Nottingham 0 0 1,011 1,011 Portland 0 412 52 464 Preston 0 1 744 745 Rochester 0 643 69 712 Stoke Heath 124 423 29 576 Swansea 0 1 418 419 August 2010 Cardiff 0 0 816 816 Forest Bank 0 100 1,221 1,321 Northallerton 0 137 17 154 Nottingham 0 21 1,026 1,047 Portland 0 409 58 467 Preston 0 1 774 775 Rochester 0 617 70 687 Stoke Heath 112 441 40 593 Swansea 0 0 419 419 September 2010 Cardiff 0 0 830 830 Forest Bank 0 105 1,261 1,366 Northallerton 0 144 46 190 Nottingham 0 43 982 1,025 Portland 0 399 62 461 Preston 0 1 770 771 Rochester 0 595 79 674 Stoke Heath 119 423 35 577 Swansea 0 0 427 427 October 2010 Cardiff 0 45 792 837 Forest Bank 0 115 1,259 1,374 Northallerton 0 128 60 188 Nottingham 0 80 976 1,056 Portland 0 403 75 478 Preston 0 1 766 767 Rochester 0 571 67 638 Stoke Heath 125 421 33 579 Swansea 0 27 366 393 November 2010 Cardiff 0 42 798 840 105W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 106W

Table 2: Population in prison by establishment and age group, May 2010 to December 2012, England and Wales Establishment 15 t o17 years old 18 to 20 years old Adult All

Forest Bank 0 124 1,248 1,372 Northallerton 0 134 60 194 Nottingham 0 96 956 1,052 Portland 0 402 64 466 Preston 0 2 758 760 Rochester 0 583 76 659 Stoke Heath 113 390 36 539 Swansea 0 15 402 417 December 2010 Cardiff 0 46 776 822 Forest Bank 0 119 1,189 1,308 Northallerton 0 120 52 172 Nottingham 0 56 906 962 Portland 0 354 74 428 Preston 0 1 751 752 Rochester 0 539 76 615 Stoke Heath 114 356 35 505 Swansea 0 21 389 410 January 2011 Cardiff 0 45 778 823 Forest Bank 0 113 1,199 1,312 Northallerton 0 120 56 176 Nottingham 0 102 945 1,047 Portland 0 328 70 398 Preston 0 1 759 760 Rochester 0 549 73 622 Stoke Heath 94 346 34 474 Swansea 0 25 393 418 February 2011 Cardiff 0 48 765 813 Forest Bank 0 106 1,274 1,380 Northallerton 0 111 56 167 Nottingham 0 76 970 1,046 Portland 0 347 71 418 Preston 0 1 768 769 Rochester 0 566 75 641 Stoke Heath 51 403 35 489 Swansea 0 27 394 421 March 2011 Cardiff 0 48 766 814 Forest Bank 0 98 1,252 1,350 Northallerton 0 122 60 182 Nottingham 0 72 974 1,046 Portland 0 379 74 453 Preston 0 0 771 771 Rochester 0 564 67 631 Stoke Heath 7 418 32 457 Swansea 0 22 385 407 April 2011 Cardiff 1 56 740 797 Forest Bank 0 92 1,217 1,309 Northallerton 0 140 65 205 Nottingham 0 76 941 1,017 Portland 0 389 73 462 Preston 0 0 735 735 Rochester 0 521 65 586 Stoke Heath 0 365 32 397 Swansea 0 26 393 419 May 2011 Cardiff 0 59 737 796 107W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 108W

Table 2: Population in prison by establishment and age group, May 2010 to December 2012, England and Wales Establishment 15 t o17 years old 18 to 20 years old Adult All

Forest Bank 0 93 1,246 1,339 Northallerton 0 127 61 188 Nottingham 0 80 941 1,021 Portland 0 379 75 454 Preston 0 0 732 732 Rochester 0 474 68 542 Stoke Heath 0 300 38 338 Swansea 0 26 403 429 June 2011 Cardiff 0 51 751 802 Forest Bank 0 98 1,242 1,340 Northallerton 0 125 64 189 Nottingham 0 63 930 993 Portland 0 359 108 467 Preston 0 1 758 759 Rochester 0 449 87 536 Stoke Heath 0 206 41 247 Swansea 0 17 402 419 July 2011 Cardiff 0 52 752 804 Forest Bank 0 127 1,236 1,363 Northallerton 0 132 62 194 Nottingham 0 80 943 1,023 Portland 0 336 129 465 Preston 0 16 711 727 Rochester 0 468 99 567 Stoke Heath 0 166 100 266 Swansea 0 25 401 426 August 2011 Cardiff 0 56 740 796 Forest Bank 0 196 1,156 1,352 Northallerton 0 111 89 200 Nottingham 0 93 964 1,057 Portland 0 332 153 485 Preston 0 68 684 752 Rochester 0 488 133 621 Stoke Heath 0 174 174 348 Swansea 0 30 404 434 September 2011 Cardiff 0 53 765 818 Forest Bank 0 199 1,146 1,345 Northallerton 0 76 156 232 Nottingham 0 112 946 1,058 Portland 0 338 157 495 Preston 0 64 685 749 Rochester 0 482 159 641 Stoke Heath 0 181 278 459 Swansea 0 27 410 437 October 2011 Cardiff 0 47 774 821 Forest Bank 0 185 1,234 1,419 Northallerton 0 53 169 222 Nottingham 0 124 930 1,054 Portland 0 328 158 486 Preston 0 51 699 750 Rochester 0 476 166 642 Stoke Heath 0 153 372 525 Swansea 0 33 411 444 November 2011 Cardiff 0 48 759 807 109W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 110W

Table 2: Population in prison by establishment and age group, May 2010 to December 2012, England and Wales Establishment 15 t o17 years old 18 to 20 years old Adult All

Forest Bank 0 195 1,163 1,358 Northallerton 0 41 205 246 Nottingham 0 93 959 1,052 Portland 0 326 165 491 Preston 0 49 706 755 Rochester 0 415 171 586 Stoke Heath 1 170 439 610 Swansea 0 31 409 440 December 2011 Cardiff 0 49 748 797 Forest Bank 0 161 1,135 1,296 Northallerton 0 38 190 228 Nottingham 0 77 932 1,009 Portland 1 340 161 502 Preston 0 43 666 709 Rochester 0 366 177 543 Stoke Heath 1 181 478 660 Swansea 0 31 407 438 January 2012 Cardiff 0 48 756 804 Forest Bank 0 181 1,181 1,362 Northallerton 0 39 198 237 Nottingham 0 55 1,002 1,057 Portland 1 335 157 493 Preston 0 44 702 746 Rochester 0 378 179 557 Stoke Heath 1 161 521 683 Swansea 0 32 413 445 February 2012 Cardiff 0 43 769 812 Forest Bank 0 165 1,167 1,332 Northallerton 0 43 181 224 Nottingham 0 54 993 1,047 Portland 1 331 165 497 Preston 0 47 707 754 Rochester 0 372 179 551 Stoke Heath 1 170 523 694 Swansea 0 29 408 437 March 2012 Cardiff 0 36 772 808 Forest Bank 0 171 1,166 1,337 Northallerton 0 48 186 234 Nottingham 0 49 990 1,039 Portland 0 328 159 487 Preston 0 62 675 737 Rochester 0 359 188 547 Stoke Heath 0 158 518 676 Swansea 0 31 398 429 April 2012 Cardiff 0 46 765 811 Forest Bank 0 150 1,168 1,318 Northallerton 0 53 179 232 Nottingham 0 67 999 1,066 Portland 0 325 169 494 Preston 0 50 693 743 Rochester 0 356 186 542 Stoke Heath 0 157 500 657 Swansea 0 29 406 435 May 2012 Cardiff 0 45 770 815 111W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 112W

Table 2: Population in prison by establishment and age group, May 2010 to December 2012, England and Wales Establishment 15 t o17 years old 18 to 20 years old Adult All

Forest Bank 0 145 1,166 1,311 Northallerton 0 57 176 233 Nottingham 0 105 959 1,064 Portland 0 321 169 490 Preston 0 53 700 753 Rochester 0 339 218 557 Stoke Heath 0 143 509 652 Swansea 0 25 413 438 June 2012 Cardiff 0 46 744 790 Forest Bank 0 168 1,127 1,295 Northallerton 0 43 185 228 Nottingham 0 94 945 1,039 Portland 0 339 169 508 Preston 0 46 661 707 Rochester 0 335 242 577 Stoke Heath 0 129 494 623 Swansea 0 20 412 432 July 2012 Cardiff 0 61 736 797 Forest Bank 0 147 1,137 1,284 Northallerton 0 35 190 225 Nottingham 0 87 950 1,037 Portland 0 315 187 502 Preston 0 52 666 718 Rochester 0 325 258 583 Stoke Heath 0 115 524 639 Swansea 0 16 422 438 August 2012 Cardiff 0 62 745 807 Forest Bank 0 154 1,177 1,331 Northallerton 0 35 197 232 Nottingham 0 82 929 1,011 Portland 0 311 208 519 Preston 0 50 662 712 Rochester 0 304 323 627 Stoke Heath 0 104 511 615 Swansea 0 21 418 439 September 2012 Cardiff 0 51 737 788 Forest Bank 0 150 1,192 1,342 Northallerton 0 35 200 235 Nottingham 0 96 966 1,062 Portland 0 310 210 520 Preston 0 44 660 704 Rochester 0 244 404 648 Stoke Heath 0 106 536 642 Swansea 0 29 390 419 October 2012 Cardiff 0 46 745 791 Forest Bank 0 140 1,135 1,275 Northallerton 0 29 192 221 Nottingham 0 93 899 992 Portland 0 269 217 486 Preston 0 37 669 706 Rochester 0 217 431 648 Stoke Heath 0 98 529 627 Swansea 0 27 416 443 November 2012 Cardiff 0 44 735 779 113W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 114W

Table 2: Population in prison by establishment and age group, May 2010 to December 2012, England and Wales Establishment 15 t o17 years old 18 to 20 years old Adult All

Forest Bank 0 132 1,162 1,294 Northallerton 0 33 200 233 Nottingham 0 82 890 972 Portland 0 258 223 481 Preston 0 35 658 693 Rochester 0 211 442 653 Stoke Heath 0 104 540 644 Swansea 0 27 410 437 December 2012 Cardiff 0 39 714 753 Forest Bank 0 108 1,139 1,247 Northallerton 0 30 186 216 Nottingham 0 79 856 935 Portland 0 267 204 471 Preston 0 31 638 669 Rochester 0 190 449 639 Stoke Heath 0 98 525 623 Swansea 0 26 376 402 Data sources and quality: These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing.

Prisons: Visits The figures used in the answer have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, as with any large-scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for data entry and processing. Justice how many prisoners in each prison have been allowed to visit family members in other prisons in each of the last five years. [148174] Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) how many inter-prison visit requests were Jeremy Wright: The following table shows the number made from the secure youth estate in each year since of visits between family members recorded as having May 2005; and how many such requests were granted; taken place from each prison establishment in each of [148302] the years 2010, 2011 and 2012. (2) how many inter-prison visit requests were made Establishment 2010 2011 2012 Total from the secure adult estate in each year since May 2005; and how many such requests were granted; Brinsford 2 — — 2 [148303] Castington — 1 — 1 Coldingley — 1 — 1 (3) how many inter-prison visit requests were made Deerbolt — 1 — 1 by those (a) normally and (b) not normally held in the Drake Hall 1 4 — 5 same type of establishment; and how many of these Erlestoke 1 — — 1 requests were granted in each such category in each [148305] Everthorpe 1 — — 1 year since May 2005; Featherstone — 1 — 1 (4) how many inter-prison visit requests were made Ford — 2 — 2 by those in (a) marriages, (b) civil partnerships and Foston Hall — 1 — 1 (c) long-term relationships since May 2010; and how Lewes 1 — 1 2 many such requests were granted. [148331] Lowdham —— 1 1 Grange Parkhurst 1 — — I Rochester — 1 — 1 Jeremy Wright: Figures are not available prior to StyalI—— 12010 as central collection only became possible with the roll-out of the National Offender Management Information Swinfen 1113 Hall System (Prison-NOMIS). The Mount 1 — — 1 The available information relates to completed visits. Wetherby — 1 — 1 Information on the number of visits which were requested Total 10 14 3 27 is not recorded. Figures are not available prior to 2010 as central The number of inter-prison visits from young offender collection only became possible with the rollout of the institutions and adult prison establishments recorded as National Offender Management Information System having taken place in the years 2010, 2011 and 2012 are (Prison-NOMIS). set out in Table 1. 115W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 116W

Table 1: Number of inter-prison visits completed from YOIs and adult which proceedings are brought but not the specific prison establishments circumstances of each case. Therefore, it is not possible YOI Adult Total to separately identify from this centrally held information 2010 5 30 35 those defendants who appeared in court either 2011 9 51 60 unaccompanied or accompanied. 2012 2 47 49 Total 16 128 144 Young Offenders: Custodial Treatment The figures for young offender institutions (YOIs) relate to those establishments whose primary function Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for is to hold young adults aged 18 to 20 or young people Justice how many people under the age of 18 years aged 15 to 17. Data for establishments which have a sentenced to immediate custody went on to serve a dual function as an adult prison and YOI cannot be custodial sentence in each year since 2001. [148444] split because the data are collected at whole-establishment level and not disaggregated between functions. In the Jeremy Wright: The number of juvenile offenders above table the figures for dual function establishments aged 10-17 sentenced at all courts to immediate custody, are included in the adult category. in England and Wales, over the period 2001 to 2011, is Table 2 shows the number of visits recorded as having available in Table Q5.7 of the sentencing tables within taken place between prisons in the same category and the “Criminal Justice Quarterly Update to December prisons in different categories. 2011” publication, at the following link: Table 2: Number of inter-prison visits completed between prisons in http://www.justice.gov.uk/statistics/criminal-justice/criminal- the same category and between prisons in different categories justice-statistics/criminal-justice-statistics-editions Different All young people aged under 18 years sentenced to Same category category Total immediate custody will serve, or have served, their 2010 2 33 35 sentence in youth detention accommodation, i.e. a young offender institution, a secure training centre or a secure 2011 2 58 60 children’s home. 2012 4 45 49 Total 8 136 144

The number of inter-prison visits recorded as having Young Offenders: Reoffenders taken place between prisoners in marriages and long-term relationships is provided in Table 3. No information is Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice available in relation to prisoners in civil partnerships. what steps his Department is taking to reduce the Table 3: Number of inter-prison visits completed between prisoners in binary re-offending rate of young offenders. [150672] marriages and long-term relationships Long term Jeremy Wright: Reducing reoffending by young people Marriage relationship Total is a key priority for this Government which we are pursuing in a number of ways, including through: 2010 1 4 5 the range of provisions in the Legal Aid, Sentencing and 2011 6 7 13 Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, which promote more effective 2012 1 5 6 rehabilitation of young offenders. These include providing courts Total 8 16 24 with greater flexibility in sentencing, and promoting the greater use of restorative justice; The figures used in the answer have been drawn from the DCLG-led Troubled Families initiative, which has a specific administrative IT systems, which, as with any large-scale youth offending indicator recording system, are subject to possible errors with our work to transform the youth secure estate, by placing data entry and processing. education at the centre of our efforts to rehabilitate serious and Inter-prison visits are only allowed in exceptional persistent young offenders. The consultation period on our recent circumstances, all visits are risk assessed and prison Green Paper ends on 30 April. governors reserve the right to refuse any application. No conjugal visits permitted. Young Offenders: Sentencing Trials: Young People Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for what proportion of young offenders from (a) Barnsley Justice how many defendants under the age of 18 years Central constituency, (b) South Yorkshire and (c) appeared in courts in (a) Lancashire and (b) the rest England have been given custodial sentences. [150676] of England in 2012 by age; and how many of these were unaccompanied by (i) a family member, (ii) a local Jeremy Wright: The number of juveniles (10 to 17-year- authority representative and (iii) anyone. [149709] olds) sentenced to an immediate custodial sentence and the proportion, by South Yorkshire police force area Jeremy Wright: The Ministry of Justice Court and England from 2007 to 2011 can be viewed in the Proceedings Database holds information on defendants tables. proceeded against, found guilty and sentenced for criminal Information available centrally does not allow a offences in England and Wales. This database holds breakdown of cases by parliamentary constituency or information on offences provided by the statutes under local authority area. 117W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 118W

Number of juveniles (10 to 17-year-olds) sentenced to an immediate custodial sentence and the proportion, by South Yorkshire police force area and England, 2007- 111,2 2007 2008 2009 Immediate Proportion Immediate Proportion Immediate Proportion Sentenced custody % Sentenced custody % Sentenced custody %

South 2,394 158 6.6 2,432 167 6.9 2,197 162 7.4 Yorkshire England 92,495 5,500 5.9 83,988 5,204 6.2 76,996 4,643 6.0

2010 2011 Sentenced Immediate custody Proportion % Sentenced Immediate custody Proportion %

South Yorkshire 2,072 154 7.4 1,574 153 9.7 England 69,659 3,965 5.7 58,992 3,903 6.6 1 The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with.Whena defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed fortwoor more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. 2 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice

EDUCATION Mr Timpson: The report of the work of the Expert 16-19 Bursary Fund: Barrow in Furness Group on Quality and of the Out of Area Task and Finish Group was received by Ministers just prior to the John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for Christmas recess. This was a very helpful analysis which Education how many students in Barrow and Furness we will soon be publishing on our website. I announced constituency received funding through the Bursary next steps on children’s homes reform in speeches at the Fund in the most recent year for which data is vulnerable children’s conference on 5 February, hosted available; and what the average payment was under that by Barnardos. These include: fund. [150491] improved data collection about children who go missing; removing regulatory barriers to make it possible to share Mr Laws: The 16-19 Bursary Fund began in September information on the location of children’s homes with the police; 2011. Local level information on the number of young and people who have received Bursary Fund payments, and consulting on measures to strengthen the accountability of the amount paid to each recipient, is not held centrally. local authorities and children’s homes for safeguarding vulnerable Information on payments made in Barrow and Furness children, especially when they are placed significant distances will be held by the schools, colleges and training providers away from their home communities. concerned. Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Adoption: Lancashire Education when he first received the findings of the working group on the quality of residential children’s Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for homes established in July 2012; and for what reasons it Education how many children were adopted in has not yet been published. [150510] Lancaster and Fleetwood constituency in the last three years; and if he will make a statement. [147886] Mr Timpson: The report of the work of the Expert Group on Quality was received by Ministers just prior Mr Timpson: The number of looked after children in to the Christmas recess. We will be publishing it this Lancashire local authority who were adopted in the month with a statement which sets out our immediate years ending 31 March 2010, 2011, and 2012 is 60, 50 and medium-term plan on children’s homes reform. We and 70 respectively. Information at constituency level is have held a number of helpful next steps meetings with not available. representatives from local authorities and with children’s This information has been taken from table LAE1 of homes providers about our plans. the Statistical First Release ‘Children Looked After by I have already outlined next steps on children’s homes Local Authorities in England (including adoption and reform as part of my speech on 5 February at the care leavers)—year ending 31 March 2012’. This Statistical vulnerable children’s conference hosted by Barnardo’s. First Release can be found on the Department’s website These include: via the following link: improved data collection about children who go missing; http://www.education.gov.uk/researchandstatistics/statistics/ removing regulatory barriers so Ofsted is enabled to share a00213762/children-looked-after-las-england information on the location of children’s homes with the police; and copies of this report will be placed in the House and Libraries. consulting on measures to strengthen the accountability of local authorities and children’s homes for safeguarding looked-after Children in Care children placed in distant placements away from the authorities Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for responsible for their care. Education when he first received the reports of the Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Task and Finish Working Groups on (a) the quality of Education whether he has received the findings of the residential children’s homes and (b) placing children in working party on the placement of children in care out care out of area; and when he proposes to publish these of area established in July 2012; and when he plans to reports. [148066] publish the findings. [150511] 119W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 120W

Mr Timpson: The report of the work of the Out of Until 31 March 2010 panels assessed if deaths were Area Task and Finish Group was combined with the preventable (defined as events, actions or omissions report of the Expert Group on Quality and was received contributing to the death of a child or to substandard by Ministers just prior to the Christmas recess. We will care of a child who died, and which, by means of be publishing this on our website this month. I have national or locally achievable interventions, can be already outlined next steps on children’s homes reform modified). After this point panels assessed if there were in speeches at the vulnerable children’s conference on modifiable factors in the death (defined as those which, 5 February hosted by Barnardo’s. These include consulting by means of nationally or locally achievable interventions, on regulatory measures to strengthen the accountability could be modified to reduce the risk of future child of local authorities and children’s homes for safeguarding deaths.) vulnerable children, especially when they are placed Details of the reasons why deaths were assessed as significant distances away from their home communities. preventable or having modifiable factors are not collected centrally, therefore data on the number of deaths where Children: Day Care lack of access to medical records was a factor are not available. Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for 1 Education what estimate he has made of the level of Number of child death reviews which have been completed on behalf of Local Safeguarding Children Boards in the year ending 31 March2 provision of formal childcare during school holidays in 20093,4,5 20103,4,5 20116,7 20126 Birmingham in each of the last three years. [150121] Total reviews 1,998 3,446 4,061 4,012 Elizabeth Truss: The Department’s Childcare and Which were assessed 108 148 — — Early Years Providers Survey collects information on as preventable the number of holiday clubs, nationally and by region. Which were assessed 1,890 3,298 — — Estimates at a local authority level are not available. as not being preventable The following table provides estimates of the number Which were assessed — — 800 784 of holiday clubs in the west midlands for the last three as having modifiable years. Information for 2011 is the latest available. factors Number of holiday clubs in the west midlands for 2009, 2010 and 2011 Which were assessed — — 3,261 3,228 as not having 2009 2010 2011 modifiable factors Holiday clubs in 750 1,000 950 1 A child for these purposes is defined as a child aged 0 up to 18 west midlands years, excluding still births. 2 Note: Not all child deaths which occur each year will have their child Figures rounded to the nearest 50. death review completed by the 31 March. This is mainly because it Source: may take a number of months to gather sufficient information to Childcare and Early Years Providers Survey 2009, 2010, 2011 fully review a child’s death. 3 The child death review process was introduced in April 2008, so Information on the number of child care providers, data collected in the year ending 31 March 2009 and 2010 represent other than holiday clubs, offering formal child care the first two years of this data collection. Please note that the during the school holidays is not readily available. number of reviews which were completed and the number of-deaths which were assessed as preventable in these two years may have been The 2011 Childcare and Early Years Providers survey influenced by the issues which panels encountered as they can be accessed here: introduced the process of reviewing child deaths. There may also be http://www.education.gov.uk/researchandstatistics/statistics/ deaths which occurred in the year ending 31 March 2009 or early in allstatistics/a00213767/childcare-early-vears-providers-survey- the year ending 31 March 2010 which panels have either reviewed in 2011 less depth or felt unable to review as little data were available, which are not included in the tables above. Copies of this report will be placed in the House 4 There may be additional deaths which were fully reviewed by a Libraries. CDOP other than the CDOP where the child was normally resident which are not included in these figures. Children: Death 5 One LSCB included child death reviews which had been completed in April 2009 in the data provided for the year ending 31 March 2009; therefore there are a small number of children included in Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for both. Education (1) how many child deaths recorded in each 6 These figures include reviews of child deaths which were completed of the years 2008 to 2011 were classified as (a) where the child was not normally resident in the CDOP area. 7 preventable and (b) non-preventable; [149317] One CDOP was unable to provide data which were consistent with the requirements of the data collection. However they estimate that (2) in how many cases of preventable child death in the number of reviews reported above as being completed by 31 each of the years from 2008 to 2011 lack of access to March 2011 is approximately correct. medical records was deemed a factor. [149318]

Mr Timpson [holding answer 21 March 2013]: The Children: Protection number of child death reviews which were completed by child death overview panels (CDOPs) between 2008-09 Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for and 2011-12 are shown in the following table. From Education how many children are on the at-risk 1 April 2008, all Local Safeguarding Children Boards register in each local authority in England. [147491] have had a statutory responsibility to review the deaths of all children from birth (excluding still born babies) Mr Timpson [holding answer 12 March 2013]: The up to 18 years, who are normally resident within their number of children who were the subject of a child area; therefore the first data collected from CDOPs protection plan at 31 March 2012 in each local authority were for reviews completed in 2008-09. in England are shown in the table. 121W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 122W

The latest figures on children who were the subject of Number of children who were the subject of a child protection plan at 31 March a child protection plan were published in Statistical 2012 by local authority in England Rate of children who were First Release (SFR) 27/2012 ’Characteristics of Children Children who were the subject of a child in Need, in England, 2011-12’, available at the following the subject of a child protection plan at 31 link: protection plan at 31 March per 10,000 March 2012 children http://www.education.gov.uk/researchandstatistics/statistics/ 811 East Riding of 199 31.1 a00215043/ Yorkshire Number of children who were the subject of a child protection plan at 31 March 810 Kingston upon 284 51.9 2012 by local authority in England Hull, City of Rate of children who were 382 Kirklees 376 38.8 Children who were the subject of a child 383 Leeds 890 57.5 the subject of a child protection plan at 31 protection plan at 31 March per 10,000 812 North East 88 25.6 March 2012 children Lincolnshire 813 North 72 20.3 England1 42,900 37.8 Lincolnshire 815 North 436 36.7 Yorkshire 1 North East 2,800 53.6 372 Rotherham 411 73.3 841 Darlington 91 39.7 373 Sheffield 293 25.9 840 Durham 455 45.4 384 Wakefield 344 50.3 390 Gateshead 181 45.0 816 York 162 45.1 805 Hartlepool 124 60.9 806 Middlesbrough 254 80.0 East Midlands1 3,500 36.4 391 Newcastle 374 69.3 upon Tyne 831 Derby 228 40.0 392 North Tyneside 164 40.7 830 Derbyshire 552 35.3 929 Northumberland 205 33.4 856 Leicester 426 54.7 807 Redcar and 163 58.7 855 Leicestershire 524 39.1 Cleveland 925 Lincolnshire 238 17.1 393 South Tyneside 155 52.4 928 Northamptonshire 475 30.4 808 Stockton-on- 273 64.6 892 Nottingham 296 47.4 Tees 891 Nottinghamshire 720 44.4 394 Sunderland 376 68.6 857 Rutland 14 17.4

North West1 6,400 42.6 West Midlands1 5,100 41.4 889 Blackburn with 227 58.8 Darwen 330 Birmingham 1,271 46.3 890 Blackpool 301 104.2 331 Coventry 423 59.9 350 Bolton 236 36.5 332 Dudley 215 31.8 351 Bury 160 38.1 884 Herefordshire 146 40.7 895 Cheshire East 209 27.9 333 Sandwell 329 44.1 896 Cheshire West 248 37.6 893 Shropshire 180 29.5 and Chester 334 Solihull 215 47.8 909 Cumbria 350 36.6 860 Staffordshire 411 24.0 876 Halton 83 29.4 861 Stoke-on-Trent 282 51.7 340 Knowsley 157 48.0 894 Telford and 221 56.8 888 Lancashire 546 22.5 Wrekin 341 Liverpool 448 50.4 335 Walsall 229 36.2 352 Manchester 631 58.2 937 Warwickshire 534 47.8 353 Oldham 317 56.1 336 Wolverhampton 217 38.6 354 Rochdale 229 45.2 885 Worcestershire 456 39.8 355 Salford 330 65.0 343 Sefton 248 45.8 East of 3,700 29.2 1 342 St Helens 177 48.7 England 356 Stockport 262 43.3 822 Bedford 151 42.2 Borough 357 Tameside 235 48.5 823 Central 227 40.3 358 Trafford 186 35.9 Bedfordshire 877 Warrington 170 38.6 873 Cambridgeshire 247 19.3 359 Wigan 276 40.6 881 Essex 773 26.2 344 Wirral 372 55.0 919 Hertfordshire 535 21.1 821 Luton 259 49.6 Yorkshire and 4,800 42.1 926 Norfolk 531 32.2 1 the Humber 874 Peterborough 181 41.1 370 Barnsley 188 38.5 882 Southend-on- 109 29.1 380 Bradford 390 28.6 Sea 381 Calderdale 213 47.0 935 Suffolk 496 32.8 371 Doncaster 406 62.3 883 Thurrock 165 42.9 123W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 124W

Number of children who were the subject of a child protection plan at 31 March Number of children who were the subject of a child protection plan at 31 March 2012 by local authority in England 2012 by local authority in England Rate of children who were Rate of children who were Children who were the subject of a child Children who were the subject of a child the subject of a child protection plan at 31 the subject of a child protection plan at 31 protection plan at 31 March per 10,000 protection plan at 31 March per 10,000 March 2012 children March 2012 children

London1 6,500 35.7 936 Surrey 794 32.1 869 West Berkshire 78 22.0 938 West Sussex 399 24.3 Inner London1 2,700 40.6 868 Windsor and 93 28.5 202 Camden 221 56.7 Maidenhead 201 City of London 7 102.3 872 Wokingham 66 18.6 204 Hackney 189 33.5 205 Hammersmith 133 40.8 South West1 3,800 36.3 and Fulham 309 Haringey 284 49.3 800 Bath and 70 20.8 North East 206 Islington 141 38.8 Somerset 207 Kensington 79 29.6 837 Bournemouth 185 58.1 and Chelsea 801 Bristol, City of 448 51.1 208 Lambeth 309 51.1 908 Cornwall 408 39.8 209 Lewisham 198 31.1 878 Devon 404 28.7 316 Newham23— 3— 835 Dorset 322 41.5 210 Southwark 273 46.2 916 Gloucestershire 400 32.7 211 Tower Hamlets 276 49.8 420 Isles of Scilly 0 0.0 212 Wandsworth 196 35.1 802 North 118 28.4 213 Westminster 97 26.9 Somerset 879 Plymouth 288 56.6 Outer London1 3,800 33.0 836 Poole 127 43.5 301 Barking and 227 42.2 933 Somerset 282 25.9 Dagenham 803 South 225 39.5 302 Barnet 258 31.0 Gloucestershire 303 Bexley 113 20.8 866 Swindon 116 24.9 304 Brent 148 21.0 880 Torbay 285 114.8 305 Bromley 188 27.4 865 Wiltshire 169 16.3 306 Croydon 288 32.3 1 The total figures for England and regional totals include estimates for missing data and are rounded to the nearest 100. Sub totals may not add up to the 307 Ealing 290 37.8 England total and regional totals due to rounding. 308 Enfield 234 29.7 2 Newham and Havering did not make a CIN return in 2011-12. 203 Greenwich 378 61.5 3 No data available. Source: 310 Harrow 129 23.6 2011-12 Children in Need census 311 Havering23— 3— 312 Hillingdon 346 53.7 Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for 313 Hounslow 216 37.5 Education when he plans to publish the final version of 314 Kingston upon 91 26.9 the revised Working Together Guidance. [148067] Thames 315 Merton 173 39.8 Mr Timpson [holding answer 14 March 2013]: We 317 Redbridge 141 19.9 have been carefully reflecting on the feedback received 318 Richmond 46 11.3 through the consultation on the revised ‘Working Together upon Thames to Safeguard Children’ and have continued to work 319 Sutton 173 40.0 with interested parties to develop the guidance. 320 Waltham 184 29.9 Forest ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’ was published on 22 March 2013 and can be found on the DFE South East1 6,300 33.7 website: https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/standard/ 867 Bracknell 82 30.8 Forest publicationDetail/Page1/DFE-00030-2013. 846 Brighton and 308 61.7 Copies of this guidance will be placed in the House Hove Libraries. 825 Buckinghamshire 362 31.3 845 East Sussex 674 64.6 Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for 850 Hampshire 795 28.4 Education how many children are the subject of a child 921 Isle of Wight 51 19.5 protection plan in each local authority in the London 886 Kent 953 29.5 region. [150473] 887 Medway 346 56.8 826 Milton Keynes 55 8.9 Mr Timpson: The numbers of children who were the 931 Oxfordshire 364 26.4 subject of a child protection plan at 31 March 2012 in 851 Portsmouth 180 42.4 each local authority in London are shown in the following 870 Reading 194 58.1 table. 871 Slough 209 55.9 The latest figures on children who were the subject of 852 Southampton 269 58.2 a child protection plan were published in Statistical 125W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 126W

First Release (SFR) 27/2012 ‘Characteristics of children Children: Speech and Language Disorders in need in England: year ending March 2012’, available at the following link: Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for http://www.education.gov.uk/researchandstatistics/statistics/ Education with reference to the Better Communication a00215043/ Research Programme: Improving provision for children and young people with speech, language and Copies of this document will be placed in the House communication needs report commissioned by his Libraries Department and published in December 2012, how he Numbers of children who were the subject of a child protection plan at intends to implement the recommendation that all 31 March 2012 by local authority in London children are entitled to effective teaching to support Rate of children speech, language and communication development. Children who who were the [137557] were the subject subject of a child of a child protection plan at protection plan at 31 March per Mr Timpson: It is up to schools to decide on the most 31 March 2012 10,000 children effective ways of teaching children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN). The Department London1 6,500 35.7 for Education has funded the development of online Inner London1 2,700 40.6 resources for teachers to support them in this. The reports from the Better Communication Research 202 Camden 221 56.7 Programme provides useful information to those who 201 City of London 7 102.3 commission services for children with SLCN and those 204 Hackney 189 33.5 who provide them, including schools. They evaluate 205 Hammersmith 133 40.8 effective practices in promoting the best use of resources and Fulham and better value for money and provide useful information 309 Haringey 284 49.3 on ways to improve the identification of SLCN, ensuring 206 Islington 141 38.8 children and young people receive the right support 207 Kensington and 79 29.6 based on individual need. The practical tools developed Chelsea as part of the research programme, for example a 208 Lambeth 309 51.1 classroom communication tool for teachers and a 209 Lewisham 198 31.1 template for commissioners to evaluate the effectiveness 316 Newham23— 3— of particular interventions, will be an asset to practitioners 210 Southwark 273 46.2 and commissioners in improving their services. 211 Tower Hamlets 276 49.8 Funding from the Department for Education for The 212 Wandsworth 196 35.1 Communication Trust is supporting the dissemination of the research to a wide range of audiences. 213 Westminster 97 26.9 Curriculum Outer London1 3,800 33.0 Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what criteria he is using to determine what 301 Barking and 227 42.2 to include in the basic curriculum in respect of his Dagenham Department’s consultation on the National 302 Barnet 258 31.0 Curriculum draft programmes of study. [145299] 303 Bexley 113 20.8 304 Brent 148 21.0 Elizabeth Truss: The basic curriculum is legally defined 305 Bromley 188 27.4 in section 80 of the Education Act 2002 and sets out the 306 Croydon 288 32.3 curriculum that maintained schools should provide to 307 Ealing 290 37.8 pupils aged five to 16. It includes the subjects in the 308 Enfield 234 29.7 National Curriculum, religious education, and—for 203 Greenwich 378 61.5 secondary schools—sex and relationship education. We 310 Harrow 129 23.6 have no plans to make any changes to this definition. 233 311 Havering — — Education Maintenance Allowance: Barrow in Furness 312 Hillingdon 346 53.7 313 Hounslow 216 37.5 John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for 314 Kingston upon 91 26.9 Education how many students in Barrow and Furness Thames constituency received educational maintenance 315 Merton 173 39,8 allowance payments in 2010-11; and how many 317 Redbridge 141 19.9 students were in each payment band. [150490] 318 Richmond upon 46 11.3 Thames Mr Laws: Information on education maintenance 319 Sutton 173 40.0 allowance (EMA) payments is not available at parliamentary 320 Waltham Forest 184 29.9 constituency level as it is recorded centrally by local 1 The regional totals include estimates for missing data and are authority area. During the 2010/11 academic year, 5,125 rounded to the nearest 100. Sub totals may not add up to regional students in the Cumbria local authority area received totals due to rounding. education maintenance allowance payments. 409 students 2 Newham and Havering did not make a CIN return in 2011-12. 3 No data available. were assessed as being in the £10 payment band; 483 Source: were in the £20 payment band and 4,233 were in the £30 2011-12 Children in Need census payment band. 127W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 128W

Free School Meals with information and advice to help them to ensure that all pupils entitled to free school meals register for, and Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for take, the meal. Education what steps he is taking to ensure that The Department’s online Eligibility Checking Service children living in poverty are able to receive free school enables parents to apply for school meals without having meals. [148826] to give the school information about their income from benefits or earnings. We are encouraging local authorities Mr Laws: The Government recognises the benefits of to increase their use of this resource to encourage more healthy school meals and is committed to continuing to parents to apply online. provide free school meals to those pupils who need A number of schools and local authorities have put them most. Our priority is to make sure that the most in place cashless payment systems which helps to ensure disadvantaged children are able to get a nutritious meal. that those children who are receiving free school meals We are working to encourage all families who meet cannot be identified. the criteria to register for free school meals. We want disadvantaged children to benefit from a nutritious Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for meal, and their schools to be able to receive pupil Education which recipients of universal credit will premium funding to help raise disadvantaged pupils’ qualify for free school meals. [149830] attainment. Free school meals are not compulsory and there are Mr Laws: We are currently considering proposals for many reasons why a family may choose not to claim a new eligibility criteria for free school meals under universal free school meal to which they are entitled. The fear of credit. We are working very closely with other Departments, being stigmatised can prevent many children from taking including the Cabinet Office and the Department for a free school meal. We have however made progress in Work and Pensions, to establish free school meals criteria addressing this: for example, many schools now have under universal credit, while ensuring that free lunches cashless systems and other methods to ensure that it is continue to be available to the families who need them not obvious which pupils are receiving a free school most. meal. The Department for Education’s eligibility checking system, used by local authorities, has also made it much Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for easier and quicker to check anonymously which families Education when he plans to publish a consultation are entitled to free school meals. National free school document on delivering free school meals through meal take-up increased by 60,000 between 2010 and universal credit. [149866] 2012. Mr Laws: We will allow good time to enable schools, The move to universal credit means that we need to local authorities and children’s charities to comment on introduce new criteria, but these will not reduce the our proposals before we introduce new eligibility criteria. number of children eligible for free school meals. Free School Meals: Barnsley Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps he is taking to reduce any social Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for stigma attached to those children claiming free school Education how many pupils in Barnsley Central meals. [149400] constituency are in receipt of free school meals. [150540] Mr Laws [holding answer 25 March 2013]: There are many reasons why some pupils or parents decide not to Mr Laws: Information on the number of pupils known claim the free school meal to which they are entitled. to be eligible for and claiming free school meals in The Department encourages all schools to take any Barnsley Central constituency, and comparable information appropriate action to reduce the stigma which can be for South Yorkshire and England, is shown in the associated with free school meals, and to encourage all following tables. those who are eligible to apply. The latest published information on free school meal The Children’s Food Trust has produced a ’Free eligibility is available in the ‘Schools, Pupils and their School Meals Matter Toolkit’ which provides schools Characteristics, January 2012’ Statistical First Release.

Maintained nursery, state-funded primary, state-funded secondary, special schools and pupil referral units1,2,3,4: Number and percentage of pupils known to be eligible for and claiming free school meals5,6,7, January 2012, Barnsley Central constituency, South Yorkshire and England Maintained nursery and state-funded State-funded secondary schools1,3 Special schools4 primary schools1,2 No. of %of No. of %of Number of %of pupils pupils pupils pupils pupils pupils known to known to known to known to known to known to be eligible be eligible be eligible be eligible be eligible be eligible for and for and for and for and for and for and claiming claiming claiming claiming claiming claiming No. on free school free school No. on free school free school No. on free school free school roll5,6 meals5,6 meals roll5,6 meals5,6 meals roll5,6 meals5,6 meals

England 3,947,650 760,910 19.3 2,809,815 449,485 16.0 80,505 30,170 37.5 129W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 130W

Maintained nursery, state-funded primary, state-funded secondary, special schools and pupil referral units1,2,3,4: Number and percentage of pupils known to be eligible for and claiming free school meals5,6,7, January 2012, Barnsley Central constituency, South Yorkshire and England Maintained nursery and state-funded State-funded secondary schools1,3 Special schools4 primary schools1,2 No. of %of No. of %of Number of %of pupils pupils pupils pupils pupils pupils known to known to known to known to known to known to be eligible be eligible be eligible be eligible be eligible be eligible for and for and for and for and for and for and claiming claiming claiming claiming claiming claiming No. on free school free school No. on free school free school No. on free school free school roll5,6 meals5,6 meals roll5,6 meals5,6 meals roll5,6 meals5,6 meals

South 100,439 22,941 22.8 72,102 13,055 18.1 1,973 859 43.5 Yorkshire8 Barnsley 17,408 4,477 25.7 11,821 2,411 20.4 251 141 56.2 local authority Doncaster 23,212 5,518 23.8 16,484 2,913 17.7 438 174 39.7 local authority Rotherham 20,791 4,341 20.9 16,881 2,843 16.8 478 196 41.0 local authority Sheffield 39,028 8,605 22.0 26,916 4,888 18.2 806 348 43.2 local authority

Barnsley 6,751 1,745 25.8 4,821 1,073 22.3 251 141 56.2 Central constituency

Pupil referral units Total7 No. of pupils % of pupils No. of pupils % of pupils knowntobe known to be knowntobe knowntobe eligible for and eligible for and eligible for and eligible for and claiming free claiming free claiming free claiming free No.onroll5,6 school meals5,6 school meals No. on roll5,6 school meals5,6 school meals

England 13.235 4,855 36.7 6,851,205 1,245,420 18.2

South Yorkshire8 409 192 46.9 174,925 37,045 21.2 Barnsley local 82 41 50.0 29,560 7,070 23.9 authority Doncaster local 131 61 46.6 40,265 8,665 21.5 authority Rotherham local 42 16 38.1 38,190 7,395 19.4 authority Sheffield local 154 74 48.1 66,905 13,915 20.8 authority

Barnsley Central 82 41 50.0 11,905 3,000 25.2 constituency 1 Includes middle schools as deemed. 2 Includes all primary academies, including free schools. 3 Includes city technology colleges and all secondary academies, including free schools. 4 Includes maintained special schools, special academies and non-maintained special schools, excludes general hospital schools. 5 Includes pupils who are sole or dual main registrations. Includes boarders. In pupil referral units includes pupils registered with other providers and further education colleges. 6 Pupils who have full time attendance and are aged 15 or under, or pupils who have part lime attendance and are aged between five and 15. 7 Includes maintained nursery, state-funded primary, state-funded secondary, special schools, and pupil referral units. Excludes pupils in alternative provision as full- and part-time status is not collected. 8 South Yorkshire consists of Barnsley, Doncaster. Rotherham and Sheffield local authorities. Note: National and total numbers have been rounded to the nearest five. Source: School Census

GCE A-level Levels and (b) attainment at A Level by young people from different ethnic backgrounds. [149093] Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what information his Department holds on Elizabeth Truss: The Department holds information (a) the proportion of young people entering for A on the number of students entering and achieving A-levels 131W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 132W in state-funded schools and further education sector A-level and, of these, those achieving three or more colleges by ethnicity. The following table shows the A*-E grades and those achieving three or more A*-A number and percentage of pupils entering at least one grades.

Number and percentage of students1 entering at least one A-level2 in 2011/12 and those achieving three or more A-levels (at grades A*-E) and three or more A*-A grades, by ethnicity3, Year: 2011/124, Coverage: England, state-funded schools (including academies and CTCs) and FE sector colleges Of those students entering at least one Of those students entering at least one A-level, those achieving three or more A-level, those achieving three or more Entering at least one A-level2 A*-E grades A*-A grades Number Percentage5 Number Percentage Number Percentage

Total3 227,508 65.4 171,453 75.4 22,758 10.0 White 178,140 65.5 135,424 76.0 18,182 10.2 Mixed 7,717 68.1 5,869 76.1 853 11.1 Asian 22,321 72.5 16,497 73.9 2,138 9.6 Black 9,875 60.5 6,872 69.6 348 3.5 Chinese 2,087 89.1 1,750 83.9 561 26.9 1 Students aged 16-18 at the start of the 2011/12 academic year attending state-funded schools (including academies and CTCs) and FE sector colleges. 2 Includes GCE A-level, Applied A-level and Double Award A-levels. 3 Includes students of any other ethnic group; also those students for whom ethnicity was not obtained, refused, or could not be determined. 4 Figures are based on revised data. 5 Percentages based on students aged 16-18 at the start of the 2011/12 academic year attending state-funded schools (including academies and CTCs) and FE sector colleges. Source: National Pupil Database (revised data).

GCE AS-level Local Safeguarding Children Boards

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) what the status will be of the new Education pursuant to the oral statement of 23 national panel of independent experts set up to provide January 2013, Official Report, column 317, what the advice to local safeguarding children boards; and to source was of the statistic on the proportion of whom it will be responsible; [150662] universities using AS levels when considering which candidates to make offers to. [150064] (2) who will sit on the new national panel of independent experts to provide advice to local safeguarding children boards; and whether it will be in Elizabeth Truss: The source of the statistic is the place to coincide with the new Working Together impact assessment of A level reforms commissioned by guidance due to come into effect from 15 April 2013. Ofqual and published in November 2012. The research [150663] found that around three quarters of the higher education institutions with whom the researchers spoke based Mr Timpson: The new national panel of independent their selection decisions on predicted A level grades. experts on Serious Case Reviews will act in an advisory The research is available on the Ofqual website. capacity to LSCB Chairs. The panel’s members will be appointed by the Secretary of State but will work Leave independently of Government: The panel will not be a statutory body but the new statutory guidance ‘Working Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Together to Safeguard Children (2013)’: Education how many officials in (a) his Department http://www.education.gov.uk/childrenandyoungpeople/ and (b) each of its agencies and non-departmental safeguardingchildren/protection/a00210235/consultation public bodies qualify for privilege days; and what the sets out its role and states that local safeguarding children total cost to the public purse was of the number of boards should have regard to its advice. A copy of this privilege days utilised each year by such officials. document will be placed in the House Libraries. [147736] The panel will be made up of individuals who are experts in their own fields and will be helpful to LSCB Elizabeth Truss: All staff on the Department’s payroll Chairs as they make decisions about commissioning qualify for one day’s leave for the Queen’s birthday and and publishing SCRs. We do not expect the panel to be a further 1.5 days in addition to their annual leave fully operational by 15 April when ‘Working Together’ entitlement and public holidays. This is consistent with comes into effect. We do, however, expect to be able to most other Government Departments and is under announce the names of the panel members shortly and review as part of a programme of Civil Service Reform. we will confirm to LSCBs when and how they should begin to provide information to the panel. The annual cost of this will vary from year to year according to the numbers and grades of staff in any Mobile Phones: Children given period. The cost for 2012 has been calculated as £522,194 for John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Queen’s Birthday and £783,290 for the further 1.5 Education what recent discussions he has had with days, giving a total cost of £1,305,484. mobile device application developers on applications 133W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 134W available to buy in the UK which are aimed at children a 16-19 Bursary scheme which began at the start of the 2011/12 and allow in-app purchases. [149582] academic year. Care leavers, and also young people who are still looked after, are guaranteed a £1,200 bursary if they continue in Mr Timpson: Through the UK Council for Child full-time education; Internet Safety (UKCCIS), Ministers have put in place a setting up home allowance; a series of sector-based project groups to address the a £2,000 Higher Education Bursary for all eligible care leavers; availability and take-up of parental controls on internet- consistent personal support from a suitably qualified personal enabled devices. We have seen a number of manufacturers adviser up to age 21 or beyond if in education (this includes such as BlackBerry and Apple respond by developing providing access to careers advice); and systems that can allow parents to restrict children from for care leavers up to age 25 who return to education or downloading or using specific apps, including those training, the support of a personal adviser while they are on their that allow in-app purchases. In addition we have seen agreed course. the development of similar tools with this functionality Pay by third parties such as Vodafone and their Guardian parental control software. Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Official Engagements Education (1) how much was paid to officials in (a) his Department and (b) its non-departmental public bodies in bonuses and other payments in addition to Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for salary in each of the last five years; how many officials Education with reference to paragraph 10.17 of the received such payments; and what the monetary value Ministerial Code, whether he has been accompanied by was of the 20 largest payments made in each year; his spouse or partner on official duties on any occasion [148023] when the expenses relating to his spouse or partner were paid from public funds since May 2010; and what (2) what allowances and subsidies in addition to the cost of those expenses was on each occasion. salary were available to officials in (a) his Department [149062] and (b) its non-departmental public bodies in each of the last five years; and what the monetary value was of Elizabeth Truss [holding answer 19 March 2013]: My such payments and allowances in each such year. right hon. Friend the Secretary of State’s wife does not [148042] accompany him on his official duties. Mr Laws: We use a non-consolidated (non pensionable) Official Gifts amount of our pay bill to reward exceptional performance. The following table shows the amounts paid with respect to non-consolidated performance related pay in each of Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the last five financial years for the current Department Education whether he has (a) received and (b) for Education and its predecessor, the Department for retained any gifts given to him in his ministerial Children, Schools and Families. The top 20 of these capacity since May 2010 that were (i) under the value awards also form the 20 largest payments made in each of £140 and (ii) over the value of £140 but purchased of the last five years. by him in accordance with paragraph 7.22 of the Ministerial Code. [149059] Performance 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 year Elizabeth Truss [holding answer 19 March 2013]: The Financial year Department does not hold information regarding gifts of the award 2008/09 2009-10 2010/11 2011-12 2012-13 of a value less than £140. Information about gifts Non 2 2 2 1.25 1.5 received that are valued at more than £140 is available consolidated on the Department’s website at: performance related pay by www.education.gov.uk/aboutdfe/departmentalinformation/ total transparency/b0065263/ministers-quarterly-returns (rounded) (£ This information is published on a quarterly basis. million) Number of 1,405 1,434 1,381 651 892 Information for the period from September 2012 to awards December 2012 is currently being collated and will be Highest award 25,000 15,000 15,000 10,000 12,500 published in due course. paid (£) Top20awards 10,500- 10,000- 8,000- 8,000- 8,100- Orphans: Education range (£) 25,000 15,000 10,000 10,000 12,500 Note: Awards paid in each financial year relate to the performance of the previous Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for year. Prior to 2011/12 around 50% of staff at Grade 6 and below received a Education what financial assistance his Department full or half performance award as part of the 2008-10 departmental pay deal provides to orphans from the age of 16 to allow them and 65% of the senior civil service received a performance award as part of central Cabinet Office arrangements. From 2011/12 onwards, 25% of all staff to continue in full-time education. [150073] received a performance award and the increased amount paid in 2012/13 reflects an increase in the Department’s size. Mr Timpson: 16 and 17-year-old young people who The Department is able to pay a range of allowances are in the care of local authorities, or who have left care, to staff to enable delivery of departmental business and receive support to address their full range of needs, to recognise and retain specific skills. This includes including education. They will receive support from a payments to acknowledge staff who undertake temporary social worker, as well as from carers and a range of periods of additional duties and payments to enable other professionals including teachers. Care leaver recruitment for posts which are hard to fill, or require entitlements include: particular specialisms. 135W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 136W

The following table shows the Department’s policies Mr Laws: Independent schools make their own decisions for its key allowances in terms of the amounts paid. on admitting pupils and considering whether they should offer bursaries or scholarships. Many independent schools Policies are registered charities and choose to offer financial assistance to some pupils through considering how they Temporary Duties 10% of the current salary or the difference between Allowance salary and the pay band minima of the higher pay offer public benefit. Children who have outstanding band. potential to train for a career in dance or music are able Supervisory 10% of the current salary when additional duties or to apply for means tested support through the Department’s Allowance responsibilities are given within the substantive grade. Music and Dance Scheme. Recruitment or Range from a maximum of £2,000 up to £5,000 Retention additions depending on grade for staff below the senior civil service and paid to recognise hard to fill posts. Procurement

The Department’s spend on allowances does not vary Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for greatly from year to year unless there are big changes in Education how many private companies have been headcount. Spend for each of the financial years from awarded contracts since May 2010; what the monetary 2007/08 to 2011/12 is around £300,000 each year. value was of such contracts; and in which areas of his The Department also makes a number of non cash Department they are working. [146102] payments to eligible staff in the form of child care vouchers. These can be used by staff to pay for registered Mr Laws: The Department does not hold a central and approved child care and the value varies depending repository of all contracts from May 2010 and to provide on the age of the child and location. The amounts range the information would incur disproportionate costs. between £39 to £200 for staff out of London; £45 to However, contracts over £10,000 are held on the £230 for London staff; and £90 to £460 for staff with Contracts Finder website which has been in operation children with special needs. The amount spent on these since the beginning of 2011. The web address is: vouchers was £390,000 in 2007/08, £380,000 in 2008/09, www.contractsfinder.co.uk £600,000 for 2009/10 (including payments for staff in the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills), Pupils: Per Capita Costs £460,000 for 2010/11 and £660,000 2011/12. Information on the public servants employed in the Gavin Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Department’s NDPBs is a matter for them and is not Education what the average level of funding per school held centrally. child place for children between the ages of four and 16 Photographs is in the (a) Dudley metropolitan council area, (b) Walsall council area, (c) Wolverhampton city council area and (d) Staffordshire county council area in Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for 2012-13 to date. [147842] Education how many posters and displays there are in the offices of his Department and its agencies Mr Laws: Each local authority receives dedicated displaying the names and photographs of Ministers; schools grant (DSG) funding from the Department for and how much his Department has spent on producing Education. The DSG includes funding for pupils in such posters and displays since May 2010. [149452] early years provision as well as school age pupils, therefore it is not possible to provide an average level of funding Mr Laws: The names and photographs of current for children solely between the ages of four and 16. Ministers, as well as former Secretaries of State since the formation of the Department for Education, are In the 2012-13 financial year, the DSG guaranteed displayed in the reception area of our London headquarters. unit of funding for Dudley local authority is £4,895.46 This display is produced in-house by civil servants at per pupil and will be paid in relation to 46,908 pupils. minimal cost. In the 2012-13 financial year, the DSG guaranteed unit of funding for Walsall local authority is £5,131.27 Primary Education: Class Sizes per pupil and will be paid in relation to 42,370 pupils. In the 2012-13 financial year, the DSG guaranteed Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for unit of funding for Wolverhampton local authority is Education what guidance his Department gives on the £5,348.26 per pupil and will be paid in relation to maximum acceptable class size at Key Stage 1. [149676] 35,495 pupils. In the 2012-13 financial year, the DSG guaranteed Mr Laws: The School Admissions (Infant Class Size) unit of funding for Staffordshire local authority is (England) (Regulations) 2012 and School Admissions £4,653.02 per pupil and will be paid in relation to Code is available here: 115,297 pupils. www.education.gov.uk/schools/adminandfinance/ schooladmissions/a00195/current-codes-and-regulations We are currently reforming the funding system so that it reflects the current needs of pupils and is more Private Education consistent across the country. We are committed to introducing a new national funding formula during the Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for next spending review period. Education how he is ensuring that independent schools In addition to DSG funding, the Department for have the ability to provide scholarships and bursaries to Education allocates pupil premium funding for pupils talented students who cannot afford the fees in support who are in receipt of free school meals (FSM) or who of his policies of increasing social mobility. [147807] have been entitled to FSM in the past six years, for 137W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 138W children in care who have been continuously looked Our most recent data on young people’s participation after for six months and for Service children. in education or training: In the 2012-13 financial year, pupils in Dudley local http://www.education.gov.uk/researchandstatistics/statistics/ authority attracted £7.527 million of pupil premium allstatistics/a00210462/participation-in-education-training- funding in relation to 12,100 pupils. employment-16-18 In the 2012-13 financial year, pupils in Walsall local takes into account significant revisions from ONS to authority attracted £9.125 million of pupil premium population data following Census 2011. The revised funding in relation to 14,660 pupils. participation rates mean that there is further to go to In the 2012-13 financial year, pupils in Wolverhampton reach full participation. Copies of the Statistical First local authority attracted £8.2 million of pupil premium Release which includes this data will be placed in the funding in relation to 13,170 pupils. House Libraries. In the 2012-13 financial year, pupils in Staffordshire Our lagged system of funding means that we will local authority attracted £14.317 million of pupil premium fund a place for every 16 to 19-year-old who enrols in funding in relation to 23,260 pupils. education or training. In the academic year 2013/14, we plan to fund nearly 1,550,000 education and training Recruitment places for 16 to 19-year-olds. The Education Funding Agency will publish participation planning assumptions Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for for 2014/15 and 2015/16 prior to the start of each Education how many officials were recruited to (a) his academic year. Department and (b) each of its non-departmental public bodies in each of the last five years. [147966] Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what preparations his Department has made Elizabeth Truss: The information is as follows: for the increase in the number of students in 2015 due Recruits to the raising of the school leaving age. [150689] Number 2008 273 Mr Laws: We will commence the necessary parts of 2009 342 the Education and Skills Act 2008 to introduce duties 2010 150 on young people to participate in education or training 2011 380 until the end of the academic year in which they turn 17 2012 303 from summer 2013 and to their 18th birthday from summer 2015. In March 2010 the Department had 15 advisory and Executive non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) Our lagged system of funding means that we will and two non-ministerial departments. From April 2012, fund a place in education or training for every young only five of the 17 remain. These are: two non-ministerial person who enrols, including those additional 16 and departments which receive funding direct from HMT— 17-year-olds who participate in schools, colleges, Ofsted and Ofqual; two Executive NDPBs—the Office apprenticeships and other training as a result of this of the Children’s Commissioner (OCC) and the Children new duty. Our planned budget for education and training and Family Court Advisory Support Service (CAFCASS); places will increase slightly from a total of £7,335 and one advisory NDPB—the School Teachers Review million in 2012-13 to £7,430 million in 2013-14. The Body. Education Funding Agency will publish planned budgets for future years prior to the start of each academic year. Four new Executive agencies have been established: the Standards and Testing Agency (in October 2011); Latest ONS population projections suggest that the the Education and Funding Agency; the Teaching Agency; overall population of 16 to 18-year-olds will reduce by and the National College for School Leadership (in around 40,000 between the end of 2013 and the end of April 2012). Overall the full-time equivalent staffing 2015, which means that participation rates can increase figure for the departmental family has reduced by more without putting as much additional pressure on numbers than 1,000 since 2008. of students. Equivalent figures for the Department’s arm’s length We are taking a range of further action to prepare for bodies are not available and could be obtained only at the raising of the participation age. We have recently disproportionate cost. published Statutory Guidance for local authorities setting out their role in increasing young people’s participation: School Leaving http://www.education.gov.uk/childrenandyoungpeople/ youngpeople/participation/g00222993/stat-guide-young- Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for people-edu-employ-train Education how many extra students he predicts will be Copies of this guidance will be placed in the House in the education system in 2015 as a result of the Libraries. raising of the school leaving age in 2015. [150688] We are introducing new 16-19 Study Programmes Mr Laws: We are committed to raising the age of from September, increasing the quality of apprenticeships compulsory participation in education or training to 18 and developing a new traineeships programme to help in 2015. Youngpeople will be able to participate through young people prepare for apprenticeships and other full-time education, an apprenticeship, or part-time study sustainable employment. Our £180 million 16-19 Bursary where they are undertaking full-time employment or Fund provides targeted financial support to help young volunteering. people overcome financial barriers to participation and 139W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 140W we are providing additional support to 16 to 17-year-olds 25 to 50 days, (vii) 50 to 75 days, (viii) 75 to 100 days, who are NEET and have low qualifications through the (ix) 100 to 150 days, (x) 150 to 200 days, (xi) more than Youth Contract. 200 days, (xii) more than three months, (xiii) more than Sick Leave six months and (xiv) more than one year on paid sick leave (A) consecutively and (B) in total in each of the Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for last five years. [148004] Education how many officials in (a) his Department and (b) each of its non-departmental public bodies Elizabeth Truss: The figures within the following have had (i) fewer than five days, (ii) five to 10 days, (iii) table refer to DfE staff. The Department does not have 10 to 15 days, (iv) 15 to 20 days, (v) 20 to 25 days, (vi) data for non-departmental public bodies.

Days in total 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Less than 5 3,475 2,596 2,472 2,292 3,041 5 to 10 387 320 229 188 270 10 to 15 139 105 84 80 115 15 to 20 81 54 36 31 62 20 to 25 43 34 25 35 39 25 to 50 107 86 72 57 21 50 to 75 62 30 33 18 26 75 to 100 26 19 13 7 13 100 to 150 17 15 10 9 11 150to200 55412 200+ 53541 More than 3 months 37 32 62 33 24 More than 6 months 10 6 17 9 11 More than 12 months 00421

Special Educational Needs: Bury St Edmunds The Department collects information on the number of children looked after who cease to be looked after Mr Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for due to the granting of a special guardianship order. Education how many children in Bury St Edmunds Information is collected on whether the order was granted constituency received statements of special educational to a former foster carer or to a carer other than a former needs in each of the last three years. [148086] foster carer. Information on whether the special guardianship order was granted to a relative or friend is Mr Laws: Information on children receiving newly not available. made statements is not available at parliamentary The following tables shows the number of children constituency level. who have ceased to be looked after following the granting Information on the number and percentage of pupils of a special guardianship order for the year ending 31 with statements of special education needs in the Bury March 2006 to 2012. Please note the figures in this table St Edmunds parliamentary constituency is shown in the relate to England only. Information for Wales can be table. accessed at: Information on the number of pupils with statements https://statswales.wales.gov.uk/Catalogue/Health-and-Social- of special educational needs as at January 2012 is Care/Social-Services/Childrens-Services/Children-Looked-After/ EpisodesFinishingForChildrenLookedAfterDuringYearTo31March- published in the Statistical First Release ’Special Educational by-LocalAuthority-ReasonForFinishing Needs in England, January 2012’ available at Information on all special guardianship orders made http://www.education.gov.uk/researchandstatistics/statistics/ allstatistics/a00210489/sen-england-jan-2012 by the family courts (including in respect of children who are not, and have not been looked after) is published Copies of this report will be placed in the House by the Ministry of Justice in their Court Statistics Libraries. Quarterly publication, available at: Special Guardianship Orders http://www.justice.gov.uk/statistics/courts-and-sentencing/ judicial-quarterly Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Information on special guardianship orders is available Education how many special guardianship orders were under the section covering family courts. The current made (a) in total, (b) to a relative or friend connected family court data collection system has a facility to to the child and (c) to an unrelated foster carer in (i) 1 collect data on the applicant and the respondent’s April 2011 to 31 March 2012 and (ii) each of the last 10 relationship to the child in special guardianship cases years in (A) England and Wales and (B) each region. but the system does not record information on who is [150147] named in the resulting court order. It is therefore not possible for the Ministry of Justice to tell how many Mr Timpson [holding answer 26 March 2013]: Special special guardianship orders have been made which name guardianship orders were introduced in December 2005. someone other than a parent. Therefore information is only available for year ending Copies of these documents will be placed in the 31 March 2006 and later. House Libraries. 141W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 142W

Children who ceased to be looked after during the year ending 31 March due to the granting of a special guardianship order1, 2, 3, 4, year ending 31 March 2006 to 2012, England 20065 2007 Of which: Of which: Special Number of children who Special guardianship Number of children who Special Special ceased to be looked guardianship order made to ceased to be looked guardianship guardianship order after due to the order made to carers other than after due to the order made to made to carers granting of a special former foster former foster granting of a special former foster other than former guardianship order carers carers guardianship order carers foster carers

England 70 n/a n/a 750 500 260 North East 10 n/a n/a 50 30 20 North West 10 n/a n/a 130 90 40 Yorkshire and the 10 n/a n/a 50 40 10 Humber East Midlands 0 n/a n/a 30 30 10 West Midlands 0 n/a n/a 80 40 30 East of England 0 n/a n/a 50 20 20 London 30 n/a n/a 170 100 70 South East 10 n/a n/a 130 100 40 South West 0 n/a n/a 60 40 20

2008 2009 Of which: Of which: Special Number of children who Special guardianship Number of children who Special Special ceased to be looked guardianship order made to ceased to be looked guardianship guardianship order after due to the order made to carers other than after due to the order made to made to carers granting of a special former foster former foster granting of a special former foster other than former guardianship order carers carers guardianship order carers foster carers

England 1,130 770 360 1,240 810 430 North East 70 50 30 80 40 40 North West 220 180 40 230 190 50 Yorkshire and the 80 60 20 100 80 20 Humber East Midlands 60 30 30 60 40 20 West Midlands 90 60 30 100 70 30 East of England 100 70 20 110 60 50 London 270 150 110 300 170 130 South East 180 120 60 170 120 60 South West 60 40 30 90 50 40

2010 2011 Of which: Of which: Special Number of children who Special guardianship Number of children who Special Special ceased to be looked guardianship order made to ceased to be looked guardianship guardianship order after due to the order made to carers other than after due to the order made to made to carers granting of a special former foster former foster granting of a special former foster other than former guardianship order carers carers guardianship order carers foster carers

England 1,290 860 430 1,780 1,140 640 North East 70 40 30 120 70 50 North West 260 210 50 330 240 80 Yorkshire and the 120 90 30 190 130 50 Humber East Midlands 70 50 20 100 80 30 West Midlands 110 70 40 180 130 50 East of England 110 60 50 180 100 8O London 270 150 120 310 160 150 South East 180 140 40 270 170 100 South West 100 60 50 100 60 50

2012 Of which: Number of children who ceased to be looked after due to the granting of a Special guardianship order made to Special guardianship order made to special guardianship order former foster carers carers other than former foster carers

England 2,130 1,330 800 North East 120 80 40 North West 420 310 120 143W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 144W

2012 Of which: Number of children who ceased to be looked after due to the granting of a Special guardianship order made to Special guardianship order made to special guardianship order former foster carers carers other than former foster carers

Yorkshire and the Humber 200 130 70 East Midlands 130 80 50 West Midlands 200 150 50 East of England 230 140 100 London 370 170 200 South East 340 220 120 South West 120 60 60 n/a = Not applicable. 1 Only the last occasion on which a child ceased to be looked after in the year has been counted. 2 Figures exclude children who were looked after under an agreed series of short term placements. 3 Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10. Totals may therefore not appear to sum to constituent parts. 4 Special guardianship orders were introduced in December 2005, figures for 2006 only therefore reflect data for a period of three months only. 5 Data for special guardianship orders in 2006 cannot be disaggregated further. Source: SSDA903.

Staff Responsibilities of safeguarding staff in February 2013 Division FTE

Seema Malhotra: To ask the Secretary of State for Child Protection 19.4 Education what increase in staff there has been in the Child Safeguarding 31.9 Academy Failures Unit of his Department in the last Local improvement, intervention 32.7 18 months. [144668] and Workforce Director and Support 2 Elizabeth Truss [holding answer 18 February 2013]: Total 86 Within the Department, Open Academies Performance Division has responsibility for monitoring the performance Responsibilities of safeguarding staff in May 2010 of academies. The division was established in September Division FTE 2011 with 12.64 full-time equivalent staff. As at 1 April Child Safeguarding 17.40 2013, Open Academies Performance Division has 13.64 full-time equivalent staff. Child Safety Unit 20.00 Group Leadership And Admin 9.00 Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for National Safeguarding Delivery 15.80 Unit Education pursuant to the answer of 22 March 2013, Official Report, columns 855-56W, on staff, for what Safeguarding Operations 11.54 Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups 4.00 reasons he cannot provide a breakdown of the Act responsibilities of safeguarding staff in his Department Total 77.74 as at February 2013; and if he will provide the information for the latest period for which figures are Teachers: Industrial Disputes available. [150508]

Mr Timpson: The Department now has confirmed Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State work force numbers for February 2013. The responsibilities for Education what the current (a) state of of safeguarding staff in February 2013 are as follows: negotiations is and (b) areas of disagreement are between his Department and the National Union of Responsibilities of safeguarding staff in February 2013 Teachers and NASUWT. [149321] Division FTE

Child protection 19.4 Mr Laws [holding answer 21 March 2013]: We have Child safeguarding 31.9 met frequently with both the NUT and the NASUWT Local improvement, intervention and 32.7 to discuss their concerns and will continue to do so. The workforce Secretary of State for Education and the Minister of Director and support 2 State for Schools have met with the NUT 13 times and Total 86 with the NASUWT 22 times since the general election. While the NUT and NASUWT disputes are different Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for and cover more than one issue, we understand the main Education what responsibilities were covered by staff common area of current disagreement centres around in the safeguarding department in (a) the latest period pay. Our pay reforms are based on recommendations for which figures are available and (b) May 2010. made by the independent School Teachers’ Review Body. [150509] These recommendations have been reached following a set process run by the Review Body which involves Mr Timpson: The Department now has confirmed consultation with all teacher unions, head teacher unions work force numbers for February 2013. The responsibilities and employer representative bodies. NUT and NASUWT of safeguarding staff in February 2013 and May 2010 contributed to that process but the STRB has to consider are as follows: the views of all statutory consultees. The proposed 145W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 146W changes to teachers’ pay will give schools more freedom Termination of Employment to decide how much they pay a teacher and how quickly pay progresses. We believe the best teachers should be Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for rewarded, and our reforms will make it easier for schools Education how many officials in (a) his Department to do so. and (b) each of its non-departmental public bodies We will continue discussions with the NUT and have left that body due to (i) resignation, (ii) retirement, NASUWT with the aim of seeking a resolution to the (iii) redundancy, (iv) transferral to another public current disputes. sector post and (v) another reason in each of the last five years. [147947] Teachers: Training Elizabeth Truss: The Department for Education was established on 10 May 2010. Figures for the Department Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for and its predecessor, the Department for Children Schools Education what estimate he has made of expected final and Families, are set out in the table. The Department recruitment to initial teacher training in each subject has made no redundancies during the period in question, but has funded a number of approved voluntary exits and phase in the 2012-13 academic year. [149666] which are included in the table.

Mr Laws: Table A shows the expected recruitment Number numbers to initial teacher training for each subject and Reason 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 phase in academic year 2012-13. Resignation 48 25 45 39 86 Table A—Recruitment to initial teacher training in academic year 2012-13 in England Retirement 34 32 40 10 20 Subject Recruitment numbers for 2012/13 Voluntary 94 22 222 43 182 exits English 2,240 Transfer 72 95 119 51 96 Mathematics 2,500 Other2433567241 Biology and general science 850 Total 272 207 482 215 425 Chemistry 1,170 Physics (including physics with 900 Equivalent figures for the Department’s arm’s length mathematics) bodies are not available and could be obtained only at Modern Languages 1,630 disproportionate cost. Geography 650 Third Sector History 640 Art and Design 370 Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for ICT 500 Education if he will list all those organisations which Design and technology 700 have been successful in his Department’s recent grant Music 380 awarding round for community and voluntary groups Physical education 1,040 delivering services for children and young people; and Religious education 470 how much has been awarded to each organisation. Business studies 190 [150512] Citizenship 140 Other 250 Mr Timpson: Successful organisations who bid for Total—all secondary 14,620 the National Prospectus Grants Programme have been notified individually and are now in negotiation with the Department for Education regarding their grant Total—primary 20,760 funding agreements. A list of organisations and funding allocations will be made public once these negotiations Total—all subjects 35,380 have been finalised. Due to the local election period, we Notes: will be deferring any public announcement until after 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10. 2. Not all training begins at the start of the academic year so the 2 May once the period of Purdah has ended. figures include an estimate of in-year starts. Source: Training Initial Teacher Training Trainee Number Census 2012/13 Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Telephone Services Education how many away days his Department has held since 2010; and what the cost was of each such event. [139957] Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether his Department’s customer service Elizabeth Truss: The Department has previously provided telephone lines are restricted to those beginning 0870. an answer to this question on 9 February 2012, Official [149021] Report, column 430W. Arrangements for away days are made locally. Details Mr Laws: No central record of all telephone numbers are not held centrally and could be obtained only at in use by the Department and its agencies is held. A disproportionate cost. All staff are aware that events to survey of telephone numbers in use by the Department bring staff together should be held in the most appropriate and its agencies showed that the Department has no of our buildings and that refreshments are provided in telephone lines beginning 0870. exceptional circumstances. 147W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 148W

Young People: Education Mr Timpson [holding answer 21 March 2013]: As the hon. Gentleman is aware the Department holds a current Stephen Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for grant agreement with the United Futures Consortium Education how many young people aged 17 are in to scale up and improve business brokerage in the youth full-time education or training as of 2013; and how sector. The £320,000 grant has funded work that began many young people aged 18 are expected to be in in January 2012 and that will end, as was always intended, full-time education or training at age 18 in 2015. in April 2013. [150727] The Department for Education announced a new round of VCSE funding under the National Prospectus Mr Laws: Data on the number of young people Grants Programme 2013-15 on 26 October 2012. The participating in education, training and employment bidding exercise for this programme, which will offer up are published in our Statistical First Release (SFR) to £30 million a year in 2013-14 and 2014-15, closed on ″Participation in Education, Training and Employment 30 November 2012 and was open to any VCS organisation by 16-18 Year Olds in England″ which is available at: which chose to bid. The Department is in the final http://www.education.gov.uk/researchandstatistics/statistics/ stages of this exercise and we expect to announce the allstatistics/a00210462/participation-in-education-training- successful bidders shortly. employment-16-18 The latest published data are for end of 2011 and Youth Services show there were 522,500 17-year-olds in full-time education or work-based learning. Data for end 2012 (relating to Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for the 2012/13 academic year) will be published in June Education what youth projects will be funded by his 2013. Department after April 2013. [149815] Our lagged system of funding means that we will fund a place for every 16 to 19-year-old who enrols in Mr Timpson [holding answer 25 March 2013]: The education or training. In the academic year 2013/14, we Department for Education announced a new round of plan to fund nearly 1,550,000 education and training VCSE funding under the National Prospectus Grants places for 16 to 19-year-olds. The Education Funding Programme 2013-15 on 26 October 2012. One of the Agency will publish participation planning assumptions themes under which projected projects could apply related for 2014/15 and 2015/16 prior to the start of each to the development of services to support improved academic year. outcomes for young people. The Department is in the final stages of this exercise and we expect to announce Young People: Mental Health the successful bidders shortly. In addition, we are extending the funding allocated Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for to the British Youth Council to support a range of Education if he will set out the arrangements in his activities relating to improving “youth voice”, including Department for developing policy and providing advice the management of the UK Youth Parliament and to Ministers on children and young people’s mental support for the National Scrutiny Group which scrutinises health, including the number of staff and their policy development. We expect to confirm details of the responsibilities, the directorate those staff are part of grant shortly, which will cover the two financial years and when these arrangements were last reviewed and 2013/14 and 2014/15. changed. [150065]

Mr Timpson: Policy on children and young people’s mental health services is the responsibility of the Department of Health, which published the wider CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT Government strategy, ’No Health Without Mental Health’ in February 2011. In summer 2011 the overview of BBC mental health policies in the Department for Education transferred to the special educational needs and disability Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State division, to help to secure alignment with the reforms for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions she has set out in the ’Support and Aspiration’ Green Paper. had with the BBC Trust on the parity of the BBC’s However, a wide range of Departmental policies have expenditure across regions. [150525] elements which are relevant to mental health issues and aspects of the wider Government strategy, therefore a Mr Vaizey: There have been no discussions with the range of officials advise Ministers, drawing on support BBC Trust on the parity of the BBC’s expenditure from Department of Health. The Department is currently across the regions. The BBC is an independent body restructuring to make better use of flexible deployment governed by the royal charter. Under the terms of the in policy work, allowing staff to develop expertise across BBC’s charter and agreement, the BBC is operationally broader policy areas and allow resource to be focused and editorially independent of Government and there is on specific priorities. no provision for the Government to intervene in the corporation’s day-to-day operations. How the BBC allocates Youth Organisations: Business its funding, in meeting its objectives, is a matter for the BBC. Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for In 2008, the BBC made the following commitments Education what funding his Department will provide to growing regional production outside of London: to the United Futures Consortium after March 2013. That 50% of network spend will be made outside London by [149319] 2016; 149W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 150W

That 17% of network spend will come from the Nations by Bedford 2016; and Bromsgrove That a proportion of network spend would be made in Scotland, Cambridge equivalent to Scotland’s share of the UK population, with a comparable approach in relation to Wales and Northern Ireland. Carlisle Derry/Londonderry Local Broadcasting: Midlands Dundee Guildford Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Hereford for Culture, Media and Sport if she will discuss with Inverness the BBC Trust the petition of the Campaign for Kidderminster Regional Broadcasting Midlands on increasing Limavady network television and radio production by the BBC in Luton that region. [150526] Maidstone Mr Vaizey: The BBC is an independent body governed Malvern by the royal charter. Under the terms of the BBC’s Middlesbrough charter and agreement, the BBC is operationally and Mold editorially independent of Government and there is no Plymouth provision for the Government to intervene in the Reading corporation’s day-to-day operations. How the BBC allocates Salisbury its funding, in meeting its objectives, is a matter for the BBC. Therefore there are no planned discussions with Scarborough the BBC Trust regarding the Campaign for Regional Stoke on Trent Broadcasting Midlands. Stratford upon Avon The Midlands remains an important part of the BBC Swansea production landscape. In 2008, the BBC made the following Tonbridge commitments to growing regional production outside Yo rk of London: In addition to the locations listed above, Ofcom will That 50% of network spend will be made outside London by consider advertising licences for further locations where 2016; it is possible to demonstrate technical feasibility and the That 17% of network spend will come from the Nations by existence of a local operator interested in holding the 2016; and licence. If a local operator is interested in a location not That a proportion of network spend would be made in Scotland, listed above, it would need to agree a technical plan with equivalent to Scotland’s share of the UK population, with a Comux as the multiplex operator before Ofcom can comparable approach in relation to Wales and Northern Ireland. consider advertising a licence for that area. Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Mobile Applications: Children for Culture, Media and Sport what steps the Government is taking to encourage local media and regional broadcasting in the Midlands. [150527] John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will estimate the Mr Vaizey: The Government has put in place a number of apps available to buy in the UK that are comprehensive framework for the development of local aimed at children and feature in-app purchases. television, supported by funding from the BBC Trust. [150258] We expect the first of the 19 new local television services licensed by Ofcom to begin broadcasting by the end of Mr Vaizey: I have no plans to estimate how many of 2013. the over 100,000,000 apps now available are aimed at children and feature in-app purchasing. Rather DCMS Ofcom has awarded local digital service licences to efforts are focused on discussion with industry about operators Birmingham and Nottingham following a the steps they should be taking to ensure that parents competitive process. The Birmingham licence was awarded are properly informed about in-app purchasing and to City TV Broadcasting on 6 November 2012, The have easy access to the tools to block it where they Nottingham licence was awarded to Notts television on choose to do so. 20 November 2012. Both companies are currently in discussion with Comux, the multiplex licence holder to agree arrangements for transmission of services including Museums and Galleries firm launch dates for the start of services. Ofcom are currently seeking expressions of interest Mr Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for from potential bidders for 30 new areas identified by Culture, Media and Sport if she will draw attention of Ofcom as suitable for local television. These are set out public galleries to the value of salon style hangs to in the following list: ensure that the general public may enjoy the works of artists whose paintings are currently not on display. Aberdeen [150590] Ayr Bangor Mr Vaizey: The Government does not dictate or Barnstaple influence public galleries or museums on the curation Basingstoke or display of their art. 151W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 152W

Olympic Games 2012 on their website and elsewhere as a supplier of goods or services to the 2012 games. Licences are provided free of charge to eligible suppliers. Mr Sutcliffe: To ask the Secretary of State for Definitions of each of the excluded categories can be Culture, Media and Sport whether the exclusion to the viewed in the section on the Supplier Recognition Scheme Supplier Recognition Scheme for industrial lighting on the BOA website. I would encourage any supplier includes those who supplied entertainment lighting to which is uncertain about whether they may be eligible the London 2012 games; and if she will make a for a licence under the new scheme to seek clarification statement. [150477] from the BOA. The BOA takes decisions on individual applications on a case-by-case basis, taking account of Hugh Robertson: The excluded categories exist to whether the eligibility criteria are met, the nature of the protect the rights of worldwide Olympic sponsors, whose goods or services provided and the nature of the core investment makes the games possible. The provision of business of the supplier concerned. lighting equipment and systems used within commercial, industrial and residential settings falls within one of Pay these excluded categories. This includes lighting used by the entertainment industry. Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Companies whose supply includes lighting services, Media and Sport how much was paid to officials in (a) for example, installation and design, may be eligible and her Department and (b) its non-departmental public are encouraged to contact the British Olympic Association bodies in bonuses and other payments in addition to for further guidance. salary in each of the last five years; how many officials received such payments; and what the monetary value Sir Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for was of the 20 largest payments made in each year. Culture, Media and Sport if she will make it her policy [148021] that all companies and suppliers involved with the London 2012 Olympics shall be permitted to publicise Hugh Robertson: DCMS makes bonus payments to that involvement; and if she will make a statement. its staff for two purposes: (a) special bonuses to reward [150559] outstanding contributions in particularly demanding tasks or situations; and (b) performance related bonuses to reward highly successful performance over a whole Hugh Robertson: Every London 2012 supplier played year. Awards were made in line with Cabinet Office an important part in the success of the games and we principles and guidelines on performance-related pay. recognise how vital it is for suppliers to be able to share Such information that is available is shown in the their experiences when bidding for and working on following tables: future projects. In recognition of this, all suppliers are able to make factual statements around their involvement Number of staff awarded special in the games, as set out in the marketing protocol which bonuses and performance related LOCOG published in 2007 and which was extended in Financial year bonuses 2010. This protocol enables all 2012 suppliers to make factual statements relating to their work on the games—by, 2006-07 327 for example, including references to their work in client 2007-08 371 lists and pitch and tender documents. 2008-09 420 2009-10 391 In addition we have established, with the British 2010-11 370 Olympic Association (BOA) and with the agreement of 2011-12 353 the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Supplier Recognition Scheme which the BOA manages. This is another first for London 2012—no such schemes have Financial year Total all bonuses (£) been set up following earlier games. The purpose of the 2006-07 392,114 new Recognition Scheme is to allow 2012 suppliers 2007-08 520,713 much greater scope to promote their involvement in the 2008-09 582,167 2012 games, over and above the existing arrangements. 2009-10 608,587 Suppliers must meet the eligibility criteria of the scheme 2010-11 735,259 and some categories of business are excluded to protect 2011-12 793,540 the rights of worldwide Olympic sponsors whose investment makes the games possible. Excluded suppliers can continue Largest 20 bonuses of any type to make factual statements about their involvement in £ the games. Suppliers wishing to undertake this activity 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 for the first time should seek guidance from the BOA. The Recognition Scheme was launched on 27 January 1 14,000 13,000 35,000 49,500 187,500 197,500 2013 and as at 9 April, 537 licences had been approved, 2 10,000 11,000 30,000 40,000 130,000 101,000 118 applications had been declined and 44 were being 3 10,000 10,000 15,000 12,500 20,000 22,000 processed. 4 10,000 10,000 13,500 12,500 10,500 9,500 5 8,250 10,000 13,500 12,500 10,500 9,500 For companies who gain a licence under the new 6 8,250 9,500 12,000 12,000 8,000 8,544 scheme, there is much greater scope to actively promote 7 8,000 8,500 11,000 11,000 8,000 7,500 their involvement with the games, for example, at trade 8 8,000 8,500 11,000 10,000 8,000 7,500 fairs in the UK and overseas, and by describing themselves 153W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 154W

Largest 20 bonuses of any type money for any public investment. Up to £10 million of £ funding will be made available, but the level of support 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 will be determined by the outcome of this exercise and subject to need. 9 8,000 8,500 11,000 10,000 8,000 7,500 10 6,500 8,500 11,000 10,000 8,000 7,500 Victoria and Albert Museum 11 6,065 8,500 11,000 10,000 8,000 7,500 12 6,000 8,500 9,000 10,000 8,000 7,500 Mr Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for 13 6,000 8,000 9,000 10,000 7,300 2,700 Culture, Media and Sport if she will attach a condition 14 5,000 7,500 7,000 10,000 5,500 2,700 to the next grant-in-aid settlement for the Victoria and 15 5,000 5,800 7,000 9,500 5,500 2,700 Albert Museum to require it to give consideration to 16 4,500 5,800 7,000 8,000 5,500 2,700 marking the centenaries of leading British artists 17 4,500 5,800 7,000 8,000 5,500 2,700 whose work it holds. [150591] 18 4,500 5,800 7,000 8,000 5,500 2,700 19 4,000 5,800 7,000 8,000 1,850 2,700 Mr Vaizey: The Department operates an ’arm’s length’ 20 3,750 5,800 7,000 8,000 1,600 2,700 relationship with its sponsored bodies such as the Victoria and Albert Museum. It does not, therefore, intervene in Sports: Schools curatorial decisions about whether to mark the centenaries of important British artists, which are the responsibility Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for of the Museum’s board of trustees and its executive. Culture, Media and Sport what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Education concerning Mr Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for funding for teacher release from September 2013 and Culture, Media and Sport if she will consult with the the implications for her School games and 14 to 25 year Federation of British Artists before appointing future olds programmes; and if she will make a statement. trustees to the Victoria and Albert Museum. [150592] [151065] Mr Vaizey: Ministerial public appointments to the Hugh Robertson: The Government is completely Board of Trustees of the Victoria and Albert Museum committed to doing all we can to inspire a generation to are made, on merit, under a fair, open and transparent get involved in sport on the back of the Games. As part process which is regulated by the Commissioner for of that, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and public appointments. Applications are considered by a Sport, my right hon. Friend the Member for Basingstoke selection panel, whose function is to assess candidates (Maria Miller), has worked closely with her counterparts impartially against the selection criteria and to submit a in Education and Health on the recently announced report to Ministers for their decision. Candidate applications School Sport Premium. The £150 million per annum are treated in confidence. It would not be appropriate to funding aims to improve the quality of provision in consult external organisations prior to taking a decision every state primary school in England. It will also under this regulated process. complement our £1 billion youth and community sport strategy that is increasing opportunities for secondary World Heritage Sites school age children to play more sport In fact, at secondary schools, sport provision is being further enhanced Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for by sports governing bodies. With funding from Sport Culture, Media and Sport how many times between England, they will provide a multi-sport satellite club in 1 March 2008 and 1 March 2013 the UNESCO World every secondary school, which will be available to every Heritage Centre has had an opportunity to provide secondary school pupil, on top of the sport and PE advice on a proposed development within a World offer they receive as part of the curriculum. Heritage Site or its buffer zone before a planning application has been determined; how many times in Tour De France that period UNESCO has been informed only after such planning applications for any proposed Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, development have been determined; and if it is her Media and Sport what Government funding is policy not to consult UNESCO on planning available to support the Grand Départ of the 2014 applications which may have an effect on the Tour de France; and if she will make a statement. Outstanding Universal Value of a World Heritage Site [150360] until after a planning decision has been made and before it has been announced. [151044] Hugh Robertson: We are delighted that the Tour de France is coming to England in 2014. This will be a Mr Vaizey: DCMS does not normally collect this fantastic way to inspire more people to take up and data and to collate this information would incur enjoy cycling. disproportionate cost. The three stages in Yorkshire, Cambridge and London The UK Government operates in accordance with will showcase some of our most iconic venues and will paragraph 172 of the Operational Guidelines for the be a very fitting part of the London 2012 legacy. Implementation of the World Heritage Convention (set The Government will make funding available to UK out below) and informs UNESCO at appropriate points Sport, to support the Grand Départ 2014, subject to in the planning process. We are not aware of any cases UK Sport working with Welcome to Yorkshire and during the period between 1 March 2008 and 1 March other event partners to review current plans and identify 2013 when UNESCO has been informed only after how these can be made more robust, to ensure value for planning applications for any relevant proposed 155W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 156W development have been determined. We are aware of at and (ii) men in each of the last three years for which least 10 cases during the period from 1 March 2011 to figures are available; [150506] 1 March 2013 when the UNESCO World Heritage (2) what the average salary was in Airdrie and Shotts Centre has had an opportunity to provide advice on a constituency in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012. proposed development before a planning application [150572] has been determined. Information received from states parties and/or other Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the sources responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have 172. The World Heritage Committee invites the States Parties asked the authority to reply. to the Convention to inform the Committee, through the Secretariat, Letter from Glen Watson: of their intention to undertake or to authorize in an area protected As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have under the Convention major restorations or new constructions been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions which may affect the Outstanding Universal Value of the property. asking the Minister for the Cabinet Office what the average salary Notice should be given as soon as possible (for instance, before was in (a) Scotland and (b) Airdrie and Shotts constituency for (i) drafting basic documents for specific projects) and before making women and (ii) men in each of the last three years for which any decisions that would be difficult to reverse, so that the figures are available (150506), and what the average salary was in Committee may assist in seeking appropriate solutions to ensure Airdrie and Shotts constituency in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012 that the Outstanding Universal Value of the property is fully (150572). preserved. The Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), carried out in April each year, is the most comprehensive source of earnings information in the United Kingdom. Annual levels of CABINET OFFICE earnings are estimated from ASHE, and are provided for employees on adult rates of pay, who have been in the same job for more Average Earnings: Scotland than a year. I attach a table showing the median gross annual earnings for Pamela Nash: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet male employees, female employees and all employee jobs in (a) Office (1) what the average salary was in (a) Scotland Scotland and (b) Airdrie and Shotts constituency, for each year and (b) Airdrie and Shotts constituency for (i) women from 2010 to 2012.

Median gross annual earnings—for all employee jobs, all male employee jobs and all female employee jobs1 in (a) Scotland and (b) Airdrie and Shotts constituency from 2010 to 2012 £ Scotland Airdrie and Shotts constituency All Male Female All Male Female

2010 20,776 25,610 16,500 *20,612 **25,233 **18,200 20112 20,681 25,470 16,521 *21,503 **24,500 **18,804 20113 20,412 25,303 16,326 *21,348 **24,279 **19,145 2012 20,950 25,836 16,760 *22,548 **23,786 **20,293 1 Employees on adult rates who have been in the same job for more than one year. 2 2011 results based on Standard Occupational Classification 2000. 3 2011 results based on Standard Occupational Classification 2010. Guide to Quality: The Coefficient of Variation (CV) indicates the quality of a figure, the smaller the CV value the higher the quality. The true value is likely to lie within +/- twice the CV—for example, for an average of 200 with a CV of 5% we would expect the population average to be within the range 180-220. Key: CV<=5% * CV > 5% and < =10% ** CV > 10% and < = 20% Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), Office for National Statistics.

Betting Shops National and local area estimates for many labour market statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant count are available on the NOMIS website at: Ian Lavery: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet http://www.nomisweb.co.uk Office how many people are employed by licensed betting offices. [150415] Childbirth: Foreign Nationals

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Office for what (a) number and (b) proportion of responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have births (i) one parent and (ii) both parents were foreign asked the authority to reply. born in (A) London and (B) each London borough in Letter from Glen Watson, dated April 2013: the latest year for which figures are available. [150600] As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the asking the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many people are responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have employed by licensed betting offices [150415]. asked the authority to reply. Annual employment statistics are available from the Business Letter from Glen Watson, dated March 2013: Register and Employment Survey (BRES). The latest estimate, As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I covering 2011, for the number employed in the gambling and have been asked to reply to your recent question on what the (a) betting activities sector in the UK is 99,500. number and (b) proportion of births was where (i) one or (ii) both 157W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 158W parents were foreign-born in (A) London and (B) each London Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Borough within Greater London in the most recent year for responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have which figures are available. (150600) asked the authority to reply. Figures for live births where one or both parents are non-UK Letter from Glen Watson, dated March 2013: born have been compiled from birth registration data. The most recent figures available are for 2011, and these were provided in As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I answer to parliamentary question 123519, in October 2012. have been asked to reply to your recent question asking the Information on country of birth of parents is provided by the Minister for the Cabinet Office what (a) number and (b) proportion informant at registration. of births (i) one parent and (ii) both parents were foreign born in (A) England and Wales and (B) each region of England and (C) Scotland in the latest year for which figures are available. (150601) Nicholas Soames: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office for what (a) number and (b) proportion of Figures for live births where one or both parents are non-UK born have been compiled from birth registration data. The following births (i) one parent and (ii) both parents were foreign table shows the number and proportion of live births in 2011 in born in (A) England and Wales, (B) each region of the areas requested, according to registration data. Information England and (C) Scotland in the latest year for which on country of birth of parents is provided by the informant at figures are available. [150601] registration.

Number and proportion of births in England and Wales (A), the regions of England (B), and Scotland (C) where one or both parents are non-UK born, 20111 Number of births where Percentage of births where Number of births where Percentage of births where Area of usual residence only one parent is foreign only one parent is foreign both parents are foreign both parents are foreign of mother born2,3 born born born

England and Wales and 93,655 12.9 131,288 18.1 elsewhere4

Wales 2,532 7.1 2,439 6.9

Regions North East 2,102 6.9 1,891 6.2 North West 9,202 10.4 9,937 11.2 Yorkshire and The 7,794 11.7 8,129 12.2 Humber East Midlands 5,282 9.5 7,261 13.1 West Midlands 9,642 13.2 11,286 15.5 East Midlands 8,304 12.0 10,890 14.9 London 27,403 20.6 58,905 44.3 South East 14,566 13.6 15,147 14.1 South West 6,299 10.4 5,321 8.8

Scotland5 5,308 9.1 5,381 9.2 1 For more information on parents’ country of birth please see: www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/vsob1/parents--country-of-birth--england-and-wales/index.html www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/theme/vital-events/general/ref-tables/2011/section-3-births.html 2 The number of live births where one parent is foreign born includes sole registered live births (births registered by the mother alone, where information on the father was not recorded) where the mother is foreign born. 3 For England and Wales the number of live births where one parent is foreign born includes live births, where either the mother or the father’s country of birth was not stated. For Scotland these parents whose country of birth is not stated are assumed to be UK born. 4 Includes births registered in England and Wales to mothers not usually resident in England and Wales. 5 For England and Wales, birth statistics are based on the number of births occurring in the year, while Scottish statistics relate to the number of births registered in the year. In England and Wales where a birth is registered too late to be included in the count for the year of occurrence, it will be included in the count for the following year. The differences between reporting occurrences and registrations are relatively minor and figures are broadly comparable (in 2009, 2010 and 2011 differences between registrations and occurrences of live births in England and Wales were around 0.2%). Source for England and Wales data: Office for National Statistics Source for Scottish data: National Records of Scotland

Civil Servants: Conditions of Employment Mr Maude: Engagement with the PCS, and all civil service trade unions, has been consistent and comprehensive during this administration, both centrally and by individual Government Departments. Ms Ritchie: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what assessment he has made of negotiations I have recently set up, with Sir Bob Kerslake, the Civil with the PCS trade union on jobs, pay, pensions and Service Forum. This provides the nationally-recognised terms and conditions of staff within the Civil Service; civil service trade unions a central point of engagement and if he will make a statement. [149684] to discuss those employment matters which have civil service-wide relevance. 159W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 160W

On pensions reform I led significant negotiations patterns can be presented on a consistent basis for years from with the trade unions, including the PCS, and my officials 2001/02 to 2011, the most recent year for which data are currently continue to discuss with them details of the implementation available. of the pension reforms. An expenditure survey has been conducted each year from 1957, but comparisons with years before 2001/02 must be treated with caution because of the change in classifications used to Consumers categorise expenditure. Table 1 presents expenditure by COICOP category, by gross Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet income decile, for 2001/02 and 2011. These figures are not adjusted Office what information his Department holds on the for inflation, so the values are current to the time the survey was long-term trends in consumer spending by the richest conducted. and poorest income deciles in the UK. [150648] Table 2 presents expenditure by COICOP category as a proportion of total expenditure, by gross income decile, for 2001/02 and 2011. This enables the patterns of spending to be compared Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the between the two years. responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have These estimates, as with any involving sample surveys, are asked the authority to reply. subject to a margin of uncertainty. Letter from Glen Watson, dated March 2013: For further information, the latest edition of “Family Spending” As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I is available from the ONS website: have been asked to reply to your recent question asking the http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/family-spending/family- Minister for the Cabinet Office what information his department spending/family-spending-2012-edition/index.html holds on the long-term trends in consumer spending by the The data from the LCF also enable a range of related analyses richest and poorest income deciles in the UK. (150648) to be conducted. For example, “The Effects of Taxes and Benefits The primary source of information on average household on Household Income”is an annual publication containing analysis expenditure is the Living Costs and Food Survey (LCF), which is of household income and the impact that taxes paid and benefits a sample survey covering approximately 5,500 households in the received have on different income deciles. This publication does UK. The LCF also collects detailed information on household not directly report on expenditure, though expenditure data are income. used to calculate the value of indirect taxes, such as VAT and fuel The ONS “Family Spending” publication uses LCF data to and alcohol duties. In addition, ONS has also published a number report on household expenditure using Classification Of Individual of ad hoc articles looking at either overall household expenditure Consumption by Purpose (COICOP) categories. COICOP is an or individual components of expenditure, by income. internationally agreed system of classification for reporting Both “The Effects of Taxes and Benefits on Household Income” consumption expenditure. The COICOP system has been used to and these ad hoc articles are available through the ONS website: classify expenditure on the LCF and its predecessor the Expenditure http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/taxonomy/ and Food Survey (EFS) since 2001/02. This means that expenditure index.html?nscl=Income+Inequality+of+Households

Table 1: Household expenditure by gross income decile group, 2001/02 and 2011 Bottom income decile Top income decile All households 2001/02 2011 2001/02 2011 2001/02 2011

Weighted number of households 2,490 2,610 2,490 2,610 24,890 26,110 (thousands) Total number of households in 740 540 690 550 7,470 5,690 sample Total number of persons in 980 710 2,210 1,730 18,120 13,430 sample Total number of adults in sample 820 620 1,620 1,260 13,450 10,330

Weighted average number of 1.3 1.3 3.1 3.1 2.4 2.4 persons per household

Commodity or service/Average weekly household expenditure (£) 1. Food and non-alcoholic drinks 21.70 29.20 63.40 84.80 41.80 54.80 2. Alcoholic drinks, tobacco and 5.90 6.60 16.70 18.70 11.40 12.00 narcotics 3. Clothing and footwear 7.60 6.80 50.80 46.30 22.90 21.70 4. Housing (net)1, fuel and power 20.60 40.10 62.30 84.50 35.90 63.30 5. Household goods and services 11.90 10.20 67.10 58.10 30.50 27.30 6. Health 1.10 1.20 11.70 16.00 4.50 6.60 7. Transport 10.50 13.00 133.00 156.70 57.80 65.70 8. Communication 5.10 6.50 13.40 20.50 10.40 13.30 9. Recreation and culture 15.40 18.00 122.30 143.70 54.10 63.90 10. Education 0.50 (2.20) 29.20 24.50 5.60 7.00 11. Restaurants and hotels 8.70 9.80 76.30 94.40 33.40 39.70 12. Miscellaneous goods and 9.20 17.30 71.70 84.70 30.70 38.60 services

1-12. All expenditure groups 118.20 161.00 722.80 532.70 338.60 413.90

13. Other expenditure items 9.90 16.10 165.60 177.50 59.50 69.70 161W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 162W

Table 1: Household expenditure by gross income decile group, 2001/02 and 2011 Bottom income decile Top income decile All households 2001/02 2011 2001/02 2011 2001/02 2011

Total expenditure 128.00 177.10 888.40 1,010.20 398.30 483.60

Average weekly expenditure per person (£) Total expenditure 98.10 141.90 283.00 321.20 167.60 205.40 1 Excluding mortgage interest payments, council tax and Northern Ireland rates. Notes: 1. The commodity and service categories are not comparable to those in publications before 2001-02. 2. Figures in this table are not adjusted for inflation, so values are current to the times the surveys were conducted. Sources: ONS, Family Spending 2002, 2011. Table 2: Household expenditure as a percentage of total expenditure by gross income decile group, 2001-02 and 2011, UK Bottom income decile Top income decile All households 2001/02 2011 2001/02 2011 2001/02 2011

Weighted number of households 2,490 2,610 2,490 2,610 24,890 26,110 (thousands) Total number of households in 740 540 690 550 7,470 5,690 sample Total number of persons in 980 710 2,210 1,730 18,120 13,430 sample Total number of adults in 820 620 1,620 1,260 13,450 10,330 sample

Weighted average number of 1.3 1.3 3.1 3.1 2.4 2.4 persons per household

Commodity or service/Percentage of total expenditure 1. Food and non-alcoholic 17 16 7 8 10 11 drinks 2. Alcoholic drinks, tobacco and 54 2 232 narcotics 3. Clothing and footwear 6 4 6 5 6 4 4. Housing (net)1, fuel and 16 23 7 8 9 13 power 5. Household goods and services 9 6 8 6 8 6 6. Health 1 1 1 2 1 1 7. Transport 8 7 15 16 15 14 8. Communication 4 4 2 2 3 3 9 Recreation and culture 12 10 14 14 14 13 10. Education 0 (1) 3 2 1 1 11. Restaurants and hotels 7 6 $ 9 8 8 12. Miscellaneous goods and 7108 888 services

1-12. All expenditure groups 92 91 81 82 85 86

13. Other expenditure items 8 9 19 18 15 14

Total expenditure 100 100 100 100 100 100 1 Excluding mortgage interest payments, council tax and Northern Ireland rates. Note: The commodity and service categories are not comparable to those in publications before 2001-02. Sources: ONS, Family Spending 2002, 2011.

Death: Patients Letter from Glen Watson, dated March 2013: As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet have been asked to reply to your recent question to the Secretary Office how many deaths occurred in 2012 in hospitals of State for Health asking how many deaths occurred in 2012 in hospitals in England as a result of MRSA bacteraemia; and how in England as a result of MRSA bacteraemia; and how many deaths in total are estimated to have occurred in hospitals in many deaths in total are estimated to have occurred in England during the same period. [151061] hospitals in England during the same period. [151061] In 2011 (the latest available year) there were 53 deaths in hospitals in England where the underlying cause was MRSA and Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the a further 279 where MRSA was shown on the death certificate as responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have a contributory factor. In the same period, there were 230,819 asked the authority to reply. deaths in hospitals in England.1 163W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 164W

Further information on deaths involving MRSA is available at (6) how many full-time equivalent staff are employed the link below. The next edition of the MRSA bulletin, based on in the IT Reform Group; [149339] 2012 data, is due to be published in August 2013. (7) how many IT Reform Group staff have salaries http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/subnational-health2/deaths- (a) between £50,000 and £99,000 and (b) over involving-mrsa/2007-to-2011/index.html £100,000 per annum. [149340]

Drinks: Sugar Mr Maude: The Efficiency and Reform Group was founded after the general election to deal with the waste Keith Vaz: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office which the previous Administration failed to address. In what estimate he has made of the number of deaths its first short year of operation 2010-11 the Group associated with the consumption of sugar-sweetened helped Departments save an impressive £375 billion. beverages in each year in England and Wales. [150298] Unlike the savings claimed by the previous Administration, these savings were validated by the NAO and the Public Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Accounts Committee. In its second year, thanks to the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have hard work of hundreds of civil servants, Departments asked the authority to reply. increased their savings to £5.5 billion. This year’s figures Letter from Glen Watson, dated March 2013: are not yet finalised but we are on track to save £8 billion. As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I Our goal is to support savings of £20 billion in the final have been asked to reply to your recent question asking what year of this Parliament relative to the baseline of the estimate has been made of the number of deaths associated with spending in the last year of the previous Administration, the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in each year in including by addressing fraud, error and uncollected England and Wales. (150298) debt. The mortality data held by ONS come from the information Despite ERG’s impressive and unprecedented record collected when a death is registered. All the conditions and the hon. Gentleman has attacked the workings of the circumstances recorded on the medical certificate of cause of Group, criticising in particular its running costs. This is death, or the coroner’s death certificate, are coded using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10). despite the fact that the cost of the Group is dwarfed by An underlying cause is assigned using ICD coding rules, and is the savings they have secured. And that, when machinery defined as: of Government changes are taken into account, there (a) the disease or injury that initiated the train of events are now fewer civil servants in the Cabinet Office than directly leading to death, or at the time of the last general election. (b) the circumstances of the accident or violence that produced Under this Government’s transparency programme the fatal injury. an organogram of my Department’s staffing is published Consequently, figures can only be provided for deaths recorded online at: using medically recognised terms. Moreover, internationally accepted https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cabinet-office- guidance from the World Health Organisation requires only those staff-and-salary-data-30-september-2012--2 conditions that contributed directly to death to be recorded on the death certificate. ONS has no information on lifestyle factors, This includes salary details. An update will be published such as diet, that may be associated with mortality, as they are not in due course. recorded on the death certificate. Therefore we are unable to provide an estimate of the number of deaths associated with the Electronic Government consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. The number of deaths registered in England and Wales each Guto Bebb: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet year by sex, age, cause, marital status, and place of death are Office (1) whether he has received any complaints published annually on the National Statistics website at: regarding the new gov.uk website; [150097] www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/all- releases.html?definition=tcm%3A77-27475 (2) what assessment he has made of the use of the gov.uk website to date. [150098] Efficiency and Reform Group Mr Hurd: GOV.UK brings Government information and services under a single domain and has been designed Jon Trickett: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet around user needs and behaviour. Its development is Office (1) how many full-time equivalent staff are iterative. The intention was always that changes and employed in the Efficiency and Reform Group; improvements should be made following user feedback. [149274] Unlike with previous Government websites, criticism is (2) how many staff employed by the Efficiency and not seen negatively and in fact users are positively Reform Group are paid (a) between £50,000 and encouraged to offer critical feedback by completing an £60,000, (b) between £61,000 and £70,000, (c) online form. between £71,000 and £80,000 and (d) over £81,000 per Details of the visitor numbers; performance; and annum; [149275] transaction data of GOV.UK is published at: (3) what the salaries are of each person with a salary https://www.gov.uk/performance of over £81,000 per annum employed in the Efficiency and Reform Group; [149276] Employment (4) how many full-time equivalent staff are employed in the Government Digital Service; [149278] Stephen Timms: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet (5) how many staff in the Government Digital Office by how many and by what proportion the Service have salaries of (a) between £50,000 to £99,000 number of people in employment changed between and (b) over £100,000 per annum; [149279] 2008 and 2012. [150356] 165W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 166W

Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the public sector, (b) private sector and (c) third sector responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have organisations in Airdrie and Shotts constituency in asked the authority to reply. each of the last five years for which figures are Letter from Glen Watson, dated March 2013: available. [150567] As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking by how many and by what proportion the number of people in Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the employment changed between 2008 and 2012. 150356 responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Estimates of employment are derived from the Labour Force asked the authority to reply. Survey (LFS). Using annual averages it is estimated that, between 2008 and 2012, the number of people aged 16 and over in Letter from Glen Watson, dated March 2013: employment increased by 79,000, from 29.440 million to 29.519 million, This represents an increase of 0.3 per cent. As Director General for the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question As with any sample survey, estimates from the LFS are subject asking the Minister for the Cabinet Office what proportion of to a margin of uncertainty. The sampling variability for the level people were employed in (a) public sector, (b) private sector and of employment in 2012 was approximately +/-160,000. (c) third sector organisations in Airdrie and Shotts constituency in each of the last five years for which figures are available Stephen Timms: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet (150567). Office by what (a) proportion and (b) number the Labour Market statistics for local areas are calculated from the working-age population of the UK grew between 2008 Annual Population Survey (APS). Estimates of people employed and 2012. [150363] in the third sector are currently not available from APS. Individuals employed in voluntary organisations, charities and trusts are Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the included in private sector estimates. responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Individuals in the APS are classified to the public or private asked the authority to reply. sector according to their responses to the survey. In the APS the Letter from Glen Watson, dated March 2013: distinction between public and private sector is based on respondents’ As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I views about the organisation for which they work. The public have been asked to reply to your question asking the Minister for sector estimates provided do not correspond to official Public Cabinet Office by what (a) proportion and (b) number, the Sector Employment estimates. Those are derived directly from working-age population of the UK grew between 2008 and 2012 employers and are based on a National Accounts’ definition and (150363). are not available for areas smaller than regions. As the State Pension Age (SPA) for females is presently rising The tables show the number and percentage of people aged 16 from age 60 to age 65, to achieve convergence with the male SPA to 64 years, who were employed in the public or private sector by November 2018, the definition of working age differs according along with those who were unemployed or inactive, resident in to context in published statistical reports. Most commonly it is (i) Airdrie and Shotts constituency. These estimates are compiled persons between the ages 16 to 64 inclusive but may also refer to from APS interviews held during the period January 2012 to

Table 1: Percentage of people aged 16 to 64 years employed in the public and private sectors1, resident in Airdrie and Shotts constituency

Percentage

Employed

12 months ending: Public Private Unknown2 Unemployed or inactive

December 2008 17.6 49.9 n/a 32.1

December 2009 24.3 48.1 n/a 26.6

December 2010 21.5 49.5 n/a 28.5

December 2011 15.5 45.7 n/a 38.0

December 2012 18.0 50.0 n/a 31.6 n/a = not available 1 Individuals in the APS are classified to the public or private sector according to their responses to the survey. 2 People who were employed but have not provided enough information to be accurately included in either the public or private sectors. Note: Components may not add to 100% due to rounding and suppression of unavailable estimates. Source: Annual Population Survey 167W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 168W

Table 2: Number of people aged 16 to 64 years employed in the public and private sectors1, resident in Airdrie and Shotts constituency Thousand Employed 12 months ending: Public Private Unknown2 Unemployed or inactive

December 2008 10 28 n/a 18 December 2009 13 26 n/a 15 December 2010 10 24 n/a 14 December 2011 8 23 n/a 19 December 20123 ***10 **28 ****n/a ***18 n/a = not available 1 Individuals in the APS are classified to the public or private sector according to their responses to the survey. 2 People who were employed but have not provided enough information to be accurately included in either the public or private sectors. 3 Coefficients of Variation have been calculated for the latest period as an indication of the quality of the estimates. See Guide to Quality: Guide to Quality: The Coefficient of Variation (CV) indicates the quality of an estimate, the smaller the CV value the higher the quality. The true value is likely to lie within +/- twice the CV - for example, for an estimate of 200 with a CV of 5% we would expect the population total to be within the range 180-220. Key: *0=CV<5%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered precise **5=CV<10%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered reasonably precise *** 10 = CV <20%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered acceptable **** CV ? 20%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered too unreliable for practical purposes Source: Annual Population Survey

Employment: Yorkshire and the Humber Annual employment statistics are available from the Business Register and Employment Survey (BRES). Table 1 following Andrew Percy: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet contains the latest figures available, which show the number Office what proportion of mothers aged 16 to 19 were employed in industries considered to be in the pharmaceutical sector for 2011, in Barnsley Central constituency, South Yorkshire in (a) education, (b) employment and (c) training in and England. (i) Brigg and Goole constituency and (ii) Yorkshire and National and local area estimates for many labour market the Humber in each of the last 10 years. [151038] statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the count are available on the NOMIS website at: responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have http://www.nomisweb.co.uk asked the authority to reply. Table 1: Employment by specified geography for industries considered to be in Letter from Glen Watson, dated April 2013: the pharmaceutical sector, 2011 Manufacture of basic As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I pharmaceutical products and Wholesale of pharmaceutical have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking Area pharmaceutical preparations goods what proportion of mothers aged 16 to 19 were in (a) education, (b) employment and (c) training in (i) Brigg and Goole constituency Barnsley 00 Central and (ii) Yorkshire and the Humber in each of the last 10 years. constituency [151038] South * 1,100 It is not possible to provide reliable estimates on the proportion Yorkshire of mothers aged 16 to 19 who were in education, employment or England 34,900 57,500 training for Yorkshire and the Humber authority area, or below, Notes: due to small sample sizes. 1. Cells containing an asterisk (*) contain disclosive data that cannot be published. Government Departments 2. South Yorkshire refers to the former metropolitan county of South Yorkshire.

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Members: Correspondence Office what recent assessment the Government has made of the effectiveness of the current configuration of Government departments. [150537] Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office when he intends to reply to the letter to Mr Maude: The machinery of government is kept him dated 18 February 2013 from the right hon. under review. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Ms S Devlin. [150842] Manufacturing Industries: Drugs

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Mr Hurd: A response to the right hon. Member’s Office how many people in (a) Barnsley Central letter has now been issued. constituency, (b) South Yorkshire and (c) England are employed in the pharmaceuticals sector. [150361] Overseas Visitors Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Mr Frank Field: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet asked the authority to reply. Office what steps his Department has taken to improve its analysis of international passenger survey data over Letter from Glen Watson, dated March 2013: the last five years. [150424] As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question to the Minister for the Cabinet Office asking how many people in Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the (a) Barnsley Central constituency, (b) South Yorkshire and (c) responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have England are employed in the pharmaceuticals sector. [150361] asked the authority to reply. 169W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 170W

Letter from Glen Watson, dated April 2013: Part-time Employment As Director General for the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question Gavin Shuker: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet asking the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what Office what recent estimate his Department has made steps her Department has taken to improve its analysis of international passenger survey data over the last five years. [150424] of the number of people who work 17 hours per week. [150432] The following improvements have been made: 1. Improvements to the International Passenger Survey (IPS): Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Improvements have been made to the IPS as part of the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Migration Statistics Improvement Programme (MSIP), in response asked the authority to reply. to the National Statistician’s Task Force on Migration. Several changes were introduced to the IPS design in 2009 to reflect Letter from Glen Watson, dated April 2013: changing patterns of migration to and from the UK. These As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I included changes to the sampling at regional airports and have have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking led to more robust and timely estimates of international migration what recent estimate has been made of the number of people who at both the national and regional level. More information can be work 17 hours per week 150432 found in the MSIP Final Report: Estimates of hours worked are derived from the Labour Force http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-method/method-quality/ Survey (LFS). For the period October to December 2012 it was imps/latest-news/msip-final-report/index.html estimated that 101,000 people worked on average 17 actual hours 2. Improvements to reporting and supporting information: per week in their main job. Estimates are rounded to the nearest whole hour. Since May 2009, ONS have published the Migration Statistics Quarterly Report (MSQR) in collaboration with other Government As with any sample survey, estimates from the LFS are subject departments which brings together statistics on migration that to a margin of uncertainty. It is estimated that the true value is are published quarterly by ONS, the Home Office and DWP. This likely to lie between 76,000 and 127,000. enables users of migration statistics to easily compare data from different sources. The latest MSQR can be found here: Pay http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/migration1/migration-statistics- quarterly-report/index.html Jim Sheridan: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet In November 2012, ONS published a paper on the quality and Office what estimate he has made of the number of reliability of IPS data in relation to long-term international staff at senior management level who have received a migration flows which can be found here: (a) 1 per cent, (b) 2 per cent, (c) 3 per cent, (d) 4 per http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-method/method-quality/ cent and (e) 5 per cent pay rise or above in (i) 2010, (ii) specific/population-and-migration/international-migration- 2011, (iii) 2012 and (iv) 2013. [148936] methodology/international-passenger-survey-quality- information-in-relation-to-migration-flows.pdf Mr Maude: Since May 2010, senior civil servants 3. Improvements to publication tables: across Government have been subject to a pay freeze In February 2012, ONS introduced new functionality on published and no pay rises—other than on promotion—have been migration charts allowing users to scroll through long-term given to staff at this level in my Department since then. international migration estimates by categories of citizenship groups and reason for migration. This functionality provides a Political Parties: Conferences user friendly way of quickly identifying the main drivers behind changes in migration patterns. From August 2012, ONS published confidence intervals alongside Dr Huppert: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet IPS immigration, emigration and net migration estimates to Office what the reasons are for the policy that indicate the statistical uncertainty of the estimates. In line with researchers at a medical research council institute may this, the MSQR has reported on differences in estimates that have not speak in a private capacity at a party political been checked for statistical significance. This means that ONS conference. [150291] can be clear about which changes in published data are likely to be a reflection of real changes in migration patterns rather than differences that may have occurred by chance. Mr Maude: Non departmental public bodies (NDPBs) must be and be seen to be politically impartial. These These improvements can be viewed here: principles apply to those working for the Medical Research http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/migration1/migration-statistics- Council. quarterly-report/february-2013/provisional-long-term- international-migration--ltim--estimates-june-2012.xls Population: Females 4. New data visualisation: In August 2012, ONS published the Migration Timeline which Philip Davies: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet is an interactive tool that shows key long-term international Office what estimate he has made of the size of the migration figures since 1964 with additional data and information that provides context to what may have affected international female population in each of the next five years. migration at that time. The Timeline can be viewed here: [151004] http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/interactive/theme-pages-1-1/ index.html Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have 5. New questions on the IPS asked the authority to reply. The IPS is reviewed annually and new questions appear from January. For migration statistics’ purposes, an additional question Letter from Glen Watson, dated March 2013: was added to the IPS in 2012 that asks applicable emigrants their As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I main reason for migrating to the UK originally. This will provide have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question better information on migration patterns of students, which has to the Minister for the Cabinet Office, asking what estimate he been the most common reason stated for immigration to the UK has made of the size of the female population in each of the next since 2009. These new data will be published in August 2013. five years. (151004) 171W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 172W

The most recent national population projections, based on the Prostate Cancer: Yorkshire and the Humber resident population at the middle of 2010, were published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on 26 October 2011. These do not incorporate results from the 2011 Census. Table 1 below Andrew Percy: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet gives the projected female population for the United Kingdom Office how many men in (a) Brigg and Goole and its constituent countries, 2013 to 2018. constituency and (b) Yorkshire and the Humber died Table 1: Projected female population for the United Kingdom and its constituent from advanced prostate cancer in each of the last five countries, 2013-18 years. [150597] Thousand 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have United 32,301 32,537 32,770 33,000 33,225 33,449 Kingdom asked the authority to reply. England 27,086 27,296 27,505 27,711 27,912 28,112 Letter from Glen Watson, dated March 2013: Wales 1,553 1,561 1,569 1,577 1,585 1,593 As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I Scotland 2,730 2,742 2,754 2,765 2,775 2,786 have been asked to reply to your recent question asking the Northern 932 937 943 948 953 958 Minister for the Cabinet Office how many men in (a) Brigg and Ireland Goole constituency and (b) Yorkshire and the Humber died from Source: advanced prostate cancer in each of the last five years. (150597) Office for National Statistics. Table 1 provides the number of deaths where prostate cancer National population projections are not forecasts and do not was the underlying cause of death, in Brigg and Goole parliamentary attempt to predict the impact that factors such as future government constituency and Yorkshire and the Humber region, for deaths policies or changing economic circumstances might have on the registered between 2007 and 2011 (the latest year available). population. The projections are based on assumptions of future mortality, fertility and migration which are based on demographic The number of deaths registered in England and Wales each trends. The projections become increasingly uncertain the further year by sex, age and underlying cause (including cancer), are they are carried forward. To help understand the uncertainty, a published annually on the ONS website at: number of variant projections based on alternative assumptions www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/all- are also produced. releases.html?definition=tcm%3A77-27475

Table 1. Number of deaths where the underlying cause was prostate cancer in Brigg and Goole parliamentary constituency and Yorkshire and the Humber region, deaths registered between 2007 and 20111,2,3 Deaths (males) Area of usual residence 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Brigg and Goole 21 16 15 8 19 Yorkshire and the Humber 831 835 885 888 878 1 Underlying cause of death was defined using the International Classification of Diseases Tenth Revision (ICD-10) code C61 (Malignant neoplasm of prostate). It has been assumed that where prostate cancer was judged to be the underlying cause of death, it can be considered ‘advanced’. 2 Figures are based on boundaries correct as at February 2013 and exclude non-residents. 3 Figures are based on deaths registered rather than deaths occurring in a calendar year. Further information on registration delays for a range of causes including prostate cancer can be found on the ONS website: www.ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-method/user-guidance/health-and-life-events/impact-of-registration-delays-on-mortality-statistics/index.html

Retail Trade All retailing excluding automotive fuel AGG 21X Sales (millions of pounds) Sales (percentage of Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet total) Office what proportion of total retail spending was spent in high streets in each of the last 30 years. Non- Non- [150335] Total Internet internet Internet internet 2007 271,352 9,240 262,112 3.4 96.6 Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the 2008 285,072 14,052 271,020 4.9 95.1 responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have 2009 285,273 17,764 267,509 6.2 93.8 asked the authority to reply. 2010 292,348 21,260 271,088 7.3 92.7 Letter from Glen Watson, dated March 2013: 2011 302,770 25,117 277,653 8.3 91.7 2012 310,748 28,949 281,799 9.3 90.7 As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking the Minister for Cabinet Office what estimate has been made of the proportion of total retail spending spent in high Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet streets in each of the last 30 years. [150335] Office what the total retail market turnover was in each of the last 30 years. [150425] ONS retail sales figures cannot be separated between UK high streets and out of town shopping centres. However, data are available on the value of online sales compared to total sales. The Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the monthly retail sales index release can be found on the National responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Statistics website: asked the authority to reply. http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/rsi/retail-sales/index.html Letter from Glen Watson, dated March 2013: The table that shows the total sales (in millions of pounds), broken down by online and store based sales. Also shown is the As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I proportion of online sales versus store based sales. Historic data have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question are provided as far back as 2007, when online retailing was first concerning what estimate has been made of the total retail market captured. turnover in each of the last 30 years. [150425] 173W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 174W

ONS produce monthly total retail sales estimates as far back as National and local area estimates for many labour market January 1986. The amount spent as measured by the value of statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant retail sales is most suitable for answering your question and can count are available on the NOMIS website at: be found here: http://www.nomisweb.co.uk http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/about-ons/what-we-do/ publication-scheme/published-ad-hoc-data/economy/april- 2013/amount-spent-in-the-retail-sector.xls Telephone Services ATTORNEY-GENERAL Crown Prosecution Service John Healey: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office (1) for each of the principal access numbers Philip Davies: To ask the Attorney-General how operated by (a) his Department and (b) the agencies many complaints have been received from (a) for which he is responsible, what revenue has been magistrates, (b) judges and (c) court staff on the retained by (i) the telephone provider for that line and operation of the Crown Prosecution Service in the last (ii) his Department in each of the last three years; year for which figures are available. [151006] [149988] (2) which telephone lines are operated by (a) his The Attorney-General: The Crown Prosecution Service Department and (b) the agencies for which he is (CPS) is committed to giving individuals directly affected responsible for public enquiries or other services; what by our service the opportunity to tell us whether or not the (i) principal access number and (ii) telephone we have met the standards we have set. The CPS Feedback service provider is for each number; and which such and Complaints policy ensures that complaints are lines (A) are free to the caller and (B) may incur a dealt with sensitively, fairly, and thoroughly, and that all charge to the caller. [150011] feedback (positive and negative) is properly considered and acted upon. Complaints from the police, court Mr Hurd: The Cabinet Office has a single principal staff, the judiciary, or staff from any other criminal access number which is 020 7276 1234. justice agency, which are made in their professional The Department does not hold information on what capacity, fall outside of this policy and are dealt with in revenue has been retained by the telephone provider of accordance with local liaison arrangements between the the line nor does the Department retain any revenue relevant agency and the CPS. The CPS record the from the line. numbers of complaints and feedback which fall within the remit of the policy; however the numbers of complaints Unemployment: North Lanarkshire received by the CPS from CJS staff are not centrally recorded and could not be determined without incurring Pamela Nash: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet a disproportionate cost. Office how many and what proportion of people aged between 18 and 65 years are not in employment and do Sentencing not claim benefits in (a) Airdrie and Shotts constituency and (b) North Lanarkshire local Philip Davies: To ask the Attorney-General what his authority area. [150570] policy is regarding amending criminal charges to (a) a lesser charge and (b) a more serious charge when a Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the plea has been taken in court but where the defendant responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have has not been sentenced for the originally charged asked the authority to reply. offence. [151009] Letter from Glen Watson: As Director General for the Office for National Statistics The Attorney-General: All decisions by Crown (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question Prosecutors to charge a criminal offence are taken in asking how many and what proportion of people aged between 18 accordance with the guidance set out by the Director of and 65 years are not in employment and do not claim benefits in Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the Code for Crown (a) Airdrie and Shotts constituency and (b) North Lanarkshire Prosecutors (the Code). Prosecutors must be satisfied local authority area (150570). that there is a realistic prospect of conviction and that a Labour market statistics for local areas are calculated from the prosecution is required in the public interest. Charges Annual Population Survey (APS). However, due to small sample should reflect the seriousness of the offending; provide sizes, estimates of the number of people not in employment and not claiming benefits are not provided for Airdrie and Shotts the court with adequate sentencing powers; and enable constituency. the case to be presented clearly and simply. For those resident in North Lanarkshire, 11,000 or 5.4% of When considering whether to accept a defendant’s people aged 18 to 64 were not in work and not claiming benefits, guilty plea to a different and possibly less serious charge, according to responses to the APS during the period January to prosecutors consider the Code and guidance published December 2012. It should be noted that comparisons between the by the Attorney-General on The Acceptance of Pleas data collected by the APS, and administrative data collected by and the Prosecutor’s role in the sentencing exercise. other government departments, show that the APS consistently undercounts benefit claimants. As with any sample survey, estimates from the APS are subject [Continued in Column 175W] to a margin of uncertainty.

ORAL ANSWERS

Monday 15 April 2013

Col. No. Col. No. DEFENCE...... 1 DEFENCE—continued Armed Forces Covenant ...... 10 North Korea ...... 12 Arms Trade Treaty ...... 7 Onshore Wind Turbines ...... 15 China ...... 16 RAF Facilities (Alternative Uses) ...... 8 Compensation (Service Personnel)...... 17 Reserve Forces ...... 5 Defence Budget...... 13 Topical Questions ...... 17 Defence Engagement Strategy...... 8 Veterans (Mental Health)...... 1 Defence Exports...... 3 WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Monday 15 April 2013

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 1WS FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 15WS Council for Science and Technology (Triennial Annual Human Rights and Democracy Report Review) ...... 3WS 2012 ...... 15WS Insolvency Proceedings (EU Regulation) ...... 1WS Non-lethal Equipment for Syrian Opposition ...... 16WS National Minimum Wage...... 1WS North Korea ...... 17WS

CABINET OFFICE...... 5WS JUSTICE...... 18WS Transparency and Open Data ...... 5WS Improving the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime (Consultation) ...... 18WS COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 6WS Legal Aid ...... 19WS Work of the Department (Easter Recess)...... 6WS Review of Cautions...... 19WS TRANSPORT ...... 20WS DEFENCE...... 11WS Cycle Safety Funding...... 20WS Review Board for Government Contracts ...... 11WS Executive Agencies (Business Plans 2013-14) ...... 21WS

ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 11WS TREASURY ...... 3WS Closure of Daw Mill Colliery...... 11WS Cyprus ...... 3WS

ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL WALES...... 22WS AFFAIRS...... 13WS Corrections to Parliamentary Written Questions: Horsemeat Fraud...... 13WS Domestic Visits ...... 22WS WRITTEN ANSWERS

Monday 15 April 2013

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 174W CABINET OFFICE—continued Crown Prosecution Service...... 174W Part-time Employment...... 170W Sentencing...... 174W Pay...... 170W Political Parties: Conferences ...... 170W Population: Females...... 170W CABINET OFFICE...... 155W Prostate Cancer: Yorkshire and the Humber...... 172W Average Earnings: Scotland ...... 155W Retail Trade ...... 171W Betting Shops...... 155W Telephone Services...... 173W Childbirth: Foreign Nationals...... 156W Unemployment: North Lanarkshire...... 173W Civil Servants: Conditions of Employment...... 157W Consumers...... 159W Death: Patients...... 161W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 148W Drinks: Sugar...... 163W BBC ...... 148W Efficiency and Reform Group ...... 163W Local Broadcasting: Midlands ...... 149W Electronic Government ...... 164W Mobile Applications: Children...... 150W Employment ...... 164W Museums and Galleries...... 150W Employment: Airdrie ...... 165W Olympic Games 2012 ...... 151W Employment: Yorkshire and the Humber...... 167W Pay...... 152W Government Departments ...... 167W Sports: Schools ...... 153W Manufacturing Industries: Drugs...... 167W Tour De France...... 153W Members: Correspondence ...... 168W Victoria and Albert Museum ...... 154W Overseas Visitors...... 168W World Heritage Sites ...... 154W Col. No. Col. No. DEFENCE...... 54W EDUCATION—continued Afghanistan ...... 54W Youth Services...... 148W Air Force: Military Bases ...... 55W Armed Forces: Northern Ireland ...... 56W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 5W Armed Forces: Schools ...... 56W Biofuels...... 5W Armed Forces: Young Offenders ...... 56W Electricity...... 6W Assets...... 57W Fuel Poverty...... 8W Defence Estates...... 57W Natural Gas ...... 8W Defence Expenditure...... 55W Natural Gas: Yorkshire and the Humber ...... 8W Depleted Uranium ...... 58W Nuclear Power Stations...... 9W Freedom of Information ...... 58W Radiation: Emergency Services ...... 10W Gurkhas: Pensions ...... 59W HMS Tireless ...... 59W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL Information Officers ...... 59W AFFAIRS...... 64W Middle East ...... 54W Agricultural Wages Board...... 64W Military Law ...... 59W Agriculture: Snow and Ice...... 65W MOD Ashchurch ...... 60W Agriculture: South West...... 66W QinetiQ: Pensions ...... 60W Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Radiation: Emergency Services ...... 60W Agency...... 66W Rescue Services: Helicopters ...... 61W Antibiotics ...... 67W Select Committee Oral Evidence ...... 61W Beef: Horse Meat ...... 68W Trident ...... 54W Bees...... 69W Ultra Electronics...... 61W Birds of Prey...... 69W Bovine Tuberculosis ...... 70W DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ...... 63W Circuses: Animal Welfare...... 70W British Constitution ...... 63W Common Agricultural Policy ...... 71W Higher Education: Admissions ...... 63W Convention on International Trade in Endangered Members: Correspondence ...... 64W Species ...... 72W Dangerous Dogs ...... 72W EDUCATION...... 117W Environment Protection...... 73W 16-19 Bursary Fund: Barrow in Furness ...... 117W Floods: Insurance ...... 73W Adoption: Lancashire ...... 117W Food: Labelling...... 74W Children: Day Care ...... 119W Foxes...... 74W Children: Death ...... 119W Gamekeepers ...... 74W Children in Care...... 117W Genetically Modified Organisms...... 75W Children: Protection...... 120W Horse Meat...... 75W Children: Speech and Language Disorders...... 126W Horse Passports ...... 75W Curriculum ...... 126W Japanese Knotweed...... 76W Education Maintenance Allowance: Barrow in Livestock: Transport ...... 76W Furness ...... 126W Marine Conservation Zones...... 76W Free School Meals...... 127W Marine Protected Areas ...... 77W Free School Meals: Barnsley ...... 128W Meat: Contamination...... 78W GCE A-level...... 129W Meat Products...... 78W GCE AS-level ...... 131W Members: Correspondence ...... 78W Leave...... 131W National Federation of Fishermen’s Local Safeguarding Children Boards ...... 132W Organisations...... 79W Mobile Phones: Children ...... 132W Natural England ...... 80W Official Engagements ...... 133W Nature Conservation...... 79W Official Gifts ...... 133W Pesticides...... 80W Orphans: Education...... 133W Phytophthora Ramorum...... 81W Pay...... 134W Procurement...... 81W Photographs...... 135W River Wharfe ...... 81W Primary Education: Class Sizes...... 135W Sharks...... 82W Private Education...... 135W Sites of Special Scientific Interest...... 83W Procurement...... 136W Sugar ...... 83W Pupils: Per Capita Costs...... 136W Travel and Subsistence Payments ...... 84W Recruitment ...... 137W Trees: Diseases ...... 85W School Leaving...... 137W UN Convention on Biological Diversity ...... 85W Sick Leave ...... 139W Water: Peat Bogs ...... 86W Special Educational Needs: Bury St Edmunds ...... 139W Water Supply ...... 85W Special Guardianship Orders ...... 139W Staff ...... 143W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 11W Teachers: Industrial Disputes...... 144W Africa and Middle East...... 11W Teachers: Training...... 145W British India Ocean Territory...... 12W Telephone Services...... 145W Burma...... 12W Termination of Employment...... 146W Central African Republic ...... 14W Third Sector...... 146W Colombia ...... 15W Training ...... 146W Eritrea...... 15W Young People: Education ...... 147W Ethiopia ...... 15W Young People: Mental Health ...... 147W Human Rights ...... 16W Youth Organisations: Business...... 147W Iran...... 16W Col. No. Col. No. FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE— INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT—continued continued Southern Africa ...... 92W Iraq...... 17W Telephone Services...... 93W Israel...... 18W Kosovo...... 19W JUSTICE...... 93W Morocco ...... 19W Drugs: Prisons ...... 93W Nature Conservation: Crime ...... 20W Fireworks: Yorkshire and the Humber...... 94W North Africa ...... 20W Human Trafficking ...... 95W Overseas Trade: Minerals...... 20W Minimum Wage: Prosecutions...... 95W Palestinians ...... 21W Non-molestation Orders ...... 95W Pay...... 21W Prisoners: Per Capita Costs...... 96W Sergei Magnitsky...... 29W Prisons ...... 97W Sick Leave ...... 29W Prisons: Visits...... 113W Syria...... 33W Trials: Young People ...... 115W Tourism: Northern Ireland...... 34W Young Offenders: Custodial Treatment ...... 116W Young Offenders: Reoffenders ...... 116W HOME DEPARTMENT...... 38W Young Offenders: Sentencing ...... 116W Alcoholic Drinks: Prices ...... 38W NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 35W Borders: Personal Records ...... 38W Aviation ...... 35W Deportation ...... 38W Corporation Tax ...... 35W Domestic Violence: Martial Arts...... 38W Devolution...... 35W Edinburgh Airport: Immigration Controls...... 39W Economic Growth...... 35W Entry Clearances...... 39W Overtime ...... 36W Entry Clearances: Business ...... 41W Presbyterian Mutual Society ...... 36W Entry Clearances: Middle East...... 41W Security...... 36W Human Trafficking: Children...... 41W Security...... 37W Illegal Immigrants: Yorkshire and the Humber...... 42W Unemployment ...... 37W Immigration...... 42W Visits Abroad ...... 37W Immigration: EU Nationals ...... 42W Immigration: ICT ...... 43W PRIME MINISTER ...... 63W Mobile Phones ...... 44W Domestic Visits ...... 63W National Crime Agency: Northern Ireland ...... 44W Plants...... 44W SCOTLAND...... 1W Police and Crime Commissioners...... 45W Disclosure of Information ...... 1W Police Patrolling ...... 45W Property Development ...... 1W Sexual Offences: North Yorkshire ...... 45W Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures . 45W TRANSPORT ...... 1W Theft: Dogs...... 46W A1: Nottinghamshire ...... 1W UK Border Agency ...... 46W Aviation: Air Pollution...... 1W UK Border Agency: Northern Ireland...... 48W Aviation: Northern Ireland ...... 2W Vetting ...... 53W Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency: Cumbria..... 2W Violence Against Women and Girls Ministerial East Coast Railway Line ...... 2W Group ...... 53W East Coast Railway Line: Franchises ...... 2W Written Questions: Government Responses ...... 53W Electric Vehicles ...... 3W High Speed 2 Railway Line ...... 3W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 86W Intercity Express Programme ...... 4W Developing Countries: Armed Conflict...... 86W Railways...... 4W Developing Countries: HIV Infection ...... 87W Railways: Industrial Disputes...... 4W Developing Countries: Nutrition ...... 88W Shipping: Registration...... 5W Developing Countries: Sanitation ...... 88W WALES...... 1W Disclosure of Information ...... 90W Disclosure of Information ...... 1W Mali ...... 91W Overseas Aid...... 91W WOMEN AND EQUALITIES...... 63W South Africa ...... 92W Equality Act 2010 ...... 63W Members who wish to have the Daily Report of the Debates forwarded to them should give notice at the Vote Office. 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CONTENTS

Monday 15 April 2013

List of Government and Principal Officers of the House

New Writ [Col. 1]

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 1] [see index inside back page] Secretary of State for Defence

Speaker’s Statement [Col. 23]

Heart Surgery (Leeds) [Col. 24] Answer to urgent question—(Mr Jeremy Hunt)

G8 Foreign Ministers [Col. 37] Statement—(Mr Hague)

Finance (No. 2) Bill [Col. 54] Motion for Second Reading—(Mr Gauke)—on a Division, agreed to Programme motion—(Anne Milton)—agreed to Carry-over motion—(Anne Milton)—agreed to

Community Pharmacies [Col. 137] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Written Ministerial Statements [Col. 1WS]

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 1W] [see index inside back page]